Knowledge & Employability Programming

Within the Dr. Anne Anderson Learning Hub a variety of courses are available to support diverse learner needs. Many of our students are enrolled in Knowledge and Employability (K&E) courses and take advantage of community partnerships to prepare for employment, further studies, active citizenship and lifelong learning. K&E courses give you the opportunity to learn through hands-on activities at school and off-campus, maximizing your chances for success in whatever you choose to do.

Knowledge and Employability courses assist students in:

• transitioning from school to the workplace and community

• preparing for ethical citizenship

• gaining recognition, respect, and value from employers

• attaining access to continuing education opportunities

The Learning Hub offers an sheltered environment with clear and guided instruction, authentic experiential learning opportunities, individualized literacy and numeracy development strategies to increase the student’s level of achievement, guidance in developing personal management, study skills, and social and emotional strategies, and a safe, caring, and nurturing environment with clearly articulated boundaries and limitations.

Some students start in K&E courses and then shift to other high school courses. To make the transition, consult with your school counsellor and parents or guardians. Transitions will be decided based on your needs, goals and achievements. You may also transition to training opportunities and continuing education (which includes some colleges and apprenticeship programs).

Students benefit most when their needs and their education plans are appropriately matched. Each of our students will have a “Learning Plan”created in collaboration between the student, parent/guardian and teacher. This Learning Plan may include student goals such as taking a combination of Knowledge and Employability and other courses

Courses may include (not an exhaustive list):

• English Language Arts 10-4, 20-4 and/or 30-4

• Social Studies 10-4, 20-4 and/or 30-2

• Mathematics 10-4, 20-4, 30-3

• Science 10-4, 20-4, 24

• WorkPlace Readiness 10-4

• Workplace Practicum 20-4, 30-4

• PE 10, 20, 30

• CALM

• Outside of K&E (-4) courses, students have access to all our other option classes such as drama, dance, foods, band, robotics, mechatronics, graphic design, sports performance, and more!

Note: Enrolment of a student in Knowledge and Employability courses must include consultation with, and the informed written consent of, parents/guardians and the student.

Knowledge and Employability occupational courses are designed for students who need unique learning support systems. In general, the Knowledge and Employability learning environment is characterized by:

• smaller class sizes, allowing teachers to provide students with greater individual assistance in building self-esteem and developing specific competencies

• hands-on learning in authentic environments

• recognition of students’ ability to demonstrate practical skills necessary for success in the specified occupational area

• assessment, in multiple and varied formats, based on skill development leading to career specific competencies

Both the Knowledge and Employability occupational courses and the CTS program are designed to:

• involve students in hands-on learning experiences

• assist students in the development of occupational competencies within a career-related context that will help them in their transition into the workplace

• provide opportunities for students to explore a variety of job opportunities or career pathways

Students taking Knowledge and Employability courses work towards completing a Certificate of Achievement, rather than or before working towards a High School Diploma. In our Learning Plan are the requirements for a Certificate of Achievement.

Our Knowledge and Employability courses also promote student skills, abilities, and work ethics, including:

• academic and occupational skills of a standard determined by the workplace to be necessary for success

• practical applications through on- and off-campus experiences and/or community partnerships

• career development skills, including career exploration and the development of a career-focused portfolio

• interpersonal skills that support the development of respect and cooperation

At our school, we support our students as they explore and develop their specific interests. We focus on developing real-world skills that will serve them at home and in a future job. We try to engage our students in the right environments that support authentic learning (For example, a student interested in sports and fitness would have opportunities to be involved in work and learning in our recreational amenities. Another student interested in getting a job at a restaurant might enjoy and benefit from work experience leading our Coffee Cart program or working in our commercial culinary kitchen alongside a Red Seal Chef.) Such experience is provided in our Workplace Readiness 10-4/Workplace Practicum 20-4 and 30-4 course offerings which:

• develop employability skills to find, acquire, and keep a job

• provide a supportive work experience

• provide a practical environment to enhance employability and occupational skills learned in the occupational course