It’s Course Selection season, Hawks and Hawk families!
The Course Selection process is very important to the structure of the NDSS timetable for next year. The courses that students choose, or do not choose, will determine the classes that will be available to students in 2026/27. With this in mind, it is crucial that students and families are intentional when choosing courses.
Course selection information sessions
Guidance Counsellors are meeting with classes in the cafeteria during Period 2 between February 11 and 17 according to the following schedule:
- Grade 10 – Wednesday, February 11
- Grade 9 – Thursday, February 12
- Grade 11 – Friday, February 13
- Grade 12 – Tuesday, February 17
These Course Selection Info Sessions will cover grade-specific considerations for choosing courses and introduce students to tools that can aid in pathway planning, including this brief overview of post-secondary destinations. We encourage students and families to have important discussions at home around student interests and pathway options. To help families, a copy of the slides shared with students at our Info Sessions:
Course Options for next year can be found in our Course List package – which students received from their homeroom teacher. More detailed information about our programming and full course descriptions, please refer to our 2026/2027 Course Calendar.
Course Selections will be submitted using My Blueprint, which must be accessed through a student’s Minds Online account. We kindly request that all Course Selections are submitted in My Blueprint no later than Friday, February 27, 2026.
If students still have questions following their session with a Guidance Counsellor, they are welcome to book an appointment with them in People Place. Please note, Guidance Counsellors will continue to have individual conversations with students and update students’ requests throughout the month of March.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact one of Guidance Counsellors directly:
Happy planning, Hawks!
P.S. Remember, “THESE CHOICES MATTER!” 😉
Overview of Post-Secondary Destinations
College
General Information: - Programs are usually 2, sometimes 3, years in length
- You earn a diploma (or a certificate for one- year programs)
- Many colleges offer Bachelor or Applied Degree programs where you earn a University-level degree (4yrs) in a college setting
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Admission Requirements: - An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Strong Grade 12 results, particularly in English (ENG 4C or 4U) refer to www.ontariocolleges.ca or college calendars in People Place for specific program requirements (additional prerequisites are often required in Science- or Technology-based programs)
- Bachelor or Applied Degree programs require six Grade 12 U or M level courses (English must be an ENG4U)
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Applying to College: - Fee to apply this year is $150.00
- This fee gets you 5 spaces on the application form (you can apply to up to 3 programs at one school)
- Applications completed on-line (through People Place) in November and December (usually before Winter Break)
- All applications in by Feb. 1st receive “equal consideration”
- May 1st is the deadline for accepting an offer
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Tuition: (the fee to attend a college program) - $3000.00+ per year (Bachelor and Applied Degree programs can be $6000.00 +)
- Additional fees associated with residence, meal plans, books, technology / tools, etc. are not included in tuition
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Where to Look for Help: |
University
General Information: - Programs are either 3 or 4 (Honours) years in length
- You earn an undergraduate degree (i.e., BA – Bachelor of Arts, BSc – Bachelor of Science)
- Following an undergrad degree, you can go on to earn a post-graduate degree (I.e., Master’s, PhD, BEd, etc.)
- Many colleges offer Bachelor or Applied Degree programs where you earn a University degree in a college setting
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Admission Requirements: - An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with a minimum of six 4U or 4M courses (one must be ENG 4U)
- Many programs have very specific Grade 12 prerequisites
- Admission average is calculated using your “top 6” 4U/M marks including ENG 4U and all program prerequisites
- Early offers are based on Grade 11 U/M marks
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Applying to University: - Fee to apply this year is $156.00
- This fee gets you 3 spaces on the application form
- You can add additional choices for $50 a program
- Applications completed on-line (through People Place) in November and December (usually before Winter Break)
- Application deadline is early in January
- Early offers can begin before Christmas (based on Gr. 11 marks), with the majority of offers arriving in March - May
- Early June is the deadline for accepting an offer
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Tuition: (the fee to attend a university program) - $7000.00+ per year plus ancillary fees
- Additional fees associated with residence, meal plans, books, technology / tools, etc. are not included in tuition
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Where to Look for Help: |
Apprenticeship
General Information: - A hands-on training program in the Skilled Trades
- About 80% of apprenticeship training involves on-the-job training and the independent practice of skills through a registered sponsor/employer
- About 20% of training involves formal academic study, most often at a college (roughly 800+ hours)
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Qualifications: - An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
- Grade 12 English and Math are also strongly recommended
- Related education and work experience are very important
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Most Common Routes to an Apprenticeship - Most apprenticeships take between 2 and 5 years
- The “traditional route” to apprenticeship involves finding an employer sponsor. Once you are 18 years of age, you can register online with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. If your application is approved, the Ministry creates a training agreement for you and your sponsor and registers your apprenticeship. Once this step happens, you have 90 days to apply for Membership with the Ontario College of Trades – which is a requirement to begin work as an apprentice. Students under the age of 18, must complete a hard copy of the application and have the consent of a parent or guardian.
- Students without an employer connection may consider the “college route” into an apprenticeship. This route involves applying to a Skilled Trades diploma program at a college which often includes a hands-on, placement component.
- After completion of the program, employer sponsorship is sought and the above process can begin.
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Special Notes: - While in high school, students can begin an apprenticeship through the Ontario Youth Apprentice Program (OYAP).
- Expanded Opportunities such as Coop credits, Dual Credits, Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), can also be very beneficial in preparing for an apprenticeship
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Workplace
General Information: - An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is strongly recommended:
- Taking a good variety of courses
- Strong final marks are very helpful, especially in English
- All experiences can be an asset:
- Coop placements
- Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
- Dual Credits
- Volunteer experiences
- Extra-curricular involvement in school and community
- Part-time jobs
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Applying for Jobs: - Prepare a solid, thorough resume
- Have references available (be sure to get permission)
- Give consideration to your appearance, manners, etc.
- Prepare both to be asked, and to ask your own questions during an interview
- Research potential employers
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Where to Look for Help:
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