The following requirements must be successfully completed in order to obtain an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD):

• 30 credits including 18 compulsory credits and 12 options;
• 40 hours of Community Involvement;
• Successful completion of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, OSSLT, written in Grade 10 OR the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course, OLC4O1

Compulsory Credits

• 4 English (1 credit per grade)
• 3 Mathematics (1 at the Senior Level)
• 2 Science
• 1 French
• 1 Canadian Geography (Grade 9)
• 1 Canadian History (Grade 10)
• 1 Arts credit (any of Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Dance)
• 1 Health and Physical Education
• 0.5 credit in Civics
• 0.5 credit in Career Studies
• Group 1 – one additional credit in English, OR French OR Native Languages OR Classical and International Languages OR Social Sciences and the Humanities OR Canadian and World Studies OR Guidance and Career Education OR Cooperative Education
• Group 2 – one additional credit in Health and Physical Education OR the Arts OR Business Studies, OR Cooperative Education
• Group 3 – one additional credit in Senior Sceince (11 – 12) or Computer Studies (Grade 10-12) OR Technological(Grade 9-12), OR Cooperative Education

A maximum of two of the three additional compulsory credit requirements for groups 1, 2, and 3 may be met with credits earned through cooperative education.

Students may be granted, on request, an Ontario Secondary School Certificate, which includes 7 Compulsory Credits:

• 2 credits in English
• 1 credit in Mathematics
• 1 credit in Science
• 1 credit in Canadian History or Geography
• 1 credit in The Arts, Computer Studies or Technological Education
• 1 credit in Health and Physical Education
  + Plus seven optional credits

Students who leave school before fulfilling the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma or the Ontario Secondary School Certificate may be granted a Certificate of Accomplishment.

The Certificate of Accomplishment may be a useful means of recognizing achievement for students who plan to find employment or enrol in alternative education programs after leaving school.

Apprenticeship is a practical way of learning, and includes a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Apprentices are paid while gaining work experience, and wages increase with skill levels.

Apprenticeship leads to a career and a Certificate of Qualification in one of over 150 ‘apprenticeable’ occupations in Ontario. Many of these occupations are called ‘Red Seal’ trades, which are recognized across Canada. Apprenticeships are organized into the four sectors:

• Construction (electricians, general carpenter, plumber, etc.)
• Industrial (welder, general machinist, tool and die, etc.)
• Motive Power (auto service, autobody, truck and coach, etc.)
• Service (hairstylist, cook, child and youth worker)

How long does an apprenticeship take?

To become a certified tradesperson, an apprenticeship usually lasts two to five years, depending on the occupation. Apprentices work for the majority of this time, and attend in-school training, usually at a local community college. Apprentices pay a nominal fee to attend the in-school portion of their training.

Consider Apprenticeship if you possess some of these qualities:

• enjoy learning by doing
• have good mechanical and spatial abilities
• enjoy fixing things, assembling and disassembling things
• have an ability to solve problems
• enjoy determining why something does not work, or how it can be done better

College programs provide an effective combination of real life applied skills and quality theoretical education.

College leads to careers such as journalist, police officer, dental hygienist, engineering technologist, paralegals and many others. Community colleges offer programs in Applied Arts, Business, Health & Human Services and Technology.

How long does college take?

Colleges have certificate, diploma, graduate certificate, applied degree and some joint college/university programs. Programs usually take one to three years to complete.

Consider college if you:

• enjoy and are successful with ‘hands-on’ applied curriculum
• enjoy smaller classes and a personal approach to instruction
• have specific career goals that require college education
• are interested in developing technical and occupational skills required for your chosen career area

The Community Pathway has been identified for students with special education needs, who are primarily accessing non-credit courses leading to a Certificate of Accomplishment. In some cases, students may be working toward an Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC), which requires 14 credit courses. A few students may access specialized college programs such as CICE (Community Integration through Co-operative Education).

The pathway to community leads to having a meaningful life in the community that may involve multiple components like employment, volunteerism, leisure, and/or further education, (this might include less ‘formal’ training in areas such as life skills, safety, etc.) Young people are, supported to experience a variety of roles in their community.

