This document outlines expectations and guidelines for students in Mr Vanderkley's class. It emphasizes showing respect for others, coming to class prepared, doing one's best work, taking responsibility for one's own learning, and working together as a learning community. The teacher promises to respect students, get to know them individually, help them achieve their best, and challenge them to grow. An independent learner is defined as someone who can plan their study effectively and draw on criteria for decision making, while also being able to ask for help.

1. With Mr Vanderkley

2.  Show respect for me and each other:
◦ Of each other as different people
◦ As peers and co-members of a learning team
◦ Of our views and opinions
◦ Of our time
◦ Of our property

3.  Come to class prepared:
◦ Prepared in mind and attitude
◦ With pre-learning or homework completed
◦ With necessary materials and resources

4.  Do your best:
◦ In class
◦ With homework tasks
◦ In preparation for SACs and the Exam

5.  Take responsibility for your own learning:
◦ Seek to become an independent learner
◦ Active participation in classes
◦ Take initiative when absent or classes are missed
◦ Seek help and extra assistance when needed

6.  Work together as a learning community:
◦ Listen to each others’ ideas and viewpoints
◦ Be prepared to share your ideas
◦ Value the contributions of your peers
◦ Work together to help each other
◦ Understand that we’re all learners

7.  I’ll show you respect as a person and as a
learner.
 I’ll get to know you as a unique individual.
 I’ll do all I can to help you achieve your best
throughout the year.
 I’ll challenge you to stretch and grow.

9.  “An independent learner is someone who has found
out enough about their subject requirements and
their lecturers' expectations so that they can plan
their study effectively. It doesn't mean you can't
ask for help, or that you are expected to know what
to do the whole time. It does mean that you can
draw on criteria for your decision-making, like how
much reading you should do for a topic; what
questions to ask; whether to spend another hour
studying before bed.”

11. • Thinking outside the
square
• Being prepared to think
differently to others
• Thinking critically
• Being reflective
• Reading and
considering others’
viewpoints but…
• Developing your own
interpretations and
ideas

12. 1. Learning Styles Questionnaire
2. “About Me” Questionnaire
 http://ccgvanders.wikispaces.com/
 Select “Year 11 Transition 2011-2012” from the
menu on the right.