SNSS Course Calendar 2024

The Avon Maitland District School Board is committed to ensuring students have the opportunity to graduate secondary school in four years and to ensuring a variety of course offerings for our students. If students choose to remain in school for five years they need to plan, with support from Student Services and parents, so they have 3 courses in each semester. This is an Avon Maitland District School Board policy. This planning should begin in grade 9. In order to achieve both goals efficiently students need to be registered full time in each semester. Students in Avon Maitland District School Board secondary schools are required to register with a sufficient number of courses to be considered full time for each semester in which they attend our schools.

High school is a time for meeting new challenges, exploring new opportunities and making new friends. Northwestern’s strengths are its students and its staff. Our programs prepare students for many different career paths. Whether you choose to attend university or college, pursue an apprenticeship or join the workforce immediately upon graduation, you will leave Northwestern with the skills you need to be successful.

Course selection is an important task for each student. With your future goals in mind, please consider your choices carefully, paying attention to the prerequisites, and the streams of each course. For example, if you know that you are going to pursue a post secondary education at the college level and you are interested in taking engineering, you must be sure that you have taken the correct Math, English and Science courses to allow you entrance into the program. Parents and students should be aware of the opportunity of selecting concurrently, courses from the Stratford Central calendar. For additional information on Concurrent Education please contact the Student Services Department. Students may also enroll in online course through AMDEC. If you are not sure of the courses that you will need, please consult with Student Services.

School Objectives

The school will work to assist the students of Stratford Northwestern to reach their potential as individuals and as valuable members of society with the ability to think, feel, and act in a productive and responsible way. The Principal and Vice-Principals encourage parents or guardians with questions regarding their child’s education to telephone 519-271-9740. Parents are also encouraged to connect with their child’s teacher to facilitate ongoing communication.

Mission Statement

It is the mission of Stratford Northwestern Secondary School to develop, support and encourage lifelong learning in a caring educational community dedicated to create positive, inclusive learning environments that maximize student outcomes. Our educational goals will reflect the AMDSB goals which are summed up in three key words; Engage, Inspire and Innovate.

Learning Services Department

Stratford Northwestern is committed to inclusive education and aims to support all students in their learning goals. Some students may require extra support for academic success. Special Education Resource Teachers are available to assess special needs and to create an educational plan for students who require remedial help. This plan could include accommodations or ongoing support from resource teachers.

Changing Courses: Policy/Procedures

Students, in consultation with their parents, are encouraged to make informed choices during the course selection process in February. Students wishing to change a course must consult a guidance counsellor prior to the start of the course or within the first two weeks of the course. Changes will occur when the course change form is completed and only when scheduling and class size permit.

Resource Centre

Northwestern has a large Resource Centre. The Resource Centre includes a large collection of fiction, non-fiction, and reference books. We subscribe to a variety of magazines which are available for leisure reading and research. Desktop computers and wireless computer access are available throughout the Resource Centre.

English as a Second Language

The Avon Maitland District School Board recognizes that secondary English Language Learners face unique challenges as they pursue their secondary diploma and make the transition to full fluency in English. Students in the early stages of English acquisition may monitor courses or work for partial credits if they are not able to meet the curriculum expectations for a course. Adapted programming helps students achieve credits in courses even if their communication skills are not sufficiently developed to demonstrate their learning. ELL students may also be provided with tutoring to enable them to expand their language skills more rapidly. Avon Maitland District School Board students who take ELL are given the assistance they need to fulfill their long-term goals.

Extra-Curricular Education

Stratford Northwestern offers a wide variety of extra-curricular activities that take place beyond our regular classrooms. These activities range from athletics, to drama and music, to a large number of clubs and organizations. These activities take place before and after school, during the lunch period and on weekends. We encourage our students to be involved with our out-of-class activities to develop sportsmanship and good citizenship and to grow in self confidence and to learn life long, personal and intrapersonal skills.

Student Responsibilities

Attendance

Students who fail courses or choose to withdraw from a course may jeopardize their attainment of an OSSD. Regular attendance at school is critical for the student’s learning and achievement of course expectations

Student Conduct

Each school has a Code of Conduct, which is derived from Ministry of Education and Avon Maitland District School Board policies. It is contained in the booklet “Together for Safe Schools: Code of Conduct” which is available through each school and the Avon Maitland District School Board website at www.yourschools.ca.

