Secondary School Student Planning Guide - Windsor-Essex ...

The Ontario secondary school program is designed to equip all students with the knowledge and skills they need for successful outcomes – smooth
transitions to the post secondary destinations of their choice: apprenticeship, college, community living, university, or the workplace. Our schools offer
an education program in a safe and secure environment that promotes a high standard of achievement and provides all students with the learning opportunities
and support they need. Secondary schools of the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board provide courses, programs, supports and
experiences that are relevant to students’ interests and needs and to society’s needs and expectations.
Courses in the curriculum have been organized to provide clear educational paths for students to select appropriate courses. The provision of
different types of courses leading to specific destinations allows students to acquire a solid core of theoretical and applied learning and to focus learning
on goals that have relevance for them.
These courses are designed to
provide students with a broad
educational base that will prepare
them for their studies in Grade 11
and 12 and for productive
participation in society.
These courses allow
students to broaden their
knowledge and skills in a
particular subject that may
or may not be directly
related to postsecondary
goals. These courses are
appropriate for all students
regardless of postsecondary
destination.
The first 3
characters refer
to the Subject
and Course
These courses focus on the
knowledge and skills that students
need to be well prepared for
success in Grade 11 Workplace
Preparation courses. These
courses focus on developing and
enhancing strategies needed for
better literacy and numeracy skills.
These courses are
designed to equip students
with the knowledge and
skills for direct entry into the
workplace or for admission
to some apprenticeship
programs. The range and
content of the courses allow
students to prepare for a
variety of jobs, training
programs and careers.
These courses emphasize
workplace applications of
the course content.
The fourth character
refer to the Grade Level
1 = Grade 9
2 = Grade 10
3 = Grade 11
4 = Grade 12
Grade Nine and Ten Courses
College preparation courses
are designed to equip
students with the knowledge
and skills to meet the
entrance requirements for
college programs. These
courses emphasize concrete
applications of the material
covered in the course and
emphasize the development
of critical thinking and
problem solving skills.
Applied courses develop
students’ knowledge and skills by
emphasizing practical, concrete
applications of concepts and
incorporating theoretical applications
as appropriate.
Grade Eleven and Twelve Courses
Course Coding
These courses are
designed to equip students
with the knowledge and
skills to meet the
entrance requirements for
specific university and
college programs. Teaching
and learning emphasize
both theoretical aspects
and related concrete
applications.
The fifth character refers to the of course:
C = College
M = University / College
D = Academic
P = Applied
E = Workplace
O = Open
L = Locally Developed U = University
Academic courses develop
students’ knowledge and skills by
emphasizing theoretical, abstract
applications of the essential
concepts and incorporating practical
applications as appropriate.
These courses equip
students with the knowledge
and skills to meet
the entrance requirements
for university programs.
Teaching and learning
emphasizes theoretical
aspects of the course
content as well as concrete
applications.
The sixth character is
assigned by the board.
Contact the guidance
department for further
information.
Secondary School Credits
A credit is granted in recognition of the successful completion (that is, completion with a final percentage mark of 50 per cent or higher) of a course that
has been scheduled for a minimum of 110 hours. Credits are granted by a principal on behalf of the Minister of Education for courses that have been
developed or authorized by the ministry. A half-credit may be granted for each 55-hour part of a 110-hour ministry-developed course in accordance with
the policy outlined in the curriculum policy documents. Most courses are offered as single-credit courses. Some courses, such as technological
education, interdisciplinary studies, and cooperative education courses, may be offered as multiple-credit courses.
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM):
Schools are providing students with more opportunities to customize their high school experience and build on their strengths and interests
through a variety of new and enhanced learning options. One of those options is the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM). A SHSM is a
Ministry-approved specialized career-focused program that allows student to acquire knowledge and skills that are of particular importance in
specific economic sectors and earn certifications recognized in those sectors, as they work towards meeting the requirements for an OSSD. A
SHSM enables students to gain sector-specific skills and knowledge in the context of engaging, career-related learning environments and helps
them focus on graduation and on pursuing their postsecondary goals. WECDSB currently offers SHSM programs in 7 high schools as follows:
Agriculture: Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School
Arts & Culture: F. J. Brennan Catholic High School and St. Joseph's Catholic High School
Business: Holy Names Catholic High School
Construction: Cardinal Carter Catholic Secondary School
Energy: St. Anne Catholic High School
Environment: St. Anne Catholic High School
Health & Wellness: St. Joseph's Catholic High School
Hospitality & Tourism: Assumption College Catholic High School
Information & Communications Technology:St. Anne Catholic High School and St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Secondary School
Sports: F. J. Brennan Catholic High School
For more information about any of these programs consult individual school course calendars or visit www.wecdsb.on.ca
Specialized Programs:
Specialized programs are programs that provide students with a particular curriculum focus to assist them in meeting diploma requirements and
in making the transition to post secondary destinations (i.e. apprenticeship programs, college, university, and the workplace). Specialized
programs may offer a comprehensive and integrated set of courses, supports and experiences that may be spread over a number of semesters
or years and may result in a specialized diploma. The Board offers specialized programming at specific schools including:
• French Immersion (Cardinal Carter, St. Anne, St. Joseph’s, St. Thomas of Villanova)
• English Language Learners (Cardinal Carter, Catholic Central)
• International Baccalaureate Programme (Assumption College High School)
• International Education: WECDSB is connecting students all over the world through our International Education Program.
