Surrey Schools sees nearly 15,000 students enroll in Summer Learning

More than 40 schools were filled with students this past July as 14,879 elementary, secondary and adult learners took advantage of the summer months to get ahead academically with summer courses.

At the September public board meeting, Assistant Supt. Selma Smith presented on the district’s Summer Learning program, which provides students with the chance to take full credit and preview/review courses over the summer. Funded by the Ministry of Education and Child Care, the offerings included several language classes, numerous maths and sciences, physical education, English and social studies courses, and a variety of trades.

“We were very pleased and proud to offer so many wonderful courses and opportunities, and we commend all of the learners who continued their studies over the summer to strengthen their skills, foster connections and work towards their graduation,” said Smith. “We also want to thank all of the wonderful teachers and educators who create meaningful opportunities for students.”

In elementary, 3,839 kindergarten to Grade 7 students were referred for summer classes at 29 elementary schools, engaging in curricular competencies focused on literacy and numeracy. The district also offered a number of early and late French immersion classes, intended to enhance students’ French through activities such as speaking, listening, reading and writing.

“It was wonderful to visit schools and see how much hands-on learning happens, where students are using critical thinking, cooperative learning and inquiry, and seeing the joy and pride on many of their faces as they’re proud of the hard work their doing over the summer,” described Smith. “Celebrating their achievements was really rewarding as well.”

At the secondary level, an outstanding 11,040 Grade 8 to 12 students and adult learners participated in summer courses, including:

• preview and review courses, providing core academic learning for Grade 8 and 9 students;
• enhancement programs such as athletic leadership, musical theatre and automotive to pursue personal engagement in learning;
• numerous classes for English Language Learners; and
• the SFU Film Academy, giving secondary student filmmakers a first look at modern cinema.

The district also saw a considerable increase in students taking part in the Grade 7 to 8 transitions, with 866 students signing up for a sneak peek of secondary at their neighbourhood secondary school.

“My son entered high school this year and he went through the Grade 7 to 8 transition program,” said Trustee Garry Thind. “He was so happy that he got to go to his high school before the school even started. He made some new friends so I think it’s a wonderful program for student transitions.”

Additionally, the district provided several programs for Indigenous students, including Indigenous math for 75 learners at Guildford Park Secondary and the Little Eaglets program at Creekside Elementary. Led by cultural facilitators from the district, Little Eaglets introduces incoming Indigenous kindergarten students to school and features Indigenous storytelling, drumming, arts and traditional games.

“We’re very proud to offer culturally responsive supports for our Indigenous learners,” said Smith.

Two-thirds of Summer Learning students were new to the program while one-third were returning, based on feedback gathered from the courses. In a student poll, the reasons for enrolling in summer school included getting ahead on courses (57%), improving a current grade (20%), being unable to register in a course during the school year (15%) and other (9%).

Satisfaction with Summer Learning was high among both students and parents, with 87% of students and 89% of parents agreeing or strongly agreeing that their child had a positive experience with summer courses. Students also expressed appreciation for the additional support from teachers in the summer program and the regional accessibility of classes at nearby schools.

Trustee Laurie Larsen praised the program, noting the feedback shows how many students see summer courses as an opportunity to enhance their learning and continue to excel academically.

“Many years ago, there was a real stigma attached to summer school,” said Larsen. “And now it seems with only 20% going to improve their grade, there was a wide variety of other reasons why. I appreciate that it’s now taken the stigma away and really opened it up so students are having fun and they’re enjoying it as opposed to feeling like they have to attend summer school.”

Moving forward, Smith said the district will review program offerings alongside course completion data, course demand, elementary programs and potential new partnerships to improve program delivery ahead of next summer.