Each student at Northwestern is expected to:

Respect him/herself and others; strive for personal excellence; follow the rules set by the school, the Avon Maitland District School Board and the Ministry of Education; participate actively and in a positive manner;
Arrive on time; arrive with the appropriate materials.
Physical, verbal (oral or written), sexual or psychological abuse, bullying, or discrimination on the basis of race, culture, religion, gender, language, disability, sexual orientation, or any other attribute is unacceptable.

Achievement

Students will be assessed and evaluated using a variety of techniques. Each student will receive a Course Information sheet specific to each course, which outlines the evaluation process in that course. A credit will be granted when a student has achieved the expectations of the course. Good work habits are essential for success.

Each student is expected to:

Be on time for and present in class;
Be prepared for class;
Put forth good effort, participate productively in class and complete all assigned work;
Behave in a polite and cooperative manner in class, which promotes learning for all students.

Student Fees

There will be no fees or cost charged to students to participate in the regular day school program. Fees may be charged where the student chooses to upgrade the material or where purchase of material is optional. Students enrolled in secondary schools in Avon Maitland District School Board can expect to be provided with the basic classroom learning resources that are required in order to complete the course expectations. It is recognized there may be optional resources that students may purchase to enhance their program; e.g. field trips, upgrading materials in courses such as construction technology and visual arts. Students are expected to come to school ready and willing to participate actively in their own learning. To that end, students are expected to bring materials with them for their own personal note-taking (e.g. pencils, pens, paper, binders). Students are encouraged to purchase their school’s student card by paying the student activity fee. The student card includes but is not limited to the benefit of participating in the co-instructional program and in the Student Council dances and activities. The fee may also be used to reduce the total cost of a student’s yearbook. Students involved in co-instructional teams, groups and clubs will be made aware of any additional fund-raising obligations or participation fees prior to making a commitment to participate.

Experiential Learning

Schools are offering more opportunities to customize your high school experience and build on your strengths and interests through a variety of new and enhanced learning options including Experiential Learning. Experiential Learning programs such as Co-op, Dual Credits, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) enhance your academic background and provide you with opportunities to gain valuable experiences in our community.

No matter what your post-secondary pathway may be, experiential learning can assist you in making career decisions and help you develop the knowledge, skills and habits required in the workplace. All forms of experiential learning are a valuable complement to your post-secondary preparation and future employment.

Dual Credit Offerings at Conestoga, Fanshawe and Lambton Colleges

What is a Dual Credit Program

Dual credit programs allow senior high school students the opportunity to earn high school and college credits at the same time. Students typically attend Conestoga, Fanshawe or Lambton College’s campuses once a week for a fifteen week period. This unique arrangement allows you, the student, the chance to experience life and learning in a college environment and allows you to fast track towards your post-secondary goals.

Examples of dual credit offerings include:

Digital Photography
Basic Plumbing
Basic Electrical
Intro to Early Childhood Education
Baking & Pastry Arts
Basic Welding Process and Fabricating
Health and Wellness Fundamentals
Recreation and Leisure

Program availability is subject to change. A maximum of 4 college-delivered dual credits can be counted as optional credits towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Dual Credits cannot be used as substitutions for compulsory credit requirements.

What does it cost?

You pay nothing. All books, transportation and tuition are paid for through grants from the School College Work Initiative (SCWI). SCWI is a collaborative partnership between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development.

What makes a student eligible?

Dual credit programs are intended to assist secondary school students in the completion of their OSSD and provide a successful transition to college and apprenticeship programs. As well, students in Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs (OYAP) are eligible to enroll. Enrolment in half or full day Co-op allows greater flexibility to participate.

How do I apply?

You MUST be referred to the program through your School Student Success Team. Avon Maitland College partners will not accept applications directly.

To find out what dual credit offerings are available and to take advantage of this great opportunity, contact your Guidance Counselor, Student Success teacher or Co-op teacher for an up-to-date listing of course offerings and to obtain an application form. More information can be found at successforlife.ca/dual-credit

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

Are you a hands on learner?
Do you like to solve problems?
Are you good at fixing things?
Do you find it difficult to sit in a classroom all day?

If you answered yes to any of the above, the apprenticeship pathway may be for you!

Get started on your apprenticeship while in high school. The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) allows you to be considered an OYAP Participant and earn cooperative education credits for work experience in an apprenticeable trade. You may or may not be formally registered as an apprentice while attending secondary school. To participate in OYAP you must: be at least 16 years of age, have completed a minimum of 16 credits, be a full-time student working towards completion of your diploma and complete the OYAP participant form.

