Applied Academics courses are secondary school classes that offer students the option of a different teaching approach.  Teachers bring workplace and real-life examples into the classroom to show how theories work.   This helps students connect what they are learning with real life.  Teaching essential workplace skills increase students' confidence in their ability to learn.

Applied Academics moves away from traditional learning (look, listen, and memorize) to more interactive (doing, applying) education.  For students who learn well in a traditional class, current teaching practices fit their style.  But research shows that there are several different learning styles: for over half of all students, a hands-on approach helps them to connect theory and practice.

In most cases it is not course content that differs, but merely the teaching style.  The idea is to offer students a better chance at success and to make these academic subjects more interesting and easier to learn.  Students can take any combination of Applied Academics and other courses that suits their learning needs.

APPLICATIONS OF MATHEMATICS 9 AND 10

These courses cover the same content as Principles of Math - the difference is in the teaching style which includes real-world situations.  For example, students might study how people like golfers, piano tuners, lifeguards, and house painters all use math in their jobs.

APPLICATION OF PHYSICS 11 AND 12

Hands-on activities lead students to find answers to their own questions rather than expecting the teacher to provide the answers.   For example, students might design sports equipment and conduct experiments that demonstrate the laws of physics.

TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATIONS 12

These courses provide students with real experiences from the workplace such as proposal writing and personal presentations.   The focus is on clear communication, problem solving, and teamwork.

APPLICATIONS OF MATHEMATICS 11 AND 12

The emphasis here is on problem solving, technology, positive attitude, and communication.  Students explore connections with math, art, and design.  Topics include money management, data analysis, geometry, and trigonometry.

ARE THE SKILLS TAUGHT IN APPLIED ACADEMICS
RIGHT FOR THE BUSINESS WORLD?

The business sector has identified key skills required for an effective workforce.  Applied Academics courses reflect the need for skills in reading, writing, math, oral communication, thinking, teamwork, computers and continuous learning.

Careful consideration must be given to the student's learning style and personality, as well as his or her current interests and career objectives.

There are many different paths a student can take in secondary school that will provide the pre-requisites for the post-secondary options he or she has chosen.

You and your student, in consultation with a school principal or counselor, are in the best position to make this decision.

Ask for Applied Academics courses at your secondary school through counselors, the principal or your Parent Advisory Council.   More school districts are able to offer Applied Academics courses each year.   However, schools are required to have a minimum number of students enrolled in a particular course before it can run.

Check with your school district.  Sometimes, different schools within your district may be able to offer choices more suited to your student.  If they are not available in your district, Applied Academics courses are offered by Distance Education and Open School.

Applies Academics courses satisfy secondary school graduation requirements and teach workplace skills.  They are also accepted for entrance into many post-secondary programs.

Some colleges require placement tests.   Some Applied Academics courses may not be acceptable pre-requisites for some courses.  It's important to check with the specific institution - there are a variety or equally valid pathways to gain access to post-secondary education.

At present, some Universities require Applied Academics students to complete a 2-year transfer program at a College before applying to transfer to University.  This tends to be a less expensive alternative in a smaller community environment, and is a popular choice for many University-bound students, not just those with Applied Academics backgrounds.