Course Selection 2023-24

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Course Selection - 

Opens February 14 at 10:00am and closes March 2 at 4:00pm.

Students will submit their selections using: www.myblueprint.ca/ddsb.  

Click here to see the 2023-24 course calendar.

Click here to see the Course Selection Website:  https://sites.google.com/ddsb.ca/ocvicourseselection2022-23/home

OSSD Requirements

 

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a ministry-approved specialized program that allows students, starting in grade 11, to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), and assists in their transition from secondary school to apprenticeship training, college, university, or the workplace. A Specialist High Skills Major 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 post-secondary goals.

O’Neill offers a Specialist High Skills Major in the following sectors:

Pursuing a Specialist High Skills Major enables students to:

 • customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents while meeting the requirements for the OSSD;

• select a bundle of 8 to 10 senior credits in all four pathways focused on sector-specific knowledge and skills designed to help prepare students for a post-secondary destination of their choice in a particular economic sector;

• provide evidence of achievement of the required components of the Specialist High Skills Major (e.g., sector-recognized certifications) for prospective employers and post-secondary educational institutions);

• explore, identify, and refine career goals and make informed decisions about their post-secondary options;

• take part in “reach ahead” experiences that will help them gain confidence in their ability to be

successful, refine skills and work habits, and make an informed choice about future careers and next steps;

• develop essential skills and work habits that are required in the sector, and have their performance of those skills and work habits assessed and documented;

• access resources, equipment, and expertise that may not be available in their secondary school.

 

Creating Opportunities through Co-op

This course consists of a learning experience connected to a community and a cooperative education curriculum focused on developing skills, knowledge, and habits of mind that will support students in their learning, including their education and career/life planning, at school and beyond, today and in the future. Within the context of their experience connected to a community, students will apply skills, knowledge, and habits of mind that will protect and promote their health, safety, and well-being and that will strengthen their inquiry, decision-making, and leadership skills. Students will create and implement a learning plan that meets their particular interests and needs, reflect on their learning, and make connections between their experience in the community and other aspects of their lives.

  • Students begin the application process in grade 10 or 11 when they select their courses in February for grade 11 or grade 12

  • Students generally attend a placement for a half day (2 credits) or a full day (4 credits)

  • Applications and teacher reference forms are available in the Co-op office inside of Guidance beginning in early February.

  • All interested students must submit a resume and cover letter 

  • Students entering grade 12 may also apply to the OYAP program (Electrical, Plumbing, Millwright, Hairstyling, Chef, Automotive, Industrial Mechanic)

  • Students interested in OYAP in grade 12  will often benefit from Co-op in grade 11 as some OYAP programs have many applicants