Options & Opportunities JL Ilsley High School Junior High Presentations Nov 2008

WHAT IS O 2 A program for student success A partnership A hands on learning experience A transition plan from school to ?

WHO ARE THE PARTNERS? STUDENT TEACHERSFAMILIESADMINCOMMUNITYNSCCMENTORSEXPERTSGOVERNMENT

WHY O 2 ? Not all students learn the same way Students need to find a way to feel successful at/ in school Students need to make real world connections To develop employability skills To foster workplace readiness

WHAT DOES O 2 LOOK LIKE? You are the same as any other high school student

BUT NOT QUITE THE SAME … Some of the courses are done in cohorts (????) A group of persons sharing a particular characteristic

HOW DOES THE COHORT WORK? Share the same core subjects with other students in O 2 For all other subjects, out with the general student population SCIENCE MATH ENGLISH + CAREER DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY BASED LEARNING

CAREER DEVELOPMENT To assist students in creating a career plan To assist students in making decision about their future To assist students in preparing for the world beyond high school

COMMUNITY BASED LEARNING Finding out about and exploring options and experiences in the community Guest Speakers Field TripsVolunteering MentorsWorkshops Job Shadowing PortfoliosInterviewsCertifications

CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION Grade 11 & 12 Job Placements 100 Hours per semester in Gr 11; equivalent of 2 high school credits Hours 2 nd semester Gr 12; equivalent of 3-4 high school credits Hands on experiences that give valuable exposure to career interests

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN O 2 Smaller class sizes in the cohorts (max 20) More individual support Hands on learning experiences Career exposure Direct pathway to Nova Scotia Community College

WHO IS MEANT FOR O 2 Students who may need that extra support to get through school Students who may know what interests them but are not certain of how to get there Students who may not know what interests them but know they do want something for themselves Students interested in the college pathway (NSCC or other colleges)

Quitting school, not trying – That is short changing yourself and that is the wrong way! You need to consider your options and not take that easy way out.

THE PROCESS How can you be considered for O2? School presentations in November Talk to your families Talk to your teachers Talk to your guidance counsellors In spring, complete applications Participate in family presentations Prepare for interviews Interviews in May Results by June Stay in school Think about how you can be successful Think about your interests & future Keep talking to your teachers & guidance counsellors