2. Grade 12 Parents September 2010 Mr. White

3. Education Expo Monday Sept 20 in 1 to 2 PM At least 40 colleges and universities here in the gym for a flea market. Parents welcome! Handout list.

4. The 12 year in a nutshell: Decide on an immediate personal future. Be sure you have the courses to allow graduation and for what you want to do. Do school as well as possible. If going to go on, Apply, maybe now! Deal with $$$$ issues.

5. Graduation: Knowing what credits are needed and then getting them is always the responsibility of each student. But Guidance does keep track and endeavour to ensure students have what it takes.

7. These requirements are the same everywhere in Nova Scotia: 18 credits Maximum 7 grade 10 credits Minimum 5 grade 12 credits 3 English (one at each grade level) 2 Math # 1 Science (From Science 10, Biology 11, Chemistry 11 or Physics 11) # 2 Science (From those subjects listed above or from Oceans, Human Biology or Geology or other science) GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

8. GRAD REQUIREMENTS (CONTINUED) 1 Cdn History (includes Mi’kmaq Studies) 1 Global Studies 12 (From Global History or Global Geography) 1 credit in the Phys Ed or PAL category 1 Fine Arts (From Art, Drama or Music) 2 further credits in the Math, Science or Technology areas 5 open electives NOTE: 2 courses of the same subject at the same grade level can only count as 1 credit except that Pre Cal Math 12 and Calculus are separate from other Gr 12 math courses. Example:MAF11=MAT11=MAD11=just one credit.

9. HAVE THE RIGHT COURSES BEEN TAKEN? ARE THE MARKS GOOD ENOUGH? A student may be meeting graduation requirements BUT the courses might not be suitable for admission into the post- secondary program wanted, or your marks may not be good enough! This can be discussed any time in Guidance

10. WHAT IF THERE IS A NEED TO UPGRADE after graduation? 1) Return to high school [free to 21] 2) Go to upgrading programs at NSCC or university [$$$$] 3) Take correspondence courses (limited courses) 4) Go to Adult Day School (FLECS)

11. Deciding on a personal future This is the future for the next few years, with maybe some life-long goals. In theory and ideally you first decide on an occupation you want to head toward.

12. CHOOSING AN OCCUPATIONAL GOAL Know yourself and what you want Know the occupations that are available and which ones suit your characteristics Weigh the costs and benefits and the outlook GET HELP IN DOING THIS, EVEN IF JUST TO GET CONFIRMATION OF YOUR PRESENT PLANS.

13. CAREER SERVICES IN THE GUIDANCE OFFICE PUBLICATIONS: Career Options, Booklets,  “Career Cruising” : a fun computerized occupational search programs – answer about yourself and the computer matches your answers with occupations  JOB ACQUISITION HELP: Help with your resumes and for interviews

14. Career Cruising An online program that you can do on your own or with your counsellor. Career Matchmaker section involves answering interest questions, and leads to a list of career options Also you can self assess your skills to further narrow your list Career Cruising also has linked information on occupations and on where in Canada or elsewhere you can go to study or prepare for occupations. www.careercruising.com

15. The first of many questions! CAREER CRUISING!

16. Nova Scotia Career Options, available for loan in Guidance

18. Career Options On-line http://careeroptions.ednet.ns.ca

19. OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: Direct to work (civilian) Direct to Military Training and Employment Apprenticeship (a formal on-the-job training program) for skilled trades Private Career College: Business, Cosmetology, Computer etc. Community College for trades, technology, business University

20. Going directly to work Unless you have a special connection or are willing to be part of unfavourable conditions the pay is likely to be low. May not lead to significant advancement up the ladder. “dead end” Might allow you to save $ to go to more school but it may be difficult to leave your job once you have that paycheque coming in. May be suitable temporarily, if you need to think about your future. Can allow you to stay in the local area. Yes there are exceptions to the above!

