Unlock Your Potential in High School
Unlock Your Potential in High School
Students shouldn’t have to wait until they graduate high school to gain valuable work experience. A student should be able to reach as far as they would like to during their high school career. That’s why we have various programs that can give your child practical experience in a career field while still earning credits toward their high school diploma.
Check Out Our High School Programs
Check Out Our High School Programs
Cooperative Education
Our cooperative education program is a unique experience that allows students to earn secondary school credits while completing a work placement. The program allows participants to take what they learned in school and apply it to a real-world work environment.
Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM) Program
SHSM lets students in Grades 11 and 12 explore high-demand career sectors through hands-on learning and certifications. It’s a great way to gain experience, build skills, and start planning for post-secondary pathways while still in high school.
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
OYAP allows full-time students aged 15+ to explore skilled trades careers while earning co-op credits. Students gain hands-on experience in apprenticeship-related jobs before graduating from high school.
OCSB Elite Skilled Trades Academy
This Grade 11–12 program offers hands-on training in Carpentry, Automotive, and Masonry. Students earn certifications, complete paid Level 1 Apprenticeship training, and gain real work experience.
Dual Credit Programs
The Dual Credit Program lets high school students earn up to four credits that count toward both their Ontario Secondary School Diploma and a college diploma, degree, or apprenticeship certification. It’s designed for students who have the potential to succeed but may need extra support to meet graduation requirements.
Through this program, students can:
- Take college or apprenticeship courses while still in high school.
- Combine dual credits with programs like Co-op or OYAP for flexible scheduling.
- Get a head start on post-secondary education or skilled trades training.
Next Steps:
Check the Ministry of Education’s Dual Credit Programs Guide for eligibility and details, then talk to your guidance counsellor to explore your options.
Focus Programs
Focus Programs are specialized course packages that combine academic learning with hands-on experience in a specific career field. They give students access to expert instruction and industry-relevant equipment, helping them explore career options and prepare for post-secondary education or the workforce.
- In Grades 9–10, Focus Awareness Programs introduce students to experiential learning.
- In Grades 11–12, Focus Exploration Programs allow students to dive deeper into a chosen area of interest.
SAWS - Students Achieving Workplace Skills - Focus Program
- Offered at Notre Dame High School
- Grade 9, Program Length: 1 Year, No Cost
- Prerequisites: None
This two semester package of courses will concentrate on all aspects of work as a general contractor, from student client meetings, research, design, cost analysis and fabrication of community based projects. A wide variety of construction disciplines will be utilized to complete these projects. The courses will be construction oriented and will include: measurement; technical reporting; research; analysis; sketching; and detailed drawing. In addition, community involvement is an integral part of this course through projects, presentations and community contacts. Students will have the opportunity to work with skilled professionals, thereby enhancing their career options. Students will spend the mornings in the regular courses and the afternoons in the Construction room for their Focus Program courses.
SAWS Focus Program full year credit package
Semester 1
- Credit 1: Technology and the Skilled Trades (TAS1OR)
- Credit 2: Religion (HRE1O)
- Credit 3: Compulsory of student’s choice
- Credit 4: Compulsory of student’s choice
Semester 2
- Credit 1: Construction (TCJ1O)
- Credit 2: Geography (CGC1W)
- Credit 3: Compulsory of student’s choice
- Credit 4: Compulsory of student’s choice
Caring For Others Focus Program *
* We recommend checking the current availability of this program.
- Offered at Immaculata High School
- Grade 10, Program Length: 1 Year, No Cost
- Prerequisites: ENG1L or ENG1W
This Focus Program will center on the various careers dedicated to caring for others in our community. Students will explore employment opportunities at local daycares, schools, community health centres, non-profit organizations and nursing homes. Hands-on experiences will help Caring for Others students gain valuable skills and confidence, allowing them to further consider this work in the future. Each semester, for half the school day, students will gather to work collaboratively, developing and implementing ongoing initiatives in the community. Students will also appreciate how we can open doors, build bridges and nourish new beginnings through our work with others, and make a connection between our faith and our life work.
Caring for Others Focus Program full year credit package
Semester 1
- Credit 1: Health Care (TPJ2O)
- Credit 2: English (ENG2L/2P/2D)
- Credit 3: Compulsory of student’s choice
- Credit 4: Compulsory of student’s choice
Semester 2
- Credit 1: Compulsory of student’s choice
- Credit 2: Compulsory of student’s choice
- Credit 3: Careers & Civics (CHV2O/GLC2O/CHV2OI/GLC2OI)
- Credit 4: Religion (HRE2O/HRE2OI)
Transportation Focus Program
- Offered at Lester B. Pearson Catholic High School
- Grade 10, Program Length: 1 Year, No Cost
- Prerequisites: None
This program is comprised of a selection of transportation-related courses. During semester one, the Transportation Technologies course will focus on transportation-related curriculum and the math course will support projects and assignments from the technology course. During semester 2, the English course will include the development of literacy skills through transportation-related content and the Discovering the Workplace course will provide opportunities to investigate career opportunities in the transportation sector. The remainder of their courses will follow the regular grade 10 curriculum.
Transportation Focus Program full year credit package
Semester 1
- Credit 1: Transportation (TTJ2O)
- Credit 2: Math (MFM2P/MAT2L)
- Credit 3: Compulsory of student’s choice
- Credit 4: Compulsory of student’s choice
Semester 2
- Credit 1: English (ENG2P/2L)
- Credit 2: Discovering the Workplace (GLD2O)
- Credit 3: Compulsory of student’s choice
- Credit 4: Compulsory of student’s choice
Summer School
Make the most of summer with OCSB’s Summer School! We offer in-person and online courses for Grades 6–12, open to all students—including those from other school boards.
