Sacred Heart Scholars Distinction Program
Discover The Sacred Heart Scholars Distinction Program which empowers students to take ownership of their education and pursue their passions within a chosen pathway.
Global Leadership Pathway
Students engaged in the Global Leadership pathway are driven by a profound curiosity about the interconnectedness of people, places, and complex ideas. They dedicate their efforts to building meaningful understanding and developing ways to transform this knowledge into impactful action.
STEM Pathway
Students pursuing the STEM pathway have a deep interest in science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics. They devote their energies to these fields across their educational experiences.
Arts Pathway
Students pursuing the Arts pathway have a deep interest in the visual, performing and/or literary arts. They devote their energies to honing their artistic craft and sharing it with others.
A Pathway to Excellence, Empowerment, and Impact
Sacred Heart Scholars Distinction in GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
- Global Experiential Journeys - Participate in two immersive trips designed to expand cultural understanding and leadership skills, one of which must be a service-related trip.
- Reflective Leadership Practice - Completion of a reflection on global competencies, tied to experiences from the Global Experiential Journeys.
- World Language Studies - Deep engagement in the study of world languages to enhance communication across cultures (3rd language, advanced French).
- Mastery of Global Competencies - Develop critical skills in global leadership, collaboration, and ethical decision-making (Model UN, DEIB initiatives, volunteering leadership, etc.)
- Global Action Plan Development - Research and create a strategic plan to address pressing global or local social justice issues.
- Leadership in Co-curricular Engagement - Active participation in global, social justice, or intercultural co-curricular activities.
Sacred Heart Scholars Distinction in STEM LEADERSHIP
- STEM Excellence Pathway - Complete Secondary 5 Physics and Chemistry AND/OR Secondary 5 advanced Mathematics courses to build a strong interdisciplinary foundation.
- STEM Leadership Experience - Lead or engage in a meaningful STEM leadership project or initiative within the school or community.
- Global Experiential STEM Learning - Participate in a Global Experiential Trip with a focus on STEM, or complete an internship to gain hands-on experience.
- Performance-based STEM Challenges - Take part in a math competition, science fair, or other STEM-related challenges to demonstrate technical expertise.
- STEM Community Engagement - Volunteer in a lab, assist with science outreach, or attend a STEM conference to expand your network and apply your knowledge.
- STEM-related Co-curricular Involvement - Engage in at least two STEM-focused clubs or activities, such as coding clubs, robotics teams, or other science extra-curricular activities.
Sacred Heart Scholars Distinction in CREATIVE ARTS LEADERSHIP
- Academic Excellence in the Arts - Prepare and present a portfolio of artworks to show appreciation and personal development in the arts.
- Leadership in Creative Arts Practice - Participate in a leadership role within a creative arts project, such as organizing a gallery exhibition, recital, or production.
- Experiential Arts Learning - Take part in an Experiential Trip focused on the arts, allowing for artistic immersion and expression.
- Performance-based Creative Showcase - Present your work in a recital, gallery show, or performance that highlights your artistic talent and leadership.
- Creative Arts Community Engagement - Volunteer at a museum, assist with a local arts festival, or contribute to a community arts initiative.
- Co-curricular Arts Involvement - Active participation in at least two arts-related clubs or activities, such as choir, dance, or visual arts groups.
Why pursue a Sacred Heart Scholars Distinction?
- Post-Secondary Studies Applications: The program’s prestige and rigor make students stand out in Grade 12/CEGEP applications, showing that they have not only excelled academically but have also developed specialized expertise in their chosen field.
- Leadership Development: Each pathway is designed to cultivate leadership skills, whether through global initiatives, cutting-edge STEM projects, or collaborative arts experiences. Students will graduate with confidence, equipped to take on leadership roles in any arena.
- Career Preparedness: The program gives students practical, real-world experience that prepares them for future careers. Whether they are leading a community project, conducting scientific research, or showcasing artwork, students are gaining hands-on skills that employers and universities value.
- Strong Sense of Purpose: The program nurtures each student’s passion, fostering a deeper connection to their field of study and giving them the direction they need for future success.
"By offering this prestigious, hands-on learning experience, the program aims to foster the next generation of leaders, innovators, and creators who are equipped to make meaningful contributions in their chosen fields and communities." - Patricia Briand, Head of School
FAQ about the Scholars Disctinction Program
You can apply for the Scholars Distinction Program at the end of Secondary 2. This is when you will select and declare your chosen pathway for the program.
To be eligible, you should be a motivated, goal-oriented student who is eager to explore a specialized field of study. You need to apply at the end of Secondary 2 and commit to completing all program requirements by May of your graduating year.
Yes! The program encourages you to engage in extracurricular activities (ECAs) that align with your chosen pathway and academic goals. These activities are an important part of your holistic development and provide valuable opportunities to gain practical experience and enhance your skills. The school offers a variety of ECAs that complement different pathways, allowing you to further your personal and academic growth.
In order to earn the distinction, you must complete all aspects of the program by May of your graduating year. Failure to meet the requirements will result in not receiving the distinction, although you will still complete your standard academic requirements.
Although students are asked to carefully choose their pathway, they may discuss their interests with their advisor if they feel a change is necessary. However, changes to the pathway may be limited once declared.
If you remain at Sacred Heart for Grade 12, you can earn your distinction while completing the Grade 12 program and fulfilling the requirements of the Scholars Distinction Program. This provides you with an additional year to complete the program, giving you extra time to meet all the necessary criteria and fully benefit from the program’s opportunities.