21. Futures involving more school: 1. Choose a suitable occupational goal 2. Choose an educational program and institution to suit that goal, based on abilities, drive, finances, etc. 3. Take the program and do as well as you can in it 4. Get an appropriate job 5. Reconsider as appropriate throughout life and go back for more (life’s spiral, hopefully an upward one!)

22. Going on to more education or training If you aren’t going straight to work or on vacation this is what you will be doing!

23. Post Secondary Education

24. “Post-secondary” = after high school

25. “training” = hands-on or technical learning, relating to a particular occupation.

26. “education” means learning in a more general way, Such as learning to learn, learning to think, gaining new knowledge that doesn’t relate to a particular job.

27. “program” means a set of courses usually leading to a certificate of qualification to enter a particular occupation. May still be much training beyond.

28. “institution” = a school of some kind

29. Why go to Post-secondary education Better chances for employment and/or better income and working conditions In most cases the money and time used is a good investment. Personal satisfaction Social growth Sports opportunities

30. INFORMATION ON POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS Look in the publications they all provide Many available for loan in the guidance office, or call the institution for your own

31. POST-SECONDARY PUBLICATIONS Calendar= complete information Book produced each year by large Institutions, lists programs, courses, rules. May be very lengthy and complicated. Viewbook = gives main points only and, for Large institutions is where you should start. Brochure = small institutions might only have this.

32. Typical Calendars

33. On-line information Most information is available on-line Easy to search to find the institution Or use a links page Once there it is not always easy to find the piece of information you want. Many still prefer a book.

34. Super Link Page! Easy to use! Contains links to all the institutions commonly attended by local students. Via the school webpage: www.dmhs.ednet.ns.ca Then click on “guidance and transcripts”

35. Kinds of post-secondary institutions and their entrance requirements

36. UNIVERSITY Education and training that usually takes at least 3 or 4 years Usually requires academic English 12 and other academic courses. Average on Gr 12 courses to be around 70, with some schools or programs having much higher minima. For some business type programs you can go to 2 yrs NSCC first and then transfer. Cheaper.

37. UNIVERSITY Some programs are specific preparation for certain professions, e.g. Nursing, Pharmacy, Law, Teaching. Many are more general with the student coming out “more educated, knowledgeable, independent thinker, etc.” but needing more training.

38. UNIVERSITY Most students are heading to a degree. The most common undergraduate degrees are BA. BSc. BComm but there are many more: e.g. BTHM BEd, LLB, BAA Also many higher degrees.

39. UNIVERSITY There are more universities in NS per capita than in any other province. All universities in Canada are good to excellent. You can transfer between universities in many cases. You can study at foreign universities as part of going to many Canadian universities.

40. Universities of Atlantic Canada Dalhousie Saint Mary’s Mount St Vincent NSCAD At. Sch. Of Theology U Ste-Anne Acadia NS Agricultural Coll. St. Francis Xavier Cape Breton U Memorial U of Nfld Sir Wilfrid Grenfell UPEI (inc AVC) Mount Allison Moncton (FF) Crandall UNB Fred & SJ St Thomas St. Stephen’s Easy access to 2 U of Maine campuses

41. UNIVERSITY To apply to an Atlantic Canada university it is almost always okay to wait until after 1 st semester, but for scholarship consideration must be before March 15. University elsewhere in Canada: apply earlier, and there may be different requirements. For foreign universities: usually must write the SAT or ACT (international tests). See guidance for information There are on-line universities around the world and in Canada. Canada’s largest is Athabasca University. Get a degree while you work.

42. Community College Offer programs that train you for specific occupations. Some of these occupations or trades may pay more than many university-oriented jobs and have more likelihood of employment. Skilled trades, computer, business, service, helping occupations Operated by governments and usually are relatively inexpensive per year, and programs 1 or 2 yr long. Programs are at least adequate, and often are excellent.

