Registration for Grade 8 Reach-Ahead Credits will open in myBlueprint for students in the UGDSB on April 25.

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.

Summer 2025 Reach-Ahead credits are offered in two formats: asynchronous online learning (elearning) and 2 specialized onsite (in-person) courses in Guelph.

Online learning courses cannot be accessed from outside of Canada.

All courses are dependent on sufficient enrollment.

Transportation is not provided for onsite courses.

Session Dates:  Summer school 2025 for grade 8 reach-ahead courses will run from July 2 to July 25 (18 days). Please see specific details for the specialized courses offered in-person in Guelph. Note: Girl Grit will have a slightly different schedule. More information coming soon.

Daily attendance is required for both online learning and in-person courses. Summer holidays should not be scheduled during July for students enrolling in summer school.

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

Asynchronous Online Learning

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 through online (asynchronous) learning and runs from July 2 to July 25.

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

This course is designed for students who need support to reach provincial standards in literacy and numeracy skills to be prepared for Gr. 9 de-streamed programs. Participating students would have skill gaps requiring additional support in math and literacy and must have an IEP. 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 literacy and numeracy skills which students will require to be prepared for Grade 9 de-streamed English and math. This credit is offered through online (asynchronous) learning and runs from July 2 to July 25.

Note: Civics (CHV 20) and Careers (GLC 20) are 2 separate half credits and students must enroll in both.

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. This credit is offered through online (asynchronous) learning and runs in conjunction with Civics (CHV 20) from July 2 to July 25.

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.  This credit is offered through online (asynchronous) learning and runs in conjunction with Careers (GLC 2O) from July 2 to July 25.

In-person Courses Offered in the City of 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.

TAS 1O – Exploring Technologies (1 credit) **An option to meet grade 9/10 compulsory credit in tech.

*Limited enrolment, onsite in the City of Guelph at College Heights Secondary School.

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.