Expectations in English National Lessons 2010 – 2011.

Introduction: we expect you to benefit from the many different cultures and communities which are represented in the Programme and the school. In the classroom and in your work in general, you are working to improve your English and to be brought together with other pupils and the teachers by your common interest in this language. It enables us all, teachers and pupils, to communicate, to build understanding of subjects and of each other. We expect you to understand that respecting and learning about other ways of seeing the world in a multi-cultural, educational context is a very important and enriching experience.

1. Commitment and participation: we want you to work as hard as you can so that you are rewarded with a sense of achievement and enjoyment as you progress. For this to happen, you must be committed to all aspects of your work. We expect active participation and focused concentration when you are working both alone and with others. In this way you will progress and understand how to value what you learn. If teachers feel you are not working to your potential they will take action to discuss this with you and to demand more of you.

2. Punctuality and attendance: to make progress you must attend lessons and be on time. Attendance and lateness are recorded and reported by teachers. This means that you will be reprimanded for any failure to meet the demands we make in these areas. Being on time and regular attendance ensures that lessons start and finish well for all pupils. We also expect you to attend for the whole school year. This should not be cut short by holidays taken before the official end of term dates. Inform your teacher in writing if you know you will be absent. Finally, remember that it is your responsibility to complete any work you have missed during your absence.

3. Being prepared for each lesson: bring all books and equipment to each lesson. Make sure that you pack your bag for each day carefully so that you are fully equipped for the day. If you do not bring these essential elements for your learning, your teacher will take action to improve your reliability and organisation. As part of your preparation routine, remember that you must always have your ‘carnet de liaison’ with you at each lesson.

4. Homework and handing it in on time: when written work is set, you must record it in your ‘cahier de textes’ (homework diary) with the handing in date. This is a deadline and is to be respected by all pupils in the class. Action will be taken immediately by all ENP teachers if work is late. Homework (and all work done individually in class) must be done well. Simply doing the minimum is not enough: you must invest time and care in your own progress. Your highest level of thought and reflection must be evident in the way you meet all the demands of the task set. You will have to repeat work which clearly demonstrates a lack of effort. 

5. Respect for yourself and your own work: it is very important to remember that the work you do in the classroom and for homework must be your own. If you copy, then you are not learning anything. In addition, you are breaking a basic rule of honesty. Any copying will be dealt with by your teacher and is a very serious offence. We expect you to always do your own work in an unrushed way and to seek help immediately from a teacher if you do not understand what you have been asked to do. 

6. Treating others and self with respect: we expect you to listen both to your teacher and to other students. This is linked to treating others with respect. It is also important for your academic success to develop the confidence to ask and answer questions. You must aim to engage in dialogue and discussion in a way which helps you and others to learn well so that the whole class moves forward together. Indeed, listening to others and valuing what they have to say is the one of the most important ways of showing respect and learning effectively. Finally, all ENP work must be kept in a safe and well presented way according to your teacher’s instructions.