At HWDSB, we know that each student is unique in his or her learning, and we work to ensure our programs help our students reach their full potential. In addition to the programming offered at neighbourhood schools, a number of alternative programs focusing on sports, academics, science, arts and languages have been developed.
Programs of Choice are available in many schools across the district and are open to all students in Hamilton. Join us to learn more about these exciting programs.
Click here to view the Programs of Choice Viewbook.
Elementary Programs of Choice
Fitness and Wellness - Top
Elementary: Offered at Ancaster Senior, Cathy Wever, Gatestone, Prince of Wales, R.A. Riddell
The Fitness and Wellness Program is an innovative way of program delivery that differentiates fitness instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners. The program uses advanced tracking equipment to monitor and report on a variety of fitness measures (e.g., heart rate, body mass index). Through the frequent monitoring of these measures, students are encouraged to consistently train in their "optimal zone" in all of their endeavours ranging from traditional physical education programs to sport-specific training.
Pathway Opportunity: This elementary Program of Choice may lead into a similar Program of Choice at the secondary level.
Mandarin Transition Language - Top
Offered at Prince Phillip
The Mandarin Transition Language Program offers students in junior kindergarten to grade 2 programming using their first language. Students access curriculum content effectively by using Mandarin to clarify concepts and develop increased proficiency in English.
Pathway Opportunity: This elementary Program of Choice may lead into a similar Program of Choice at the secondary level.
SAGE (Scholastics, Arts and Global Education) - Top
Offered at Strathcona
SAGE is built around family participation and community building (12-15 hours a month). Teachers and families work in cooperation, using innovative teaching methods to deliver the Ontario curriculum in an interactive, child-centred manner that emphasizes global education, arts and recreation. Students can continue this Program of Choice at SAGE Quest at the middle-school level.
Pathway Opportunity: This elementary Program of Choice may lead into a similar Program of Choice at the secondary level.
Key dates
SAGE Parent Information Session - TBA
Click here to download the SAGE application and information package.
Click here to download the SAGE application form.
SAGE QUEST - Top
Offered at Ryerson and George L. Armstrong
Designed for the middle school years, SAGE Quest recognizes the academic, emotional and social needs of this age group. The program goal is to develop independent learners and critical thinkers through a strong arts and science base. Students are encouraged to continue this Program of Choice at Parkside Secondary School.
Click here to download the application package.
Pathway Opportunity: This elementary Program of Choice may lead into a similar Program of Choice at the secondary level.
Single Gender Learning - Top
Offered at C.B. Stirling and Flamborough Centre
"Recent research indicates that girls and boys see and hear the world differently – not only figuratively but literally," states Dr. Leonard Sax, M.D., Ph.D. The Single-Gender Program recognizes and understands these differences and provides students with a single-gender environment in which to learn. This program has been extensively reviewed by Brock University and Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at University of Toronto to explore how effective single gender learning can be.
Pathway Opportunity: This elementary Program of Choice may lead into a similar Program of Choice at the secondary level.
Sports Academy - Top
Offered at R.A. Riddell
The Sport Academy at the middle-school level provides a supportive learning environment and flexible timetabling to allow students enrolled in the program the opportunity to significantly advance their athletic skills while achieving a high level of academic success. The Sport Academy includes basketball, club and high potential athletes. Students may also apply to focus on basketball. Students also benefit from a strong partnership with McMaster University. Students are encouraged to continue this Program of Choice at Westmount secondary.
Pathway Opportunity: This elementary Program of Choice may lead into a similar Program of Choice at the secondary level.
Applications now being accepted for the 2010-2011 school year. Click on the links below to access the online application form
Please submit ALL completed forms, a copy of your child’s birth certificate, along with your child’s most current report card, and previous June report card. As well a $100 user fee must accompany the package.The cheque may be post dated to March 12, 2010 to be processed only if the student is offered and joins the Sport Academy /Basketball Academy
The completed package can be submitted in the following way:
- Send it directly to the school (Attn Teresa Movre)
- Email completed forms to teresa.movre@hwdsb.on.ca
- Fax to 905-387-9188
Program Information Session: Feb 2, 2010 5:30-7:00 p.m. at R.A. Riddell School, 200 Cranbrook Drive, Hamilton, On, L9C 4S9
Please note that a copy of your child’s birth certificate must also be submitted.
- Click here to download Community Information.
- Click here to download the Sports Academy brochure.
- Click here to download the Out-of-Catchment application form.
- Click here to download Student Registration and Information.
- Click here to download Programs of Choice Application Form.
The HWDSB Basketball Academies - Top
Elementary Schools: Offered at Bennetto, Cathy Wever and R.A. Riddell
The basketball academies emphasize basketball fundamentals, individual skills goal setting, rules, team concepts, fitness and healthy living and a mentoring/coaching component. This program is partnering with Basketball Canada to develop a Long Term Athletics Development based Grade 6 to Grade 12 curriculum. Students are encouraged to continue this Program of Choice at the secondary level.
