Academics

Summer Academy

The Bishop Strachan School campus heats up in July and August, and it’s not just the weather. Summer Academy at BSS is an exceptional way to get ahead, catch up or explore something completely different.
Summer Academy 2024 Credit Courses will run from July 2 - 26 and Academic Skills sessions will run from August 19 - 23.

Questions? Contact us at summeracademy@bss.on.ca.

BSS Credit Courses

Summer Academy Credit Courses offer students the opportunity to earn a credit applicable towards an Ontario Secondary School Diploma in just under a month. With a wide array of courses* to choose from, there’s something for everyone.

Early Bird Tuition  $1,700 before May 1
Tuition Fees $1,800
Schedule
Tuesday, July 2 to Friday, July 26, 2024
8:30 am to 3:00 pm
3:00 to 3:30 pm (daily optional tutorial)

Please note: The application deadline for Co-operative Education is April 17, 2024, due to the time required to find student work placements.

*2024 course offerings are pending sufficient enrolment

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  • Grade 9

    Exploring Technologies
    Course Code: TIJ1O
    Prerequisite: None

    Further explore and develop your technological knowledge and skills by designing and creating products and/or services related to various technological areas or industries, using a variety of commonly-used tools, equipment and software. Develop your awareness of environmental and societal issues, and begin to explore secondary and post-secondary education and training pathways leading to careers in technology-related fields.

    *This course satisfies the new Ministry of Education mandatory graduation requirement for a Grade 9 or 10 technology credit for all students entering Grade 9 from September 2024 onward. 

    Grade 9 Math
    Course Code: MTH1W
    Prerequisite: None

    This course will enable you to continue developing and consolidating your understanding of mathematical concepts related to number sense and operations, algebra, measurement, geometry, data, probability and financial literacy. Use mathematical processes, modeling and coding to make sense of mathematics, and apply your understanding to culturally responsive and relevant real-world situations. Enhance your mathematical reasoning skills, including proportional, spatial and algebraic reasoning, as you solve problems and communicate your thinking.

  • Grade 10

    Canadian History Since World War I
    Course Code: CHC2D
    Prerequisite: None
      
    Explore social, economic, and political developments and events and their impact on the lives of different individuals and communities in Canada - including First Nations, Métis and Inuit - since 1914. Examine the role of conflict and cooperation in Canadian society, Canada’s evolving role within the global community and the impact of various individuals, organizations, and events on Canadian identity, citizenship and heritage. Develop your ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence.
     
    Civics and Citizenship & Career Studies
    Course Code: CHV20 & GLC2O
    Prerequisite: None
    Credits: Each course is worth 0.5 credits
     
    Civics and Citizenship will help you better understand what it means to be an informed, participating citizen in a democratic society. Explore being a responsible citizen in the local, national and global arenas. Learn about Canadian government processes in class and on a grade trip to Ottawa. Analyze values and questions of civic importance and consider how to become involved in our society. This course is an excellent introduction to Politics, Law and World Issues, and world history courses. You will create a photo essay, write a letter to the editor and develop and action research project.
     
    The compulsory half-credit Career Studies course is focused on four areas: 
    • Who am I? 
    • What are my opportunities? 
    • Who do I want to become?
    • What is my plan for achieving my goals?
    Explore personalities inventories and “best fit” job, volunteer and post-secondary options, and investigate current and future trends in the workplace. You will research post-secondary opportunities, draft a budget, create an application package for a volunteer or job opportunity and assemble and online portfolio.
     
    Grade 10 Science
    Course Code: SNC2D
    Prerequisite: SNC1W (Grade 9 Science)
     
    Enhance your understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and the interrelationships between science, technology, society and the environment. You will have opportunities to further develop your investigative skills, by planning and conducting investigations and developing your understanding of scientific theories related to the connections between cells and systems in animals and plants; chemical reactions, with a focus on acid-base reactions; forces that affect climate and climate change; and the interaction of light and matter.

