Saunders offers one of the most comprehensive selections of courses and programs in the Thames Valley District School Board. In addition to our extensive course offerings, there are many specialized programs to help support students on their path to graduation and preparation for life after high school.

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a ministry approved program allowing students to focus their learning in a specific economic sector while meeting their requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. 

Saunders students are able to customize their courses to suit their interests and talents while preparing for a sector specific apprenticeship, college, university, or workplace destination. Students will be required to complete specific subjects in a major focus area, and complete industry certification courses. Students can enroll in the program in their senior years after they have completed their grade 10 credit requirements.

Grade 12 students have the opportunity to enroll in a course run through a local college, and earn credits towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. This unique program provides students planning to pursue post-secondary studies with the chance to experience life and learning at the college level while still attending Saunders.

The School-within-a-college (SWAC) and School-within-a-university (SWAU) programs are designed for students in their last year of secondary school, who would benefit from an opportunity to engage in an alternative learning environment to help them transition to post-secondary studies. 

SWAC students complete their final high school credits by attending Fanshawe College. SWAU students complete their studies at Huron College at Western University. Secondary curriculum instruction is provided by a Thames Valley District School Board teacher.

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) opens the door for Saunders students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program.

Saunders students have an opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified journeypersons in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diplomas.

You can learn more about OYAP here.