Latest news with #OntarioSecondarySchoolDiploma
Hamilton Spectator
21-07-2025
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
FEIA hosts mental wellness camp to support emotional health
As communities across Canada continue to address mental health challenges, one local private school is taking a hands-on approach to emotional wellness. Earlier this month, Fort Erie International Academy (FEIA) hosted its inaugural 'Happiness Exploration Camp,' a two-day mental wellness initiative designed to support students and residents navigating emotional stress, language barriers and cultural transition. The program drew over 100 participants and was held at the school's Fort Erie campus. Designed to be both accessible and high-impact, the camp offered lectures and interactive workshops led by experts, including mental health professionals. Sessions focused on building practical skills to help manage emotional challenges and develop a greater sense of personal balance. 'More than just a workshop, the Happiness Exploration Camp was a bridge, connecting individuals from diverse backgrounds through a shared journey toward personal growth and cultural integration,' the academy said in a press release. 'Participants described the atmosphere as uplifting, compassionate, and transformative.' The camp's programming was tailored especially for newcomers and international students who may struggle to access mental health resources due to language or cultural barriers. FEIA's initiative aligns with a broader trend, reflecting what the school described as its commitment to 'social responsibility, cultural harmony, and emotional education.' Organizers said the event was as much about building connections as it was about mental health. The academy, which offers Grades 6 through 12 under the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) program, is known for its diverse student body. More than 30 countries are represented among its enrolment. 'In 2024, FEIA achieved a 100 per cent university acceptance rate, with graduating students receiving over $490,000 in scholarships,' the school noted. 'The academy is distinguished by its commitment to student-centred learning, mental wellness, and global citizenship.' The Happiness Exploration Camp is the latest in a series of efforts by FEIA to integrate emotional wellness into its educational programming, and engage with the Fort Erie community beyond the classroom. School officials said they hope the event will serve as a model for future programming, noting that they remain committed to expanding its community outreach efforts with more wellness-based events expected in the future. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
The Wire
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Wire
Ahmedabad to the World: Udgamverse to Launch India's first OSSD Global High School Program Rosedale International Education of Canada is the partner
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], July 17: In a historic step, Udgam Consultancy has announced the launch of the globally recognised Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) program. It will become the first in India to offer this prestigious Canadian high school qualification at the Ahmedabad campus. The OSSD is a high school credential governed by the Ontario Ministry of Education. It is accepted by top universities across Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Germany, Singapore and more. Unlike traditional Indian boards,the Rosedale OSSD model is based on continuous skill-based assessment, real-world project-oriented learning, critical thinking, collaboration & global citizenship and customized academic pathways across streams. The curriculum offers flexible module selections in fields like business, computer science, health sciences, psychology, media, data analytics, and more, helping students personalize their academic journeys. The program is delivered through Rosedale Global High School. It is an Ontario-accredited digital high school working with over 100 leading schools in 17 countries. Udgam Consultancy joins this elite global network as the first representative in India. 'We are not just training our students for exams and results but for life,' said Manan Choksi, CEO of Udgam Consultancy. 'This partnership will embed global academic standards and skills into our curriculum, giving our students a direct gateway to top international universities,' he added. 'India has always been a hub of academic talent,' said Ravi Kumar, Senior Manager – Global Education Partnerships, Rosedale International Education. 'With Udgam Consultancy's visionary leadership and commitment to innovation, we are ready to offer a globally aligned, digitally delivered education experience to the students right here in Ahmedabad.' About Udgam Consultancy Established in 2010, Udgam Consultancy is known to provide premier K–12 institutions in Gujarat with academic excellence, holistic development, and innovation in pedagogy. Formed by the management of Udgam School for Children, which manages 15 schools in the state. About Rosedale Rosedale International Education, headquartered in Toronto, Canada, is a pioneer in global education. It empowers partner schools to implement the Ontario Secondary School Diploma through its flagship Rosedale Global High School, combining academic rigor with digital innovation, equity, and global access. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