Students gain first-hand experience of other cultures in a world that is becoming increasingly globalized. Through international
education, students are able to gain an understanding of how others view our world and in turn develop a greater appreciation
of their place in it.
For more information about any of these programs consult individual school course calendars and/or contact the specific school.
Changing Pathways:
Students are not locked into a specific pathway during their high school experience. Various mechanisms facilitate the change from one course
type or program pathway to another should students’ goals or interests change. Consult your Guidance Dept. for more information.
Course Selection Change:
Parents and students should be aware that courses are offered and student timetables are constructed based on initial course selections. Careful
consideration should be given to these selections. Course changes may be made in consultation with guidance counsellors at appropriate times,
provided space is available in the alternative courses.
Policy on Substitution for Compulsory Credits:
Substitutions may be made for a limited number of compulsory credits. To meet individual students’ needs, the principal may replace up to three
compulsory credits. The decision to make a substitution is made in consultation with parents and appropriate school staff. Each substitution will
be noted on the student’s Ontario Student Transcript.
Procedures for Students Who Fail or Do Not Complete Courses:
The principal and teaching staff, in collaboration with the student and/or parent(s), will determine the procedure or type of program will best enable
the student to meet the curriculum expectations and earn credit for the course. Repeating the entire course during the school year or upgrading
during Summer School are common means to recover a credit. Credit Rescue and Credit Recovery programs may be accessed through your
School Success Team. Contact your Student Success teacher for more information.
Students may earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, an Ontario Secondary School Certificate or a Certificate of Accomplishment.
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
In order to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma, a student must complete:
Plus
Plus
Plus
Students must earn the following compulsory credits to obtain the Ontario Secondary School Diploma:
4 credits in English (1 credit per grade)*
3 credits in mathematics (at least 1 credit in Grade 11 or 12)
2 credits in science
1 credit in Canadian history
1 credit in Canadian geography
1
1
1
18 compulsory credits
Plus one credit from each of the following groups:
Community
Involvement Requirement
Students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of
community involvement activities during their years in the
secondary school program. This requirement is completed
outside normal instructional hours in a variety of settings.
Students may not fulfill this requirement through activities
that are counted towards a credit, through paid work, or by
assuming duties normally performed by a paid employee.
For more information, visit www.wecdsb.on.ca and follow
the links under Programs.
1 credit in the arts
1 credit in health and physical education
1 credit in French as a second language
0.5 credit in career studies
0.5 credit in civics
group 1: additional credit in English, or French as a second language**, or a Native language, or a classical
or international language, or social sciences and the humanities, or Canadian and world studies, or guidance
and career education, or cooperative education***
group 2: additional credit in health and physical education, or the arts, or business studies, or French as a second
language**, or cooperative education***
group 3: additional credit in science (Grade 11 or 12), or technological education, or French as a second language**,
or computer studies, or cooperative education***
In addition to the compulsory credits, students must complete:
12 optional credits †
40 hours of community involvement activities
the provincial literacy requirement
*A maximum of 3 credits in English as a second language (ESL) or English literacy development (ELD) may be counted
towards the 4 compulsory credits in English, but the fourth must be a credit earned for a Grade 12 compulsory English
course. **In groups 1, 2, and 3, a maximum of 2 credits in French as a second language can count as compulsory credits,
one from group 1 and one from either group 2 or group 3. ***A maximum of 2 credits in cooperative education can count as
compulsory credits. †The 12 optional credits may include up to 4 credits earned through approved dual credit courses.
Secondary School
Literacy Graduation Requirement
The purpose of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) is
to ensure that students have acquired the essential reading and writing skills
that apply to all subject areas in the provincial curriculum up to the end of
Grade 9. Students who are working toward an Ontario Secondary School
Diploma are required to write the OSSLT in Grade 10. Students who have
attempted the OSSLT at least once have been unsuccessful are eligible to
fulfill the requirement through the Ontario Secondary School Literacy
Course (OSSLC). Successful completion of the OSSLT or OSSLC is a
graduation requirement. For more information, visit the EQAO website,
www.eqao.com.
