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Handbook » Spares and Tutorial Periods

Spares and Tutorial Periods

At Bert Fox Community High School, we recognize that students in Grades 11 and 12 may have spares or tutorial periods in their schedules. Both are designed to support independent learning, responsibility, and academic success — but they function in different ways.

Spares

A spare is an unscheduled class period.

  • Attendance is not taken during a spare.

  • Students are free to use this time as they wish, provided their choices are responsible and respectful.

  • Students are generally expected to leave the school during their spare if possible.

  • Students who need or choose to remain at school — for example, bus students or those using the time for schoolwork — are welcome to stay, but are asked to work quietly in the library or another approved location.

Spares are a privilege that allow students to manage their time effectively. We encourage students to use this time productively — for study, assignments, or preparing for upcoming classes.

Tutorial Periods

A tutorial is a scheduled period where attendance is taken and a teacher provides supervision and support.

  • Tutorials are designed to give students extra help in their other classes or time to complete coursework.

  • Students assigned to a tutorial are expected to attend regularly and to work in the library or another designated space under teacher supervision.

  • The goal of a tutorial period is to help students strengthen their learning and stay on track for success.

Both spares and tutorials are valuable opportunities for students to take ownership of their learning, manage their time, and make choices that lead to academic success.