A new corporate agreement between Confederation College and the Rainy River District School Board will mean an easier transition into college for some high school graduates.
The deal will mean students at Fort Frances High School will have the option of earning dual credits that apply both at Fort High and the college.
“I’m excited about this opportunity to partner with [Confederation] College,” said Jack McMaster, education director for the local public school board.
“I believe very strongly that we need to be talking to kids about acquiring skills in trades,” he added. “We’re going to see a huge shortage.”
“We’re delighted to be here and have this partnership agreement,” echoed Confederation College president Pat Lang.
It can be intimidating for students to attend post-secondary education.
“And if they leave their community, it’s that much more intimidating,” Lang noted. “We need to create multiple pathways for students.”
Students with some post-secondary credits already under their belts may feel more comfortable in the transition from high school.
“They realize before they leave high school they have the skills to be successful in college,” Lang explained.
The fact the two institutions have “shared values and shared beliefs,” including a recognition of the importance of literacy and numeracy skills, has made the agreement that much easier.
Lang said the dual credits will be offered to Fort High students beginning in the fall, likely in hospitality and tourism, with a possibility of offering some technology classes, too.
“It will depend where the greatest interest is among the students,” she said.
Confederation College has similar agreements with all the school boards in its catchment area, she added.
About 85 percent of students in Northwestern Ontario who choose college will opt for Confederation College, Lang noted.
“We need to ensure that transition is facilitated for our learners,” she stressed.
Local campus manager Michael Cameron, as well as Ian Simpson, assistant to the director for the school board, and Heather Campbell, principal of J.W. Walker School and superintendent of education for the board effective Sept. 1, were the main architects of the agreement.
“Their energy brought it forward,” noted Don Bernosky, executive director for innovation and skills development for the college.
Lang and McMaster, as well as school board vice-chair Margaret Heyens, signed copies of the corporate agreement here Monday.
(Fort Frances Times)
Fort Frances Times
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