Students who successfully complete a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program as part of the requirements for their OSSD will receive a
diploma with an SHSM red seal.
The Ontario Scholar Program
The Ontario Scholar Program recognizes students who have earned an Ontario Secondary School Diploma in the current or previous school year
and who have attained an aggregate of at least 480 marks in any combination of ministry approved courses that provide a total of 6 credits. Upon
the recommendation of their principal, these graduating students receive a certificate from the Minister of Education.
The Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC)
The Ontario Secondary School Certificate will be granted on requested to students who leave school before earning the Ontario
Secondary Diploma, provided that they have earned a minimum of 14 credits distributed as follows:
• Compulsory credits (total of 7)
2 credits in English 1 credit in science
1 credit in Canadian geography or Canadian history 1 credit in health and physical education
1 credit in mathematics 1 credit in the arts or technological education
• Optional credits (total of 7)
The Certificate of Accomplishment
Students who are leaving secondary school upon reaching the age of eighteen without having met the requirements for the Ontario Secondary
School Diploma or the Ontario Secondary School Certificate may be granted a Certificate of Accomplishment. The Certificate of Accomplishment
may be a useful means of recognizing achievement for students who plan to take certain kinds of further training, or who plan to find employment
directly after leaving school. The Certificate of Accomplishment is to be accompanied by the student’s Ontario Student Transcript.
Schools are offering more opportunities to customize your high school experience and build on your strengths and interests through a variety of new and enhance learning
options including Experiential Learning. Experiential Learning programs enhance your academic background and provide you with opportunities to gain valuable
experiences in our community. No matter your post secondary pathway, experiential learning can assist you in making career decisions and help you develop the knowledge,
skills and habits required in the workplace. All forms of experiential learning are a valuable complement to your post secondary preparation and future employment.
Experience /
Program
Length
Eligibility /
Delivery
e-Learning is:
• A pathway for a student to earn a high school credit independently
• Available via the internet from anywhere in the world
• Taught by an accredited teacher assigned to the course to guide and support student progress
throughout the course.
E-Learning Ontario (e-LO) is an essential online resource for the Ontario-funded school system, providing
elementary and secondary teachers and learners with the flexibility they need to reach their goals. Through e-LO, the Ministry of Education offers
participating school boards new ways to teach Ontario's curriculum and help their students succeed. In this winning partnership, school boards retain
full responsibility for the delivery of courses and resources at the local level and e-LO provides leadership, software tools, and guiding policies.
On-line learning provides a different learning experience for students. On-line learning:
• Allows students to learn in a more independent and flexible environment
• Allows access to courses unavailable in your school
• Allows students to get experience with a popular college / university course delivery format
• Increases student’s technology skill set for future learning
• Assists students in developing the skills needed for the 21st century
In the 2012-2013 academic school year, we will be offering the following on-line courses Semester
2 to our Grade 11 & Grade 12 students. All courses are subject to student enrolment requirements.
HRT3MV World Religions, Gr. 11, University/College Prep
CGW4UV Canadian & World Issues: A Geographic Analysis, Gr. 12, University Prep
EMS3OV English Media Studies, Gr.12, Open
ENG4UV English, Gr. 12, University Prep
EWC4UV Writer’s Craft, Gr. 12, University Prep
HSB4MV Challenge & Change in Society, Gr. 12, University/College Prep
SPH4UV Physics, Gr. 12, University Prep
The sixth character (V) in each course codes indicates that the course is an on-line, e-Learning course.
Your first step in registering for an on-line course is to consult your guidance counsellor
for further information or visit www.wecdsb.on.ca
Guidance
Guidance Counsellors work to foster the total development of
students in conjunction with administration, staff, parents and
community agencies. With the assistance of qualified
counsellors, students explore a broad range of opportunities to
support student development, interpersonal development and
career development. Counsellors assist students in developing
learning skills and strategies that can be used in secondary and
post-secondary opportunities.
Campus Ministry
Credits
Job Shadowing ½ to 1 day Any grade N/A
Job Twinning ½ to 1 day Any grade N/A
Work Experience 1 – 4 weeks Any grade N/A
Co-operative
Education
Program
(Co-op)
Ontario Youth
Apprenticeship
Program
(OYAP)
School-Work
Co-op
Program
1 semester or
more
usually 0.5 day
1, 2, 3 or 4
credit
scheduling
options
Summer Co-op
also available
1 or 2 year
program in
senior years
1 or 2 year
program in
senior years
Grade 11
Grade 12
Prerequisite
1 related
Technology
course
Must be 16 years
of age
Must have 16
credits
Grade 11
Grade 12
Grade 11
Grade 12
2
or
more
2
or
more
2
or
more
Campus Ministers are adult leaders who organize and assist with
visible faith events in every Catholic high school. While all staff
members are called to model the example of Jesus Christ,
Campus Ministers are commissioned to promote activities and
events that give witness to the life of the Church in a school setting.