43. Community Colleges in Atlantic Canada NS Community College NB Community College Maritime College of Forest Technology Holland College (PEI) College of the North Atlantic (Nfld)

44. N.S. COMMUNITY COLLEGE 13 campuses around NS. NSCC offers many different programs. Minimum grade 12 or equivalent for most programs. Some require academic courses. A few require a degree. Portfolios showing creativity are required for artistic programs. Many programs have waiting lists each year. FIRST COME FIRST SERVED… APPLY EARLY!! NOW!! Can apply as early as the first day of Grade 11.

45. Apprenticeship Many skilled trades require you to be an apprentice (on job learner) before you are fully qualified (journeyperson) Can be an advanced apprentice coming out of community college (some trades) Can take pure apprenticeship without going to community college. This route is basically free, as you are paid while under training. http://apprenticeship.ednet.ns.ca/

46. PRIVATE COLLEGES Similar to community college but operated as a private business for profit. Generally high tuition fees. May be excellent and up to the minute! But as with any purchase, shop around and think. Often specialize in one or a few programs, such as cosmetology, massage, business, tourism, computer, private security, etc. There are many different specialties and there are at least 30 just in the Metro Halifax area Admission: Usually minimum grade 12; maybe with specific subjects.

47. Applying to a College (typical procedure) Obtain application form from Guidance or directly (may be on-line) Complete form; review with counsellor if you wish; then attach fee if applicable. Request transcripts from Guidance. Mail or take to the institution prior to deadline. For NSCC apply as soon as possible. For private colleges you can usually apply after the end of first semester, but earlier if you want.

48. Counsellor Check: Before you apply, check to see if you have the right courses and high enough marks. If borderline but have extenuating circumstances your counsellor can be of great assistance. Do you mention adaptations or learning difficulties? Do you mention minority status?

49. The Military as a Post- Secondary Option Is a combination of a job and an educator and trainer Many, many different occupations Several different entry plans ranging from Unskilled Entry (start as a private and work up) to ROTP (university at their expense) Can be a lifelong career or a step leading back to civilian work. Can be reserves (usually part-time work) or regular (full-time work)

50. Military Information For more info call the CF Recruiting Centre at 1 (800) 856-8488 or walk in during business hours (Scotia Square) Recruiters for the forces in general will be part of EXPO. Local reserve units might come to the school at various times to recruit Any of these can be called for information (Counsellor can help) Keep in mind that there are many, many occupations in the military.

51. $$$$$$$$$$$

52. Costs of Post-Secondary Education (multiply by number of years in the program) Tuition Fees Other Fees (activities, athletic, health, etc) Books and supplies Room and board (home and away) Transportation Miscellaneous and Social (may be different than if not at school) Lost income and benefits (“Opportunity Costs ”)(hopefully to be offset by increased earning power for the rest of your life)

53. Typical Tuition Fees: Community College: around $3000/yr for most programs. 1 or 2 yrs. Private Career College: $5000 to over $20,000/yr. 1 or 2 years. University: In Nova Scotia, around $6000/yr for 4 years Less elsewhere in Canada. Flight College: approximately $20,000/yr. Usually 2 years

54. Paying for Post-Secondary Student Savings Awards (Scholarships and Bursaries) Student’s employment income: summers and during the school year Student Loans RESP’s and other family investments Family pay-as-you-go Education grants to those with documented disabilities

55. Awards This is money that someone gives to you and you do not pay it back. Almost always you must actually attend a post-secondary program to receive the money. Entrance scholarships, Private scholarships, National & regional awards, Local awards, Grants

56. Private Awards Private Scholarships are provided by some employers and unions and clubs to dependents of workers or members, or to workers themselves. Examples are Sobey’s/Lawtons, Canadian Tire, Imperial Oil, NSGEU, RCMP. Values typically $1000 and up. May be competitive. You must check to see if your employer or your parents’ employer or union has such an award. Armed Forces Reserves: Any member who completes a year of college or university will receive an award, at least $1000.

57. Entrance Scholarships All universities have these. Some colleges may offer them. Usually all applicants to NSCC and to private colleges are considered for these awards, or there is a check box on the application form. Most are competitive. Depends on who applies for what in any given year.