India Today
16-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
First-ever Canadian high school programme debuts in an Indian classroom
For the first time, Indian students can earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) from their classrooms in is now home to a significant first in Indian education. Udgam Consultancy, a key player in Gujarat's school ecosystem, has partnered with Canada's Rosedale International Education to offer the globally recognised Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) — making it the first institution in India to do marks a new chapter for students in Ahmedabad, who can now access a Canadian high school curriculum — known for its emphasis on skills, global citizenship, and real-world learning — without ever leaving their home city. The OSSD, governed by the Ontario Ministry of Education, is widely accepted by universities across countries such as Canada, the UK, the US, Australia, Germany, and Singapore. What sets it apart from traditional Indian school boards is its flexible, student-centric approach. The curriculum allows students to explore subjects like psychology, data analytics, business, and media through continuous assessment and project-based learning rather than rote memorisation and high-stakes exams.'It's not about just preparing students for results anymore — it's about preparing them for life,' said Manan Choksi, CEO of Udgam Consultancy, reflecting on the deeper vision behind this program will be delivered in collaboration with Rosedale Global High School, an Ontario-accredited digital school that already works with over 100 institutions in 17 countries. With Udgam joining the network, Indian students gain direct access to a globally aligned academic pathway that opens doors to international universities and Kumar, Senior Manager of Global Education Partnerships at Rosedale, believes this collaboration is a natural fit. 'India has long been known for its academic strength. What we're doing now is marrying that strength with a system designed for global readiness.'This shift represents more than a new course offering — it signals a changing tide in Indian schooling, where global education is no longer just for those who can afford to study abroad. For students in Gujarat, the world just got a little closer.- EndsTune InTrending Reel
Hamilton Spectator
09-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
RDHS students gain real-world skills through apprenticeship program
Three Ridgetown District High School students are taking full advantage of hands-on skills training experience as they explore their career choices. Alex Stirling, Reece Osterhout, and Cam Holman are participating in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. The three students work in an apprenticeship trade in the afternoon after attending regular classes in the morning at RDHS. Stirling is doing his cooperative placement at the Main & Market Service Centre, Holman at Fabmaster Welding Ltd., and Osterhout at Huron Tractor (formerly McGrail Tractor) near Chatham. OYAP allows full-time Grade 11 and 12 students to train with certified professionals in a skilled trade. As OYAP participants, the hours students accumulate in their placements may be eligible to be counted towards an apprenticeship. Some OYAP students may become registered apprentices with their Cooperative Education placements while completing the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The program provides employers the opportunity to train the skilled workers they require down the road. As the demand for skilled workers in the construction and manufacturing sectors is expected to increase significantly over the next decade, the provincial government is taking action by introducing programs such as OYAP to fast-track tradespeople into the workforce. Osterhout's apprenticeship at Huron Tractor has already led to a college scholarship for the John Deere tech program, and he will be employed by the company when he graduates. 'After I get out of high school, they're offered a scholarship at Fanshawe in the general tech program with an immediate position with them when I'm done at school,' Osterhout said. Growing up on a farm, Osterhout was leaning towards a career as an agronomist. 'That was before I found this co-op placement,' Osterhout said about his change in career course. 'I always liked working on things in shop class, and I like what I'm doing there (at Huron).' Osterhout attends his two-morning classes at RHDS before driving to Chatham, where his co-op placement hours are 11:30 a.m. to 2:10 p.m., in alignment with school hours. Because of his skill and eagerness to work and learn, Huron granted Osterhout extended time above his placement to 5 p.m. daily. Osterhout said he has done a number of tasks at Huron, including a project that lasted over three weeks. 'They had a tractor come in that had the top of its cab torn off when it went under an underpass,' he explained. 'My job was to assist in repairing the damaged cab and reassembling it.' He said he assisted in conducting the repair job, which took many hours to complete. Stirling, like Osterhout, grew up on a farm and considered a career in agriculture before getting his co-op placement at the Main & Market auto repair shop. 