Program Details

Benefits of Building Futures 

We recognize every student is unique and every student’s education plan is different. The goal of Building Futures is to give everyone a unique approach to learning, and the opportunity to develop practical skills. This program exposes students to various 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

For the entire school year students will have support from the same homeroom teachers, who specialize in complementary subject areas. Teachers learn how individuals learn best, enabling them to personalize each student's education plan. Students are challenged academically while engaged in meaningful, practical applications of building a house.

Unique Learning Approach

The program is a collaboration between students, parents and community members. Exposing students to an array of industry trades, they can eventually choose a career path based on an informed decision, one that helps build success in an industry with robust options.

Earn Required Credits Efficiently

Students have the opportunity to earn at least 50 credits in this program, allowing them more flexibility in planning their schedules for Grades 11 and 12.

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

Academic Courses

Although Building Futures is a full year program, some of its academic courses are split into semesters. Core instruction occurs in the classroom, and students are expected to catch up on any missed coursework as soon as possible. 

Students may have the opportunity to complete other projects for credit over the course of the school year, and/or explore academic subject matter that appeals to their individual passions. 

Building Futures students will earn credit in the following academic courses, which can be used to fulfill high school graduation requirements:

Subject

Credits Earned

Timeline

Math 10-C or 10-3 5 September-January
English 10-1 or 10-2 5 September-January
Career and Life Management (CALM) 20 3 September-January
Science 10 or 14 5 February-June
Social Studies 10-1 or 10-2 5 February-June
Physical Education 10  5 February-June

CTS Courses

Throughout the process of building a house in collaboration with Coventry Homes, students have the opportunity to earn credit in the following Career & Technology Studies (CTS) courses.

In high school, students typically earn 10-level credits while in Grade 10, 20-level while in Grade 11, and 30-level while in Grade 12. The credits earned in the CTS portion of Building Futures can be used to fulfill certain high school graduation requirements

All courses listed below are worth 1 credit each. To learn more about the house construction process and the credits earned at each stage, please refer to the Building Futures Construction Handbook.

10-Level Courses

20-Level Courses

30-Level Courses

CON1010
Construction Tools
& Materials

CON2010
Site Preparation

CON3010
Concrete:
Structures & Finishes

CON1070
Building Construction

CON2020
Concrete Forming

CON3030
Wall & Ceiling Finishing

CON1120
Product Management

CON2035
Framing Systems: Floor

CON3040
Stair Construction

CON1160
Manufactured Materials

CON2045
Framing Systems: Walls

CON3060
Doors & Trim

 

CON2050
Roof Structures 1

CON3070
Floorcovering

 

CON2070
Electrical Systems

CON3080
Energy Efficient Housing

 

CON2080
Plumbing Systems

CON3110
Site Management

 

 

CON3210
Framing Systems: Advanced

 

 

HCS3000
Workplace Safety Systems

   

HCS3010
Workplace Safety Practices

Assessment

Student progress is 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 Career & Technology Studies (CTS) and complimentary credit courses are updated after course theory has been completed, 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.

Materials Required

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

Materials Provided by the School

Materials Provided by the Student

  • Hard hat
  • Safety glasses
  • Hearing protection (if required)
  • Disposable masks (if required)
  • Any other tools required

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.

Field Trips

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:

  • Window/door and design centres
  • Concrete and stair manufacturers
  • A landscape centre
  • Main Office of Coventry Homes (sales and service)
  • Various well-being activities

Community Based Learning Opportunities

Connections for Learning values partnerships with the community. Students in Building Futures will have the opportunity to work with community members with the intent to build lasting, meaningful relationships. Community members and expert tradespeople provide students with insight into many different aspects of home building.

Fees

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.