Student Street
Transition to High School
In an effort to retain more youth in secondary school, and to provide optimal success for all students, the Ontario Ministry of Education has implemented Phase III of the Student Success strategy. One main focus of this Phase is the transition from Grade 8 to Grade 9. Such a transition involves the need for a clear understanding of the current ethos and culture of both elementary and secondary schools, and an examination of the way in which young people, parents, and educators experience and negotiate between them.
The feature of making the transition from one to another school culture has been long standing in the country and province. Although some variations occur, most students leave some form of elementary school and move into a secondary school at some point in their early adolescence. Research shows that this transition is recognized as a potential stumbling point for most students, particularly for those who are at risk of early school leaving.
In response to the need to provide a structured approach to this crucial transition, the Simcoe County District School Board provides ongoing support around the Ministry's five deliverables re: Grade 8 to 9 transition:
- a defined transition plan including orientation activities, strategies and interventions;
- close monitoring (minimum first three months) of all students potentially “at-risk” of not graduating;
- each Grade 9 student potentially at-risk of early leaving has a designated caring adult who acts as an advocate;
- each Grade 9 student potentially at-risk of early leaving has a semester one timetable reflecting his/her interests and strengths; and
- a mechanism for sharing student information between elementary partner schools and the secondary schools.
Individual Families of Schools work with these deliverables to create the best transition possible for your sons and daughters. Contact your local school to see what their plan is!
For more information on the transition from Grade 8 to 9, click here.