50p
From Juniors to Seniors
Every September, after 91 days of summer, our Brentwood students take a big step forward in their high school careers. Our campus babies –the Grade 8s– finally get to dive into the big pond. Grade 9s are no longer kept in the Metamorphosis world as they turn into Grade 10s and choose their first electives. And Grade 10s - this group of admirable students transition from “wiener juniors,” in the eyes of Mr Rodrigues, to senior students, with a 10:30 pm bedtime and a craving to conquer any challenge that is thrown at them.
As our former Grade 11s step into their Grade 12 roles, many often say that Grade 11 was the most challenging year of their Brentwood career; the social, emotional and academic gap between Grade 10 & Grade 11 is the biggest of all. However, the most significant jump for these aspiring seniors is always the Brentwood academic course load. Students go from studying Science 10 to AP Chemistry or Social Studies 10 to Law 12 - both are arduous tasks.
Because of our school’s outstanding academic program, Grade 11 students can start to focus on specific fields they might want to explore after graduation. Entrepreneurship 12 is an excellent example of courses that are accessible to 11s. Students are assembled into groups and create various small businesses throughout the year. Sara D, Alex ‘23, admits that “[Her] favourite thing about Entre 12 is the independence and leadership skills [she] will develop.” By the time Regatta weekend rolls around, students have plenty of experience running a business: booths of Brentwood entrepreneurs will fill the Plaza providing the community with infinite options to feast on.
The freedom that comes with going to bed 30 minutes later than 10s is accompanied by unease surrounding SAT prep and calculus homework. With the pace picking up quickly, these Grade 11s will rise to the challenge and develop their “senior attitude”. They will be asked to think more seriously about their post-secondary plans: university visits, researching post-secondary programs, writing standardized tests. The school will turn to look for their leadership in our programs as many step into Captain roles. By the time this school year comes to a close, this exceptional group will be prepared to lead the school.
To no surprise, becoming a senior is not all butterflies and rainbows. Excitement, however, is demonstrated by our new seniors; Brentwood lifer Tommy M, Privett ‘23, is delighted to “finally make that transition from a junior to a leader in the school”.
As the expectations rise so will our new Grade 11 leaders, and, with many opportunities for our students to pursue, it is unquestionable that this academic year will be one for the books!
Miranda NP, Alexandra ‘23
As our former Grade 11s step into their Grade 12 roles, many often say that Grade 11 was the most challenging year of their Brentwood career; the social, emotional and academic gap between Grade 10 & Grade 11 is the biggest of all. However, the most significant jump for these aspiring seniors is always the Brentwood academic course load. Students go from studying Science 10 to AP Chemistry or Social Studies 10 to Law 12 - both are arduous tasks.
Because of our school’s outstanding academic program, Grade 11 students can start to focus on specific fields they might want to explore after graduation. Entrepreneurship 12 is an excellent example of courses that are accessible to 11s. Students are assembled into groups and create various small businesses throughout the year. Sara D, Alex ‘23, admits that “[Her] favourite thing about Entre 12 is the independence and leadership skills [she] will develop.” By the time Regatta weekend rolls around, students have plenty of experience running a business: booths of Brentwood entrepreneurs will fill the Plaza providing the community with infinite options to feast on.
The freedom that comes with going to bed 30 minutes later than 10s is accompanied by unease surrounding SAT prep and calculus homework. With the pace picking up quickly, these Grade 11s will rise to the challenge and develop their “senior attitude”. They will be asked to think more seriously about their post-secondary plans: university visits, researching post-secondary programs, writing standardized tests. The school will turn to look for their leadership in our programs as many step into Captain roles. By the time this school year comes to a close, this exceptional group will be prepared to lead the school.
To no surprise, becoming a senior is not all butterflies and rainbows. Excitement, however, is demonstrated by our new seniors; Brentwood lifer Tommy M, Privett ‘23, is delighted to “finally make that transition from a junior to a leader in the school”.
As the expectations rise so will our new Grade 11 leaders, and, with many opportunities for our students to pursue, it is unquestionable that this academic year will be one for the books!
Miranda NP, Alexandra ‘23