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Self-Directed, Self-Paced Programming

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Information Sessionself-paced self-directed info night

Thursday, November 24, 2022
6 to 8 p.m. at Westmount Secondary School
39 Montcalm Drive, Hamilton, ON L9C 4B1
Flyer: Self-Paced Self-Directed Info Night

Click here to learn more about Grade 7 & 8 Information Nights.

Self-Directed, Self-Paced at Westmount Secondary School

Westmount Secondary School website
39 Mountcalm Drive, Hamilton. Map
905-385-5395

Westmount Secondary School (WSS) is a system school at which students from across HWDSB strive to develop skills in the areas of goal setting, effective time management and independent learning in a self-directed, self-paced learning environment.

Westmount’s graduation requirements and course offerings are consistent with all HWDSB secondary schools.

In this self-directed, self-paced learning environment, launched in 1990, Westmount students are expected to manage their learning time and determine with teachers how to demonstrate their learning.

Some students will find this learning model suitable while others will thrive in more traditional schools. Signs of a student’s readiness for self-directed learning include being:

  • Autonomous
  • Organized
  • Self-disciplined
  • Able to communicate effectively
  • Able to accept constructive feedback and engage in self-evaluation and self-reflection

Westmount does not offer special programming for gifted students. Westmount students have access to the same enriched programming offered in math and literacy at all HWDSB secondary schools. Check with school staff about other courses with enrichment programming.

Enriched programming does not lead to additional or different course credits than a regular academic course as defined by the Ministry of Education. Students are provided enriched tasks for their learning but it is based upon a common set of overall learning expectations and is the same in all streams (applied or academic).

Westmount students must provide their own transportation to and from school. Westmount does not have a catchment area; all students in HWDSB can access the school if interested in this model. Like all schools, we can only accommodate the number of students for whom we have the space and resources to meet their needs.

If you are interested in becoming a student at Westmount, please contact the school at 905-385-5395.

2023-24 Application Process

November 24, 2022 at 6 p.m. Self-Directed, Self-Paced Programming Information Session at Westmount
January 13, 2023 at 3 p.m. Letter of Intent to attend Westmount due for incoming Grade 9 students
January 24 -27, 2023  Westmount to communicate to elementary schools and parents which Grade 8s have been accepted to Westmount
February 7, 2023  Course selection process opens in Course Planner (Xello) for the system
February 9, 2022  Grade 8 Information/Option Sheet Night at Westmount
February 21, 2022  Completed MS Form verification due to Westmount
Updated on Tuesday, November 08, 2022.
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