58. Athletic Scholarships Common in the USA but not in Canada. Varsity athletes in Canada do commonly receive some benefits. Capable athletes can get into prestigious American universities that would be otherwise not available.

59. Local Awards For most DMHS grads this will be the major type of award. Provided by businesses, organizations and individuals in our local area. Duncan MacMillan is blessed by a very high level of contributions from our communities. Two kinds: Ones provided directly by an organization, and ones that are tied to the school.

60. Direct Local Awards The organization decides entirely on its own who will win. They might provide an application form that students receive through the guidance office or other ways. Or they simply choose someone they know of already. May be a variety of criteria such as special need, marks, area of residence, future plans, etc. Almost all are applied for March to May.

61. Local Awards tied to the School. The organization provides funds to the school, along with any criteria they have. An in-school committee determines who will win the award, with no application. For these awards students must complete volunteer hours. Often there are enough awards that all who complete volunteer hours and are going on to further school will receive one or more.

62. Volunteer Hours All present Grade 12’s wishing to be considered for local awards decided by the school must complete at least 20 volunteer hours during this school year. For more information and for record forms to be signed by “employers”, see Mr. Cumminger or Mr. Fraser. Should get on with this immediately!!

63. Education Grants From the provincial and/or federal government Available to students who have documented disabilities or challenges that will affect their education

64. Education Grants, contd. require a diagnosis from a doctor or psychologist. Could be a range of things, Such as visual impairment, muscular dystrophy, learning disabilities, or mental disorders such as severe anxiety disorder, tourette syndrome, etc. The amount of grants can be very significant But generally are meant to pay for the extra Equipment or assistance required to “level the Playing field”

65. Education Grants, contd. Must have up to date testing or diagnosis in place! Up to date usually means a diagnosis or formal update completed not more than 5 years prior to the beginning of the program of studies. If not already in place, you must get this started now!!! Must be done by a physician or psychologist. For learning disabilities this will be the school psychologist. All major post-secondary institutions have people there just To help those with difficulties.

66. Student Loans The money loaned must be paid back Two types: government and private

67. Government Student Loans Commonly called Canada Student Loans but really a combination of CSL and NS Student Loans. Maximum amount is about $10,000 per yr. Administered by the NS Dept of Education. They determine eligibility. The less your family income and the higher the cost of the program, the bigger the available loan. Most students are eligible for at least a small one, which likely will not cover all the costs.

68. Government Student Loans, contd. There is no repayment of the loan and there is no interest until after studies have been completed. A portion of the loan may be remitted (does not have to be repaid) if good marks are obtained. Apply beginning in May (approximately)- apply on-line. www.studentloans.ednet.ns.ca www.studentloans.ednet.ns.ca

69. Private Student Loans Student line of credit offered by many chartered banks. No government involvement. Useful for families with a medium income, not eligible for a full government loan but who would have difficulty in paying for college or university. Based on a student budget and on having a co- signer with an acceptable credit rating (usually a parent, but not necessarily) Student draws funds as necessary. Interest, at a preferred rate, is paid monthly on the amount borrowed. The principal is not paid on until after studies end. Apply anytime, once plans are firm. Example: http://www.tdcanadatrust.com/student/stline.jsp

70. For more financial information: Speak to guidance counsellor for general information. Speak to financial advisor or awards officer at the institutions Call the student aid office in Halifax or go on-line Talk to your bank or credit union Ask your employer, union, service clubs, church about awards Students listen for, or look for, announcements in school regarding major awards.

71. Duncan MacMillan’s Scholarship and Awards Information See the list of scholarships and other awards ordered by due date, available at the On-line Guidance Office (OGO), via www.dmhs.ednet.ns.ca www.dmhs.ednet.ns.ca Also there will be announcements regarding major awards. (printed copies may be available in the actual Guidance Office).Then see your counsellor for more information Go to websites such as www.studentawards.com www.scholarships.ca

72. End of presentation This presentation will Be on the website soon!