Program Details

We recognize that every student is unique and that every students’ education plan is different. The goal of Building Futures is to give students a hands on approach to learning, and the opportunity to develop real world skills. This program will expose students to a variety of Alberta trades, as well as many other vocations within the construction industry, such as design, architecture, real estate, sales, marketing and so much more. 

Small Student to Teacher Ratio

Students will have support for the entire school year from the same homeroom teachers, who specialize in complementary subject areas. By spending this time together, teachers will get to know how each of their students learn best, which enables them to personalize each student's education. Teachers will be able to challenge students academically while engaging them in the meaningful, real-world applications of building a house. 

Unique Learning Approach

Building Futures offers students authentic, hands-on learning, where they can choose what suits them best from a robust variety of options. The program is a collaboration between students, parents and the community.

Earn Required Credits Efficiently

Students will have the opportunity to earn at least 50 credits in the Building Futures program, which will allow them more flexibility in planning their schedules for Grade 11 and 12.

Please see below for specific details on the course credits students can earn in Building Futures:

Student marks are updated on an ongoing basis throughout the year. Academic marks for Math, Science, English, and Social are updated after each unit is completed, while marks for CTS and complimentary credit courses are updated after course theory has been learned, and practical and employability skills have been demonstrated.

As with other Parkland School Division programs, parents and guardians can view their student's progress online using PowerSchool. For more information about PowerSchool and how to access it, please visit the Parkland School Division website.

In addition to the typical school supplies they will use to complete their academic coursework, students will also make use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and construction tools. Some of this is provided by the school; the rest is provided by the student:

For more information about safety requirements, PPE and assessment practices used on the job site, please see the Building Futures Construction Handbook and the Parkland School Division Occupational Health and Safety Manual.

Students will have the opportunity to participate in optional field trips throughout the year. The cost of each field trip varies, and is determined on a cost recovery basis.

These field trips may include visits to:

• A design centre
• A landscape centre
• The Coventry Homes Main Office
• ...and more, as opportunities arise.

Connections for Learning values partnerships with the community. Students in Building Futures will have the opportunity to work with community members and build lasting connections. Community members will be able to provide students with insight into the many different aspects of home building.

An additional cost of $200 is required to cover the cost of field trips and consumables used in various CTS projects. For more information, please see the Building Futures FAQs page.