Why offer programming through the magnet concept?
Magnet programming is an effective way to deliver specialized programs to a geographically
widespread area with relatively small student populations. Magnet programming allows more
choices for students. For example, depending on the magnet group, instead of having two choices
for classes, students may have five to nine choices.
Scheduling and busing are coordinated to allow students to attend a nearby school for part of their
day in order to take these courses. Instructional time is not lost, as some of the bus travel occurs
during the lunch hour, and is minimized to approximately 30 or 35 minutes one way. Magnet
schools travel every other day for a blocked two hour class in the afternoon. Students will receive
one credit in the first semester, and another in the second semester.
Where are the magnet groups for 2010-2011?
Wolseley (Calculus, Communication Production Technology, Drama, Photographics, Outdoor
Education, Visual Arts) and Grenfell (Mechanical and Automotives, Construction and
Carpentry/Welding, Food Studies, Interior Design/Clothing, Textiles and Fashion)
Cupar (Construction and Carpentry, Clothing, Textiles and Fashion, Welding, Communication
Production Technology, Photographics) and Lipton (Outdoor Education, Media Studies,
Accounting, Dance, Theatre Arts)
Broadview (Welding, Drama/Theatre Arts) and Kipling (Communication Production Technology,
Calculus, French, Electrical and Electronics, Photographics) and Whitewood (Cosmetology,
Construction and Carpentry, Commercial Cooking)
Calculus, French, Media Studies, Visual Arts and Drama are not Practical and Applied Arts
courses, but can be effectively delivered through the magnet concept as well.
What type of equipment is being purchased?
Equipment purchasing will cover many areas and will depend on the needs of the individual
school—ranging from welders to measuring cups. Additional equipment will enhance what the
school is already doing in the Practical and Applied Arts area: Construction and Carpentry,
Welding, Food Studies, Clothing, Textiles and Fashion, Horticulture, Photographics,
Communication Production Technology, Commercial Cooking, Drafting and Computer-Aided
Design and Information Processing. Some schools are expanding their selection of PAA courses
and enhancements will occur in the same areas. New equipment will be purchased for schools
that are implementing new courses. Two equipment trailers will be utilized to enhance
How will equipment trailers enhance programming?
Two trailers will be purchased that will be filled with equipment. One trailer will focus on Electrical
and Electronics, and the other will focus on Construction and Carpentry. The idea is that schools
may book these trailers and have them delivered to their school to use the equipment in them. Not
all schools have the equipment that will be housed in the trailers so therefore students will have
access to additional materials.
If I want to know what PAA courses are being offered in high schools for 2010-2011, how do I find out?
The best person to ask would be your school administrator. A chart of most PAA course offerings
is available on the Prairie Valley School Division website, www.pvsd.ca
. (see the chart on the