Getting a flavour of the post-secondary experience prepares students for life after high school
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“The Paul Menton Centre at Carleton puts on a day of exhibits that focus not just on the academic aspects of attending university, but also many of the extracurricular activities, like physical education and sports that they can get involved in,” says Heritage Academy principal Cheryl Ward.
It’s a real eye-opener for many of the students and often their first experience with university life, says Ward. But at Heritage Academy, that first introduction began years ago — the school’s preparation of students for university or college starts in Grade 8.
“We really try to give them a head start,” says Ward. “The information we provide our students provides insight into the path they want to follow. In Grade 9, they have an individual education plan that helps them focus on the path they need to follow.”
Secondary students also use a software program called MyBlueprint, an educational tool designed to support career planning, course selection and goal setting. This program enables students to build a portfolio and track their progress, allowing teachers to offer guidance on various disciplines they may wish to pursue in college or university.
“The academy organizes visits from colleges and universities that our Grade 11 and 12 students can attend,” says Ward. “Our academic advisors make sure that we provide advice not just for our graduates, but their parents.”
Ward says there is nothing like being there to provide that spark of motivation.
“Carleton University really does a great job in motivating and engaging our students and making sure they are putting the right foot forward.”
As the guidance counsellor at Blyth Academy, Andrew Hall makes sure the academy’s students are exposed to as many options as possible.
“We showcase… 20 to 30 universities and colleges for our senior students,” says Hall, so they get an overview of what is available. Hall also emphasizes that “fit is more important than fame. I make sure that our students, along with their parents, really look into what the university or college is like — you’re going to be living there for the next few years,” he says — “and to really delve into the program you’re interested in.”
Blyth Academy has a program called Launch Pad, which helps students with learning skills, time management, budgeting, academic responsibility and even healthy eating — all essential skills.
Hall also talks to students in Grades 11 and 12 students about taking a gap year.
Students, he says, can make it a purposeful year while they figure out what they want to do.
“There are a couple of websites devoted to helping you with a gap year,” says Hall. “One is Discover Year and another is CanGap. They both can help a student with self-awareness and solid decisions about what they want to do next.”
In the meantime, Hall’s door is always open. “The sooner we can get on the right path, the better,” he says.
Nya Njeuga, superintendent of education at Conseil des écoles catholiques du centre-est (CECCE) says to have a plan.
“Whether it’s a gap year, or heading off to college or university,” says Njeuga, “have a plan in place that is going to benefit you.” CECCE begins preparing their students for secondary school in Grades 11 and 12 through its Focus Program.
“The program provides practical advice for our senior students so they can explore their values, develop autonomy and confidence for those college or university years,” Njeuga says, adding that guidance counsellors not only provide support and advice but help students navigate scholarship application.
CECCE also has workshops for parents and guardians of Grade 11 and 12 students. “It’s important that they understand what their child needs, mark-wise, to get into university or college. Once parents understand they can really help, along with the guidance counsellors to get on the right path, says Njeuga.
If a student needs a gap year, Njeuga says to take it.
“Some students just aren’t ready to take on college or university,” says Njeuga. “Sometimes age is a factor – many of our graduating Grade 12s are still quite young. Or there could be financial issues, so having a job for a year could help.”
He also advises students to make that gap year count. “If you want to travel, do it, but learn something from it, make it interesting and explore so you really are ready for that first year of university or college, Njeuga adds. “You’ll be a better student for it.”
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Useful websites
blytheducation.com/our-campuses/ottawa