← All Courses

Planned offering · Subject to inspection, authorization, and availability.

Co-operative Education

Learn through experience. Build skills. Explore your future.

Groundwork School’s planned co-operative education program combines teacher-guided coursework with a supervised placement.

Students apply their learning in a workplace or community setting, explore their interests and develop skills for future education, employment and everyday life.

Placements may connect with camp, a running race, a business or another approved organization.

Choose Your Co-op Option

Creating Opportunities through Co-op

Grade 11 — Open

Explore an area of interest without needing a related subject course.

This option supports career exploration and may include an approved entrepreneurial opportunity. It can be planned for one or two credits.

Co-op Linked to a Related Course

Apply and extend learning from a course you have already completed or are taking at the same time.

The placement must provide meaningful connections to that subject. Credit options depend on the related course or courses and the agreed learning plan, up to a maximum of four credits.

We’ll review your course history, interests and placement proposal to identify an appropriate option.

How the Program Works

Co-op includes preparation, a supervised placement and ongoing coursework.

Before beginning, students meet with their teacher to discuss their goals and proposed placement. The school reviews the setting, supervision and learning opportunities before approving it.

Students then complete preparation activities and develop an individual learning plan.

During the placement, students complete agreed responsibilities, document their learning and participate in teacher check-ins. The teacher works with the placement supervisor to monitor progress.

Summer and school-year options depend on placement availability and the time needed to complete the program.

What You’ll Learn

Preparation and safety Understand workplace expectations, relevant laws, hazards, human rights and well-being.

Learning through experience Set goals, follow and revise a learning plan, develop skills and explain how they transfer to future opportunities.

For linked co-op Apply and extend relevant subject knowledge in your placement.

For Creating Opportunities through Co-op Investigate a placement-related question, communicate findings, and develop decision-making and leadership skills.

Co-op at Camp

An approved camp placement could provide experience in areas such as:

• Planning and supporting activities.
• Working with campers under supervision.
• Communicating with colleagues and families.
• Supporting administration or event organization.
• Assisting with an approved camp business activity.

Responsibilities will depend on the student’s readiness, the placement requirements and the learning plan.

Camp employment or volunteering does not automatically qualify as co-op. The placement must be approved and arranged as part of the course before co-op learning begins.

Co-op in Another Setting

Students may propose a placement with another business or community organization.

For example, a student might explore an opportunity connected to recreation, music, business administration or a running race.

A proposed placement is subject to school approval. It must provide appropriate supervision and meaningful learning opportunities.

An existing job may be considered, but approval is required before it can become a co-op placement.

How Your Learning Is Assessed

Students demonstrate their learning through workplace activities and coursework. Evidence may include:

• Teacher observations and conversations.
• Placement-supervisor feedback.
• Learning records and reflections.
• Assignments connected to placement experiences.
• A project, report or presentation.

The teacher determines the student’s assessment. Completing hours alone does not demonstrate all the required learning.

Participation Requirements

Students must be ready to meet the expectations of their placement, including attendance, communication and responsible conduct.

Before enrolment, we’ll confirm:

• The appropriate co-op option.
• Placement approval and supervision.
• The learning plan and course commitment.
• Preparation and safety requirements.
• Scheduling, transportation and any placement-specific conditions.

Co-op includes a practical placement; it cannot be completed through online assignments alone.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Groundwork School is planning a February 2027 launch.

Submit an application and tell us about your interests, preferred start date and any placement you would like us to consider.

We’ll contact you to review your options and explain the next steps.

Applications are reviewed before registration and payment. We will contact you if proof of prerequisites is required.