Choosing Grade 12 Courses Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School

Focus on The Future It is your future. It is your choice. It is your responsibility.

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)

Individual Pathway Plan Ensure that you meet the final graduation requirements: compulsory credits (18) Religion credit every school year credit count (total of 30) Ontario Secondary School literacy requirement (passed test or OLC 4O course) Community service hours (4O)

Grade 11 Marks Matter Post-secondary institutions look at both grade 11 and grade 12 marks All attempted courses in grade 11 and 12 are recorded on your transcript

What will I do after HCC? Research, Research, Research …  Interest questionnaires and assessment tools  Internet sites  Talk to friends, family and community  Talk with your guidance counsellor  Visit campuses  Job shadowing  Part time work  Volunteering  Cooperative education  OYAP  Specialist High Skills Major  Dual Credits

Research, Research, Research… Data Collection Career Cruising Apprenticeship eINFO Ontario Universities Application Centre Ontario Colleges Other government sites Consult Family Friends Community Teachers Guidance Counsellor

Research, Research, Research… Experiential Learning In School Cooperative Education OYAP Dual Credits Specialist High Skills Majors Work Experience Part Time Job Volunteer in Parish, Community and School Job Shadowing

Course Levels Grade 12 courses are Destination Based Open University College Mixed College/University Workplace

Open Courses Open courses are identified with an O at the end of the course code – HRE4O (Religion) These courses are designed for all types of learners.

University Courses University courses are identified with a U at the end of the course code – e.g. SBI4U (Biology) Check the course calendar to ensure that the Grade 11 prerequisite course is successfully completed before registering for a Grade 12 course. Note: In order to be adequately prepared for the same level at the next grade, it is recommended that students be working at the provincial standard which is Level 3 (minimum 70%).

College Courses College courses are identified with a C at the end of the course code – e.g. ENG4C (English) Check the course calendar to ensure that the Grade 11 prerequisite course is successfully completed before registering for a Grade 12 course. Note: In order to be adequately prepared for the same level at the next grade, it is recommended that students be working at the provincial standard which is Level 3 (minimum 70%).

Workplace Courses Workplace courses are identified with an E at the end of the course code – e.g. ENG4E (English) If you were taking a course at the Locally Developed level then you should continue at the Workplace (E) level – e.g. ENG3E – ENG4E.

Optional Courses You have many options as you enter grade 12. Please take the time to go online to read over your course options and discuss your course selections with your teachers, parents and Guidance Counsellor. The compulsory courses are English and Religion.

Life After Holy Cross As you pick courses, you must remember to select courses that will allow you to reach your next step. Your options are: College University Apprenticeship World of work

Colleges Require: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) Successful completion of Grade 12 prerequisite courses, including Grade 12 English, with a minimum mark of 65% or more (check college calendars or online college sites).

Universities Require: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) Successful completion of six Grade 12 ‘U’ or ‘M’ credits including prerequisite courses for specific faculties/programs (check calendars or online university sites). Each program identifies a minimum entrance average. All universities require ENG4U.

Apprenticeships Strongly Recommend: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) Successful completion of some senior subjects related to the apprenticeship, plus senior English, Mathematics, Science Registering with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities through your co-op placement An employer with certified trades people

School to Work Requires: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC) Exit Plan which may include community organizations like Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) or Fanshawe Job Connects Resume

Paying for Your Education Part-time job Education Savings Bursaries (a cash award that is based primarily on financial need, but academic standing may also be considered) Scholarships (academic achievement, volunteer work etc) Many bursaries and scholarships go “unawarded” as students don’t apply

Paying For Your Education Loans (borrowed funds that must be paid back, often with interest) Bank Loans OSAP – Ontario Student Assistance Program Every student should apply for OSAP regardless of financial situation!! Listen to the announcements regarding financial aid information.

Research Your Financial Plan Talk with your family. Visit the guidance office. Listen to morning announcements. Search online scholarships and bursaries. Search post secondary institutions’ websites and financial aid publications. Go to your local bank and discuss options.

Be Realistic Check the admission averages – can you realistically achieve them? Check out the details of the program – length, courses required, optional courses. Picture yourself in the program – can you see yourself enjoying it and being academically successful?

