High School Program Information

Is this Program for Me?

Are You:

• enrolled in grades 10, 11 or 12?

• interested in obtaining your high school diploma?

• not having success in school but feel like you could?

• sometimes have difficulty getting along with classmates and/or teachers?

• experiencing difficulty with regular school attendance?

• at risk for dropping out of school early?

• interested in making personal changes in your life and willing to work towards these changes in a supportive, individualized environment?

• willing to be active and participate in project-based, service learning, and community-connected learning?

If you answered YES to any of the above, West Hants Education Centre may be the right school for you!

Goals of the School:

WHEC's High School Program is for students grade 10, 11, & 12 who have not yet found success in a traditional school setting. The main focus of the program is to assist the student in developing academic skills, life skills, and social skills, which will enable them to successfully continue their education. Futhermore, WHEC will provide the opportunity:

§ To address students’ academic, social and emotional needs in a flexible, individualized learning environment.

§ To explore fitness, recreational, and job-related opportunities in our community

§ Smaller classes with more individualized attention to meet your needs

§ An emphasis on hands-on, project-based activities

§ Learn how to set and achieve goals, solve problems, and get along better with others

§ To participate in adventure-based activities such as camping

How is this school different than other schools?

At West Hants Education Centre the curriculum content is the same as that at your current high school; the course information covered is the same as that in any other school in Nova Scotia.

Academics:

§ A focus on student-centered learning – projects, group work, presentations, hands-on learning experiences, community-based activities linked directly to course work and grades

§ Modular, cross-curricular units – units of study will be broken down into smaller projects that may cover more than one subject at a time

§ Diversified assessment – use a variety of ways to show what you know, not just tests

§ More flexible time to concentrate on literacy and numeracy upgrading as needed

Personal Growth & Development:

§ Community service projects - what can we do to benefit our community?

§ Adventure-based/experiential education activities which may include: camping, wilderness survival training, canoeing/kayaking, swimming, and regular fitness activities.

§ Various training and certification opportunities such as First Aid/CPR and WHMIS.

§ Workshops on relevant teen issues, which may include: substance abuse, Youth Criminal Justice Act, post-secondary options, anger management, counseling services, career planning, problem-solving strategies, personal interaction skills, setting & achieving goals, self-ownership, and taking responsibility for one’s own decisions and actions.

Students Must Make a Commitment To:

§ Attend regularly

§ Participate fully in academic work as well as recreational and community-based activities

§ Engage in social-emotional aspects of the program

§ Contribute to a safe, healthy, welcoming, and positive learning environment

What course credits will be offered?

Each student will have the opportunity to obtain select credits from the following Nova Scotia Public School Program (PSP) credits during the upcoming academic year (2021-2022):

• Food Technology and Food Preparation 10

• English Communications 10/11/12

• Math at Work 10/11/12

• Physical Education 10, 12; Physical Education Leadership 12

• Physically Active Lifestyles 11

• Science 10

• Oceans 11

• Mi’kmaw Studies 11

• Visual Arts 10/11

• Global Geography 12

• Film & Video 12

• Workplace Health & Safety 11 (1/2 credit course)

• Career Development 11 (1/2 credit course)

** Please note that these courses are subject to change

How can I become a student?

1. Pick up an application package at West Hants Education Centre's main office or apply online by clicking here.

2. If shortlisted, attend an interview and academic screening meeting with the teacher and principal of West Hants Education Centre.

3. Make a commitment to participate in ALL components of this program.

4. Current school support people will be contacted to help determine if the program is a good fit.

5. Wait to hear if your application has been accepted or not. We aim to get back to students as soon as possible!

How will I get from my home to the West Hants Education Centre?

You will take your regular bus to West Hants Middle School and then a bus will transport you to WHEC.

Can I participate in individual and team school sports if I go to WHEC?

Yes! You are still able to participate in extra-curricular activities, including sports, through Avon View High School.

Please contact the school directly if you have additional questions!