What is Knowledge and Employability?

Knowledge and Employability (K&E) is not a program, but instead a set of courses that will provide students with opportunities to experience success, and become well-prepared for employment, further post-secondary studies, and life-long learning.

K&E courses are designed for students who:

• Want to become better prepared for the workplace 
• Learn best through hands-on activities and real-world experiences 
• Have demonstrated and/or expressed a desire to enter the workplace after high school, or a post-secondary training institute that accepts a Certificate of Achievement rather than achieving an Alberta High School Diploma

Enrollment criteria is based on:

• The highest level of academic success, cognitive ability, language level, and academic strengths and needs 
• Student’s expressed goals concerning academic success, post-secondary aspirations, and work preferences 
• Consultation with the student, the student’s parents/guardians, teachers, counsellors, and other staff concerning above student and family goals

K&E core courses, such as English Language Arts and Math, focus on foundational skills and work-place experiential knowledge. K&E occupational courses provide students with hands-on experiences and real-world skills necessary to transition into the workplace. K&E courses allow students to complete high school with a Certificate of Achievement.

What is a Certificate of Achievement?

Students taking Knowledge and Employability courses work towards completing a Certificate of Achievement, rather than or before working towards a High School Diploma. Below are the requirements for a Certificate of Achievement and a High School Diploma.

Certificate of Completion = 80 Credits

English Language Arts 20-2 or 30-4 
Social Studies 10-2 or 20-4
Mathematics 10-3 or 20-4 
Science 14 or 20-4 
Physical Education 10 
Career and Life Management

5 credits in 

• 30-level Knowledge and Employability occupational course, or  
• 30-level Career and Technology Studies

and 5 credits in 

• 30-level Knowledge and Employability Workplace Practicum course, or  
• 30-level Work Experience course

or 5 credits in 

• 30-level Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) course

Diploma= 100 Credits

English Language Arts – 30-1 or 30-2
Social Studies – 30-1 or 30-2 
Mathematics – Math20-1, 20-2, or 20-3
Science – Science 20, Science 24, Biology 20, Chemistry 20, or Physics 20 
Physical Education 10 
Career and Life Management 

10 Credits in any combination from:

• Career and Technology Studies (CTS) 
• Fine Arts 
• Second Languages 
• Physical Education 20 and/or 30 
• Knowledge and Employability courses 
• Registered Apprenticeship Program courses 

10 credits in any 30-level course**
** in addition to a 30-level English Language Arts and a 30- level Social Studies

Students are encouraged to work towards a High School Diploma by upgrading from K&E courses to Diploma courses throughout grade 11 and 12.  Students also may have the opportunity to return for a 4th year at James Fowler or attend Chinook Campus for upgrading in order to achieve a High School Diploma.

Why Knowledge and Employability at James Fowler?

Our classes are sheltered!

These classes have fewer students, more supports, and the curriculum covered is specific to the K&E programs of study.  The Knowledge and Employability core courses we offer include Math, Science and Social Studies at both the 10 and 20 levels, and English Language Arts at the 10, 20 and 30 level in order to support students’ educational growth and success in completing a Certificate of Achievement. 

We have specific K&E occupational courses!

Students may also enroll in the many Knowledge and Employability specific occupational courses we offer at James Fowler which includes:

• Cosmetology 
• Foods and Commercial Cooking 
• Art and Design 
• Fashion Textiles 
• Construction 
• Metal Fabrication
• Auto Mechanics

These courses prepare students for entry level positions in their field of interest, and also fulfil the course requirements for the Certificate of Achievement. 

We have the best option classes!

Outside of K&E courses, students have access to all of our option classes such as drama, dance, business, band, choir, leadership, sports performance, robotics, creative writing, legal studies, and many, many more!

We have the best supports!

At James Fowler, students have access to a plethora of staff-based supports that they can access on a daily basis.  These supports are to help ensure students reach their full potential and are successful in high school and beyond.  These supports include:

• Career Practitioner: Helps with writing resumes, exploring career options, and providing students with information on post-secondary options 
• Work Experience Teacher: Organizes work placements and RAP opportunities for students
• Guidance Counsellor: Provides counselling and access to community supports for students and their families.  Organizes student courses and timetables. 
• Learning Strategist: Provides one-on-one and small group academic support and instruction in the Learning Center, a quiet space to relax and learn. 

As well as staff-based supports, we have many community services that are part of the James Fowler team who provide additional supports and services to students at no cost.  These include:  

• The Alex Health Bus 
• Brown Bagging Lunch Program 
• CIWA 
• SIRIUS Girls Group 
• John Howard Society 
• YMap 

We have the best school!

We have knowledgeable and supportive staff, established community supports, top-notch facilities, a wide variety of core and option classes, high-level athletics program, and a student population that are the cream of the crop.  Why wouldn’t students come to Fowler!

How do I Register?

Visit our Registration Page for more information.