In KPDSB Pathways, students use a four-step inquiry process to help develop the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed education, career and life choices. This involves learning both inside and outside of the classroom that guides students to explore the following questions:
- Who am I?
- What are my opportunities?
- Who do I want to become?
- What is my plan for achieving my goals?
Students document and regularly review their learning in education, career and life planning in their Individual Pathways Plan (IPP) in myBlueprint. Using this web-based tool, students draft their future, increasing awareness of their personal strengths and interests and related opportunities for learning (secondary courses or postsecondary opportunities) and work. The development of the IPP helps students take responsibility for their learning and planning for their future.
Grade 7 and 8 students explore secondary school programs that focus on their individual interests, strengths, needs and aspirations; they are then supported in making successful transitions to postsecondary programs in apprenticeship, college, university, the community and the workplace.
In 2021–2022, the Pathways team will focus on developing and implementing a Certification, Microcredentials and Skills Training (C/MST) program to provide students with learning opportunities from presenters from various career sectors in their community, region and beyond. Examples of these focus areas for training include customer service, leadership skills, conflict resolution, public speaking, and safe work skills. As students participate in these experiences, their Pathways teachers add badges to students’ record sheets, to be formally presented to them at their Grade 8 graduation. Connecting students to the broader community is important to support student decision-making about their future.
