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Pathways and Course Option Information

What’s a Pathway? (and what does it have to do with success?)
The first thing you should know about pathways is that they all lead to the same place: work. All work has value, and each of us has an important role to play in God’s creation.

The first couple of years in high school are a time to discover your own unique talents and think about careers that suit your interests. You might even start thinking about life after Grade 12 — apprenticeship, college, university, or work.

Your program pathway is your very own map that leads you to the career that’s right for you. It’s not necessarily a straight line! Your experiences in high school might lead you in a number of possible directions. You’ll try new things and discover more about yourself. And don’t worry about making a wrong turn — your guidance counsellor will be right there to guide you along the way!

Throughout high school, students are introduced to the many opportunities available in each career sector. The Career Studies course helps Grade 10 students explore career interests, pathway choices, and required education and training. Career and volunteer fairs introduce Grade 11 students to potential employers. Cooperative education and youth apprenticeship programs are popular ways to gain experience and learn more about a possible career choice.

Your parents, your teachers, your guidance counsellor and other people close to you can give you good advice.
Meet your guidance counsellor
When you start high school, you will be assigned a guidance counsellor, who will help you plan your courses and career options. Along with the other staff in the Student Services Department, your guidance counsellor takes care of new student registrations, arranges course timetables, keeps track of student records, and a whole lot more. If you have a personal problem, your guidance counsellor can help you work it out, either on your own or with support from the school chaplain, an outside agency or a social worker assigned to your school. Guidance counsellors can help you get extra help if you’re having trouble with your schoolwork, or if you need help preparing for exams. At any time, you or your parents can contact your guidance counsellor to discuss concerns or make important decisions.
Deciding whether to go to college, work, university or apprenticeship upon completion of secondary school is no easy task.
However, one thing is certain – good decisions are based on good planning. Choice of destination will be infl uenced by students’ interests and strengths, as well as course selection and achievement. Determining the appropriate level – applied, academic, essential; and later, college, workplace, or university – sets the stage for future career opportunities. In all cases, the need to plan ahead, research and investigate options is essential.

Course Option Presentation

Where to go for more information
• Guidance counsellors, as well as computers and a list of helpful websites, are available in the Student Services office to aid you at your high school.
• Contact the colleges, or visit the website of the Ontario Application Services at Service Canada.
• Make an appointment at a local Career Resource Centre for assistance with resumes, interview techniques and job search skills.
• University representatives visit schools to do presentations for Grades 11 and 12 students, normally between September and November.
• Take a tour of the colleges or universities of interest to you.
• Contact OYAP Co-ordinator Carmine Romano 519-756-6505 ext. 246.

Check out these websites:

www.osca.ca
www.careersintrades.ca

College and University websites

www.ontariocolleges.ca
www.ouac.on.ca

See the HT Course Calendar for course selections.