Thames S.S.

 Students

We offer our students the opportunity to start with very basic programs and skills in year one. They will advance and develop skills to the level of proficiency required for employment during years two, three and four. The program of studies for all students in year one will consist of a core curriculum as well as subject options. Students entering grade nine identify a pathway of interest:

The Thames Program is designed to prepare students for employment in service occupations and trades or further educational opportunities.

Academics

All students take English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Science, Business and Physical Education as academic preparation for diploma requirements. These courses complement the specific pathway they choose.

Work Experience

This is an important part of the school program. Students are assigned to an employer for a maximum of four weeks during the year. Working for selected employers under Thames staff supervision, students acquire valuable on-the-job experience. Students practice and improve the skills learned in school, and develop the attitudes and responsibilities necessary for successful job performance. Students are expected to meet the requirements of employers regarding working hours, regulations of the place of employment, attendance and punctuality, dress and performance. Students are not paid for their time on the job, but do gain valuable experience and contact with potential employers. All students are required to have work experience placement.

Co-op Work Program

Students will have the opportunity to work for an extended period of time in an area of employment associated with their pathway. This program supplements existing school programs and provides an opportunity for students to have an extended exposure to the work environment. Students gain valuable experience and contact with potential employers and learn skills related to those skills taught at school.

Work Internship Program

Through Thames Valley’s work internship programs, students have the opportunity to obtain the skills they need for direct entry into the work force after they leave high school. Work internship combines industry training with an individualized school program to prepare students for their chosen career. The program is structured so students experience personal success, and leave high school with the pride and confidence of a well-prepared worker. Instead of focusing on academics within the traditional classroom, students get to take advantage of hands-on experience in the workplace. Hundreds of community partners across the valley provide students with work opportunities throughout the year. Students learn vital employability skills and often acquire letters of recommendation, part-time employment, and a network of workplace contacts.

Through this project, the students at Thames Secondary School will gain a valuable work readiness education. The training will consist of a full spectrum of work experiences coupled with specific work place certification courses. Courses such as first aid, safe food handling, and fall prevention training have all been identified by our community of employers as skills required of students entering their workplaces. All training will be to a level recognized and accredited by industry standards. The student work portfolio will include a record of work experiences completed, copies of all certificates, a resume, and a record of any part-time/summer work done.

It is our goal to have as many students as possible leaving Thames Secondary School with the skills to become productive members of the workforce. All students at Thames Secondary School will be participants. The program of graduated work experiences and the specific areas of certification will be spread across the grade levels based on requirements of the certification. (i.e., age).

Pathway Selection

At Thames Secondary School, we are committed to equal educational opportunities for all of our students. The Guidance Counsellor will use diploma and prerequisite requirements to make recommendations regarding the selection of pathways. We encourage parent and student involvement in the process.

Students are usually expected to pass the prerequisite course before proceeding to more advanced courses. Where required, courses may be accommodated and adapted to the individual needs and circumstances of the student. Students who have reached the age of majority (18) may accept responsibility for their own course selections, otherwise course selections and transfers must receive parental approval. Pathway transfers must also receive the approval of the teacher and the guidance department.