The Undisputed Guide to Academics at Brentwood

29 September 2014Toby CH Privett ’15

There are four and exactly four reasons as to why you, reader, are reading this blog entry. Reason 1 As a confessed cinephile, I can understand that the procrastination monster is one with nefariously strong clutches, and perhaps the reason you are reading this is to put off a science assignment. Or pre-calc. Numbers, algebra, boring, etc. Perhaps you’re waiting for your parkour video on your other tab to load. I understand. Reason 2 You are an avid blog reader and appreciate the chance to become more informed about this one important section of Brentwood’s tripartite program. This is the most likely reason. Fantastic. I understand. Reason 3 You are director Gareth Evans and after watching my two hour long YouTube clip of me discussing the brilliant nuances of Raid 2: Berandal, you have decided to hire me in the writing of the final entry into that superb film trilogy. I understand. Offer accepted. Reason 4 You didn’t understand what I said at assembly last Thursday because it was “too fast.” I do not understand. Listen faster. Regardless of the reason, read closely. This is the Rosetta Stone of the academic world of Brentwood College, and I am here to share with you every essential thing there is to know about academics. Or at least what I know. Here we go. Each day your day will consist of 5 academic blocks. If you are a Grade 12 you have the luxury of choosing to have a spare in one of these blocks, which may prove extremely useful for doing homework. The younger grades will suffer for now, but what is life without a little bit of stress? During your day if you have these three following tidbits of information in your mind, you’re going to do just fine. First piece of advice: as soon as your teacher assigns you homework, disregard their due date and just do it that night. Although different circumstances may force you to work in groups later in the week, if you have the opportunity do get something done as fast as you can, do it. Nike is right. This is not to say that you should hand the aforementioned piece of homework in ridiculously early, but once you have it done you can then ask questions, edit, and whatever else you may need to earn a better grade. Using this foolproof method your individual intelligence plays a much smaller role in your academic process, replacing brains with sheer determination. Bottom line: due dates are not what to aim for, they are what to beat. And the earlier they are done means the more time you have to be free. Also like Nike. Because of Brentwood’s dedicated teaching staff [and I say that genuinely] never be afraid to ask your teachers for help. When I naïvely selected Chemistry 11 as my “easy” science course last year, I quickly realized that my wordsmith and wordsmith only mind was in for a shock. Thankfully, my teacher, Mr. Snow, took each and every one of my myriads of questions, because he is a Brentwood teacher and he does care. Ask questions, or be prepared to be like Nicholas Cage when he is driving. Angry. Last but not least, come to class with a smile on your face. I will withhold any phony rhetoric prompting automaton grins but I truly believe that with positivity you will excel. Success comes from grit and joy: I will say no more. The academic sandwich is a tough one to eat, but once you really grasp both your hands around the crust you’ll find yourself enjoying delicious sustenance. Study hard. Toby CH Privett ’15, Head Prefect of Academics, Antonio Brown Enthusiast

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