Pathway Opportunity: This elementary Program of Choice may lead into a similar Program of Choice at the secondary level.
Elementary Forms
- Click here to download Community Information.
- Click here to download the Sports Academy brochure.
- Click here to download the Out-of-Catchment application form.
- Click here to download Student Registration and Information.
- Click here to download Programs of Choice Application Form.
Secondary Programs of Choice
BioTech - Top
Offered at Ancaster High
The Biotech Program provides a unique opportunity for students to explore the interconnectedness of biology and chemistry with an emphasis on the impact of these two disciplines on society. Through the use of technology, students explore innovative and differentiated ways to explain concepts to each other, their teachers and the public at large. In this program, students use technology as a tool to enhance their learning, facilitate their understanding and improve their overall achievement.
Pathway Opportunity: This can lead to the Aviation and Aerospace Specialist High Skills Major
Creative Communications - Top
Offered at Barton
The Visual Arts and Creative Communication program at Barton features experimentation and a hands-on approach to studio production using both traditional and new media. Students are provided with experiences needed to produce their own works and communicate their insights while further developing their technical and conceptual skills. Students also develop a sense of responsibility for their creations and their collaborative work.
Discovering a Digital Voice - Top
Offered at Westdale
Developing a Digital Voice uses a variety of technologies to teach students to communicate with clarity and precession, both orally and in writing. This program uses the integration of technology to engage students in their learning and provide them with the skills needed to accomplish this now and in the future.
Pathway Opportunity: This can lead to an Arts and Culture Specialist High Skills Major.
Fitness and Wellness - Top
Offered at Macnab, Saltfleet and Sherwood
The Fitness and Wellness Program is an innovative way of program delivery that differentiates fitness instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners. The program uses advanced tracking equipment to monitor and report on a variety of fitness measures (e.g., heart rate, body mass index). Through the frequent monitoring of these measures, students are encouraged to consistently train in their “optimal zone” in all of their endeavours ranging from traditional physical education programs to sport-specific training.
Pathway Opportunity: This can lead to a Health and Wellness Specialist High Skills Major.
Global Citizenship - Top
Offered at Highland
Students are introduced to the concept of global awareness and education through this program. Starting in Grade 9, students become engaged in multiple school and community groups to expand leadership skills and become active citizens. Teachers in the program facilitate the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award program where students can work toward bronze, silver and gold medals by helping to become physically fit, develop various skills and go on expeditions in the community.
Global Connect - Top
Offered at Highland
Students are introduced to the concept of global awareness and education through this program. Starting in Grade 9, students become engaged in multiple school and community groups to expand leadership skills and become active citizens. Teachers in the program facilitate the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award program where students can work toward bronze, silver and gold medals by helping to become physically fit, develop various skills and go on expeditions in the community.
International Baccalaureate - Top
Offered at Glendale, Westdale and Ancaster
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is a challenging two-year curriculum, primarily aimed at students aged 16 to 19. It leads to a qualification that is widely recognized by the world’s leading universities. Students graduate with both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and the International Diploma. The IB program aims to do the following:
- Prepare students for a successful transition to post-secondary school
- Increase awareness of their role in becoming a global citizen
- Learn and grow as a student in their self awareness, their ability to ask challenging questions and to develop as a leader outside of the classroom.
*Ancaster is an IB candidate school and with their successful application will be offering the IB diploma in the fall of 2011.
Manufacturing Plus - Top
Offered at Barton
The Manufacturing Plus Program is designed to engage interested students in grade 9 and 10 and create a direct pathway to the successful Manufacturing Specialist High Skills Major in Grade 11. Students will learn and gain practical skills as they move through an enhanced Grade 9 and Grade 10 technology curriculum. This program will give students the opportunity to experience all areas of manufacturing.
Pathway Opportunity: This can lead to the Manufacturing Specialist High Skills Major.
NYA:WEH - Top
Offered at Sir John A MacDonald
The Native Youth Advancement With Education Hamilton (NYA:WEH) program was started in 2003 by aboriginal leaders in response to the alarmingly high dropout rate of aboriginal youth in Hamilton’s schools. SJAM has a dedicated resource room where aboriginal students can do homework and class assignments, seek tutoring, use computers, receive cultural support and guidance, resolve conflicts, get a healthy meal, and even do laundry. Peer leadership, teachings from elders, and culturally specific after-school activities are also part of the program. The program employs two youth advisors and a cultural outreach worker, all of whom are Aboriginal Peoples.
Pathway Opportunity: This can lead to an Arts and Culture Specialist High Skills Major.