Summer School There are a number of courses offered in Summer School If you are thinking of taking a course in summer school, keep listening to announcements as information will be sent out to HCC

Co-operative Education What it is A program that allows students to apply two co-op credits towards their compulsory high school graduation requirements, with no limit on earning optional co-op credits. Who it's for Students who are heading for university, college, apprenticeship or the workplace. How it helps Students have the opportunity to: Experience hands-on learning "Test-drive" career options See the relevance of their classroom learning Develop the essential skills and habits required in the workplace Gain valuable work experience to help build a resumé for postsecondary programs and future employment

Components of Co-op There are six components of Co-op: Pre-course interview Establishment of placement Pre-placement instruction Personalized Placement Learning Plan Assessment and Evaluation In-school integration Sessions

How to apply Select Co-op as an option on your next registration Make sure you select a maximum of six other courses Listen to announcements and attend any co-op information sessions Submit supplementary application and teacher references on time Actively seek out placement Talk to your Guidance Counselor and the Co-op teachers

SHSM What they are Specialist High Skills Majors let students focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests. Each major is a bundle of 8-10 courses in the student's selected field. Who they're for Students who are heading for an apprenticeship, college, university or the workplace. How they help Students have the opportunity to: Gain important skills on the job with actual employers, at skills training centers and at school Earn valuable industry certifications, including first aid and CPR qualifications.

About the 8 to 10 Credits Major Credits Comprise the Sector Focus 4 (always) Cooperative Education Credits Must be sector based 2 (always) Other Required Credits Always compulsory for Graduation Specified by Ministry of Ed Contain a Contextualized Learning Activity (CLA) 2-4

Non-profit SHSM Four major credits: HRF 3O, HRT3M, CLU3M, HRE4M, HRE4O, HZT4U, CLN4U, CPW4U GRADE 12 ENGLISH GRADE 11 MATH ADDITIONAL CREDIT IN BUSINESS OR SENIOR SCIENCE CO-OP in a related field Total 9 credits

Guidance Courses GLE4O-Advanced Learning Strategies: Skills for Success After Secondary School This course improves students’ learning and personal- management skills, preparing them to make successful transitions to work, training, and/or postsecondary education destinations. Students will assess their learning abilities and use literacy, numeracy, and research skills and personal-management techniques to maximize their learning. Students will investigate trends and resources to support their postsecondary employment, training, and/or education choices and develop a plan to help them meet their learning and career goals.

Guidance Courses GPP3O-Leadership and Peer Support ***This is the course used for Student Council*** If you are selected for Student Council next year, this course will replace one of your selected courses. This course prepares students to act in leadership and peer support roles. They will design and implement a plan for contributing to their school and/or community; develop skills in communication, interpersonal relations, teamwork, and conflict management; and apply those skills in leadership and/or peer support roles – for example, as a student council member or a peer tutor. Students will examine group dynamics and learn the value of diversity within groups and communities.

TECHNOLOGY TCJ4E: Construction Technology This course enables students to further develop technical knowledge and skills related to residential construction and to explore light commercial construction. Students will continue to gain hands-on experience using a variety of materials, processes, tools, and equipment; create and interpret construction drawings; and learn more about building design and project planning. They will expand their knowledge of terminology, codes and regulations, and health and safety standards related to residential and light commercial construction. Students will also expand their awareness of environmental and societal issues related to construction technology, and will explore entrepreneurship and career opportunities in the industry that may be pursued directly after graduation.

Online Course Selection Again, this year, course selections will be online. Career Cruising / Course Planner Login is now accessed through the Learning Management System (D2L)

Forget Your User name or Password? If you are prompted for a username and password, the username pattern is where is your 5 or 6 digit student number. Be sure to follow your student number The password is your Board computer password. Once you are into the Learning Management System (D2L), click on the Career Cruising icon in the Learning Toolkit area. ages/default.aspx#sthash.hxwzwZq8.dpuf

Guidance Counsellors Ms. McNally (A to R) Ms. Zebregts (S to Z)

Final Reminders Study Periods are allowed if you still have enough credits to graduate. Select a fourth English and Religion credit. Remember your Graduation Requirements (30 credits – 21 of which are compulsory, 40 hours of community service and successful completion of the Literacy Test) Check out Co-operative Education Specialized Courses

DUE DATE A copy of your course selections along with $50.00 for your student fee must be in to your homeroom teacher by Friday, February 13th.