1. Pre-IB Information Evening

2. Welcome to Grade 10! Students are adjusting to the pace of high school
Lots of opportunities for students to get involved at PA
If students or families have questions:
Tracy Giffin
Amy Smith
(902) ex

3. Pre-IB Courses
Pre-IB students take 4-5 Pre-IB courses and 1-3 PSP electives
Pre-IB English 10
Pre-IB History 10
Pre-IB Science 10
Pre-IB Math 10 (2 semesters)
Pre-IB French 10 (optional for students not planning to pursue IB French)

4. What to Expect
Students often need time to adjust to 80 minute periods and the increased pace of their first semester
Students will likely see an increase in the amount of homework they are expected to do compared to their grade 9 experience
Students begin to develop good habits and supporting skills in order to meet the demands of their academic and extracurricular activities

5. Support Skill #1: Asking for help
Students are highly encouraged to ask for help when they need it:
Ask questions during or after class
Schedule extra help if necessary (before or after a test, if homework is too challenging etc.)
Attend peer tutoring (room 118 lunch)
Form study groups
Comprehensive guidance (Ms Park-Petropolis, Ms Glasgow, Ms Jennifer Foulser)

6. Support Skill #2: Being Proactive
If students know they are going to be missing time, they should:
Let teachers know ahead of time in order to get work packages if necessary
Have a study buddy in class who can share notes and pick up extra handouts
Use online platforms like Google classroom to stay up to date

7. Support Skill #3: Developing Time Management
Students should be keeping track of assignment due dates, tests and other assessments and managing their time to complete each one well.
Keep a due date calendar and chunk up larger assignments into smaller steps
Set up scheduled time in the day to complete homework assignments (this could include off classes for band students, lunchtimes or time after school)
Use time given in class to work on assignments efficiently
Make daily “to do” lists

8. Support Skill #4: Developing Self Management
Eliminate distractions like phones, video games, etc. when it is time to complete homework
Seating for success
Review notes nightly whether or not there is a test
Find a good work space

9. Support Skill #5: Developing Resilience
It is important that students learn to recover from setbacks
Seek out teacher feedback - we learn more from our mistakes than our successes
Students should ask themselves: is there something I am doing that is holding me back (i.e. texting in class, procrastinating, etc.)?
See learning as an opportunity for growth over time

10. Support Skill #6: Developing Stress Management
With a good understanding of stress management techniques that students can put into practice, they can learn to gain some control over their moods and improve motivation
Use tops discussed in class (i.e. stress management workshop)
Comprehensive Guidance Team
Encourage healthy habits: physical activity, nutritious foods, plenty of quality sleep

11. What Parents Can Do
Keep a calendar of due dates on the fridge or in a common area so everyone is aware of what’s coming up
Help students eliminate distractions during homework and study time --- take the phone or video game system for an allotted period of time each day
Make sure they get enough sleep
Help students take proactive steps to chunk up their workload to relieve anxiety and stress
Help them build resilience and grit by seeing setbacks and challenges as opportunities for growth (ask them what they learned from the experience and what they will do differently next time)