WCI

FAQ

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Q WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO BECOME A COOP STUDENT?

A Complete your option sheet, ensure you have chosen coop for two sections. Fill in a coop application form and ask two teachers to give you references. You will be interviewed by Mr. Rai or Ms Marano.

 

Q WHAT IS A SUBJECT LINK COURSE?

A Your two-credit coop course must be linked to a subject you have already passed OR one you will be taking the same semester as your coop. You will need to meet some expectations listed in the government curriculum document.

 

Q HOW DO I SELECT MY PLACEMENT CHOICES?

A Look through the phone book, think about specific placements that interest you or talk to the co-op teacher. Keep in mind the career that you would like to explore and the subject that you will be linking your coop to. Rank your top three choices on your application form.

 

Q HOW DO THE PLACEMENTS GET DETERMINED?

A During mid-August and mid-January, the four Woodstock coop teachers (three public and one Catholic) meet to discuss their students and their placement choices. Their goal is to place as many students at their first choice as possible.

 

Q WHAT IF MY FIRST CHOICE IS THE SAME AS ANOTHER STUDENT?

A One of the coop teachers will coordinate a competitive interview situation. The teacher will call the placement and ask if they are willing to interview more than one student. If they are willing the teacher will give the names of the students to be interviewed.

 

Q WHEN WILL I FIND OUT ABOUT MY PLACEMENT?

A During the first two weeks of the semester all coop students are in school for the Pre-Placement Orientation. Students will be informed during the first two weeks and interviews will be arranged.

 

Q WHAT IS PRE-PLACEMENT ORIENTATION?

A Pre-placement Orientation takes place the first two weeks of the semester. During this time cover letters, resumes, application forms and interviewing are reviewed. Safety in the workplace is a major topic.

 

Q WHAT ARE INTEGRATION DAYS?

A Six Integration Days are scheduled throughout the semester when you will be back in school to discuss your learning experiences with your classmates and do assignments.

 

Q HOW WILL I BE EVALUATED?

A Your term will be worth 70% and your final culminating activity will be worth 30% of your mark. The KICA categories are broken down as Knowledge 15%, Inquiry 15%, Communication 30% and Application 40%. Both your placement supervisor and your coop teacher will evaluate you.

 

Q WHAT WILL MY WORK SCHEDULE BE?

A Your work schedule will be determined during your interview with your placement supervisor. Coop will be timetabled for either all morning or all afternoon. You will need to plan to work for at least 2 - 2 ½ hours per day to ensure you will have completed the mandatory hours at your placement.

 

Q WILL I BE INSURED?

A Students are covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. A Work Education Agreement form must be signed by you, your parent (if you are under 18), your placement supervisor and your teacher prior to beginning work at your placement.

 

Q WHAT ABOUT TRANSPORTATION?

A Transportation to and from your placement is your responsibility. Our school board does NOT provide insurance coverage for students driving motorized vehicles while working AT your placement.

 

Q WHAT ABOUT ATTENDANCE?

                   A You will be treated like a regular employee. You will be expected to notify your placement supervisor when you will be absent. You also must call the school’s attendance line and your coop teacher.