Andrew McIntosh

Posted on Thursday, July 7th, 2016

How did you learn about the dual credit program? Who did you complete your application with?

I first found out about the dual credit program in Grade 10. Our guidance counsellor goes around telling students about career paths. I went through the course at school for auto mechanics and applied for OYAP. I found out through a class presentation. I did two co-op for two years — one co-op two years ago and one last semester.

Andrew McIntosh

I applied for a dual credit through co-op teacher.

Did you attend an orientation session? What did you find most helpful about orientation?

Yes. I had already heard a lot from my teacher and some of my friends who did the program. I already knew most of it and what was going on. The orientation maybe gave me a couple of extra things. They gave us a bit of a tour of where we were going. That was helpful, knowing which classroom to go to for the first day.

The technology part was somewhat helpful. Our teacher doesn’t use Blackboard. They did a pretty good job covering pretty much everything.

Did you think you were you prepared for the course?

Just for knowing where to go.

Do you think the dual credit was a good fit?

It’s a good fit so far. I understand most of it. I wasn’t confused. It’s new stuff, so some confusion is to be expected.

Did you require any accommodations? Were your needs meet?

I had an IEP (Individual Education Plan). So far I have found I didn’t need it. I probably should’ve gotten it in case, but I guess I didn’t really need it.

How was transportation?

I take the bus. No concerns. You had to get an early enough bus because it’s an hour ride from Orleans.

How comfortable were you with the technology aspect of the course?

I have my netbook that I use to write some notes. We don’t use Blackboard. I did not require IT support.

What were the greatest differences between high school and college?

You are more independent in college.

Did high school co-op prepare you?

Having co-op and doing the classes at school gave me a bit of a previous knowledge on the information. It gave me some confidence.

Assessment and evaluation: I was able to manage. It was pretty easy. Learn the information and do the stuff.

Meeting deadlines: Really easy. Our teachers only gave us assignments on Thursday so we had until Tuesday to get them in. The due date was always the same time pretty much. It was all very reasonable.

If you needed to communicate with your College instructor, what was the best way?

Just ask our instructor. The teacher says just ask him. “Better to back the ship up a couple feet than a couple of miles.”

They were all ready to answer our questions.

Challenges?

The electrical section was a challenge. It’s a little different from what I’m used to. I’m better with mechanical types of things. Electrical comes in and it’s a different thing. It’s more math and science related (electric). I’m okay with the math part. We’ve had math in every section. I’ve been pretty good with math.

Would you recommend that other students take a dual credit? Why or why not?

Definitely. It’s really hands-on. It’s nice to have a break from regular high school. I enjoyed the change. I got to walk in and say, “yes, I get to wear a hat and no one can tell me not to.”

Would you take another dual credit if given opportunity?

It’s hard to say. It was a good experience, but I’m kind of getting tired of school. I want to move on and get out of it and that’s why I wouldn’t do another dual credit. But it was a good experience.

What do you hope to do once you’ve graduated from High School?

I need a full-time job, probably in a garage. I might go with the garage I’m doing my co-op with now. I still have to ask them if they want to keep me. I’m hoping to finish level 2 and level 3 of apprenticeship and then work full time.

Last say/best advice

It was definitely worth going through the dual credit program and learning all the new stuff. The college instructors and dual credit support teachers are always there to help you out.

The students preparing to take OYAP should take math and science, especially physics. They should probably go into Grade 11 physics; it would be a good basis, and grade 12 math as well. I did grade 9-12 college math and it helped.

It is definitely a good transition into work. It gives you a good idea of what it is going to be like out in the real world.

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