FHS mathematics Honours teacher Alice Orchard, student Addison Harder, and English language arts Honours teacher Renetta Peddle.

Sherwood Park, AB. — Following a successful first year and in response to growing interest among students, Fort Saskatchewan High (FHS) will be extending its Honours pilot for Grade 10 students during the 2024-25 school year.

The Honours classes—in mathematics, science, English language arts and social studies—offer a well-rounded education that satisfies the Grade 10 curriculum, while offering more complexity and deeper discussion to prepare students for success in grades 11 and 12.

“We had students who were interested in greater academic challenges, and so we launched the program in September 2023,” says Curtis Starko, the Principal at FHS. “When we surveyed students in December, the positive feedback and enthusiasm for the classes was overwhelming. These classes give students a chance to explore the subject matter in greater depth and focus on high-level reasoning, critical thinking skills, inquiry-based learning and links to other disciplines.”  

“Fort Saskatchewan is a vibrant, growing community, and our Honours classes at Fort High mirror that sense of vitality and connection to our city,” says Renetta Peddle, an English language arts Honours teacher at FHS. “Students here can cultivate and nurture their diverse passions, leading towards a pathway for a brighter and stronger tomorrow.”

“Honours classes provide a space for students to encourage curiosity in a respectful environment as they grow academically and socially,” adds Alice Orchard, a mathematics Honours teacher at FHS. “These classes foster leadership, independence and confidence.”

Grade 9 students who are thinking of applying to the FHS Honours classes for Grade 10 should have a core average of 80 per cent or higher at the time of application. The top thirty applicants in the program receive enrichment course content in all the core subjects.

“This last year has been amazing,” says Addison Harder, a member of the Grade 10 Honours cohort at FHS. “The English class has been especially interesting, and we have a chance to discuss ideas and complete projects that give us an extra level of understanding. And I’m so glad I can take these kinds of classes at my local high school and stay close to the friends I’ve made in elementary and junior high.”

Interested students and families are invited to attend an upcoming information session about the Honours Classes:

FHS Honours Classes Information Session:
Date: Feb. 6, 2024
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Fort Saskatchewan High
                 10002-97 Ave., Fort Saskatchewan, AB

At the session, students and their families will have the opportunity to talk with administrators and teachers and discuss how these classes can help boost their learning goals. Details will also be available at FHS’ Open House from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on February 15.

Current EIPS Grade 9 students who wish to register to attend FHS in the 2024-25 school year must do so during the Returning Student Registration process, running February 8-21. The deadline for applying to the FHS Honours classes is May 31, 2024. Application forms are available by contacting the school or attending the information session or open house. Students accepted into the program will be advised before the end of the current school year.

Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,750 students in 42 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn.

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For more information, media can contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902