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When you move to Canada, you will notice that some things are different from the education system in your home country. As you learn about your new education system, remember that you will have support from your teachers, and it is important that you ask questions.
Preparing for School and Life in Canada
You will be invited to participate in some of these programs to help your transition to your Canadian school experience.
- Head Start Program (literacy and numeracy for incoming Grade 9 students)
- Literacy Assessment
- Numeracy Assessment
- NOW (Newcomer Orientation Week) High School SWIS (Settlement Workers in Schools) Program
- WIN (Welcome and Information for Newcomers) Elementary SWIS Program
- Elementary Student Orientation at School
- High School Welcome Day
- School Orientation
Going to School in Canada
- Students are encouraged to ask questions to gain a better understanding of class content and to expand thinking. Students are active participants in the learning process.
- The relationship between teachers and students may seem less formal than in some other countries. You will find that teachers will engage in casual conversation with students, and it is acceptable to ask your teachers for help when you need it.
- In Canadian classrooms, group work is an important part of learning. It helps students learn about teamwork, tolerance and compromise. Collaborative learning is included in the assessment and evaluation of your class mark.
- Teachers will often use discussions as a part of teaching and learning. Students are encouraged to participate in class discussions, and to develop their opinions and ideas related to new knowledge and thinking.
- Students' marks include not only their knowledge of content, but also how they are able to analyze and solve problems, and determine conclusions. Teachers will evaluate students by asking them how they arrived at their final answer.
After-School Academic Support
- Beyond regular teacher academic assistance, ten hours of after-school tutoring by a qualified teacher is available for all international students in the Durham Catholic District School Board.
- International Education Language Testing System (IELTS) preparation classes are available for students who plan to write an IELTS exam.
Contact the Passport to Excellence program coordinator for more information about after-school tutoring or IELTS preparation classes. Email christopher.gardner@dcdsb.ca for more information.