Programs for High School students include:
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Reach Ahead Courses.
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Credit Recovery & Achievement Centre.
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SHSM Co-op for Grade 11 students.
More High School Opportunities
Students have the opportunity to earn a number of different certifications. Students wishing to earn one or more certificates should keep the certification requirements in mind when choosing electives.
More High School Opportunities
Students have the opportunity to earn a number of different certifications. Students wishing to earn one or more certificates should keep the certification requirements in mind when choosing electives.
- French as a Second Language: Two separate French programs are available for students — Core French or Immersion French. Both programs aim to foster an interest in French language learning that will continue throughout the student’s life. An FSL certificate is awarded to students who have pursued a concentrated study in French. Students can earn a Core French certificate by successfully completing 4 French language courses, including the Grade 11 and 12 Core French courses.
Students can earn an Immersion French certificate by successfully completing 10 courses – 4 French language courses and 6 additional courses taught in French. A cooperative education placement, linked to a French credit, may be included toward the 6 additional credits. - Business Studies: Students can earn a Business Studies certificate by completing a minimum of 5 credits, either through Business Studies courses (‘B’ codes), Economics courses (CIC3E, CIE3M, CIA4U), or cooperative education credits tied to Business courses. See a guidance counsellor for more information.
- Technological Education: Students can earn a Technological Education certificate by completing a minimum of 5 credits, either through Technological Education courses (‘T’ codes), or cooperative education credits tied to Technological Education courses. See a guidance counsellor for more information.
- Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Diploma: The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) encourages students to focus their secondary school education toward a career area of their choice. Students can earn a SHSM program accreditation no matter what their postsecondary plans — work, apprenticeship, or college/university. Students who successfully complete an SHSM receive:
- An Ontario Secondary School Diploma with an embossed SHSM seal.
- An SHSM Record documenting their achievement.
- Formal recognition on their Ontario Student Transcript. This formal recognition lets employers and postsecondary education know that the student has knowledge, skills, and industry-recognized qualifications related to a particular career field.
- Learning Support and Credit Recovery: Our high schools are designed with a variety of supports to meet the needs of all learners, including students whose first language is not English, students who have learning needs. Some of our high school students are high-performing athletes and artists with demanding training and competition schedules. We recognize the need to provide flexibility to our elite athletes and artists so that they may continue to train at the provincial, national, and international level in their disciplines, while continuing with their academic studies. Please get in touch with your OCSB school to learn more about the supports available for your child. About This Support ›
High School Student Awards
High School Student Awards
Graduating from high school is a significant milestone that deserves to be celebrated by every student. It is a journey filled with unique challenges and successes. The Ottawa Catholic School Board understands the importance of recognizing the exceptional achievements of its students. The OCSB provides Student Awards to those who go above and beyond in their academic, charitable, and community wellness pursuits. These awards consist of bursaries and/or certificates specifically designed to support the post-graduate aspirations of select students. We encourage students of all high school grades to explore these awards, as they may be eligible for one or more!
How Can I Apply for an Award? For complete details on these and many other external scholarships, bursaries and awards, please visit your school’s Student Services Office. Details on national, provincial and local scholarships and bursaries are available in each school’s office.
All OCSB Award Opportunities
The Director of Education Award for Academic Perseverance
This award is a $1500 bursary presented to one OCSB graduate from each high school who has demonstrated resilience and academic success despite facing challenging circumstances. The School-based Honours and Awards Committee chooses the recipient.
The Director of Education Graduate Student Award
This award is a $1500 bursary and a certificate given to an OCSB high school graduate who has maintained a high academic average in grades 11 and 12 while embodying the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations.
The Ottawa Catholic Graduate Student Award
This award is a $1000 bursary and certificate presented to an OCSB graduate from each high school who has met the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations standards.
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program Award
This award is a $1000 bursary and a certificate for an OCSB graduate from each high school’s OYAP apprenticeship program who has shown exceptional achievement as recognized by employers and cooperative education teachers.
Pathways for Success Destination Employability Award
This award is a $500 bursary and certificate for an OCSB graduate of the Destination Employability Program at each high school who has demonstrated academic excellence and a distinct aptitude in their chosen career path.
Walking Towards Reconciliation
This award is a $1000 bursary and certificate for an OCSB graduate from each high school who has shown empathy and understanding of Canada’s Indigenous peoples’ history, culture, and perspectives.
The Ottawa Catholic Trustee Student Service Award
This award is a $1500 bursary and a certificate for an OCSB graduate from each high school who has shown a strong commitment to school activities for at least three years, significant community involvement or fundraising efforts, and notable leadership skills.
Be Community (School and Board Level)
This award is a $100 bursary and certificate for an OCSB graduate from each high school who has significantly contributed to the community service component of their OSS diploma. Each recipient is also eligible for an additional $1,000 bursary, with an additional $1,000 donated to a charity of their choice.
Community-Driven Awards
Community-Driven Awards are awards provided by members of the wider Ottawa community. The OCSB does not manage or support them directly; however, we promote them to our students as they are great opportunities for them to cover the cost of education at the post-secondary level.
Resources outside the OCSB:
Ontario.ca: Student Loans, Grants, Scholarships & Bursaries ›
Ready to Plan Your High School Journey?
Ready to Plan Your High School Journey?
Students and their families are encouraged to plan ahead by exploring the website, High School Program Guide and myBlueprint, as a starting point for any discussions with teachers, guidance counsellors, and school administrators to align with your goals before you graduate!
- Log in to myBlueprint to start exploring the opportunities and to map out your high school pathway.
- Connect with your School Counsellor to discuss your options and see which certificates and programs are the best fit for you.
Take charge of your future—start today!