Outbound - Top
Offered at Delta and Waterdown District
Outbound is a four credit, integrated program offered to all students in HWDSB. Outbound integrates Grade 12 courses in science, geography, English and physical and health education in a program which develops practical skills related to communication, leadership, outdoor education, and environmental awareness.
QUEST - Top
Offered at Parkside
Quest will operate in both grades 9 and 10 with an integrated delivery approach following the model established at SAGE Quest. Subject groupings include Geography/PE, Math/Tech, French/Science, English/Integrated Arts, etc. Students will have the opportunity to select two elective credits in Grade 10. The program is open to all students in HWDSB. The Parkside team will focus the program on social justice to foster an environment in which all students are engaged in learning.
Robotics - Top
Offered at Orchard Park
Robotics is a program designed to build self-confidence, knowledge and practical skills geared to help a student interested in this field. You will be able to design and build competitive robots, compete in international robotic competitions and network with professionals in the technology, science and engineering industry.
Pathway Opportunity: This can lead to the Aviation and Aerospace Specialist High Skills Major.
Social Justice - Top
Offered at Westmount
To be effective citizens in a democracy each of us must have skills, understanding and connections to our community. There are many students who are deeply concerned about their society and their environment. This four-credit package gives students who are interested in current events and social issues a unique opportunity to acquire skills and experience that will make them more effective participants in the community.
Sports Academy - Top
Offered at Westmount
The Sports Academy provides a supportive learning environment and flexible timetabling to allow students enrolled in the program the opportunity to significantly advance their athletic skills while achieving a high level of academic success. The Sports Academy includes basketball, club and high-potential athletes. Students may also apply to focus on basketball. Students benefit from a strong partnership with McMaster University.
Pathway Opportunity: This can lead to a Health and Wellness Specialist High Skills Major.
The Performing Arts Academy - Top
Offered at Hill Park
Hill Park has a 40-year history of performing arts in HWDSB. After a comprehensive selection process, Hill Park became The Performing Arts Academy school for the entire Board and is open to all students across the district. The Program of Choice in the performing arts focuses on music, drama, dance, and vocal. It allows students, who wish to pursue a career in related fields, an opportunity to focus on the arts while getting a high school diploma.
Pathway Opportunity: This can lead to an Arts and Culture Specialist High Skills Major.
The HWDSB Basketball Academy - Top
Offered at Barton, Sir Allan MacNab, Orchard Park, Park Side, Sherwood and Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary Schools
The basketball academies at the secondary level will emphasize basketball fundamentals, individual skills goal setting, rules, team concepts, fitness and healthy living and a mentoring/coaching component. This program is partnering with Basketball Canada to develop Long Term Athletic Development based grade 6 to grade 12 curriculum.
Pathway Opportunity: This can lead to a Health and Wellness Specialist High Skills Major.
The Hockey Canada Skills Academy - Top
Offered at Ancaster, Sir Winston Churchill, Sherwood and Waterdown
The emphasis in these Hockey Canada accredited programs is on skill development. Fundamental hockey skills such as passing, shooting, puck control, skating and checking comprise the main focus of the on-ice components of the course. Student involvement in this program may also enhance leadership, fitness, hockey strategy and healthy life skills for athletes. The off ice components include video analysis, fitness training and CPR training. Health units consist of, healthy sexuality, substance use and abuse, goal setting, communication, and social skills.
Pathway Opportunity: This can lead to a Health and Wellness Specialist High Skills Major.
The HWDSB Football Academy - Top
Offered at Sir Allan MacNab
The HWDSB Football Academy will emphasize football fundamentals, individual skill development, goal setting, rules, team concepts, fitness and healthy living and a mentoring/coaching component. This program has partnered with Football Canada and the Ontario Football Alliance to develop Long Term Athletic Development based grade 9 to grade 12 curriculum. Students will also receive coaching and referee certifications.
Pathway Opportunity: This can lead to a Health and Wellness Specialist High Skills Major.
The HWDSB Tennis Academy - Top
Offered at Delta
The HWDSB Tennis Academy gives students at all levels of play the opportunity to learn new skills, improve their overall fitness levels and develop a love for an affordable recreational sport. Delta has updated the facility to provide a tennis court in the boys’ gym and has recently entered into a partnership with Rosedale Tennis Club to provide students with an enhanced tennis experience.
Pathway Opportunity: This can lead to a Health and Wellness Specialist High Skills Major.
The Visual Arts Academy - Top
Offered at Sir John A MacDonald
The Visual Arts Academy gives students the opportunity to take specialized studio courses. Students gain experiences, develop skills and create a portfolio of work in preparation for university, college, and workplace interviews. In 2009-10 a specialized Grade 9 course will be added to attract students from Grade 8.
Pathway Opportunity: This can lead to an Arts and Culture Specialist High Skills Major.
