System Programs Option Sheets
Specialized Programs School-Based Programs
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 SHSM and Specialized and Personalized Learning programs are available across the district and are open to all students in Hamilton.
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) - Top
How will a SHSM help me customize high school to fit with my career interests?
- 2 year – four semester program
- For any interested Gr. 11 or Gr. 12 student
- Sector recognized certification and training e.g., Standard First Aid, CPR, WHMIS training, etc.
- Experiential learning and co-operative education
- Opportunities in Apprenticeship, College, University or Workplace destinations
What will I get?
A special seal on your high school diploma as proof of your learning in this sector and an outline of all the SHSM courses and certifications earned on your transcript
And
We asked the industry experts to make sure you are developing knowledge and skills directly related to your career choice to help you to be successful
What kinds of opportunities exist?
- Arts & Culture – Highland , Glendale , Hillpark
- Aviation & Aerospace – Ancaster
- Business - Glendale (pending approval)
- Construction – Saltfleet, Westdale
- Energy – Sir John A. MacDonald
- Environment – Waterdown
- Health & Wellness – Delta, Sherwood, Sir Allan MacNab, Sir Winston Churchill
- Horticulture & Landscaping – Saltfleet, Westdale (pending approval)
- Information and Communications Technology – Barton, Highland (pending approval), Westdale (pending approval)
- Hospitality & Tourism – Parkview SS Mountain, Orchard Park, Sir John A. Macdonald
- Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services – Hill Park
- Manufacturing – Barton, Highland
What's the best part?
- Gain confidence and skills in an area of interest
- Make informed career decisions
- Get a special seal on your diploma
- Recognized by industry
For more information about these programs, see the school pages of the SHSM schools and contact your Guidance Counselloror or Margot Burnell - Cimba, SHSM Lead at margot.burnell@hwdsb.on.ca.
Imagine….an opportunity to test drive a career
Specialized and Personalized Learning - Top
Specialized and Personalized Learning is used to define non-Ministry mandated, unique, innovative learning programs in focused areas, designed to engage students who have differing educational interests. The programs have the capacity to develop a broad range of skills and further enhance character development, academic achievement, and leadership development and may include languages, environmental studies, the arts and fitness and wellness. These programs complement subjects/courses consistent with the Ontario Curriculum however, offer specialized learning opportunities that develop skills with greater depth and intensity.
Students may enter a specialized and personalized learning at different elementary and secondary grade levels based on program availability and admission criteria. Secondary Specialized and Personalized Learning may contribute to a Ministry approved Specialist High Skills Major when a career-focused pathway offering opportunities in apprenticeship, college, university and workplace exists.
Arts and Culture
- The Fashion Industry Offered at Orchard Park
- Multimedia Discovering a Digital Voice Offered at Westdale
- NYAWEH Offered at Sir John A MacDonald
- The Performing Arts Academy Offered at Hill Park
- The Visual Arts Academy Offered at Sir John A MacDonald
Energy and The Environment
- Outbound Offered at Delta and Waterdown
Indiviualized Learning
- QUEST Offered at Parkside
Information and Communications Technology
- Creative Communications Offered at Barton
Science and Technology
- BioTech Offered at Ancaster
- Manufacturing Plus Offered at Barton
- Robotics Offered at Orchard Park
Social Justice
- Global Citizenship Offered at Highland
- Social Justice Offered at Westmount
Sports and Fitness
- The HWDSB Basketball Academies Offered at Barton, Orchard Park, Parkside, Saltfleet, Sherwood, Sir Allan MacNab, and Sir John A. MacDonald
- The Hockey Canada Skills Academies Offered at Ancaster, Sherwood, Sir Winston Churchill, and Waterdown
- The HWDSB Football Academy Offered at Sir Allan MacNab and Orchard Park
- Fitness and Wellness Offered at Sir Allan MacNab, Saltfleet and Sherwood
- The Rugby Academy Offered at Saltfleet
- The HWDSB Tennis Academy Offered at Delta
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - Top
Offered at Ancaster, Glendale, Westdale
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.
What is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme?
The International Baccalaureate (‘IB’) Diploma Programme is a world-renowned pre-university course of studies, offered during the last two years of secondary school. Students graduate from this international programme with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate Diploma, which is, recognized worldwide. French Immersion students are also accommodated within this programme
Although the IB Programme officially begins in Grade 11, students intending to take part must take specific courses in Grades 9 and 10. There are also specific activities in Grades 9 and 10 to prepare students for the demands of the IB Programme.