'I've always liked working at the shop here at school and thought it would be a great opportunity to get educated in the trades in a working environment,' Stirling said about signing up for OYAP.' It's been a really great experience; it has gotten me a lot of training, a lot of hands-on work, experience you really can't get just inside school.' Stirling said he has 'done just about everything' in his placement—brakes, tires, repairs, servicing vehicles, and absorbing all of the advice he can while learning from the shop's technicians. 'I still haven't decided what I want to do,' Stirling said. 'I'm looking at anything in agriculture or continuing with a mechanical trade and wherever that may lead me.' Although Holman is looking to go to St. Clair College in Chatham for the power line technician course, welding has always been one of his favourite activities in shop class. 'I've always been interested in welding, so I thought, why not go to some place local to develop my skills and see if it would be a career choice in the future,' Holman said about applying and being accepted for his Co-op placement at Fabmaster. 'I had some friends who did their co-op there, and they loved it.' Holman said he has been doing a variety of welding jobs, as well as cutting and grinding. 'I want to be a power line technician, but welding is definitely my plan B,' Holman said. He added that there are some welding tasks in power line work: ' It's aluminum welding with a different gun, but they're willing to teach me how to do that for my future.' Natalie Budd, English Department, Cooperative Education and Specialist High Skills Major Lead at RDHS, said the three students are thrilled with their apprenticeships. 'Every morning, they come running in to tell me all about the things they've done,' she said. 'They're so excited about what they're working on.' Budd said on top of getting the on-the-job experience, the three students in OYAP and other students in the school's Co-op program are required to make a presentation highlighting the skills they have learned and tasks they have completed with photos and videos of their experience. Budd said she appreciates all the local employers who have accepted RDHS students into their workplace to gain valuable experience as they weigh their options for the future. Along with the OYAP and Co-op programs, RDHS offers Specialist High-Skills Major programming in agriculture, construction, and health and wellness. SHSM, a ministry-approved initiative, assists students in getting a head start on their future and focusing on a specific sector while earning their secondary school diploma. The program is designed to prepare students for success in any post-secondary pathway – workplace, apprenticeship, college or university as they take courses tailored to their sector of interest and gain valuable training in Cooperative Education placements. Successful program graduates receive a special SHSM Red Seal on their diploma, a detailed record of their credit bundle, certifications, placements, and other experiences, and formal recognition on their Ontario Student Transcript. All SHSM students receive mandatory training, including Worker Health and Safety Awareness, WHMIS, First Aid, and CPR and AED training. Students enrolled in construction receive Working at Heights certifications and other training, such as elevated platforms and confined spaces. 'Last year, the kids in construction were excited when they received their certification for working at heights because this allowed them to do more at their co-op placements,' Budd said. The Health and Wellness students complete training in areas such as injury prevention, infection control, diet and exercise for sports, wellness strategies, physiotherapy, and art therapy. Students registered in the Agriculture SHSM are often given an opportunity to complete their Pesticide license. This year, they also attended an agricultural conference planned by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority. Students are required to attend classroom courses, training, and field trips to businesses and companies associated with their field of choice to gain more exposure to the work settings and skill sets required for the job. Successful SHSM students have doors opened to their chosen careers, including post-secondary education or apprenticeships, to accelerate their paths to full-time employment in high-paying skilled trade jobs. Budd meets with Grade 10 students early in the spring to inform them about the SHSM program, OYAP, and Co-op opportunities. With the success of OYAP, the province is introducing Focused Apprenticeship Skills Training (FAST) this fall, which will allow Grade 11 and 12 students to participate in more apprenticeship learning through additional cooperative education credits. FAST will allow students to take up to 80 percent of their senior courses in co-op education. This program will accelerate entrance into the skilled trades, supported by the mandatory requirement for all students to take at least one Technological Education course, which started last year. Students and parents can explore more about the Specialist High Skills Major program online at Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? 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