What is School Within A College (SWAC)?

Looking Toward College? Want to Jump-Start Your Program?

The School Within a College (SWAC) program is a full-year transition-to-college opportunity for secondary students within one year of graduation. SWAC is offered in partnership with Conestoga College, with the classroom located at the Doon Campus.

Students complete Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) requirements with the support of a Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) teacher, while also taking dual-credit Conestoga College courses taught by a college instructor in a college environment. In Semester 2, students who demonstrate readiness may have the opportunity to participate in a cooperative education placement in a field of interest.

Students may also participate in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program and work toward earning their SHSM designation and Red Seal certification.

To learn more or apply, talk to your guidance counsellor, select the SWAC program in myBlueprint, and complete a Cooperative Education Program Selection Form.

Dual Credit Courses available to SWAC students

Doon Campus Courses

  • Basic Design A or B
  • Criminal Justice System
  • Crime Scene
  • Criminology
  • Security Fundamentals
  • ECE Foundations
  • Early Learning and Care
  • Psychology Today
  • Health Care
  • PSW
  • Manicures
  • Makeup
  • Cabinetmaking

Read the course descriptions here

Waterloo Campus Courses

  • Baking Techniques A and/or B
  • Culinary Techniques A and/or B
  • Carpentry – Interior and/or Exterior
  • Game Design
  • Visual & Audio Production
  • Masonry

Read the course descriptions here

Reuter Drive Campus Courses

  • Plumbing
  • Welding
  • Electrical
  • HRAC
  • General Machine Shop
  • CNC Programming
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding
  • Thermal Cutting & Brazing
  • Intro to Mechatronics
  • Intro to Robotics

Read the course descriptions here

Students may take an English or a Math Credit. Common courses taken at SWAC include the courses below, and others may be considered:

  • NBE3C, ENG4C, OLC40 OR MEL3E, MEL4E, MBF3C, MAP4C

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

  • Students have the opportunity to earn a physical education credit (Semester 1 ONLY)
  • Student’s have access to the Conestoga College’s recreation Center
  • Wellness philosophy for all students and staff
  • Tuition Free course(s).
  • Taught by a college instructor with support from a SWAC teacher.
  • Dual credit course(s) are delivered once a week.

Students can earn up to four credits that can be counted toward both their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and a postsecondary certification, diploma, or Certificate of Apprenticeship.

Example of credit accumulation: Health Care and PSW Dual Credits

  • 2 dual credits towards the OSSD
    • PHA4T, HIC4T
  • 2 college credits towards a Health Sciences certifications or diploma
    • ADMN1030, PSW1375

Offered in Semester 2 – ONLY

  • 3-4 full-days a week at a Cooperative Education Placement
  • Earn elective credits through co-op
  • If you are already working part-time, your Co-op placement could be your workplace
  • Student is responsible for all co-op expenses (travel and PPE)

College Instructor: Acts as the primary educator for the specific college-level dual credit course(s) in which the student is enrolled. They are responsible for the course curriculum, grading, and academic instruction.

WCDSB Teacher: Provides additional support, guidance, and academic assistance to ensure students stay on track in their registered courses. Additionally, they facilitate the student’s Co-op placement by coordinating, monitoring, and acting as the primary liaison between the student, the school board, and the employer.

Am I a good fit?

  • Interested in exploring college pathways
  • Self-directed learner
  • Have the ability / motivation to attend regularly