Cultural Exploration

Students can gain valuable educational experience by enhancing their knowledge of their own cultural origins or a cultural group that interests them through interaction with community members such as Elders and members of cultural organizations.

The knowledge, skills, and attitudes obtained from such activities can increase a student’s self-esteem and maturity, strengthen cultural identity, and/or provide greater intercultural understanding and an appreciation of cultural diversity.

Students may earn one of the credits they need for graduation by completing a Cultural Exploration Student Initiated Project.

Here are some things you need to know:

• You can only earn one credit over your high school years.
• You may carry out your cultural experience over the course of more than one school year.
• You cannot receive pay for the activity.
• You need to provide documentation indicating:

1. that participation took place
2. when it took place
3. the number of hours contributed by the student, and
4. the knowledge, skills, and attitudes obtained in the cultural exploration activity.

A student who participates in an activity for a CESIP credit is participating in an activity that is outside the regular school program. Things you do in school cannot be counted towards this credit.

- Students must do a minimum of 110 hours of work to receive a credit. (The Department of Education also allows for 55 hours for a half credit). Depending upon the nature of the activity, the school principal may require additional hours for credit.

Here is a link to the Department of Education website where you will find all the forms:

Guidelines ( 29 KB)

Parent/Guardian Approval Form ( 20 KB)

Record Form ( 13 KB)  

Submit the Approval Form to the Guidance Counsellor and begin logging your hours today!