Universities offer degree programs that are more theoretical, in areas such as General Arts, Sciences and Business.

University leads to careers such as teacher, engineer, doctor, accountant and lawyer.

How long does university take?

Students in university obtain bachelor degrees, master’s degrees and doctorate degrees, ranging from three to ten years of study. Universities also offer continuing education and certificate programs for specific occupations.

Consider university if you:

• enjoy abstract concepts associated with course material
• enjoy academic and theoretical learning
• enjoy independent learning
• have specific career goals that require a university degree

Many careers require a high school diploma for direct entry. These jobs usually include specific on-the-job training after you start. Opportunities exist in many economic sectors including Arts & Culture, Construction, Business, Health & Wellness, Hospitality & Tourism, Manufacturing, Agriculture, Landscaping, etc. HWDSB offers several “School to Work” Programs.

Some students who choose direct entry to work may later pursue apprenticeship, college and/or university.

Consider direct entry to work if you:

• have developed practical and essential workplace skills that have prepared you for a specific career without needing to pursue college, university or an apprenticeship first
• have been successful in workplace pathway courses or programs, and wish to explore workplace opportunities
• want to gain work experience and/or earn money before continuing post-secondary education
• have specific career goals in mind that allow you to go directly to the workplace for on-the-job training

ALPHA is an accelerated program for students aged 14 to 18 who have recently arrived in Ontario schools with limited prior schooling. In this program, students make significant gains in English language development literacy and numeracy skills as well as academic skills and knowledge. ALPHA is designed for students who are fluent in their home language and who would benefit from an accelerated program which allow for two years of learning to be addressed in one year. Students are referred to this program upon entry to HWDSB through the Assessment Centre. The goal is for the students to be successfully integrated into a regular classroom.

This program engages HWDSB students in the production of a full-scale musical, in partnership with Theatre Ancaster. Young actors in the program will be able to sing, dance, play and act while earning four credits towards their diploma, including two co-op credits. Students will be enrolled in specialized courses in drama, voice, instrumental, dance and musical theatre. Classes are enriched by partnerships with The Hamilton Conservatory for the Arts and local artists. Opportunities are also available for students interested in set and costume design, lighting and technical support. To be eligible, applicants will be 15 years of age or older; will have successfully completed at least eight credits; will submit all required application information by the due date; and will attend an interview session, if requested. Located at Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School. Students from other HWDSB schools will attend Sir Allan MacNab for their second semester.

How to Apply

• ArtSmart – Call for Auditions
• How to book your audition
• Download and bring a completed ArtSmart Application Package.
• Have a teacher complete the Teacher Reference form
• Send your completed package along with a current resume to [email protected], or bring a printed copy to your audition.

Note: Auditions will be held at Sir Allan MacNab Auditorium on September 18 and September 19 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. View the How to book your audition guide for instructions on how to book an audition.

This program trains students in all aspects of the arts including Foundations of Theory and Technique, Individual and Collaborative Creation and Performance, and Critical Analysis. Students major in one of eight disciplines: Dance, Drama (Performance and Production); Music (Band, Contemporary, Strings, Vocal); or Visual and Media Arts. In addition to required credits, students have experiential learning opportunities such as career exploration, professional certification, discipline-specific training, opportunities beyond the classroom and seasonal collaborations on large-scale stage productions, small-scale studio productions and informal studio productions that invite broader school participation.  Graduating students receive a Certificate of Recognition in the Arts and Additional Qualifications such as industry training, professional resume and head shot, and professional portfolio.  Located at Glendale Secondary School.

Key Date:

• Applications are due by Friday, December 20, 2019
• Auditions/ Portfolio reviews will take place January 29 and 30, 2019 from 3-9 p.m.

