What are students saying about Ontario’s new grade breakdown?
Ontario high school students will see several new changes starting in the 2026-2027 school year, including required final exams and attendance being factored into grades. CBC’s Kendra Seguin spoke with teenagers on their first day back to find out how they feel about the updated grading approach.
“I’m not too happy about it. I don’t think any of us are,” Whaley said regarding the new attendance marks. “Not that I skip class a lot, but I just feel like as long as I’m getting my work done and things are getting handed in, showing up shouldn’t really matter that much.”
The province’s website indicates that students who miss two classes or fewer while consistently participating will earn between 80 to 100 per cent of their participation marks. Those missing more than nine classes without participation will score under 50 per cent of that mark.
Excused absences like illness or cultural events won’t negatively impact a student’s scores according to the website.
“Classroom attendance and participation help students succeed,” Calandra stated in an emailed message.
“In response to a significant decline in student attendance across the education system, we have made changes to keep students in the classroom by reflecting unexcused absences in a student’s final grade – ensuring there are real consequences for skipping class.”
Catholic Central Secondary School student Jana Ibrahim expressed her support for the updated grading method.
“It’s fair because some people are skipping and don’t come to school,” she mentioned. “I think that it’s better.”
Final exams carry more weight
A number of students noted that with increased focus on final exams comes added anxiety along with higher expectations for high schoolers throughout Ontario. “It’s a lot more pressure in that aspect. It’s good, but I’m kind of nervous,” said Margarita Balbin, who is currently in Grade 11 at Catholic Central. New high schooler Bailey Becker mentioned she’s trying to stay positive as she embarks on her next educational journey amidst these changes.“I feel like some of the changes are a little bit too much , but I think I’ll be OK.”
Other teenagers suggested there should be additional support available for those prepping for exams this year given these heightened stakes.
“Some teachers.. expect you to put all your focus into their lessons , but they’re not accommodating if you need help , and I think it’s kind of ridiculous that they’re going to make our exams count for [percentage] ,” said Grade Beal student Charli Lockhart.
Ragad Ibrahim , who goes Catholic Central , stated she believes finals should be open book moving forward.
“Twenty-five [per cent ] is a really big number ,” she remarked.
However , Grade Sarina Haghighatnama feels confident that students can thrive under this new grading scheme as long as they put forth effort.
“I think if you study , you can get a high mark. If you’re just skipping classes without caring then absolutely you’ll fail , but if you just focus , attend classes every time , do everything right you’ll definitely score well.”
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