The International School of Geneva, Switzerland first conceived the IB Programme in the early 1960s. Its comprehensive curriculum strives to:
- Prepare highly motivated students for university entrance, nationally and internationally.
- Provide a curriculum, which will challenge the whole student beyond the traditional realm of the high school experience with a view to developing "global citizens".
To this end the International Baccalaureate Organization is committed to the following Mission Statement:
The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
All diploma candidates are required to engage in the study of languages, sciences, mathematics, and humanities. This broad programme is a deliberate compromise between the specialization desired in some countries and the emphasis of breadth often preferred by others. Students will learn how to learn, to analyze, and to reach informed conclusions about other people, their culture, and the scientific forces of the environment.
The IB Diploma
The structure of the programme is best represented as a hexagon. A student’s course of studies consists of at least one subject from each of the six groups:
Three of the subjects are taken at the “Higher Level” (HL), where each is equivalent to a maximum of three senior OSSD credits. The other three subjects are taken at the “Standard Level” (SL), where each is equivalent to a maximum of two senior OSSD credits.
In addition to the six academic subjects, students complete “Theory of Knowledge” (TOK), an interdisciplinary course designed to stimulate critical reflection and develop a coherent approach to learning which transcends and unifies the academic subjects and encourages appreciation of other cultural perspectives.
"Creativity, Action, Service," known by its acronym "CAS", is a fundamental and unique part of the diploma curriculum. Through a minimum of 150 hours of balanced extracurricular involvements, students learn to appreciate the importance of life outside the world of scholarship. CAS provides a counter-balance to the academic self-absorption some might feel in a demanding school programme. Through learning to work cooperatively with others, and through encouraging students to reach beyond themselves and their studies, CAS helps to educate the “whole person” and fosters a more compassionate citizenry.
Students are required to undertake original research and write an “Extended Essay” (EE) of some 4000 words. This project offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and acquaints the student with the kinds of independent research and writing skills expected in university. The topic is usually associated with some aspect of the student’s own course of study and personal interest.
For more information go to, www.hwdsb.on.ca/programs/spl
French Immersion Program at Westdale Secondary School - Top
The French Immersion Department helps students to achieve the educational goals set forth by Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and the Ontario Ministry of Education, and, at the same time, to develop an ability in French at a level that permits them to:
- Communicate easily with French-speaking people
- Understand and appreciate Canada's Francophone and Anglophone heritage
- Continue their educational development in French or English
- Accept employment that requires French or English or a combination of the two languages
In order to achieve a Certificat d'Immersion, students must complete 10 courses including the following Immersion French courses:
FIFD1I - Grade 9 Francis (Immersion French) Academic - Compulsory
This course enables students to expand their language knowledge and skills through the study of twentieth-century North American Francophone literature and culture. Students will participate in oral communication, reading, and writing activities as they study a novel and selected poems, legends, songs, films, newspaper articles from the French -speak¬ing world in North America.
FIF2D1I - Grade 10 Francis (Immersion French) Academic - Compulsory
This course enables students to increase their knowledge of the French language and to further develop their language skills through the study of twentieth-century European francophone literature and culture. Students will participate in oral communication, reading and writing activities based on a variety of French literary and media works. They will study at least one novel and a selection of poems, short stories, films, plays and newspaper and magazine articles. (Prerequisite: FIF1D1I)
FIF3U1I - Grade 11 Francis (Immersion French) University - Compulsory
This course develops knowledge and language skills throughout the study of francophone literature and culture from around the world. Students will study novels, plays, short stories, films and non-fiction works and produce written assign¬ments in a variety of forms, including critiques and precis. They will also write a formal research essay. The use of cor¬rect grammar and appropriate language conventions in both spoken and written French will be emphasized throughout the course. (Prerequisite: FIF2D1I)
FIF4U1I - Grade 12 Francis (Immersion French) University - Compulsory
This course provides for extensive study of French literature and culture from the Middle Ages to the present. Students will study novels, plays, poems, films, and non-fiction works produced in various historical periods, and will write a formal research paper. The use of correct grammar and appropriate language conventions in both spoken and written French will be emphasized throughout the course. (Prerequisite: FIF3U1I)
