STEMOVATION
This pilot project utilized a mutual mentoring and reciprocal partnership model, fostering dynamic co-learning between Junior/Intermediate classroom teachers and Teacher Candidates from Wilfrid Laurier University. St. Peter and St. Anne in Cambridge participated in the program, with all activities focused on curriculum-aligned applications of coding and emerging technologies. Now in its second year, the pilot project is set to continue and expand, involving more schools and Teacher Candidates in the future.
Coding Creativity: WCDSB Partners with Let’s Talk Science and UW for Python Art Workshops
During Computer Science Education Week in December WCDSB partnered with Let’s Talk Science and the University of Waterloo to provide a series of workshops that focused on Python Coding. Each workshop was approximately an hour and led students and educators through the coding and debugging process while creating art. Grade 9 and 10 classes from across the board participated in these workshops, and there are plans to continue this partnership next year offering different coding opportunities for students.
STREAM and Skilled Trades Competition
The WCDSB asynchronous STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) and Skilled Trades Competition was offered for a third year. Students were given the opportunity to practice and develop practical skills in STREAM and the skilled trades. These opportunities provided students with hands-on experiences, allowing them to apply the knowledge they learned in the classroom to real-world situations. Focusing on critical thinking and problem-solving, students were challenged to think creatively and critically to find solutions to complex problems.
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
WCDSB boasts an OYAP participation rate of 8.2%, surpassing the provincial average of 6.2%. For more information on WCDSB co-op program opportunities, visit WCDSB Experiential Learning. You can also explore the Jill of All Trades initiative at Jill of All Trades News, and discover OYAP success stories hosted by the Business Education Partnership (BEP) and WCDSB at BEP OYAP Success Stories.
Supporting Student Success through Dual Credit Programs
The Dual Credit Program aims to help students achieve their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and transition smoothly into college and apprenticeship pathways. In partnership with the School College Work Initiative and Conestoga College, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) offers five Dual Credit programs. These programs feature experiential learning opportunities, including Cooperative Education placements with local community partners.
In 2023-24, Dual Credit programs were offered across four Conestoga College campuses, with WCDSB Dual Credit Teachers supporting 73 students in 115 Dual Credit courses.
Expanding Opportunities through Specialist High Skills Major Programs
In 2023-2024, 1,645 students participated in 52 sector-specific Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs, with the WCDSB boasting a 39% participation rate—one of the highest in the province. Our highly respected SHSM program is set to award 487 SHSM red seal diplomas, reflecting a potential 80% red seal diploma rate. Students benefited from diverse training options, earning 9,097 industry-recognized certifications through a mix of in-class, virtual, and hands-on sessions. Centrally facilitated certifications included CPR-C, Standard First Aid, WHMIS, and specialized sector certifications like Working at Heights, Lean Manufacturing, and Safe Food Handling.
