Ridley College Summer Academy Flyer 2009
Since the Ontario provincial education system condensed high school from a five year to a four year program, keen students have utilized the Ridley College Summer Academy summer program established in 2004 to build flexibility into their curriculum by reaching ahead or reinforcing previously taken courses in order to attain their Ontario Secondary School Graduation Diploma. Students at Ridley College Summer Academy enroll in courses from grade 9 - grade 12, across a range of subject areas. Importantly, the students who participate in the program and give 20 days to intense study still manage to enjoy over 6 weeks of holiday time- or at least 50 days of vacation.
While the classes themselves offer tremendous stimulation to the students, the Summer Academy isn’t just about hitting the books. Boarding students representing Bermuda, Canada, Israel, Mexico, Nigeria, Qatar, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirate, and the United States of America, mix with local day students in programs that extend beyond the classroom hours and into the three weekends of the Summer Academy experience. In short, Summer Academy is a microcosm of Ridley College when it is in full swing with boys, girls, day and boarding students mingling from all over the world. A healthy camaraderie extends into weekend excursions ranging from trips up the Niagara River on Whirlpool Jet boats to water parks at Niagara Falls, and various attractions throughout southern Ontario.
Students are able to take full advantage of the classroom and residential opportunities that exist on the Ridley campus. Lab-based science classes, air-conditioned math and English classrooms, field trips to the Shaw Festival, all feature in this summer’s curriculum. Dedicated Ridley faculty members and experienced teachers with demonstrated expertise lead small-sized classes (1:8 teacher/student ratio) that employ the latest in computer technology. Laptop computers are made available to all students who require them. An evening study run by Summer Academy staff ensures that boarding and interested day students receive the tutorial help they require to succeed.
Combined with exciting interest courses that are being planned for Middle School aged students, the 2007 version of the Summer Academy promises to take full advantage of the tremendous facilities and opportunities that are offered at Ridley College, both on campus and beyond its historic gates.
News
Summer Academy and Reach Cambridge 2008  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:
Summer Academy- Cambridge Courses 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
Ridley College Summer Academy- Reach Cambridge 2007 Review 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.
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