Instructional Services
Experiential learning will provide students the opportunity to develop Christian values and practise proper ethics in the world of work.
What is Co-operative Education?
The York Catholic District School Board's Co-operative Education programs combine classroom learning with on-the-job training to enhance the educational experiences of participants.
The program assists high school students bound for university, college, apprenticeship or the workplace in making career decisions and developing essential skills, knowledge and attitudes.
Cooperative Education is a planned learning experience for which students earn credits towards an OSSD. The program integrates classroom theory with learning experiences in the community. Students are able to apply, expand, and refine knowledge and skills acquired through a related curriculum course. Cooperative Education is offered to Grade Eleven and Grade Twelve students in all subject areas.
Courses completed successfully or taken in the same semester as Coop can be linked to Cooperative Education experiences. The knowledge and skills of an in-school course are applied in a practical work environment. These experiences assist students to explore and prepare for future careers and make a successful transition to post-secondary education, apprenticeship, or the work place.
In addition to school-arranged experiences tied to the curriculum, the Co-operative Education program includes:
- The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
- School-to-work transition programs that combine in-school and work-based education and training for students who plan to enter the workforce directly from high school
Other forms of experiential learning listed below may contribute to students’ career decision making and subject knowledge as part of in-school courses.
What are the benefits of Co-operative Education?
Through the programs, students have the opportunity to:
- Explore interests and aptitudes
- Develop realistic personal appraisals and goals
- Consider appropriate career goals
- Increase maturity and self-awareness
- Develop appropriate expectations and attitudes towards work
- Prepare for entry into the workplace
- Develop marketable job skills
- Earn diploma credits
To whom is Cooperative Education available?
Most credits are offered at the senior level, however, in special situations, it is possible for grade 9 and l0 students to earn credits this way, after consultation with the school's administration, the parents, the teachers and the community employer.
How are participants selected?
Students are selected through a counseling and interviewing process conducted by their school's Co-operative Education teacher(s). Prior to their placement in the workplace, they attend structured orientation and pre-placement sessions.
How are students evaluated?
The Co-operative Education teacher monitors and evaluates the student's out-of-school activities. As well, students share and analyze their work experiences with their teachers and peers in structured classroom integration activities.
Application Process for Cooperative Education
There is a required process for all students to follow when applying to participate in a Cooperative Education experience. This process provides information to students and parents/guardians as they plan educational pathways and goals. Applications are available in the Co-operative Education or Guidance offices. Interviews are mandatory.
Course Selection Instructions: Please contact your Guidance Office.
A Cooperative Education experience includes:
- A personalized placement learning plan (PPLP) based on the related course curriculum expectations
- Credit delivery (1, 2, 3, or 4 credits in a semester)
- Pre-placement instruction and orientation (including health and safety preparation)
- Provision for Workplace Safety Insurance Board coverage (where applicable)
- Regular monitoring at the Co-op placement by the Cooperative Education teacher
- Integration of classroom and workplace learning
- Reflective/integrative learning classes
- Student assessment and evaluation
A Cooperative Education experience includes:
| # OF CO-OP CREDITS |
PRE-PLACEMENT | INTEGRATION | PLACEMENT | TOTAL HOURS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-credits (related to 1 or2 in-school courses) | 15-20 HOURS | 7 HOURS | 83 – 88 hours |
110 hours |
| 1-credit (related to 1 in school course) | 15-20 HOURS | 14 HOURS | 186 – 191 hours |
220 hours |
| 3-credits (related to 2 or 3 in-school courses) | 15-20 HOURS | 21 HOURS | 269 –279 hours |
330 hours |
| 4-credits (related to 2 or 3 in-school courses) | 15-20 HOURS | 28 HOURS | 392 – 397 hours |
440 hours |
Here is a sample pathway that may assist students to reach university/college/apprenticeship/work destinations with Cooperative Education and *other forms of experiential learning included:
| GRADE 9 | GRADE 10 | GRADE 11 | GRADE 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| RELIGION | RELIGION | RELIGION | RELIGION |
| ENGLISH | ENGLISH | ENGLISH | ENGLISH |
| MATH | MATH | MATH | MATH (ELECTIVE) |
| SCIENCE | SCIENCE | SCIENCE OR TECH | ELECTIVE COURSE |
| FRENCH | CAREER ED/CIVICS | ENGLISH/LANGUAGE/ OR SCOCIAL SCIENCE |
ELECTIVE COURSE |
| GEOGRAPHY | HISTORY | ELECTIVE COURSE | ELECTIVE COURSE |
| HEALTH/PHYS.ED | PHYS.ED/ART/BUSINESS | ELECTIVE COURSE | ELECTIVE COURSE |
| ARTS | ELECTIVE COURSE | ELECTIVE(S) COULD INCLUDE CO-OP EDUCATION |
ELECTIVE(S) COULD INCLUDE CO-OP EDUCATION |
| *Take Our Kids To Work | *Job Shadowing *Job Twinning |
*Job Shadowing *Job Twinning *Work Experience |
*Job Shadowing *Work Experience |