Plus six additional Immersion courses from the following list:
ADA1O1I Grade 9 Art Dramatique
See ADA101, Dramatic Arts
CGC1D1I Grade 9 Geographie Du Canada, Academic
See CGC1D1, Canadian & World Studies
MPM1D1I Grade 9 Mathematiques, Academic
See MPM1D1, Mathematics
SNC1D1I Grade 9 Sciences, Academic
See SNC1D1, Science
AVI2O1I Grade 10 Art Visual
See AVI2O1, Visual Arts
CHC2D1I Grade 10 Historie Du Canada, Academic
See CHC2D1, Canadian & World Studies
CHV2O3I Grade 10 Education a la Citoyennete/GLC2O3L Grade 10 Orientation et Formation au Cheminement de Carriere, Cours Overt
See CHV2O3, CIVICS and GLC2O3, Career Studies
MPM2D1I Grade 10 Mathematiques, Academic
See MPM2D1, Mathematics
SNC2D1I Grade 10 Sciences, Academic
See SNC2D1, Science
BDI2C1I Grade 11 Introduction a L'Entrepreneuriat, College
See BDI3C1, Introduction to Entrepreneurial Studies
HSP3M1I Grade 11 Introduction a la Psychologie, la Sociologie et L'anthropologie, University/College
See HSP3M1, Introduction to Psycology, Sociology and Antrhopology
Students may also gain credits by participating in the following:
- Co-operative Education placement in a French Immersion environment
- Three month education exchange to France, Switzerland or Luxembourg
- Any student wishing to work towards a French Immersion certificate should plan the best way to complete a total of 10 Immersion courses across four years of secondary school, noting that all 4 Francais courses are required and the other 6 courses are optional.
Every student takes 8 subjects (6 compulsory, 2 optional) in their grade 9 year. Any student wishing to work towards a French Immersion certificate should plan the best way to complete a total of 10 Immersion courses across four years of secondary school, noting that all 4 Francais courses are compulsory and the other 6 courses are optional.
Prerequisite: Elementary French Immersion 3800 hours
For more information contact: Mme. Snell, French Immersion Department Head
HWDSB Sport Academy at Westmount Secondary School - Top
The HWDSB Sport Academy is located on the west mountain at Westmount Secondary School. The program is designed for both high level and high potential athletes and allows them to maintain their rigorous training schedules while continuing to progress in their education in the self-paced/self-directed format.
The Sport Academy Program supports student athletes not only in maintaining a healthy balance in their lives but also in receiving support for their quest for excellence in both athletic and academic endeavors.
The Sport Academy Program features flexible programming, timetabling and evaluation pertaining to students’ academic needs, as well as athletic training supervised by qualified strength and conditioning specialists. Transportation between home and school is the responsibility of the student/parent.
Purpose:
At Westmount Secondary School we promote the pursuit of excellence within a culture of respect and personal responsibility. Students within the Sport Academy enjoy the flexibility of self-paced course instruction, coupled with strong instructional leadership from within the Department of Health and Physical Education at Westmount Secondary School and supported by personal trainers at McMaster University.
Program Highlights:
- Year-round strength and conditioning training based on the Long Term Athlete Development model as created by Sport Canada
- Regular training sessions at McMaster University’s David Braley Athletic Centre
- Flexible, self-paced/self-directed academic programming to accommodate individual needs
- Use of state-of-the-art fitness space, equipment and technology, such as Polar heart rate monitoring technology and three spacious gymnasium spaces
- Supportive environment among like-minded students
- Dedicated, enthusiastic and committed staff working with student athletes
- Seminars for parents, athletes and coaches
Mission:
High-achieving student athletes are required to be academically motivated while pursuing rigorous, time-consuming training schedules. It is the mission of the Sport Academy to support student athletes in achieving their full potential by incorporating training time into their regular school day, thereby reducing overall stress loads. We support all student athletes across Hamilton-Wentworth.
Commitment:
Students who are successfully accepted into the WSA Program in Grade 9 will be required to take two Health and Physical Education courses, coupled with other compulsory courses. These courses will be timetabled for the mornings, to allow for training sessions at McMaster and Westmount. If a student’s training schedule precludes him or her from attending school in the mornings, then this program is not suitable.
Application Procedure:
Students interested in the Sport Academy must submit an application form, attend an interview, and complete a fitness test. Students who are not successful in entering the Sport Academy will be considered for registration in the self-paced programme at Westmount.
Waiting lists for registration will be created should the Sport Academy reach its maximum enrolment.
For more program information, please contact Greg Ardron, Program Coordinator, at (905) 385-3671.