A student who participates in OYAP must have a Personalized Placement Learning Plan (PPLP) that is based on the on-the-job training requirements outlined in the government approved training standard for that trade. Training Standard competency booklets can be found at INSERT: the Ontario College of Trades website. The OYAP program is funded by the Government of Ontario, Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development.

Fast track through an apprenticeship now and take advantage of Dual Credit and Specialist High Skills Major opportunities. See your Guidance Counsellor or Coop teacher to apply. For more information, visit successforlife.ca/oyap and oyap.com.

Specialist High Skills Majors

The SHSM is a specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and assist in their transition from secondary school to apprenticeship training, college, university, or the workplace. SHSM allow students to focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests. Visit www.successforlife.ca to view the SHSM sectors available at this school.

Every SHSM must include the following five components:

A bundle of 8-10 Grade 11 and 12 courses in the selected field that includes 2 cooperative education credits
Sector-recognized certifications and/or training courses
Experiential learning activities within the sector
Reach Ahead experiences connected with the student’s chosen post-secondary pathway
Development of key Essential Skills and Work Habits required for the sector; and the use of the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) for purposes of documentation

Benefits to students enrolled in a SHSM program:

Customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents.
Develop specialized knowledge and skills.
Earn credits that post-secondary educational institutions and the sector recognize.
Gain sector-recognized certification and career-relevant training.
Develop essential skills and work habits documented through the Ontario Skills Passport.
Identify, explore and refine career goals and make informed decisions about their future.
Remain flexible, with the option to shift between pathways, should their goals and plans change.

Coop Course Notes:

Summer school co-op is an option for students enrolled in a Specialist High Skills Major
SHSM candidates may use up to 4 co-op credits towards their bundle of SHSM requirements.
2 co-op credits are required in the SHSM Credit Bundle. Co-op tie-in must be within the approved bundle of credits (GLC2O is also available to be used).
1 additional co-op credit can be substituted for one Major credit. Co-op tie-in must be within the approved bundle of credits.
1 additional co-op credit can be substituted for one Other required credit. Co-op tie-in must be within the approved bundle of credits.

Energy

High Skills Major Pathway

Energy is an emerging and expanding sector that encompasses all aspects of energy generation, distribution, and consumption, including research and development, design, construction, installation, and maintenance. Core industries in this sector include: renewable and alternative energy such as wind, solar, biomass, power generation and distribution, fossil fuels and energy efficiency. Students enrolled in the Energy SHSM will be involved in today's rapid and exciting changes in green energy technologies. They will have the opportunity to solve some of the most pressing issues facing modern societies, while having good prospects for a varied career in a dynamic sector.

Select this link to view the Energy SHSM Credits Chart

Health & Wellness SHSM

High Skills Major Pathway

This program emphasizes skills in the Health & Wellness sector. Students develop knowledge and skills in Leadership, Parenting, Social Sciences and Humanities, Sciences, Fitness and Cosmetology. This program prepares our students for either employment or post-secondary training at the college or university level.

Select this link to view the Health & Wellness SHSM Credits Chart

Hospitality & Tourism

High Skills Major Pathway

This program emphasizes skills in the culinary arts. Students gain skills in food costing, menu planning, restaurant services, catering, event and activity planning, management techniques, nutrition, cooking and baking. Graduates will be able to proceed directly into the workforce, start an apprenticeship or enroll in related college or university programs.

Select this link to view the Hospitality & Tourism SHSM Credits Chart

Manufacturing

High Skills Major Pathway

This program focuses on designing, planning, costing, manufacturing and marketing real-life, hands-on projects to produce industry standard products. While working on these projects the students are actively engaged in learning a variety of skills such as Autocad, Mastercam, all disciplines of welding and precision machining. This program prepares our students for either employment or post-secondary training at an advanced level.

Select this link to view the Manufacturing SHSM Credits Chart

Transportation

High Skills Major Pathway

Transportation Technology is an activity based program focusing on the repair and maintenance of vehicles. In addition to this, the High Skills Program offers students the opportunity to study and test the components of the vehicle. The program also focuses on servicing of farm and other heavy equipment. Students diagnose and repair vehicle malfunctions and are expected to make repairs to industry standards, as many of the vehicles repaired are customer owned and operated. This also gives students practice in customer relations.

