5:30-6:30pm Monday through Thursday is designated as Academic Priority Time. This can be used by pupils to start work on their prep, or to attend a clinic, or take part in debates or academic extension.
Prep forms an important part of the curriculum timetable providing an opportunity for independent study, further development of a subject outside of the classroom. At Stowe pupils may start their prep in the Academic Priority Time and there is also a second protected time for pupils to be working quietly after supper.
With the advent of AI, we set prep as preparation for in-class assessment using pen and paper, so there is no temptation to take shortcuts on learning. Pupils may use digital tools for learning and are coached on how to do this effectively. Third and Fourth Form pupils only have access to laptops during the prep sessions under supervision in order to help avoid digital distraction.
Prep expectations for Third and Fourth Form pupils is of half an hour duration per subject; for Fifth Form pupils, prep is 40 minutes each. Prep for Sixth Form is not formally timetabled but normally amounts to at least four hours per week per A Level subject.
Academic clinics are held in Academic Priority Time, with every teacher offering at least one clinic time per week. These are open to all pupils and provide a constant and regular period when a member of each Department will be readily accessible to any pupil. Pupils may also be assigned to specific clinics by their tutor. These clinics are valuable in assisting pupils who may be struggling with their work generally, or a particular piece of prep, or who simply wish to seek further guidance on their subject outside of the classroom.