This school year began with a radical change in the grading system. Instead of having three marking periods for each semester, there are now only two. Principal Jaenicke decided on this change for a few reasons. One reason is to help mitigate the problems from schedule changes in the beginning of the year. Students often get program changes well into the first marking period, which makes it difficult for a teacher to properly assess a students’ work, especially if they have transferred from an entirely different class. Having the first marking period come at the end of October allows time for students to get comfortable in their new classes. “It gives a little bit more time before teachers have to provide a report card grade. It stretches the number of days in that first marking period out a little bit,” explained Mr. Jaenicke.
In addition to the change in the report cards, there will also be digital progress reports. These reports can be accessed through TeachHub, and will be updated every month so both students and parents can have a better understanding of their academic performance. Despite being introduced this year, the marking period change had been an idea that the staff were debating for some time. However, it is not permanent by any means. “We’re trying it out, and if it goes well and there’s good feedback, then we’ll continue it. If not, then we’ll visit it again,” said Mr. Jaenicke.
Some students believe that this change is negative. Benjamin Aina, a junior in the Nursing program, said that it could have the opposite effect, “because there being less marking periods is less opportunities to realize ‘I really need to turn it around.’” IBDP Senior Rosita Ramnauth also expressed the same sentiment, “We need more marking periods because it allows us to improve our grades.”
A few sophomores also believe the same, claiming that it’s less time to make up work. Many people seem to agree on the fact that one less marking period removes a possibility for students to recognize their performance, if negative, and change the course they’re on. However, not everyone believes this. Tatiyana Houtsnee, a junior in the Art House believes it to be a positive change since it relieves some of the stress that comes with grades. Despite this, the general census among students seems to be that this change could be for the worse. We can only wait and see how the semester plays out.