    Principles of Mathematics
    Course Code: MPM2D
    Prerequisite: MTH1W (Grade 9 Math)
     
    Build your foundation from Grade 9 math, using a variety of approaches to solve problems, such as exploring the flight path of a ball, analyzing the shape and dimensions of parabolic structures, and calculating the angles and measurements of small and large-scale objects. Explore graphs and equations in depth, understanding the connections between them, and use this understanding to model real-world situations.

  • Grade 11

    Biology
    Course Code: SBI3U
    Prerequisite: SNC2D (Grade 10 Science)
     
    Have you ever wondered why you have an appendix? Are you interested in why the bananas we eat today are not as good as the bananas your grandparents ate? Would you like to know why you sometimes get the flu even if you had a vaccine? This course covers all those topics and more. Study genetics and inheritance patterns, evolution, the diversity of life, and animal and plant physiology and anatomy. Use simulations and hands-on labs to develop your inquiry skills and answer a challenging question: are we winning the human race? The course includes socratic lessons, group work, role-playing, guided inquiry, independent projects, labs and hands-on activities.

    Chemistry
    Course Code: SCH3U
    Prerequisite: SNC2D (Grade 10 Science)
     
    Explore the world of chemistry at the atomic level. Investigate quantitative chemical phenomena and learn to predict the products and outcomes of a variety of chemical reactions. Learn how forensic chemists identify unknown substances and how chemical reactions are an integral part of everyday life. The course includes kinesthetic activities, group work, guided inquiry activities, socratic lessons and hands-on lab experiments. 

    Co-operative Education
    Course Code: COOP
    Credits: 1 credit
    Application Deadline: April 17
     
    Do you want a resume that will make you stand out? Do you want to gain work experience and explore a possible career path while being mentored by a professional? Placements are available in fields such as finance, engineering, real estate, public relations, journalism, marketing, healthcare, veterinary medicine, education, justice and more. Develop your resume, application skills, and essential skills for your post-secondary education and future career. The course begins with in-class preparation to develop the skills, knowledge and habits that will support you in your placement. You will create and implement a personalized learning plan that meets your interests and needs, reflect on your learning and make connections between your work experience and other areas of your life. After your placement, you will make a portfolio showcasing your learning and give a summative presentation.

    Functions
    Course Code: MCR3U
    Prerequisite: MPM2D
     
    If you are interested in studying science, engineering, business, medicine, economics or mathematics in post-secondary, then this is an important course for you. Learn how to represent different types of mathematical relationships, through projects like calculating how much caffeine is present in your body several hours after consuming a cup of coffee, or predicting temperatures from weather data. This course leads to Data Management, Advanced Functions and Calculus and Vectors.
     
    Physics
    Course Code: SPH3U
    Prerequisite: SNC2D (Grade 10 Science); recommended to have earned at least 75% in both Principles of Mathematics (MPM2D) and Grade 10 Science (SNC2D)
     
    Do you look at our world and wonder how things like electric motors or musical instruments work, or how gravity makes objects fall? Do you want to study engineering, medicine, architecture or science in post-secondary? Through inquiry-based activities, group discussion and problem solving, you will explore how and why objects move, and how energy can change from one form to another. You will study how waves move and how to harness the power of electricity and magnetism. Enhance your scientific investigation skills as you test the laws of physics. As part of this course, you will have the opportunity to build and analyze a number of devices, including a projectile launcher.

  • Grade 12

    Advanced Functions
    Course Code: MHF4U
    Prerequisite: MCR3U (Functions)
     
    Extend your experience with functions. Investigate the properties of polynomial, rational, logarithmic and trigonometric functions, develop techniques for combining functions and select combinations to represent situations, and broaden your understanding of rates of change. Develop facility in applying these concepts and skills, and refine your use of mathematical processes necessary for solving problems in senior mathematics. This course is intended for students taking Calculus and Vectors as a prerequisite for a university program, and for those wishing to consolidate their understanding of mathematics before proceeding to a university program.

Academic Skills

Our one-week academic skills courses are  open to students of all genders. These programs provide a quick and effective opportunity to dramatically improve skills in math and French. 
Tuition Fees Full-day - $575
Half-day (Grade 7 Math Skills) - $275
Schedule August 19 - 23, 2024
Grade 7 Math Skills - 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Grade 9/10 Math Skills - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Grade 9 - 11 French Skills - 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

List of 3 items.

