What is Knowledge and Employability?

Knowledge and Employability courses are designed for students who meet the criteria and learn best through hands-on experiential activities. The focus of these courses is to provide a successful transition into employment and/or further training opportunities. Students may qualify for a Certificate of High School Achievement or may continue their studies in order to qualify for an Alberta High School Diploma. Informed annual written consent of parents/guardians is required for students under 16 years of age to participate in this program.

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 fourth year or attend Chinook Learning Services for upgrading in order to achieve a High School Diploma.

K&E Course offerings at Centennial High School include:

Academics

• English 10-4, English 20-4, English 30-4
• Social Studies 10-4, Social Studies 20-4
• Math 10-4, Math 20-4
• Science 10-4, Science 20-4

Option Courses

• Art/Design 10-4, 20-4, 30-4
• Art/Media Communication 10-4, 20-4, 30-4
• Business 10-4, 20-4, 30-4
• Construction 10-4, 20-4, 30-4
• Cosmetology 10-4, 20-4, 30-4
• Fabrics 10-4, 20-4, 30-4
• Foods 10, 20, 30

Course Descriptions

For course descriptions please see the Detailed High School Course Guide.

What are the Registration Procedures?

Please visit our How to Register page for more information.