School Profile 2024-25
Specialized Programs
Dual Credit Courses
There are many opportunities for students to access a variety of courses. A Dual Credit course involves the classroom teacher co-teaching with an instructor from a partnering College program, and results in the student earning a High School and College credit. Dual credits are condensed programming that may be offered through night school (manufacturing or construction focus) or during the school day (hospitality). Further certifications such as Food Handlers and CWB Welding Certification are attainable by the end of the Dual Credit.
Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
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VHSS also has three SHSM programs available to senior students. We have offered SHSM programs in Manufacturing and Transportation for several years. New this 2023-24 school year, we will be offering an Agriculture SHSM. This opportunity may appeal to those students who enjoy the Sciences, or are interested in exploring agriculture through co-op, job placements, or post-secondary pathways.
Flexible Programming
One of the unique qualities of VHSS is our ability to provide students with flexible course planning. When done in advance, students can plan a hybrid model that fits their learning needs. Our Main Campus guidance collaborates with our on-site Turning Point department, allowing students to access programming from both structures: face to face classes, eLearning courses, and even potential co-op placements. The flexibility provided between the various forms of programming allows students to create a timetable that meets their individual needs and goals.
Turning Point is an innovative program that combines academics with co-operative education and offers a flexible timetable with classes offered at main campus and/or through e-learning.
Students can achieve secondary school co-op credits for their work placements/employment. Successful completion of all assignments plus 110 hours of work earns a student one co-op credit.
Students must also complete 16 to 18 academic credits to meet graduation requirements through in class or online classes. Support is available to students in a teacher supervised drop in classroom. Tutorial support runs after school two nights per week as well.
Turning Point 9/10 (Formerly Pathfinder)
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In our Turning Point 9/10 program, students earn credits in four terms. This structure builds in the opportunity for students to work in the spring and earn co-op credits. This two-year program can lead students to senior courses on main campus or in our senior Turning Point program.
- TERM 1 (September to mid-November): Students may work or attend classes at Valley Heights to earn elective credits (art, physical education, business)
- TERMS 2 AND 3 (mid-November to mid-April): These two terms focus on completing compulsory credits in face-to-face classes at Valley Heights (English, math, history, geography)
- TERM 4 (mid-April to end of June): Students can earn co-op credits through work or volunteer placements
Turning Point 11/12
Students earn credits through eLearning, Cooperative Education, or face-to-face classes at VHSS. Students can drop into Room 123 at Valley Heights for support at any time during the school day. Help is also available outside of school hours at our After School Help Program which takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 - 9 p.m. in Room 123. Our Turning Point Program also offers English Literacy Development courses that can help students improve their language skills while earning credits.
Cooperative Education Program
- 110 hours = 1 co-op credit
- Half day or full day co-ops are available to the right candidates.
Student placements can be paid or unpaid positions. This is up to the employer and student to negotiate. Students begin the co-op process in June after course selection by meeting one on one with the guidance counsellor. Placements will be discussed, and students will have the opportunity to search for a placement that they find intriguing. Many students come to guidance with a placement already in mind. If this is not the case, the guidance counsellor will work with the student and co-op teachers to secure a placement for the student. We have many good working relationships with employers in our surrounding communities, in a variety of different fields. Field trips are available to students so they can experience various facilities and what our community has to offer. Our co-op staff collaborates with SHSM teachers to facilitate meaningful experiences for each student.