There are many ways for you to continue your journey of self-discovery and personal growth as you work towards planning your post-secondary pathway.
You may choose to return to secondary school to explore more prerequisite courses needed for post-secondary programs, explore a completely
different pathway program option, travel the world to gain more life experience or volunteer or work in your community to help inform your decision making. There is no set timeline. It is important to take the time you need to feel confident in the pathway you choose for your future.
Other Options to Explore
Returning for a Fifth Year
HDSB students can return for a fifth year to explore additional courses and program opportunities that may inform and support their post-secondary plan. Each school will have their own particular process and expectations for students who are returning for a fifth year. Students can connect with their Guidance department leading up to course selection time to discuss this option and the process involved.
Dual Credit Program
Dual Credit programs are Ministry-approved programs that allow Grade 11 and 12 students to take college courses that count towards the OSSD and a post-secondary college diploma. The HDSB has partnerships with Conestoga, Humber, Mohawk, Niagara and Sheridan colleges as part of the provincial School College Work Initiative. Dual Credit programs run either in the secondary school or at the college, and allow students to reach ahead to their future education in the apprenticeship or college post-secondary pathways. Students interested in Dual Credit programs should meet with their Guidance Counsellor to discuss opportunities and to determine if they meet the student criteria to enroll.
Visit the
Dual Credit Program webpage of the HDSB website to learn more.
For Further Consideration {insert the info below in a separate box}
School Within A College (SWAC)
The HDSB offers SWAC in partnership with Sheridan College. This program offers students between the ages of 17 and 20, with at least 22 credits, the opportunity to earn up to five secondary school credits and two college-delivered dual credits on a college campus. These courses also count towards their OSSD and college transcript.
Benefits
- This program is free for all HDSB students and includes transportation, textbooks, tuition and material costs.
- The dual credit earned is counted both towards a first year college program and OSSD requirements.
- SWAC students will be registered college students and receive a student number and identification card.
- Access to all college services space (gym, library, computer labs, etc.) and events. The SWAC program is offered in semester two, with the primary focus on students facing challenges in graduating but having the potential to succeed in college.
Gary Allan Learning Centres - Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education
Gary Allan Learning Centres (GALC) serve learners of all ages at sites in Burlington, Georgetown, Milton and Oakville. The wide range of courses and programs offered at GALC are suitable for all destination pathways. Visit the
Gary Allan Learning Centres website for an overview of programs.
Programs at a Glance
| Adult |
| Dual Credit | Gary Allan Learning Center and Participating Colleges | 21+ | This program allows adults who are completing their secondary school diplomas to earn a college credit while working toward the completion of their OSSD. | Fall, Winter and Spring sessions |
| E-Credit Correspondence - asynchronous | Gary Allan LC online | 21+ | Self-directed online for students to work at their own pace. No direct teacher support. | Continuous Enrolment Sept. - April |
| In-Class - synchronous | Gary Allan LC, Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville | 21+ | Teacher guided learning through a hybrid mode (in-person and virtual instruction). Courses run in either the morning or afternoon. | New sessions start every 6 weeks |
| Alternative |
| STEP - in person | Gary Allan HS, Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton, Oakville | 15-18 | Guided learning focusing on compulsory credits combined with an experiential learning program. | Continuous Intake Sept. - May |
| BTS - online | Gary Allan HS Online with drop-in opportunity at local campus | 18-20 | Fully online learning with teacher support and direction in person or online for recent high school graduates or students 18+ who are close to graduating. | Continuous Enrolment Sept. - May
|
Gap Year, Work and Volunteering
A
gap year is a break after secondary school, before making a commitment to an apprenticeship, college, university or the workplace. It can be any length of timebefore and during studies, and include time off from work or other career pursuits. and include any number of activities. During this time you can figure out who you are, what your opportunities are, who you want to become, what you need to get there, and you can save money in order to cover the cost of any future post-secondary education. You may include working and/or volunteering during your gap year as well, which will help you learn more about yourself and your future education and career pathways. There are also specific companies that offer formal gap year programs both locally and internationally, depending on the experience the student is seeking.
Explore the Ontario School Counsellors’ Association’s
Gap Year Possibilities resource to see what opportunities are available to you!
Explore - HDSB Guide to Post Secondary