Three Rs are not enough anymore AS EDUCATORS realize the need to focus on skills other than the traditional three Rs of reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic, schools have changed the four-walled classtoom to a three-walled classroom. The missing wall is ‘‘an open door to the outside world,” explained Heather Ratcliffe-Hood, who coordi- nates career development pro- grams for North Vancouver School District No. 44. “Opening the door of awareness changes the whole perspective of school.’’ More like adult learners — “we have a focus and we go after it’ — students need to see the relevance in what they are learning. “Career development pro- grams are building bridges to By Pamela Lang ference learned how to identify their personal strengths and study styles, as well as learning techniques for memorizing, and gaining information about career options. Knowing what careers are in demand may be helpful when these students make choices about courses of study. Through the career devel- opment program, they can choose to focus on an approv- “You can begin right now. Think about what you cdo well now. What can you learn in scheol that might help you later? What kinds of work experiences or part-time jobs might help you? ‘What do you need to do after you graduate from high school? These are the questions you can begin to answer,” suggests Tina Wignall from Cruise Ship Centres, North Vancouver. the future, helping students become more focused.” All career development pro- grams combine a practicum outside the school with skills Studied in schcol, she explain- ed. “The work experience complements the classroom work.” , Schools are helping students to become more prepared for the future through these career preparation programs and other initiatives. , Recently 200 Grade 11 stu- dents at Argyle secondary school spent a day attending a conference on career options and study skills, organized by staff and students. The goal was to have ‘‘a real conference to open their -minds to the reatity of the future,” said organizer Sally “Chamberlain. . Students attending the con- ed area of interest — taking standard required courses in tandem with classes that focus on that area of interest. There are approved pro- grams in this province that reach into all departments and sub- ject areas, including carpentry, music, computer science, elec- tronics, drafting, fashion design, forestry, graphics, health care, law, tourism, mar- keting, accounting, theatre, and publishing. Students also learn jab- search and life skills that can be invaluable when they are looking for their first, or twen- ty-first, job. Career development students from Carson Graham, Argyle, and Sutherland secondary schools recently attended a one-day business seminar that emphasized topics such as in- terviewing for a job, grooming and dressing for success, resume writing, communica- tion skills, positive attitudes in the workplace, and goal-set- ting. They heard from profes- sionals frorn several fields, whe offered advice on how to land .a job — starting by establishing what kind of job they might “want to pursue, ‘Nt is this type of experience that benefits all — students, educators, and employers are developing and generating new and exciting networks linking success in school to opportuni- ty in the workplace. This is the foundation for building bridges to sucess,” said Ratcliffe-Hood. Employment and Eempiot ot lenmigtevon Canada wrragretion Canada Year 2003... Where will you be... What will you be doing? The answers to those questions depend on the training and “areer decisions you make today. The Canada Employment Centre, the major sponsor of Career Fair 93, can help you make the right decisions, See you at the Career Pair. READY, _ NEWS photo Nell Lucente IY TYYYYYYIYYYYYYT YY CAREER DIPLOMAS WILt, ING: With 1 in 3 jobs requiring computer skills, the Academy of Learning can help you land the job you're after. At the Academy of Learning, begin any time on a Centficate Course or a Career Diploma Program. We emplicy a Self-paced learning schezule tailored to your needs, with plenty of one-on-one support. We take the mystery out of modern day office computers. Atter a few lessons set at your own schedule, you'll have 2 striking command of tho keys in no time. Can't type? Not to worry. We'll teact you how. Then learn programs such as WordPerfect, Windows or Lotus. We also ofter diplomas in Accounting Computer Business Applications, Administrétion and Secretarial skills. For a winning performance in business today, count on the Academy of Learning, Canada's fastest grow'ng computer and office skills training cenire. You'll thank the Academy. ED LeAaine CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS + WordPerfect © dBase + Lotus * Rock-keeping + Desktop Publishing * Typing-Beginnes » Accpac/Bedford to advanced » Windows ACADEMY OF * Administrative Assistant * Executive Secretary © Fianancial Assistant ¢ Microcomputer Business Application © And many more 980-0897 8096600000.