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Grade 8 Reach-Ahead Credits

Reach-ahead credits allow graduating Grade 8 students to earn a high school credit prior to entering secondary school in September.  Learners will get a head start on credit accumulation, develop learning and technology skills that will be useful in all secondary settings while gaining self-confidence through successful completion of a high school credit.

Registration for Summer 2024 is open.

Summer 2024 Reach-Ahead credits are offered in two formats: onsite (in-person) or online (elearning). All courses are dependent on sufficient enrollment. Transportation is not provided for onsite courses.

Please note that elearning classes are taught entirely online in an asynchronous format. This means that while students have flexibility in terms of the pace and schedule of completing work, they do not have a teacher who directly teaches course material or classmates that they meet online. To be successful in this type of course, a student needs to be a proficient, self-directed learner with strong organizational skills, time management skills and the ability to communicate clearly. Elearning will involve approximately 6 hours of online work per day. Learners must have their own electronic equipment and reliable internet access.

Students who are interested in taking a reach-ahead credit are asked to think carefully about the way in which they learn best. It is a good idea for students to have discussions around course selection with parents, classroom teachers, and special education teachers as they can all assist in ensuring that a student makes a course selection that sets them up for success.

Session Dates:  Wednesday, July 3rd – Friday, July 26th, 2024 (18 days), 8:30 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. daily for onsite courses. Daily attendance is required for both onsite and online courses. 

Guelph Summer School Location:  John F. Ross C.V..I., Guelph

Orangeville/Dufferin Location:  Grant Evans Education Centre, Orangeville

Gr. 8 students attending elementary schools in Upper Grand DSB, please register using myBlueprint.

Gr. 8 students who are not currently attending an Upper Grand DSB elementary school but are registered at an Upper Grand DSB secondary school in September can register using this Out of Board Gr. 8 Reach-Ahead Registration Form. Please note that registration will be verified with secondary schools.

Reach-Ahead Course Offerings

GLS 1O – Learning Strategies: Skills for Success in Secondary School (1 credit) **Elective Credit

This course focuses on learning strategies to help students become better, more independent learners. Students will learn how to develop and apply literacy and numeracy skills, personal life management skills, and interpersonal and teamwork skills to improve their learning and achievement in school, the workplace, and the community. The course helps students building confidence and motivation to pursue opportunities for success in secondary school and beyond. This credit is offered in two formats: in person in Guelph or Orangeville and via elearning.

GLE 2O – Learning Strategies: Numeracy Focus (1 credit) **Elective credit

This course is designed for students who need support to reach provincial standards in numeracy skills to be prepared for Gr. 9 de-streamed math programs. Participating students must have an I.E.P. Please discuss this course selection with your child’s teacher to determine whether or not it is an appropriate choice for your child. This course focuses on learning strategies to help students become better, more independent learners. Students will learn how to develop and apply literacy and numeracy skills, personal life management skills, and interpersonal and teamwork skills to improve their learning and achievement in school, the workplace, and the community. The course helps students build confidence and motivation to pursue opportunities for success in secondary school and beyond. While meeting the overall curriculum expectations of Learning Strategies, the course will emphasize numeracy skills which students will require to be prepared for Gr. 9 de-streamed math. This credit is offered in person in Guelph.

CHV 2O – Civics (1/2 credit) **Compulsory credit for high school graduation

This course explores rights and responsibilities associated with being an active citizen in a democratic society. Students will explore issues of civic importance such as healthy schools, community planning, environmental responsibility, and the influence of social media, while developing their understanding of the role of civic engagement and of political processes in the local, national, and /or global community.  English Civics is offered in two formats: in person in Guelph or Orangeville and via elearning. 

CHV 2OF – Civisme et Citoyenneté (1/2 credit) **Compulsory for high school graduation and contributes to a French Immersion certificate.

This course explores rights and responsibilities associated with being an active citizen in a democratic society. Students will explore issues of civic importance such as healthy schools, community planning, environmental responsibility, and the influence of social media, while developing their understanding of the role of civic engagement and of political processes in the local, national, and /or global community.  French Immersion Civisme et Citoyenneté is offered onsite in Orangeville or Guelph.

 GLC 2O – Careers (1/2 credit) **Compulsory credit for high school graduation

This course teaches students how to develop and achieve personal goals for future learning, work and community involvement. Students will assess their interests, skills, and characteristics and investigate current economic and workplace trends, work opportunities, and ways to search for work. The course explores post-secondary learning and career options, prepares students for managing work and life transitions, and helps students focus on their goals through the development of a career plan and post-secondary budget. English Careers is offered in two formats: in person in Guelph or Orangeville and via elearning.

GLC 2OF – Exploration de Carrière (1/2 credit) **Compulsory credit for high school graduation and contributes to a French Immersion certificate.

This course teaches students how to develop and achieve personal goals for future learning, work and community involvement. Students will assess their interests, skills, and characteristics and investigate current economic and workplace trends, work opportunities, and ways to search for work. The course explores post-secondary learning and career options, prepares students for managing work and life transitions, and helps students focus on their goals through the development of a career plan and post-secondary budget. French Immersion Exploration de Carrière is offered onsite in Orangeville or Guelph.

PAI 1O – Girl Grit – Small Group Activities (1 credit) **Elective/PE credit

*Limited enrolment, onsite in the City of Guelph

This course equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy choices now and lead healthy, active lives in the future. Through participation in a wide range of physical activities, students develop knowledge and skills related to movement competence and personal fitness that provide a foundation for active learning. Students also acquire an understanding of the factors and skills that contribute to healthy development and learn how their own well-being is affected by, and affects, the world around them. Students build their sense of self, learn to interact positively with others and develop their ability to think critically and creatively. Girl Grit will focus on an introduction to martial arts, strength training, leadership training and personal development.

TIJ 1O – Exploring Technologies (1 credit) **Compulsory credit for high school graduation.

*Limited enrolment, onsite in City of Guelph

This course enables students to further explore and develop technological knowledge and skills introduced in the elementary science and technology program. Students will be given the opportunity to design and create products and/or services related to the various technological areas or industries, working with a variety of tools, equipment, and software commonly used in industry. Students will develop an awareness of environmental and societal issues, and will begin to explore secondary and postsecondary education and training pathways leading to careers in technology-related fields.