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WHAT IS A PATHWAY?

A ‘pathway’ will lead a student to a particular post- secondary destination. Students should be free to make new pathway choices as they develop new interests, skills and abilities. Thoughtful course selection with a realistic examination of interests and abilities is an important aspect of successful pathway planning.

SELECTING YOUR PATHWAY

It is important that young people find work and experiences that are rewarding, fulfilling, and those which allow them to contribute to their community. This search may lead directly to an apprenticeship, college, community living, university or the workplace – otherwise called a student’s ‘initial post-secondary destination’.

Which pathway will you choose

INDIVIDUAL PATHWAYS PLANNING

Starting in Grade 7, students will document their learning in education and career/life planning in an Individual Pathways Plan (IPP), using myBlueprint. Developing an IPP increases a student’s awareness of their strengths and interests and the related opportunities for learning and work. It also enables them, in collaboration with their teachers and caregivers, to make decisions, set goals, develop and implement the steps needed to successfully complete elementary and secondary school and proceed to their initial postsecondary destination.

At each grade level in high school, students will engage in a number of grade-specific IPP activities designed to promote pathways awareness and high school course planning.  Students will use the MyBlueprint website for much of this IPP work as they make connections to potential post-secondary destinations.  Activities include WHO AM I surveys, personal portfolio development, career & post-secondary exploration, high school course selections and more.  These activities will be directed by your LHSS guidance counsellors.

IPP graphic IPP details

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PATHWAYS FOCUSED PROGRAMS

Pathwyas programs

  • CO-OP – Cooperative Education gives students the opportunity to earn credits while completing a work placement in the community that is related to the learning expectations of a secondary school course. Workplace supervisors mentor students throughout this experience.
  • OYAP – The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) enables students to meet diploma requirements while participating in Cooperative Education in an apprenticeship occupation. Students interested in OYAP should plan to include Co-op in their course selection for Grade 11 and/or 12.
  • SHSM – The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program allows students to acquire technical knowledge and skills related to a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. LHSS offers 4 SHSM programs – Arts & Culture, Business, Information & Communication Technology and Manufacturing.
  • DUAL CREDIT – Dual credit programs allow students who are still in secondary school to take college or apprenticeship courses that count toward both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and a postsecondary certificate, diploma, degree or apprenticeship certification.  For more information on Dual Credit options, please speak with your guidance counsellor.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PATHWAYS, PLEASE VISIT WRDSBPATHWAYS.CA