Under contract with the Ontario Ministry of Education, the Faculty of Education of the University of Ottawa undertook a comprehensive study of the needs and characteristics of students in the intermediate years, ages 12 to 16. The approach consisted in developing a relevant and pertinent synthesis of information, based on quality research studies, concerning the physical, intellectual, social, and emotional characteristics of adolescents in the 12 to 16 age group. It is hoped that such a synthesis as provided in this document will bring greater awareness on the part of teachers of the necessity for implementing educational processes compatible with the needs and characteristics of early adolescence and that, in addition, it will serve advantageously as a valid and reliable basis for decision making relative to educational programs intended for the intermediate division. (Author)