Eighth-graders getting ready for high school

Grade eight students across Rainy River District are nervous but excited about the big changes they face going into the high school this fall.
The present eighth grade classes not only have to cope with a brand new high school but also a new program and curriculum.
In the new program, Advanced, General, and Basic classes have been replaced by Academic and Applied courses.
“The academic courses are more about abstract thinking for the future and applied is about learning to apply things in the real world,” noted Shanna Calder, a Robert Moore student who said she would like to take academic courses.
Thanks to presentations made by some of the Fort High guidance counsellors last week, students are more aware of the changes taking place.
“Because there will be no more OAC classes [grade 13], the work will be a lot harder,” said Calder. “We will be doing the same amount of work in four years instead of five.”
Students will be required to take math, English, science, geography, physical education, and French or Ojibway in grade nine while choosing two options from art, music, computers, technology, and food and nutrition.
The new program also calls for students to pass a literary test in grade 10 in order to graduate.
“I’m really scared about the test because we have to pass it in order to graduate,” noted Robert Moore student Sarah Angus.
Students also must complete 40 hours of unpaid community involvement activities to graduate.
“It’s good in a way,” said Angus. “We will get experience for the future but because we’re forced to do it, we won’t have fun.
“We might not want to volunteer any more,” she added, noting her class currently is enjoying its volunteer work at Rainycrest Home for the Aged here.
“The Annual Education Program” is another new aspect starting next year. This planning process aims to help students set goals and continue to work towards them.
But not only will these students be experiencing changes by the government, they’ll also be situated in an unfamiliar environment.
“We hear stories from our older brothers and sisters about getting lost, not being able to open our lockers, and reputations of certain teachers,” said Calder.
“It makes everything kind of scary,” she admitted.
“Students who know other people will have an easier time,” Angus said.
Both know that to have fun in high school, you have to work hard and get involved in school activities.
“We’re both probably going to try out for cheerleading because we were on the junior squad,” Calder said, noting she’ll get involved in more activities depending on her workload.
“The work is going to be hard,” agreed Angus. “Those who are capable of the work will push themselves. Others who think high school is one big joy ride will get a huge surprise.”
Eighth grade teachers in the district have been working hard to prepare their students for the upcoming year.
“We’re the first class to try the new program,” noted Calder. “They have high expectations for us.”