Thomas Haney secondary is hosting a new Grade 8 transition program this summer.
The Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows School District is also offering a new remedial program for grades 8 and 9 as part of its summer school program, which starts next week.
The grade 7-to-8 transition program was only added to the summer school curriculum a month ago after consultations with teachers, said Bruce Grady, the district principal for summer school.
The program is designed for students with anxiety who want to get a feel for high school before school starts in September.
“High school can be intimidating … we want them to be in a positive place so the move from elementary to high school is seamless,” said Grady. “When they go in with confidence, they have a better chance of success.”
As part of the program students get to work with Grade 12 students who act as teacher assistants.
“That way, the students will know at least one high school kid when they come in September,” said Grady. “We’re expected the program to be very successful.”
Grade 8 and 9 students won’t be sitting in rows of desks all month long as they take part in the district’s newly redesigned remedial program.
This year, students will take part in field trips and directed studies, instead of filling out endless worksheets.
Students will complete a series of projects, which will be gathered together in a magazine of the student’s own making by the end of the program.
The program incorporates aspects of social studies, science, math and English, while focussing on the study of astronomy or ecosystems.
Close to 650 students are expected to take part this year, with 26 teachers administering the program.
Classes running from July 4 to July 27.
