LDSB Expanded Opportunities

The Ministry of Education's Student Success Strategy helps students in Grades 7 to 12 customize their education to their individual strengths, goals and interests. Through our school programs, the Board is committed to equipping all students with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and experiences they need for successful outcomes that will ensure smooth transitions to the post-secondary destinations of their choice.

In Limestone, we value every program pathway that students follow to find meaningful careers and become valued members of our society. Our goal is to support students in high levels of achievement in programs that lead toward their life destinations.

A program pathway is a selection of credits and experiences a student may create or choose in secondary school in one of four possible post-secondary destinations:

Apprenticeship Programs

College

University

Workplace

There is value in all post-secondary destinations and all sectors of employment. A student's pathway is his or her educational program and reflects the goals that help motivate him or her to complete secondary school. Building a successful pathway through school requires planning, and is a cooperative effort involving students, parent/guardians, teachers and guidance counselors.

Factors that must be considered in planning include:

Most recent levels of achievement;
Preferred learning style;
Strengths, interests and abilities; and
Immediate educational needs.

SHSM

Specialist High Skills Major

SHSM is a ministry-approved specialized program. SHSM allows students in Grade 11 & 12 to focus learning on a specific economic sector while meeting requirements to graduate from secondary school. SHSM also assists in transitioning after graduation to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace.

Dual Credit

There are a number of Dual Credit opportunities available to students in the Limestone District School Board each semester. These courses are provided at St. Lawrence College in Kingston. A variety of courses in disciplines such as early childhood education, police foundations, graphic design, culinary arts and business, and trades are among the possibilities. Dual Credits provide students with the opportunity to: Earn high school credits while studying at a local college or taking apprenticeship training; Gain experience that will help them with their post-secondary education or apprenticeship; and Get a head start on learning and training for their future careers.

OYAP

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

An apprenticeship is a pathway to a rewarding career in the trades. As an apprentice, you take classes and learn your trade by working under the direction of experienced workers – and get paid while you do it.

SWAC

School Within A College

The aim of the School Within a College (SWAC) Program is designed to meet the needs of students who are between the ages of 17-20, who are within five credits of obtaining their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), and who are ready to transition to college. Students are based out of St. Lawrence College in Kingston for Semester 1 or 2 and are enrolled in a dual credit, English, math and co-operative education.

SKILLS

LDSB Skills

Skills Ontario is building Ontario’s skilled trades and technologies workforce. We enable and empower all youth to consider a career in the skilled trades and technologies. Engagement with students, teachers, parents, guardians, volunteers, and guest speakers ensure our programs connect education, experience, and employment. We deliver in-school presentations across Ontario, host Canada’s largest skills competition, run summer camps for skills development and connect students to employers. We are focused on growth sectors such as construction and infrastructure, technology innovation, and hospitality services.