Belle River District High School’s mySTEM program overview
Belle River District High School’s mySTEM is a personalized, integrated program that prepares students for post- secondary pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Students in the program will choose to specialize in one of three areas:
- Medical Science and Natural Science
- Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, and Mathematics
- Digital Arts & Design Technology
BRDHS students registered in the mySTEM program will complete twelve (12) required courses throughout their years in secondary school. Each year, students will also participate in at least three (3) STEM extension activities outside of the classroom each year to enhance their learning. These extension activities may include field trips, local and provincial competitions, industry-relevant training, post-secondary and career exploration, mentorship and job-shadow experiences and other experiential learning opportunities. Students will also be in the position to earn a Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) designation and its many benefits. Information about our is many SHSM programs is available on our website
Students who complete the program requirements will have enriched their secondary school education and will earn a Belle River District High School STEM certificate upon Graduation. They will be recognized during their Graduation ceremony with a STEM honour sash.
The strength of mySTEM lies in the passionate and dedicated teaching staff of BRDHS who have an established curriculum program and a commitment to providing students with rich and challenging learning experiences. Upon completion of this program, students will have the foundation for excellence in any STEM-related post-secondary pathway.
Which student is a good candidate for the mySTEM program?
Belle River District High School is proud that our mySTEM program is designed for students in various pathways who are interested in post-secondary in the fields ways and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Students planning to pursue University, College or Apprenticeship programs in these areas will benefit from a rigorous and enriched program to gain valuable knowledge and experiences in these areas. Students will be expected to show the motivation necessary to complete course work as well as all extension activities necessary.
Who may apply to the mySTEM program?
Belle River District High School welcomes applications to the mySTEM program for students entering Grade 9 for the 2024-2025 academic school year. Students will begin their academic STEM journey in Grade 9 and continue to follow the mySTEM academic journey based on their appropriate learning pathway and their post-secondary goals.
Which courses are part of the mySTEM program?
Students enrolled in the mySTEM program will be required to take twelve (12) courses as part of their courseload towards earning their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Each of the three (3) mySTEM programs has a list of courses from which a student must choose to complete their mySTEM requirements (see chart below). These courses are offered in various pathways based on the student’s individual learning profile (University, College/ Apprenticeship pathways).
All courses are Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum based with a built-in focus on the exploration of STEM based concepts and experiences. Within the course curriculum, and experiential learning opportunities, mySTEM students will learn to think critically and be inspired to learn more in the various STEM fields.
Which extension activities will be part of the mySTEM program?
BRDHS mySTEM students are required to complete at least three (3) extension activities each year. Students will be provided with a variety of experiential learning opportunities which will enhance their exploration of STEM post-secondary programs. These extension activities are meant to enrich a student’s understanding of the incredible work being done in STEM fields and enable them to become connected to community and education partners doing important work in these sough-after areas.
What is the mySTEM application process?
To apply to become part of the mySTEM program, students must complete this process:
- Students will need to be registered at Belle River District High School.
- Students from Belle River Public School, Centennial Central, and Lakeshore Discovery School will work with Guidance to select courses. Counsellors will be meeting with students at their elementary schools on the following dates:
- Lakeshore Discovery: December 5 & 6
- Centennial Central: December 9
- Belle River Public: December 10 & 11
- Students from our community schools are asked to please call the Guidance Office to make an appointment to meet with a Guidance Counsellor. Students will also register using the GECDSB registration form using the following link: https://register.publicboard.ca/Registration/
- Students from Belle River Public School, Centennial Central, and Lakeshore Discovery School will work with Guidance to select courses. Counsellors will be meeting with students at their elementary schools on the following dates:
- Student must complete the mySTEM application form using this link: https://forms.office.com/r/HCHuGEQWuV
- Belle River District High School staff will contact each family regarding their mySTEM application.
- If necessary, a mySTEM student’s course selection for Grade 9 courses will be adjusted in discussion with BRDHS Guidance Staff.
- mySTEM students will receive information at Grade 9 Orientation to assist in the planning for their Grade 9 mySTEM requirements.
Questions?
If you have further questions regarding the Belle River District High School mySTEM program, please contact the BRDHS Guidance office at 519-728-1212 and we will be happy to help.