Walnut Grove Secondary offers a rich variety of courses and believes that students should take advantage of the opportunity for a full, well rounded, educational experience.  As such, in-school Study Blocks are a privilege reserved for senior students.

Students in Grade 8-10 are expected to carry eight courses during the regular school day.  Students will be able to apply for ONE Study Block in August after they have reviewed their timetable. Grade 11 students may apply to have one Study Block if they meet the criteria below.  Grade 12 students may apply for one study block but must carry seven courses in addition to their Study Block during the school day.  Some Grade 12 students may decide to request a second Study Block in January.  Please see the timelines page for the dates of when second study blocks may be requested. 

An online course or taking an extended day course at WGSS does not qualify a student to have fewer courses during the regular school day.   

Study Block Criteria

GRADE 12 STUDENTS

Grade 12 students are required to have a minimum of eight courses on their timetable.  Students who request a Study Block must: 

  • Have completed the Grade 11 courses required for graduation, with the possible exception of the Socials 11/12 course.
  • Be enrolled in the courses required to graduate.  
  • Be in a position to graduate.  
GRADE 11 STUDENTS

Grade 11 students are required to have a minimum of eight courses on their timetable.  Students who request a Study Block must: 

  • Have completed the Grade 10 courses required for graduation. 
  • Only ONE Study Block per school year will be considered for approval. 

 

If students meet the above requirements, they may apply for a Study Block with permission from parent(s) and administration after viewing their timetable in the Fall.

Expectations of Study Blocks

  • Students are expected to report to the library or are off campus with parent permission for their Study Block.
  • Students are not to be in the hallways, parking lot, or outside the building on the property.
  • Students are expected to work productively during Study Block.
  • Students must report to the Librarian, in the evacuation area during an emergency evacuation
  • Study Blocks are not worth any course credit. By dropping a course, you will lose the four credits towards graduation, and your decision may impact your post-secondary choices. It is your responsibility to determine how a Study Block will affect your graduation status and post-secondary entrance.
  • Students must be enrolled in a minimum number of courses and a full program to be eligible for most school and external scholarships, as well as school recognition. It is up to the students to research these conditions and accept the possible consequences of replacing another course with an extra Study Block.

Students choosing to use the library during their Study Block are expected to:  

  • Use the library for quiet study, reading or computer/network access 
  • Respect library rules and procedures 

One Study Block on Timetable in September

Students who qualify for a Study Block are only permitted to have one Study Block on their timetable when school starts in September.  This can either be Semester 1 or a Linear Study Block which will be on Day 1 or Day 2.   

Request for a Second Study Block

If a Grade 12 student meets all graduation requirements and would like to have a second Study Block, they may submit a request to be reviewed by administration in January of each year.  

The form will be available in January.