Once again an intrepid and enthusiastic group of Ridley students joined up with students from other schools in Ontario in Cambridge, England, to take a Grade 11 or 12 course in English taught by Mr. Brezicki and Ms. Thomas. Hosted by the young men and women of the Reach Cambridge group, our students were showered with opportunities to enjoy and learn about this elite cultural and historical environment…and they were occasionally showered by traditional English weather as well.

Weekend tours of London and Stratford, York and the fabled colleges of Cambridge University itself were supplemented with afternoon activities and shopping time, evening lectures, casino nights, talent shows and nightclub dances. King Lear at the Globe and The Taming of the Shrew at Stratford were highlights, and of course four hours of classes each day filled out a memorable Summer Academy in England. Thanks to our students for being such exemplary representatives of Ridley.

Clark Robertson, OR ‘09 offers a first-hand account of his Cambridge experience:

Following the success of last summer, the 2008 Summer Academy Cambridge courses are again on offer in England. Credit courses in grade 11, grade 12 English, and grade 11 History (Western Civilization) will be offered at Girton College, Cambridge University, England. Students will depart on Saturday July 12 and return on Sunday August 3, 2008. Upon successful completion, students will gain an Ontario Ministry of Education credit towards their high school diploma. More importantly they will gain a culturally enriching experience that features visits to the Globe Theatre in London, Shakespeare's birthplace at Stratford, along with guided tours of such historic sites as Stonehenge and the Roman city of Bath.

The courses will be taught again by certified Ridley teachers who themselves have enjoyed the British experience. The activity portion of the program is run by Reach Cambridge- a group of alumni from this famous institution that are dedicated to providing a terrific time outside of instructional time. Lectures, sports, and leisure time will be organized in a way that will provide stimulation while ensuring the safety of our students.

Anyone interested in registering for this unique and exciting adventure should make contact with the Director of the Summer Academy by February 6, 2008:

Paul O'Rourke
Director, Ridley College Summer Academy
P.O. Box 3013, 2 Ridley Road
St.Catharines, Ontario
tel: 905.684.1889 ext. 2619
fax: 905.684.8100
paul_orourke@ridleycollege.com

Week One

The first week of the English experience at Cambridge was indeed a busy one. The students enjoyed a full schedule of events that obviously included classes expertly led by Mr. Brezicki and Ms. Thomas. The grade 11’s tackled the British hit novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night by Mark Haddon, while the grade 12’s were immersed in Joseph Konrad’s Heart of Darkness. Lively discussion amidst an intensive work schedule was the order of the day for the Ridley students who were joined by new classmates Elli Papangelakis, Gabby Despoth, and Georges Greiche from other schools.