The Faculty of Engineering Secondary School offers high school students the opportunity to take technological design and computer science courses while earning credits toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

Courses are open to students in Grades 8 to 12 and are offered in English only

Any Grade 8 students enrolling in a high school course will be taking it as a reach-ahead course; as such, a principal's written recommendation will be required prior to confirmation of enrolment.
 

Courses offered

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Exploring Technological Design (TDJ1O)

This four-week long course introduces students to concepts and skills related to technological design, involving solutions to design challenges and fabrication of prototypes of those solutions. Students will develop an awareness of related environmental and social issues, and begin to explore secondary and postsecondary pathways leading to careers in the field. The course curriculum focuses on the engineering design process, which is taught through hand sketching, 3D drawings and 3D modelling. 

This is an open course designed for all high school students. Students in Grade 8 can enrol with approval from their parents and written support from their principal. All students will gain hands-on design skills right at the Faculty of Engineering. Those who pass the course receive a full credit toward their secondary school diploma. 

Course outline available soon.

Teenager working at a computer.

Technological Design (TDJ2O)

Technological Design – TDJ2O is a course that provides students with a better understanding of the engineering design process through projects done with microcomputers and virtual reality. Students will have the opportunity to learn about micro:bit microcomputers, use multiple sensors and develop their coding skills to solve common problems. They will also explore, create and program a virtual world using CoSpaces. At the end of the course, students will take part in an engineering design challenge by creating a virtual world that solves a defined problem.

This course is offered in two parts. Students must complete both parts to earn high school credits.

Outline of Course of Study for Fall 2022 (PDF, 210KB)
Outline of Course of Study for Winter 2023 (PDF, 209KB)

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Introduction to Computer Studies – ICS2O (Technovation)

Following the engineering design process, students will develop programming skills and create an app to solve a defined problem. They will also gain a better understanding of computers, from hardware components to software applications and operating systems. Students will have the opportunity to see real-world software applications through guest speakers! 

The winter ICS2O course is offered to girls only in partnership with Technovation.

Course Outline of Study ICS2O Technovation (PDF, 233KB)

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WebDev Bootcamp: Introduction to Computer Science (ICS3U)

WebDev Bootcamp: Introduction to Computer Science provides students with an immersive experience in the world of computer science, exploring the basics of software development through a variety of programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Students learn through a variety of hands-on activities, including virtual computer dissection and website application design (for example, creating an online game and online store). Course learning is complemented with talks by speakers from leading Ottawa tech companies, where students will meet industry professionals. 

Although this course has no prerequisites, it helps to have taken Creative Computing: Introduction to Computer Studies - ICS2O (or to have some coding background).  

Students in Grade 8 can enrol in this reach-ahead course with approval from their parents and written support from their principal. 

Students can either complete the full course or take part 1 and return next summer to complete part 2. Those who pass part 1 receive half a credit toward their secondary school diploma, while those who pass the full course receive a full credit.

Course outline available soon.

Course schedule and details

Registration details

When registering for courses, students will need to provide the following information/documentation:

  • their student or personal email address
  • their legal status in Canada: Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident or visitor
  • proof of age (copy of birth certificate)
  • proof of grade and school (copy of recent report card)
  • for Grade 8 students exceptionally: a completed letter, signed by their parent/guardian and current principal, approving their enrolment in a reach-ahead course
  • their Individual Education Plan (IEP), if they have one.

Additional documentation required for ICS2O: proof of Technovation 2023 registration.

Please refer to the school course calendar for all policies and procedures.

Note: Following a 2021 inspection, the Faculty of Engineering Secondary School received credit-granting authority from the Ministry of Education. The school has been assigned a BSID number by the Ministry and is listed as a private school on the Ministry website.

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