|
|
|
High school prep in Canada
|
|
|
High school preparation programmes prepare students for secondary school life and many industry insiders deem this an essential stepping stone.
|
|
|
Canadian high school providers expect international students to demonstrate a high level of language proficiency before entering secondary education. Preparatory courses provide a unique transition period whereby students can refine their language skills, familiarise themselves with Canadian culture and adapt to a new curriculum.
Mike Kliman at Richmond School District #38 in Richmond, BC, says that the school has offered high school prep for the past 10 years and he points out that such courses are an “effective way to integrate various new immigrants into the school system, to assist them to adjust to a new environment and to study in an unfamiliar setting”. And Kliman relates that such provision is an absolute necessity if students are to succeed in an English-speaking environment. “They assist students not only with English acquisition and developmental fluency in all aspects, but help students to develop confidence in themselves as effective learners,” he notes.
Many secondary schools offer high school prep to students who intend to enrol at their institution full-time and Michael Averill, Principal at Laurentian Academy in Val-Morin, QC, says that their own pre-high school programme encompasses training in several core subjects. “We typically offer Maths, Biology, Information Technology and Physics. We also offer Photography – very popular – English literature, Sociology, and, of course, French and English language.” Averill underlines that the experience ultimately prepares students for life on campus.
Dale Lockhart from International Gateway Kelowna (IGK) in Kelowna, BC, points out that not all schools offer preparatory courses. “Our partner high school, Vedanta Academy, does not offer ESL and students must have upper intermediate English in order to [enrol],” he explains. Instead, students complete a preparation course at IGK before transferring to their partner institution.
Course length may vary depending on individual student needs and at Laurentian Academy candidates can choose from one of three options (a one-to-four week programme, a one-to-three month programme or a long-term stay of over three months) and Averill reports that many students end up staying longer than expected. “In many cases, kids who come to us for a half-year, end up prolonging their stay so as to qualify for Cambridge International exams and the recognition that follows from successful completion of their courses.”
Although the primary focus of high school prep is to develop reading, writing and listening skills, providers continue to adapt course content to keep things fresh and current. Blair McDonald from Braemar College in Toronto, ON, relates that they have added a drama component to their programme with some positive results. “In more recent years we have added a strong dramatic arts element to our preparatory courses as it is an excellent way to get students to speak and enunciate without feeling self conscious. It has had excellent results and is one of the most popular courses we offer at all levels,” he relates.
Canadian education providers report that Asia Pacific countries such as Korea, Japan and Taiwan are more inclined to opt for pre-secondary school programmes. “I think there is interest from these countries due to the geographic location of our school and also the perception that British Columbian high school education is an excellent stepping stone for post-secondary education,” ventures Lockhart. However, Kliman has noticed a growing number of European and South American students taking a more active interest in preparation courses and he puts this down to the many post-secondary opportunities available to international students.
|
|
|
Education Travel Magazine
11-15 Emerald Street
WC1N 3QL
London, England
T: +44 (0)20 7440 4020
F: +44 (0)20 7440 4033
Pacific Office
T/F: +61 (0)8 9341 1820 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
