'Passion' courses to be offered at DDSS in July
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Students in Delhi will have a chance to learn about their passions during the summer.
Delhi District Secondary School is offering three summer passion courses during the month of July: Grade 9 cosmetology, Grade 11 ancient history, and a clay and sculpture course.
The three courses being offered “are ones that we don't typically offer in our time table,” said principal Alison High.
The passion courses are offered to current students as well as graduating Grade 8 students looking to earn a Reach Ahead credit.
“It is a great way of looking at summer school,” said Shawn McKillop, manager of communications and community relations with the Grand Erie District School Board.
While most students see summer school as a punishment for not earning a credit, these courses are offered to peak students' interest and allow them to pursue more elective options during the school year.
These are also unique courses that are not offered during the regular school year.
While the school does offer cosmetology for Grade 10, 11 and 12 students, it is not typically offered for Grade 9 students.
“I think it is a great way for them to start high school on a positive note,” said Robin Sallewsky, the cosmetology teacher. The Grade 9 program will focus on the students doing their own hair, makeup and other beauty techniques to build confidence before transitioning to working on clients in the senior classes.
Delhi offers several art classes but they are not usually as specific as the clay and sculpture course.
“Pottery is something we don't usually offer as a regular course,” said High. The school's enrolment is not large enough to support it, however once the program is open to all high school grade levels and students in Grand Erie it becomes more feasible.
High noted these programs were not chosen by herself or the board, but rather ideas brought forth by the teachers.
“It is because the teachers are passionate about these courses,” she said.
Delhi District Secondary School is not a regular summer school site, and as such, transportation is not available to the school for the courses.
For more information, visit www.granderie.ca.
Sarah Doktor
519-426-3528 ext. 112