Apply:

• Complete your application online or…
• Print your application & submit to the school by fax 950-578-5538, email to [email protected] or mail to: HWDSB Audition-Based Program of the Arts, 145 Rainbow Drive, Hamilton ON, L8K 4G1

Documents:

• 2020 Drama Performance Audition Monologues
• Program of the Arts – Program Overview (revised Oct. 2019)
• Program of the Arts Application Package (revised Oct. 2019)
• 2020 HWDSB ABPA Online Audition Sign Up Information

Contact for more information:

HWDSB Audition-Based Program of the Arts
145 Rainbow Drive, Hamilton ON, L8K 4G1
905-560-7343 [email protected]

This is project-based experiential learning program in which students learn basic bicycle repair skills and run a Bike Repair shop. Students gain practical hands on skills and develop leadership skills. Students also have the opportunity to connect with a variety of community partners. A three-credit package of courses. Students earn credits in English, Business Marketing and Technological Studies. To be eligible for this program students should be in Grade 11 or 12. Program runs based on enrolment.

The “Building Careers ” program is intended to provide career preparation for students with an interest in Residential Building Construction careers.  Students will have the opportunity to work with a Construction Technology teacher building homes with Habitat For Humanity.

Students will also complete Co-operative Education placements with building trades doing work at various building sites in the region. Placements could include electrical, plumbing, framing, bricklaying, general contracting etc.

This program is available in both semesters, and requires students to commit for the entire day, all semester. Students have the opportunity to earn up to 6 credits in this program.

Course Outline

Note: Pre-placement course work occurs at Mountain Secondary School.

How to Apply

• Download and complete the following Building Careers from the Ground Up Application.
• Submit the completed package to a Co-op Teacher or your Guidance Counselor at your school by the required deadline.

Application Deadlines:

Semester 1 – May 1st
Semester 2 – December  1st

Students gain hands-on experience in hairstyling techniques and aesthetics that meet industry standards, using industry standard materials and equipment.
Offered at Waterdown and (after opening of New North and New Nora Henderson secondary schools) at Sir Winston Churchill and new Nora Henderson.

HWDSB’s Secondary School ESL Program teaches children in grades 9 to 12 to communicate in English effectively. A strong command of the English language will help make your child successful in Canadian society. Secondary aged English Language Learners (ELLs) work to complete 30 credits needed for graduation and can substitute up to three ESL or ELD credits for compulsory English credits.

The goals of HWDSB’s ESL/ELD programs are to:

• Assist the Newcomer with English language acquisition;
• Provide orientation to Canadian society and culture;
• Develop basic interpersonal communication skills in English;
• Enable students to graduate from Secondary skills with the academic language and skills needed to be successful in Canadian post-secondary institutions and workplaces.

Learn more about our English as a Second Language program.

Intensive, continuous, and individualized support. Collaboration with parents and community partners in order to provide appropriate programming and transition to community supports. Learn more on our Special Education web page.

HWDSB offers French as a Second Language to help secondary school students achieve educational goals set forth by the Board and the Ontario Ministry of Education, while also developing French abilities 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

HWDSB awards a Certificate of French Immersion attached to the student transcript to show a student’s involvement in French Immersion at the secondary level. Students earn the certificate by successfully completing four secondary courses in French Immersion and at least six courses in other subjects taught in French. Located at Sherwood and Westdale secondary schools.

Learn more about French as a Second Language.

Graduated Support Program Specific support for students including integration in the school and community, appropriate to the student’s strengths. Although they may not be earning credits, students in this program have the ability to achieve a level of independence in the community upon graduation. Learn more on our Special Education web page.

The Healthcare Support Services Program is intended to provide career preparation for students with an interest in pursuing a healthcare career. The program design enables students to gain the necessary knowledge, skills and behaviours they will need to participate in related cooperative education experiences in a Hamilton Health Sciences hospital under the guidance and supervision of a Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board teacher and Hamilton Health Sciences staff.

To be eligible for this unique Grade 12 program, students must:

1. have successfully completed a minimum of 20 credits (less than 20, consideration will be given on a per case basis)
2. submit all required application information by the due date
3. attend an interview session, if requested

Download and complete the following Healthcare Support Services Program Application.

This is a Grade 11/12 university preparation program recognized in over 140 countries, including universities in Ontario and Canada. Students concurrently study up to six challenging subjects that instill a global perspective with cross-cultural understanding. IB students learn through inquiry, and gain a sense of social responsibility, independence and critical-thinking skills vital to university studies. IB students can apply for university credit, based on their results in IB examinations. IB graduates gain both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma and an IB Diploma. Located at Ancaster High School and Westdale Secondary School. Learn more by visiting IBO.org

• IB Information Night Presentation
• IB Application 2019

You can find the catchment areas for HWDSB IB schools online. If you have questions, please contact your home IB school’s co-ordinator:

• IB at Ancaster
  Mr. D. Taylor, 905-648-4468 ext. 562, [email protected]
• IB at Westdale
  Ms. K. Parkes Hallmark, 905-522-1387 ext 256, [email protected]

Provides a culturally based support for Aboriginal youth. The program combines two streams of education, Western and Traditional, which are integral to the success of Aboriginal youth. Specific support for First Nation, Metis and Inuit students in the following areas: Academic Assistance; Culturally Sensitive Resource; Social and Personal Consultation; Access to Tutors; and Student Advocacy. At Sir John A. Macdonald, Delta, Mountain and Sir Winston Churchill Secondary Schools. Learn more on our NYA:WEH page.

NuSteel is located in the heart of Hamilton’s arts community on James St. North and is available to students with an interest in pursuing possible careers in the arts. The referral process for this program is through Central Intake, and we also welcome referrals for students in the care of CAS, via their case workers. Students partaking in the NuSteel program have an opportunity to engage in cross-curricular projects that culminate in hand-printed products, including posters, t-shirts, bags, and postcards. The program covers a variety of subjects, including English, Visual Art, History, Careers and Civics. At Centre3, students have the opportunity to participate in Hamilton’s monthly Art Crawls, and experience the life of an artist-entrepreneur.  Students also have the opportunity to work in a community of artists, to observe artists in their craft, and to learn valuable new skills in this rich environment. Keep up to date with all the great things happening with our blog nusteel.blogspot.ca

This program is funded by OPS and the Ministry of Government Services. Students are given the opportunity to earn secondary school credits while completing a specialized co-op placement in the Ontario Public Service and its related agencies. These paid work experiences are available in areas including: Administrative and Support Services; Arts, Culture and Heritage; Communications and Marketing; Human Resources; and Travel and Tourism. Any HWDSB student may apply for the 15-20 positions available each semester. Only four Ontario school boards offer the program. Located at Delta Secondary School. Please review the Ontario Public Service overview for more information.

How to Apply

• Download and complete the attached Ontario Public Service Application.
• Have a teacher complete the teacher section of the form
• Submit the completed application along with a current résumé and cover letter to a Co-op Teacher or your Guidance Counselor at your school by the required deadline.

Application Deadlines:

Semester 1 – May 15
Semester 2 – December 2

An individualized educational alternative program for students who cannot learn in a regular school setting. Students remain connected to their home school. Learn more on our Special Education web page.

Students in the Strings program study the performance, creation and analysis of classical music into the 21st century. With beginner and advanced courses, the program builds on strings instruction at HWDSB elementary schools or in the community. It is offered in partnership with the Instrumental Music Program, which includes offerings in vocal, instrumental, guitar, keyboard and the performing arts. This can lead to a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) designation in Arts and Culture. As a Tier 3 HWDSB program, students from any HWDSB secondary school can attend. Located at Glendale Secondary School.

A Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements to graduate from secondary school. Through specialized programming, students are given the opportunity to ‘reach ahead’ and experience relevant training and learning specific to the sector. It also assists in their transition after graduation to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace. An SHSM is a four-semester, two-year program for any interested student in grades 11 or 12. Learn more on the Ministry of Education SHSM Website.

This program for young and expecting parents (male or female) aged 14 to 21 is located at Sir John A MacDonald Secondary School. Students are able to bring their infant to the classroom with them. Students work with a Secondary School teacher to earn credits and also receive hands on parenting support from an Early Childhood Educator. Students have the opportunity to learn alongside other young parents and connect with a variety of community resources such as the Ontario Early Years Centres. Interested students should speak with a guidance counsellor at their school for registration information.

