Grade Level Seminar

Gr 9 - 12 | 0.5 credit | Quarter-long | 1x per cycle 

All students meet with their school counselor in small groups once per cycle for one quarter;  seniors meet quarter 1, Grade 9 meets quarter 2,  juniors meet quarter 3 and sophomores meet quarter 3. These seminars are designed to address the developmental needs of adolescents, maximize their learning experience and help them plan for the future. 

Grade 9  Seminar - The primary focus of the program is the orientation of first year students to Wellesley High School. Students meet during quarter 2 to become familiar with their new school, get to know each other, and build a relationship with their counselor. Counselors review the Student Handbook, Program of Studies, and other materials to help students understand the procedures, rules, regulations, general high school programs, services and opportunities. In addition, students learn about the composition of their class, discrimination/diversity, conflict resolution, teacher expectations, study skills, time management and other topics of importance to ninth graders. Finally, we discuss social media and how to manage their on-line presence. 

Sophomore Seminar - This quarter 3 program focuses on decision-making skills and self-assessment. Students use the Career Discovery in Naviance to explore personality types, career interests, and possible college selections. In addition, students assess their academic and extracurricular participation and progress, their strengths and weaknesses, and begin discussion of the college planning timeline with an emphasis on the testing appropriate for the end of the sophomore year. Students will prepare for a resume which they can use on their post-secondary process as well as for jobs/internships. There are also units on social media use, as well as resources and ways to manage their on-line presence. 

Junior Seminar - This quarter 3 program focuses on post-high school planning with particular emphasis on the college search process. Through a systematic approach, students come to understand their own personal requirements for college as well as what colleges look for in applicants. Students learn how to determine their eligibility for different colleges and to understand the importance of investigating colleges with a wide range of selectivity. Techniques for investigation, tours, interviews and narrowing down one’s list of colleges are also discussed so that students are prepared to make the best use of the summer for continuing their research. 

Senior Seminar - In quarter 1, students planning to attend college after high school review and revise their previous choices and finalize their plans. In addition to refining their list of schools, students will learn about their own and their counselor’s responsibilities in the application process and they discuss interviews, essays, and application preparation. Students will gain an understanding of the financial aid process prior to the evening presentation in late October. We also discuss alternate options such as Gap Years, PG programs, work and the armed services. Students who wish to pursue other options upon graduation will work with their counselor, either in groups or individually, to develop their post high school plans.  See the Alternatives to College and PG Year tabs on the School Counseling website. 

Essential Skills: Grade Level Seminar Standards and Learing Targets

Standard 1: Develop Interpersonal Skills

    Learning Target:  1a. Develop relationships with peers/adults within WHS

2a. Effectively self-advocate for student needs

3a. Problem Solving Skills

Standard 2: Develop Intrapersonal Skills

   Learning Targets:  2a. Effectively cultivate balance in life

     2b. Demonstrate empathy towards others

     2c. Effective decision making 

Standard 3: Goal Setting/Planning

    Learning Targets:    3a. Effectively create 4-year academic plan

     3b. Research and create vocational/post secondary options