Too often, Canadian students are under the misguided impression that grades are permanent: if you eke out a “C” in grade 11 math or a “D” in grade 12 English, Simply put, there is nothing you can do about it.
That’s not the case. The Canadian education system always allows for second chances, as it should. The goal of education in this country isn’t to survey and label the pre-existing abilities of students; the goal is to nurture students to achieve their highest potential. In that spirit of encouragement, most provincial education systems offer some spin on the retake class – or “upgrade course,” as it’s known in Ontario.
What are they? How do they work? And why should you consider taking one? This article is a primer on the all-important upgrade course.
What Are Upgrade Courses, and How Do They Work?
Upgrade courses are abridged versions of regular courses that students may take once they’ve completed that course. For instance, if a student is displeased with their Grade 12 ENG4U mark, they can elect to retake the course. This time, the upgrade course will be shorter, covering topics on a quicker timeline.
Once the student completes the upgrade course, the better mark of their two attempts will be added to the student’s transcript with the letter “R” next to it. For example, let’s say that the hypothetical student above got a “C” grade in their first try at English 12, and a “B-plus” on their upgrade course. That student’s transcript would look something like this:
English 12 – ENG4U: B-plus (R)
The Benefits of Upgrade Courses
Upgrade courses have numerous benefits for students, strengthening their opportunities, abilities, determination and confidence.
The most immediate (and popular) benefit of upgrade courses is that they can strengthen your transcript. If you’re in your junior or senior year at high school – and beginning to think about post-secondary acceptance – it’s wise to keep your transcript as competitive as possible. Improving your grades helps ensure you have a better chance of acceptance at your preferred college or university.
Beyond that, upgrade courses are beneficial as a purely academic pursuit. They help students revisit material, gain confidence in core concepts, and begin their next academic level on solid footing. Indirectly, upgrade courses also hone critical soft skills like self-reliance, determination and motivation.
Where (and How) to Amend Your Grades
The best way to complete an upgrade course is to earn online high school credits in Ontario at a virtual school. Online schools are flexible and self-paced, meaning you can take your upgrade course while you complete your regular school courses. You can carve out an hour each evening to work through the upgrade course online, or breeze through the upgrade class during your winter or summer break. The best online schools offer robust support systems, including 24/7 tutoring, so you can maximize your chances of success. And, best of all, you can do it from the comfort of your bedroom.
Next time you (or the young learner in your life) get down about a mark, remind them about upgrade courses. No student should have to settle for a “final” grade.