  • Grade 7 Math Skills

    Schedule: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm

    Multiply your confidence and skills in math!  This one-week program consolidates core skills from Grade 6 Mathematics through interactive and collaborative learning activities. It’s a quick and effective opportunity to refresh number sense skills and engage in thinking tasks to build confidence in math in the company of other students. 
     
    This course is not intended for students seeking enrichment or extension.

  • Grade 9/10 Math Skills

    Schedule: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

    This one-week program helps students consolidate core mathematics skills through interactive and collaborative learning activities. It is a quick and effective way to refresh your number sense and basic algebra skills, and engage in thinking tasks to build your confidence in math along with other students entering Grade 9 (or 10) in September. This course is not intended for students seeking enrichment or extension.

  • Grade 9 - 11 French Skills

    Schedule: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

    Get ready to boost your French skills! This one-week program will prepare you for the upcoming year by improving listening, speaking, reading and writing skills through activities that consolidate your knowledge of key concepts and skills from the previous year's French course. You'll end the week with a stronger foundation for future learning, well-equipped to tackle more advanced French language topics. Specifically, you'll have opportunities to:
    • Communicate and interact in French
    • Discuss and explore familiar topics relevant to daily life
    • Enhance understanding of the francophone world 
    • Speak with appropriate pronunciation 
    • Develop reading comprehension skills 
    • Write in French with appropriate vocabulary and grammatical concepts

STEMGirls

Embark on an exhilarating journey into the world of science, technology, engineering and math! Ignite your curiosity and creativity, as you immerse yourself in our STEMGirls Camp. Within the dynamic environment of our cutting-edge Design Technology Lab, you'll engage in projects that develop your skills in design thinking, laser cutting, 3D printing and coding.
 
This camp is open to students going into Grade 7 or 8 who identify as girls.

Tuition Fees $575
Schedule
August 19 - 23, 2024
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Frequently Asked Questions

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  • How do I register for a BSS Summer Academy credit course?

    First complete the application form online and pay the tuition fee. You will then receive an email with supplementary forms to complete. Please note that one form requires your school's principal or guidance counsellor's signature before submission. Email your supplementary forms and a copy of your most recent report card to summeracademy@bss.on.ca. After your supplementary forms are submitted, you will receive an email confirming that you are registered for the course.

    Courses are scheduled to run pending sufficient enrolment. When we have reached our minimum enrolment, you will receive an email confirming that the course will be running.

  • When is the deadline to register for BSS Summer Academy?

    We do not have a deadline. As long as a course is running and there is room in the class, you are welcome to register before the first day of classes. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis so it is best to register as early as possible.

  • What does sufficient enrolment mean?

    We aim to have a minimum of six students before we declare a course will run during the summer.

  • When do we find out if a BSS Summer Academy course is or is not running?

    Once we have declared that a course will definitely be offered, we will mail out a confirmation package to you. Most courses are confirmed in early May but decisions can happen as late as June.
     
    We aim to let registered students know by the end of May or early June if we do not think we will get sufficient enrolment to run a course. 

  • What is the BSS Summer Academy refund policy?

    A refund (minus an administration fee) will only be granted until the following dates:
    • BSS Credit Courses - May 17, 2024 ($100 admin fee)
    • Academic Skills - June 13, 2024 ($50 admin fee)
    • STEMGirls Camp - June 13, 2024 ($50 admin fee)
    If a Credit Course or Academics Skills program is cancelled, a full refund will be granted.

  • Are BSS Summer Academy programs only open to girls?

    Both the Credit Courses and the Academic Skills programs are open to students of all genders from public and independent schools. The STEMGirls Camp is only open to students who identify as girls.

  • What technology do I need to take credit courses at BSS Summer Academy?

    Laptops are required for in-person learning at BSS. In general, we require an Apple computer (2015 or newer) with MacOS Mojave 10.14 or newer, for speed, compatibility and security. Other devices are acceptable, but require assessment by the BSS Technology and Innovation team to ensure it passes the security and privacy requirements of the school.

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