Simcoe County District School Board

Grade 11 and 12 students at SCDSB high schools have the option to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The courses are designed to cover the Ontario curriculum, while providing accelerated and advanced level programming to prepare students to write American College Board examinations. Students can earn a university credit while still in high school, gain admission to university or both, depending on the university.

Learn more about AP opportunities.

Cooperative education (co-op) is a course that allows Grade 11 and 12 students to earn high school credits while completing a work placement in the community.  Co-op credits provide students with an opportunity to build on their skills, gain practical work experience and prepare for their future.  Together, the employer, student and teacher work together to provide students with challenging growth and learning opportunities.

Learn more about co-op.

Credit recovery is designed to help high school students meet the expectations of a course they have completed but for which they have received a failing grade. Students have the opportunity to earn a credit without having to repeat the entire course. Students are referred to the credit recovery program through the school’s student success team. 

Dual credits give secondary students the opportunity to sample post-secondary education, work in college labs, experience a new environment and build their confidence, while gaining credit in both secondary school and college. Students take a college credit from a college faculty member and must meet the requirements to pass. If successful, they are given an optional credit at secondary school and are issued a college transcript. 

Learn more about dual credits.

The SCDSB currently supports three FSL programs: Core French, Extended French and French Immersion. Participation in FSL programs reflects the diversity of the student population, including students with special education needs and English language learners.

Learn more about FSL in the SCDSB.

The secondary school guidance department serves the school community in a variety of ways:

• provides information on post-secondary (apprenticeship, college, university, and workplace) and career pathways
• helps individual students envision a plan for post-secondary and target short– and long-term goals
• helps students identify programs that support their learning styles, interests and needs
• coaches in career/life planning, including college and university scholarship application process
• provides personal support and referrals to community resources
• supports students in academic planning and course selection
• supports students in establishing effective study habits and exam preparation
• supports students with life skills like decision-making, problem solving, conflict resolution, stress and time management and relationship awareness

You or your student can make an appointment to visit the guidance office at any time during the school year. Drop-in appointments may be available.

OYAP is available to all full-time students who are at least 16 years old and have 16 high school credits. Students must be taking cooperative education and may be registered as an apprentice to their employer with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. All of the hours they work in co-op and any part-time work may then be credited towards their apprenticeship.

Learn more about OYAP.

The SCDSB has an alternative secondary school, with locations throughout Simcoe County. The program is designed for students who have difficulty coping with a large school setting, and who may benefit from the small class sizes, one-on-one assistance, flexibility and close relationships with the teachers. 

Find more information about Simcoe Shores Secondary School.

SHSM programs are sector-specific programs that start in Grade 11. Programs are made up of a bundle of eight to ten courses to suit students pursuing apprenticeship, college, university or workplace destinations. In a SHSM, students:

• Participate in field trip opportunities connected with a specific sector
• Earn valuable industry-related certifications and training related to the selected sector
• Develop important on-the-job skills and work habits through cooperative education placements

For more information about SHSM programs available at SCDSB schools, visit www.myshsm.ca.

Student success teams work together to ensure smooth transitions for students between grades, from elementary to secondary school, and after graduation. As students progress, they are encouraged to become the architects of their own learning.

Elementary and secondary student success teachers ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed, despite any potential obstacles that can otherwise affect learning.  These teachers work with students in one-on-one, small group and classroom settings to provide the supports necessary for successful transitions in school and life. Student success teachers work in collaboration with classroom teachers, guidance, special education teachers, administration and community partners to create a wide circle of support for students who need extra attention or who struggle to remain engaged and motivated.

The SCDSB has invested in its technological education programs to ensure students have access to industry-standard equipment and current, relevant course content. Please note that not all courses are offered in every school. Refer to your school’s course calendar to see the available courses.