Students in Grade 8 and 9 will choose courses of one or more types: Academic, Applied, Locally Developed Compulsory Credit, and Open. They will make their choices primarily on the basis of their goals, interests, learning preferences, needs and achievement.

The following is a brief description of the types of courses that are available in the different subjects, taken from Ontario Schools: Policy and Program Requirements (2016).  More information can be found for each course within your school’s option sheet and course descriptions.

Academic Courses: Develops students’ knowledge and skills through the study of theory and abstract problems. These courses focus on the essential concepts of a subject and explore related concepts as well. They incorporate practical applications as appropriate.

Applied Courses: Focuses on the essential concepts of a subject and develop students’ knowledge and skills through practical applications and concrete examples. Familiar situations are used to illustrate ideas, and students are given more opportunities to experience hands-on applications of the concepts and theories they study.

Open Courses: Contains a set of expectations that are appropriate for all students, is designed to broaden students’ knowledge and skills in subjects that reflect their interests, and prepare them for active and rewarding participation in society. They are not designed with the specific requirements of university, college, or the workplace in mind.

Locally Developed Compulsory Credit Courses: Focuses on literacy, mathematical literacy, essential job skills and essential concepts. These courses are available in English, French, Mathematics, Science and History only.  Students may be placed in these courses specially designed for students who have been working on expectations that are below the course grade level. Students who successfully complete these courses may choose the Grade 9 Applied, Academic, or the Workplace course in the same subject in Grade 11.

Enriched Program: Grade 9 Mathematics & English In these courses, the assessments, evaluations and curriculum expectations are comparable to Academic courses. Class material is presented in a way that encourages students to explore and investigate learning beyond the curriculum. These courses are be well–suited for students who may be are passionate about the subject, are identified as gifted, plan to pursue the International Baccalaureate stream in grades 11 and 12, or enjoy learning through inquiry to deeply understand big ideas. Credits granted are the same as for Academic English and Mathematics courses.

Empower Course: All secondary schools will offer the Empower™ Reading Program to students. Successful students earn one credit as ELS2O. Empower™ Reading is an intensive reading program developed by Hospital for Sick Children researchers. Empower™ Reading will be delivered in 75-minute blocks, five times a week for a total of 80 lessons. The time commitment is an essential part of the program so it is vital that your child attends regularly. Teachers assess the progress of students in the Empower™ Reading program on a regular basis using a variety of tools. HWDSB also offers Empower Reading to primary level students in all schools and several schools with junior and intermediate level classes.

In grades 11 and 12, courses prepare students for their post-secondary destinations including: university preparation courses, university/college preparation courses, college preparation courses, and workplace preparation courses. Open courses are also offered in Grades 11 and 12.

The following is a brief description of the types of courses that are available in the different subjects, taken from Ontario Schools: Policy and Program Requirements (2016).  More information can be found for each course within your school’s option sheet and course descriptions.

College Preparation Courses: Designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for most college programs or for admission to specific apprenticeship or other training programs.

University Preparation Courses: Designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for university programs.

University/College Preparation Courses: Designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for specific programs offered at universities and colleges.

Workplace Preparation Courses: Designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the expectations of employers, if they plan to enter the workforce directly after graduation, or the requirements for admission to certain apprenticeship or other training programs.

Open Courses: Contains a set of expectations that are appropriate for all students, is designed to broaden students’ knowledge and skills in subjects that reflect their interests, and prepare them for active and rewarding participation in society. They are not designed with the specific requirements of university, college, or the workplace in mind.

Our secondary schools offer a wide selection of courses at many different levels. Students and parents can access their high school’s course calendars online using Xello.

Xello is an online tool designed to help students plan their future.

Below are links to the online course calendars:

Ancaster Secondary School

Delta Secondary School

Dundas Valley Secondary School

Glendale Secondary School

Nora Frances Henderson Secondary School

Orchard Park Secondary School

Saltfleet Secondary School

Sherwood Secondary School

Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School

Sir John A Macdonald Secondary School

Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School

Waterdown Secondary School

Westdale Secondary School

Westmount Secondary School