Since 2018, high school students across Ottawa have taken technology courses at the University of Ottawa that earn them credits towards their Ontario Secondary School diploma. These courses, which the Faculty of Engineering Secondary School (FESS) offers during the fall, winter, and summer terms, not only follow Ontario curriculum guidelines, but also provide students with interactive and hands-on learning opportunities in technological design, computer science and physics.
The Faculty of Engineering Secondary School is a hidden gem for Ottawa students interested in STEM and is located right in the heart of Ottawa’s downtown campus. Students get to immerse themselves in a university setting and take courses taught by highly qualified instructors.
There have been an increasing number of activities available for youth interested in STEM at the Faculty of Engineering over the past few years. These high school courses can help pave the way for many students wishing to pursue university studies (and potentially future careers) in STEM.
To learn more about these credited courses and why Ottawa teens should consider taking courses outside of their schools, we sat down with Mrs. Julie Olivier, the principal of the Faculty of Engineering Secondary School.
Why the Faculty of Engineering Secondary School?
“Our program goes beyond traditional education by providing a unique blend of experiential learning and exposure to industry professionals all while studying in a university environment.”
Julie Olivier
— Principal of the Faculty of Engineering Secondary School.
What courses are offered at the Faculty of Engineering Secondary School?
We offer five different courses: Exploring Technological Design (TDJ1O), where students learn to design using innovative software and create prototypes using 3D printers; Technological Design (TDJ2O), for students interested in exploring programming with microbits and virtual reality; Digital Technology and Innovation in the Changing world (ICD2O), where students develop a mobile application; Introduction to Computer Science (ICS3U) for students who wish to learn various coding languages; and Physics Grade 11 (SPH3U) for students who want to use multiple technologies to explore physics concepts through experiments and projects.
Can you elaborate on the credited courses offered at the Faculty of Engineering Secondary School this summer?
Of course! Our summer courses are hands-on, project-based, and take place at the uOttawa campus. All courses run for four weeks, either from July 2 to July 26, or from July 29 to August 23, and TDJ2O is also offered as two parts. Students obtain full credit or a half-credit for the courses, allowing them to get ahead academically. The courses are offered to students in Grades 9 through 11, but students in Grade 8 can take a course as a reach ahead with permission from their parents and high school principal.
Why should students consider taking courses at the Faculty of Engineering Secondary School rather than those offered by their high school?
Our program goes beyond traditional education by providing a unique blend of experiential learning and exposure to industry professionals all while studying in a university environment.
What sets us apart is our unique approach – no final exams, but rather an emphasis on practical, real-world applications. Students learn through a variety of interactive and hands-on projects using the latest technologies. The experience in these courses not only provides students with state-of-the-art facilities and design spaces unavailable at their regular high schools, but also it can help teens in deciding on a post-secondary path.
One of the highlights is the chance for students to engage with professionals working in design, engineering, and computer science, which not only enhances their understanding of these fields but also gives them an idea of potential career paths.
We also offer smaller class sizes, which allows for more personalized attention and a collaborative learning environment. This ensures that each student can actively participate, receive individualized support, and build stronger connections with both peers and teachers. It’s a great opportunity for students to connect with teens from other schools and join a supportive tech community.
“I really loved how knowledgeable and passionate my teacher was. [...] I also enjoyed the variety of topics covered in the course since I had the chance to discover what interests me the most.”
Former student who attended a course at the Faculty of Engineering Secondary School
Students who attend the Faculty of Engineering Secondary School particularly enjoy being able to explore various topics and discover their passions. “I really loved how knowledgeable and passionate my teacher was. I felt comfortable asking questions in class and found [their] explanations thorough and helpful. I also enjoyed the variety of topics covered in the course since I had the chance to discover what interests me the most,” said a former student who attended a course at the Faculty of Engineering Secondary School.
According to Principal Olivier, it is more important than ever to keep up with Canada’s evolving employment landscape, which starts with secondary school education. To better prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow, the Government of Ontario recently announced the implementation of a new high school graduation requirement. Starting with students entering Grade 9 in September 2024, all students will now be required to earn a Grade 9 or 10 Technological Education credit as part of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Completing this mandatory course at the Faculty of Engineering Secondary School ensures that students have checked off that requirement, with the additional benefits of being exposed to the latest technologies and interactive, project-based learning from university and industry professionals.
Discover the Faculty of Engineering Secondary School and the courses available this summer 2024.
About Engineering Outreach
Founded in 1991, Engineering Outreach originally provided programming to 60 participants. Thirty years later, they now reach over 43,000 youth every year through camps, clubs, workshops, and events. One of their latest initiatives is the Faculty of Engineering Secondary School, created in 2018.
