Community-Based Education/Cooperative Education (Co-op)
Cooperative Education is a credit-earning program that integrates classroom course expectations with practical experience in the workplace. The program is based on an agreement between Thornlea Secondary School and community-based partners, and involves the participation of students, teachers, and placement supervisors.
Students are in class at the beginning of the semester and then proceed to their placements for the duration of the term. Co-op teachers visit placements on a regular basis to monitor student progress and ensure safety standards are in place. Students can select a half day, 2 credit Co-op program (morning or afternoon) or a full day, 4 credit Co-op program.
Although formal Co-op courses are usually available only to Grade 11 and 12 students and are linked to in-school courses, the workplace experience actually begins in Grade 9 when students participate in "Take Your Kids to Work Day," and in Grade 10 during Job Shadowing opportunities.
Link to Co-op Courses
Application Process:
1. Click on the PDF file to print the Co-op Student Application form:
2. Click on the PDF file & print 2 COPIES of the Teacher Reference Form:
3. Please submit the completed Co-op Stuent Application Form and the TWO completed Teacher Reference forms to Mr. Babalis (Head of Co-Op) in room 227 by the course selection deadline date.
Benefits of Co-op for Students:
- develop knowledge, skills and attitudes through hands-on experience
- explore a career in order to make informed educational and career decisions
- develop maturity and self-confidence
- strengthen employability skills
- gain valuable work experience
- earn credits
Teachers: