This Department's primary goal is the successful matriculation of our graduates. We concentrate on each student’s self-confidence and independence by developing their research and planning skills. We strive to determine the very best fit of career ambition and university placement commensurate with each student’s individual talents and strengths.

To accomplish this, we provide first quality personal, informational, and technical resources so that each student can develop a successful and relevant plan. Members of the Department work closely with students and the faculty most directly involved with the student concerned: the Housemaster, Advisor, and teachers, and possibly others, such as coaches and senior administrators.

The Guidance Department is composed of a Director responsible for all Guidance services with a special emphasis on senior grades and university placement; three additional counselors; and a Middle School Assistant Director responsible for delivery of the Middle School Guidance program. A Registrar, an administrative assistant, and a receptionist provide technical and secretarial support. The Assistant Head, Academics is also closely involved with a number of Guidance functions.

The responsibilities of the Ridley College Guidance Department are:

• to assist students with their academic progression through the School
• to assist students with gaining entry to college or university
• to provide personal counseling when the need arises
• to refer students to specialists or agencies
• to maintain a current and comprehensive library of career and educational resources
• to maintain a current and comprehensive web site of Guidance related links
• to administer aptitude, interest, and entrance tests
• to maintain academic records in compliance with the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training.

Each Grade represents a new and progressive stage of development. Accordingly, the Guidance Department addresses separately the pertinent needs of each Grade.

Tests
Testing is an important part of Guidance services. An aptitude test, the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT), is administered to all grades 9 - 12, new to the Upper School. Test results are always used in conjunction with all other available information, such as achievement records, report comments, self-reports, and so on. In addition, Ridley is the regional test centre for the College Board Exams (SAT I and SAT II) required for entry to American colleges. Following is a brief outline of the tests we offer:

Differential Aptitude Test (DAT)
Three sub-tests are used (Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Ability, and Abstract Reasoning) to assess a student's academic potential.

Jackson Vocational Interest Survey (JVIS)
This is an instrument of considerable value in categorizing and comparing areas of career interest. It is given to Grade 11/12 students.

Holland's Self-Directed Search (SDS)
This is a highly respected instrument, given on a voluntary basis to senior students seeking additional career direction.

Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (P.S.A.T.)
This is a scaled-down practice version of the standard SAT, College Board, admission test. It is given to Grade 11 students.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)
This three-hour College Board test of English and Mathematics is required for admission to U.S. Colleges and Universities. It is written by most students. In addition, SAT II, or subject tests, are required by highly selective colleges. For the convenience of our students, Ridley is the Niagara test centre for five test dates a year.

American College Testing (ACT)
This is an alternate test to the SAT. It is widely accepted in the Middle and Western states. It is rarely required and Ridley is not a test centre.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
This test is required of students whose first language is not English for college and university admissions. TOEFL requirements can be very demanding; therefore, students need to plan and prepare carefully. Students are usually exempted from taking the TOEFL test by spending four or more years in an English language school.

Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement, or AP, stands for a set of external exams in a variety of core subjects. The exams are written at Ridley in May of each year. Students are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 the highest score attainable.

Successful passes of 3 or better will result in students being allowed to register for second year courses at college and eliminates the first year course. Almost all colleges in the U.S. recognize the AP exams, including the very best colleges, as do most Canadian universities. Many Ontario universities acknowledge that APs are at level higher than the Grade 12/13 curriculum. York University and the University of Toronto have policies fully recognizing AP results, for example. Since not all AP's are recognized in the same way at all universities specific research is advised.

Many students may not seek advanced standing at university. Instead they seek the confidence of strong academic preparation and external evaluation.

The successful student will be self-motivated and able to work independently at an advanced level of study. Students should discuss AP offerings with individual Heads of Department, and the Director of Guidance who is Ridley's AP Coordinator.

All members of the Guidance Department strive to provide the best level of service possible. Likewise, we want the best from and for our students.

Grade 9
The focus is on adjusting to the Upper School, and high school in general.

Career planning and research skills are taught specifically in the first term of the Career and Civics course.

Grade 10
The theory and practice of putting plans into place are reinforced within the context of how the nature of one’s high school experience establishes the foundation for university and beyond, as well as the successful transition to university. Individual course selection and university planning appointments take place in third term.

Grades 10 and 11
The attention shifts to the early stages of university entrance, beginning with the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT). Course selection is given very careful consideration to ensure all necessary prerequisites are taken.

Grades 11 and 12
Detailed university planning becomes the primary focus. In the first term the Jackson Vocational Interest Survey (JVIS) is given so that students can evaluate their interests, as well as aptitudes, achievement, and ambition (the four major factors) when selecting their qualifying courses for university and a career direction. All students are taken for a tour of a university and provided with information about the nature of higher education, gaining entrance, and where to locate information in the Guidance library, and on our web site.

In addition, guest speakers address university selection and career planning.