Sacramental services such as the Mass, Reconciliation and
Liturgies of the Word are some of the visible signs and grace-filled
opportunities for students in Catholic high schools to deepen their
spiritual lives. Grade-level Retreats, Peer Ministry, Church season
celebrations, social justice events, inclusive gatherings and
organized supports for individual and community causes are some
of the activities in the midst of which, you will find a Campus
Minister.
Co-Curricular Activities
All of the Board’s High Schools offer excellent Co-Curricular
programs to meet the needs and interests of the students. These
programs are intended to enrich the education of the students.
Students can choose to participate in a variety of sports teams,
activities and clubs. Involvement in these activities provides
students with valuable experiences which continue to benefit them
beyond their high school years.
Description
• One-on-one observation of a worker at a place of employment
• Take Our Kids to Work Day in Grade 9 is prototype of job shadowing
• May be incorporated into any credit course
• Counts towards the Experiential Learning component requirement for an SHSM
• One-on-one observation of a cooperative education student at his or her placement
• May be incorporated into any credit course
• Counts towards the Experiential Learning component requirement for an SHSM
• A planned learning opportunity that provides students with a relatively short-term work
experience
• May be incorporated into any credit course
• Counts towards the Experiential Learning component required for an SHSM
• A ministry-approved program that allows students to earn secondary school credits while
completing a work placement in any career field
• Students can apply 2 co-op credits towards their compulsory high school graduation
requirements with not limit on earning potential co-op credits
• “Test-drive” career options and gain valuable work experience for postsecondary programs
and future employment
• 2 credits in co-op are required for an SHSM
• Gain on-the-job training and experience in an apprenticeship in a skilled trade while earning
credits towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
• Accumulate workplace hours that count towards both secondary school co-op credits and
the requirements of an apprenticeship program
• May have an opportunity to receive Level 1 apprenticeship in-school training or be eligible
to write an exemption test for Level 1
• If enrolled in a ministry-approved dual credit program, may earn optional credits towards
their OSSD for Level 1 apprenticeship in-school training
• May involve the student’s registration in an apprenticeship
• Apprenticeship opportunities are determined by the demand of local employers in 4
sectors: industrial, motive power, service and construction
• Sample occupations included Automotive Service Technician, Truck and Coach
Technician, Cook, Hairstylist, Horticulturist, Carpenter, and General Machinist
• A student may participate in OYAP as part of an SHSM program
• For students who are planning to enter the workplace after graduation
• Any area of work NOT requiring formal post-secondary education
• A student may participate in School-Work Co-op as part of an SHSM program
For further information or to apply to any of these programs, contact your Guidance Counsellor or school’s Co-op teacher
Student Success
Every secondary school has a Student Success team and a
Student Success teacher to work in collaboration with school staff
to support students who are struggling with their secondary school
program and are at risk of not graduating. The Student Success
team will include, at a minimum, the Student Success teacher and
representation from administration, guidance, and special
education.
The responsibilities of the Student Success team for students
considered to be at risk in secondary school include:
• monitoring and tracking individual students’ progress;
• providing direct support and/or instruction to improve their
achievement, promote their retention, and support significant
transitions;
• supporting them in their education and career pathways
planning;
• supporting school-wide efforts to improve outcomes
for students struggling with their secondary school program;
• re-engaging early school leavers;
• working with parents and the community to support
student success.
Special Education
Post Secondary
Pathway
Apprenticeship
College
University
Work
Apprenticeship
College
University
Work
Apprenticeship
College
University
Work
Apprenticeship
College
University
Work
Apprenticeship
College
Work
“Blended Learning”, or b-Learning, is
being piloted across the WECDSB during
the 2011-2012 school year. Classroom
teachers now have access to all of the
tools of the Learning Management
System (LMS) provided by e-LO.
Students in Grade 7-12 will have the
opportunity to experience learning in an
online environment as teachers combine
traditional face-to-face instruction with
online instruction. Features include class
news, an online discussion board, a
virtual dropbox to submit and assess
student work, and e-portfolio, where
students can tell their story and
showcase their achievements with
images, videos, and more.
Teachers in the Special Education Department, in consultation with
school personnel, parent/guardians, and community agencies,
work together to address the programming needs of students with
special needs. Educational support is provided through resource
withdrawal, resource assistance or the Life Skills Program. By
providing a wide range of services to best accommodate the needs
of students, independence and responsibility for life-long learning
is fostered. For further information refer to www.wecdsb.on.ca and
the secondary school Special Education Department