Academic Assembly - The Exam Edition
The theme of Monday’s Middle/Senior Assembly this week was final exam preparation. Exam schedules and rules were shared with Middle and Senior School students on Tuesday during homeroom.
During the Assembly, Grade 8 students Josh Griffin and Dylan Matsui shared their tips on how to study smarter for upcoming Middle School exams. Dylan talked about the importance of making a study plan two weeks in advance and scheduling study time and reviewing study notes each day leading up to your exam. He acknowledged that while everyone operates differently, advanced planning and enough sleep are important. Griffin shared his strategy of reviewing class outlines in advance, focusing on material that he is less comfortable with first, and sometimes writing it out to help review and remember. He ended with the sage advice to study early, because life gets in the way (including hockey playoffs), and that your teachers are always there to help.
The Co-Heads of Student Services, Ms. Houston and Mr. Drake then let students know that the SSC is there to support them in their exam preparation through extra help exam sessions Tuesdays-Fridays at 8:00 am and Mondays-Thursdays from 3:30-4:30 pm. These sessions offer exam-related help, including exam organization, outlines and study notes, and assistance preparing study calendars.
Mr. Harvey then introduced Laura Sun ’23 and Neeka Pouragha ’24 to offer study tips for Senior School students. Neeka told her peers that regardless of whether they have one exam or eight, it’s not too early to start preparing. She then shared the following tips:
- Do not study math for seven hours straight, instead diversify your studying among different subjects and take quality breaks, including exercise, talking with friends and getting outdoors.
- Work on what you don’t know, not what you know.
- If you get stuck on something while studying, put a star beside it and move on. Then make a point to go see your teacher for help.
- Reward yourself and provide incentives for your hard work.
- Find a good spot to study that is not your bed or the kitchen.
- Begin making your study plan now, do not procrastinate.
Laura then spoke about a personal story of how it bothers her that ever since she moved to Canada from China and skipped two years of Maths in Grade 9, she has heard “You are so smart” and “You are so talented in Maths” countless times. It’s not that she doesn’t appreciate the recognition, but she believes that these labels undermine the hard work and dedication that she has put into achieving her goals.
Laura confided that she had failed Math tests while in Middle School, and it was the strict educational system in China that trained her to do better on tests and spend much more time taking practice tests. She likened it to how some of her CDS friends are really good at playing a sport or an instrument or writing an essay.
“I’m not just good at things because I’m “smart” or “talented,” said Laura. “I’m good at things because I have invested time and effort into them…. It is up to us to put in the work to realize our potential.”
She went on to say, “As we approach the exam season, I just want to remind you all: The real difference between someone who excels and someone who struggles is how much effort they invest… That’s why it’s so important to never give up, even if you’ve received a bad mark on a test or assignment… With the right mindset and effort, you can improve.”
Mr. Harvey concluded the Assembly by sharing the life story of Yibin Li, a Chinese-born violin soloist, who today performs globally and lectures and teaches at the Mannes School of Music, The New School, and The Juilliard School in New York City. Li’s story beautifully demonstrates the importance of perseverance, even in the face of difficult times, because it is worth it.
Land Acknowledgment
The Country Day School wishes to recognize and acknowledge the land on which the school operates. Our nearest Indigenous Nations are now the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum covenant is often cited as an example of the shared responsibility for caring for these lands among the Huron-Wendat, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples who would call these their traditional territories. CDS respects the relationship with these lands and recognizes that our connection to this land can be strengthened by our continued relationship with all First Nations, by acknowledging our shared responsibility to respect and care for the land and waters for future generations.
School Information
13415 Dufferin Street King, Ontario L7B 1K5
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
(905) 833-1220
communications@cds.on.ca
admissions@cds.on.ca
Founded in 1972, The Country Day School is a co-educational private school offering programs in JK-12 and located on 100 acres north of Toronto in King.
