What are dual credit programs?
Dual credit programs are ministry-approved programs that allow students, while they are still in secondary school, to take college or apprenticeship courses that count towards both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and a postsecondary certificate, diploma, or degree, or an apprenticeship certification.
How do dual credit programs benefit students?
Participating in dual credit programs enables students to:
Complete their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Have an experience that will help them make a successful transition to college or an apprenticeship program.
Increase their awareness of the various college and apprenticeship pathways available to them.
Gain greater insight into education and career planning decisions.
Dual Credits are a great choice for students who are:
At Risk of not graduating (OSSD), or
Unsure of pathway after graduation or career planning, or
Enrolled in a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), or
Enrolled in an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), or
Out of school, between the ages of 17-21, and need to complete their OSSD (SWAC Program).
Who supports and supervises students taking dual credit courses?
Most Dual Credit programs at tthe RRDSB are Team-Taught: a secondary school teacher team-teaches the dual credit course with a college instructor. The student receives support and supervision from both the secondary school teacher and college instructor. Students also have access to a variety of college supports and services.
What does the program look like to students?
Most RRDSB dual credit programs are team-taught by a high school teacher and a college instructor, and are linked to grade 11 or 12 secondary courses that students select and take as part of their regular high school timetable. Students are enrolled in the college and receive instruction leading to a college credit concurrently with their high school credit. Programs include reach-ahead opportunities - for example, visiting a college campus to explore post-secondary pathways.
What dual credit programs are offered?
At present, team-taught dual credit programs linked to these secondary courses are offered:
Fort Frances High School - PAF4O Personal Fitness Activities, TMJ4M Manufacturing Engineering Technology, BDV4C Entrepreneurship
Rainy River High School - HFA4C Nutrition and Health, TCJ4C Custom Woodworking
Atikokan High School - CGR4M/IDC4O Environment and Resource Management/Interdisciplinary Studies, TFJ3C/TFR4C Hospitality and Tourism
"The Travel and Tourism dual credit taught the basics of what was required to enter a field in that area. We learned things like the different types of tourism and how to plan a trip properly. It would be an extremely helpful course to someone who intends to go into Tourism, but it is beneficial for someone who is just going to college. Having a foot in the door for tourism or simply co-op in general as it could serve as an elective. It serves as a stepping stone to the future that each student wants."
Where do I find out more?
For more information on local dual credit programs, contact your Guidance counselor, school principal, or the Student Success Leader. Information for students, parents, and educators can be also be found at: