September 24th, 2025

Starting in the 2025-26 school year, the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) is making changes to how final evaluations work for students in Grades 9 and 10 to help better set them up for success on their future pathways.

Evaluation for Grade 11 and 12 students will remain unchanged.

Evaluation Days

At the end of each semester, there are four scheduled Evaluation Days. Students will attend the Evaluation Days if their courses have a scheduled activity or if a teacher invites them for extra help or credit recovery.

Students, parents, families and caregivers will know ahead of time if attendance is required. This will be communicated by their school.

Changes For Grade 9 and 10 Students

On Evaluation Days, all Grade 9 and 10 students will need to attend school. They will complete in-class final evaluations for some courses. This could include:

  • Presentations
  • Projects
  • Written assessments
  • Other activities

Grade 9 to 12 students will be required to attend school on some Evaluation Days.

Which Courses Are Included?

Evaluation Days will feature final in-class evaluations for the following full-credit, compulsory Grade 9 and 10 courses.

Grade 9

  • Geography (CGC1W)
  • Science (SNC1W)
  • Math (MTH1W)
    • For Grade 9 Math (MTH1W), students will complete the EQAO Math Assessment during Evaluation Days.
      • This will count for up to 10% of their final grade.
  • English (ENL1W)
  • French (FSF1D/FEF1D/FIF1D)

Grade 10

  • History (CHC2D)
  • Science (SNC2D)
  • Math (MPM2D)
  • English (ENG2D)

Additional courses may also require attendance during the evaluation days. Students will be notified in advance.

Supporting Student Learning

These changes to Evaluation Days for Grade 9 and 10 students support their achievement and well-being by:

  • Giving all secondary students structured, meaningful ways to show what they have learned.
  • Encouraging early preparation and reducing stress related to workload at the end of the semester by setting clear expectations.
  • Building expectations for final evaluations for future grades.

Learn more about the School Year Calendar.

Categories: Husky News