In 2018-2019, over 1100 students in the KPDSB participated in programs that incorporate experiential learning including SHSM, Co-op/OYAP and Dual Credits.
Click here to read more about Creating Pathways to Success K-12
KPDSB Creating Pathways to Success is founded on a vision that views students as the architects of their own lives. What students believe about themselves and their opportunities, significantly influences the choices students make and the degree to which they achieve their goals. Pathways teachers will guide students as they develop the ability to implement and revise or adapt their plan throughout their school lives and beyond as they and the world around them change. Parents/Guardians and the broader community will influence the choices students make and will be encouraged to be engaged in this student-led process.
The education and career/life pathways planning program is based on three core beliefs, namely, that; all students can be successful; success comes in many forms; and there are many pathways to success. Students develop a web-based individual pathways plan (IPP) using myBlueprint as a foundation for exploration of self, their interests, and education/career goals. Pathways learning in and outside of the classroom will ensure that students develop the knowledge and skills they need to make informed education and career/life choice through the effective application of a four-step inquiry process. Who am I? What are my opportunities? Who do I want to become? What is my plan for achieving my goals?
Students may continue to choose a technical or skilled trades focus into high school where they have the opportunity to compete in secondary competitions. Pathways enhancing programs including Co-op/OYAP, SHSM and SCWI Dual Credits prepare students for these experiences and advance their preparedness for their initial post secondary destination.
Pathways education is focused on supporting students as they prepare to transition to their initial post-secondary destination. Programs that contribute to focused planning support a variety of pathway choices including apprenticeship, college, community living, university, or the workplace. KPDSB pathways enhanced programs are uniquely designed to develop skills and habits necessary to succeed in their education, career and life planning. Each of our six high schools will provide opportunities for students to complete Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE) training as one of the components of their Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM). In 2018-2019, KPDSB had 283 senior students developing their skills in 16 different SHSM programs being offered at 5 high schools. KPDSB currently offers SHSM programs in transportation, construction, manufacturing, environment, mining, business and health and wellness. Students benefit from experiential learning opportunities that include site visits to regional industries where students learn firsthand about future career opportunities in a variety of sector related fields.
KPDSB partners with Confederation College to support the delivery of Dual Credit programs where students can earn a high school and college credit. Dual Credit programs are designed to engage students and the success rate for students who participate, graduate and transition to a post-secondary destination is very high. Dryden High School is very proud of a new dual credit course offering, “Teaching from the Land”, an Interdisciplinary studies course initiated in Semester two of the 2018-19 school year. The course provides students with a way to connect with the land and apply elements from various subject curriculum such as; Native Studies, Science, Health and Physical Education, in a meaningful way. This connection, to the past traditional knowledge and skill, enhances and supports the students land-based and experiential learning opportunities specific to the region. Having students learn from the local land, as first nation ancestors did, helps students understand its true value, importance and connection to local culture, language and identity. The course was available to all students regardless of ancestry and provided all with land-based activities within various traditions and practices that encouraged high levels of engagement. “Teaching from the Land” course is set out to help in our efforts of reconciliation and helping all students understand who they are, where they come from, where they are going. DHS will continue implementing programming that encourages everyone to work and learn together helping all our students succeed and develop a positive vision of the future.
KPDSB students who identify the apprenticeship pathway may choose to participate in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) which includes a trade-related cooperative education placement. Students begin to develop the necessary skills for the trade as well as confidence that this is an area in which he or she could be successful prior to graduating. KPDSB students participated in a wide variety of skilled trade related placements including heavy duty equipment, general carpentry, construction, child and youth worker and hairstylist.
KPDSB hosted many activities through partnership with Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) to support awareness of the apprenticeship pathways including the Women in Trades Event hosted by Beaver Brae Secondary School in partnership with TransCanada Pipeline Ltd. Students also participated in Skills Ontario elementary and secondary trades and technology competitions as well as the Lac Seul Trades Fair in Sioux Lookout where students connect with community mentors and stakeholders who share their experience and provide information related to employment opportunities.
KPDSB is committed to programs that enhance pathways planning and successful transition to a student’s initial post-secondary destination.