Select this link to view the Transportation SHSM Credits Chart

Avon Maitland District eLearning Centre

AMDEC is a fully online secondary school within the Avon Maitland DSB, which offers courses from grade 9 to grade 12 in most subject areas. Our courses are taught by experienced AMDSB teachers who are committed to student success through a quality eLearning experience. Your success as a student is also supported by our principal, vice principal, guidance counsellor, technical help department, office staff and the home school. We believe that our program provides an excellent educational opportunity for all of our students.

AMDEC delivers semestered, as well as non-semestered continuous intake courses. With the permission of your home school, you may start AMDEC courses any time between September and mid-February, but all students must finish by early June. You have some flexible deadlines for your assignments; however, you are responsible for establishing a schedule that meets both AMDEC’s due dates and your own needs (for example, completing the course by the end of first semester or meeting postsecondary mark submission deadlines). Module completion requirements and a list of important due dates are posted in the Student Handbook and are also available on our website: www.amdec.ca.

Students wishing to take an AMDEC course must register through the guidance department of their home school. You may consider eLearning courses for a number of reasons: to take a course that is not offered at your home school; to solve a timetable conflict; and to experience eLearning before starting post-secondary education. To succeed in eLearning you need skills in: self-motivation, organization, self-direction, time management, computer proficiency, and honesty.

Mandatory Courses by Grade

Grade 9 Course

Students in Grade 9 will take the following 8 Compulsory Credits

Canadian & World Studies - CGC1D or CGC1P
English - ENG1D or ENG1L or ENG1P
French - FSF1D or FSF1P
Mathematics - MPM1D or MAT1L or MFM1P
Science - SNC1D or SNC1L or SNC1P
Healthy Living - PPL1OM or PPL1OF

Choose Two of the following:

Music - AMU1O
Visual Arts - AVI1O
Drama - ADA1O
Introduction to Business - BTT1O
Social Science - HFN1O
Exploring Technologies - TIJ1O
Exploring Hairstyling & Aesthetics - TXJ1O

Grade 10 Courses

Grade 10 will take the following 5 Compulsory Credits

Canadian & World Studies - CHC2D or CHC2L or CHC2P
Career Studies (.5 credit) - GLC2O
Civics and Citizenship (.5 credit) - CHV2O
English - ENG2D or ENG2L or ENG2P
Mathematics - MPM2D or MAT2L or MFM2P
Science - SNC2D or SNC2L or SNC2P

Choose 3 Additional Credits at the Grade 10 Level

Grade 11 Courses

Students in Grade 11 will take Compulsory English and Mathematics Credits

Students must check carefully that the requirements for the any additional compulsory credits are completed.

English - ENG3C or ENG3E or ENG3U
Mathematics - MBF3C or MEL3E or MCF3M or MCR3U

Choose Up to 6 Additional Credits:

Students in Grade 11 may select a Grade 12 course if prerequisite has been completed.

Grade 12 Courses

Grade 12 Students will choose a minimum of 6 Courses. All Students in Grade 12 must choose 1 English Course to Complete Diploma Requirements

English - ENG4C or ENG4E or ENG4U

Concurrent Education

Stratford Northwestern S.S. and Stratford Central S.S.

Students who attend Stratford Northwestern SS and Stratford Central SS are reminded of the vast program and course opportunities that are available to them in the two schools. In order to broaden your educational experience, a Central student may desire to take a course(s) at Northwestern or a Northwestern student may desire to take a course(s) at Central while remaining a student and receiving their diploma at their home school. If a student at either school is unable to schedule a desired class in his or her home school we encourage you to speak with your Student Services Department who will work to see if your request can be accommodated between the two schools.

Stratford Northwestern, for example, offers a broader selection of courses in Technological Education at the senior level and offers a Specialist High Skills, in Energy; Health and Wellness; Hospitality and Tourism; Manufacturing and Transportation. Stratford Central offers a broader selection of courses in The Arts and offers a Specialist High Skills Major in Arts and Culture (which includes Theatre Production) and a Specialist High Skills Major in Information & Communication Technology. Stratford Central also offers Advanced Placement courses at the senior level. Both schools have many diversified courses our students may wish to consider to get the best educational opportunities available to pursue their many pathways to work, apprenticeship, college or university. We encourage you to consider concurrent education when you are making your course selection in February both at Stratford Northwestern and Stratford Central. For additional information on Concurrent Education please contact the Student Services Department.

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