My Boarding School Blog

It wasn’t so long ago when cheating was something you’d at least lower your voice while discussing. There was a taboo, a sense of shame associated with it. Not so today. With cheating splashed all over YouTube, there’s definitely a “C’mon, everybody’s doing it” attitude to it and students are responding to the call with great enthusiasm and skill.

Using innocent looking gadgets such as cellphones, ipods and even soda bottles, students are finding more clever ways to deceive their teachers and cheat on their exams. Using a cell phone to text answers to friends has become popular, even in schools that don’t allow phones. Many teens have learned how to conceal the fact that they’re texting in class. An iPod provides another handy way to cheat. The teacher would find it hard to know that the students are listening to their own self-recorded audio file about the topic of test they are taking.

Schools have banned the use of of these gadgets in classrooms but it doesn’t seem to deter students from doing so.

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Here is a list of standardized tests that a student would encounter.

* PSAT The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test is the SAT’s little sibling. It is a somewhat easier, and thus less consequential, version of the SAT. You commonly take it during the fall of your Junior year in high school, some time in October. Many people take it in 10th grade as well, for practice. It will effect two things: which colleges send you brochures in the mail without your having to ask and whether you become a National Merit Scholar, an award that once guaranteed a scholarship but no longer does. There is a similar, but much less available, version of the ACT. Moral: Don’t sweat it.
* SAT The Scholastic Aptitude Test is the most feared test of any college-bound student. Most colleges require that you take either the SAT or the ACT in order to apply. But don’t worry so much! It just tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, and high school math. Books, computer software, and courses are available to help maximize your score. Read the rest of this entry »

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Living and studying in a boarding school can be a daunting task for students. One of the most challenging, and oftentimes confusing and scary, situations is the opposite’ sex presence in a dorm room. Most boarding schools do not let the genders mix in, specially in the dorms, but some of them do and not to mention college where everything is so much scarier and much more confusing. But that doesn’t mean that being in a coed boarding school dormitory is all bad, there are a few good things too. Here is a list of the pros and cons of living in a coed dorm: Read the rest of this entry »

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For anyone who has ever taken any type of exam before, a good study habit can be the deciding factor on whether or not you pass or fail. Here are a few basic tips that you can follow if you want to pass that all important exam.

Time Management

Before you start to study, make sure you have an sufficient amount of time to complete this task. Keep in mind that the amount of time you’ll need to study for a college exam is probably quite a bit more than the time you needed to study in high school. Read the rest of this entry »

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If a parent wants to find the best possible school for their children then asking the following question would be a great idea in order to get valuable information. Don’t forget to bring a pen and paper to take note of the answers.

•What is the school’s philosophy?

•What is the school’s code of conduct?

•Does the school offer conflict resolution? •What are the guidelines for suspension and expulsion?

•Does the school have a strict dress code? •How do the students interact with the teachers?

•Does the school have a diverse student population?

•Does the school have an accelerated or gifted program?

•What is the criterion for having your child tested or admitted into a gifted program?

•What is the average class size?

•Does the school have reduced class size? (Are the reduced class size only for particular programs?)

•Does the school offer an integrated curriculum with full inclusion of all learners?

•What are the school’s academic standards?

•How are the school’s test scores?

•Have the scores fluctuated or have they been steadily improving or declining?

•How does the school prepare its students for higher education?

•What programs are offered in the school?

•Does the school support English Language Learners?

•How long has the administration been in the school?

•Does the school provide teachers with professional development?

•Does the school have a strong PTA or PA?

•Is an after school program offered?

•Does the school have an Emergency Evacuation Plan? If so, is it plan given to parents?

•Does the school have a website?

This list can be very useful, but parents should also ask whatever questions they may have that are not listed above. You can also share those question in the comment box for other parents to read.

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