Career Life Connections 12 Lesson 1 Introduction to

Career Life Connections 12 Lesson #1 Introduction to Portfolio Project

What is the Portfolio Project? � The Portfolio Project allows you to demonstrate your interest in learning about a particular topic. � Ideally, your focus should be in an area you are passionate about and anticipate you will be pursuing after graduation. � However, your focus does not necessarily have to relate to your post-secondary pursuits. � Your Portfolio Project should be a topic that you are interested in learning more about.

Choosing Your Topic � Your topic must be important to you – an area of passion, something that excites you. � You don’t necessarily have to succeed or fully meet your goal. However, you must be able to articulate the successes, challenges, areas for further development and most importantly, your learning and growth along this journey. � Your topic must not have a negative impact on or cause harm to you or to anyone else. � Your topic must not be unlawful in nature.

Choosing Your Topic � Your project must be manageable yet challenging. � You may include what happens in your classes as part of the process of exploring your topic, but you must be able to demonstrate how you will go above and beyond what is expected in class. � Your project must explore something NEW to you, but can also EXPAND on something you can already do, or delve deeper into something you may already have some knowledge in.

What are the Components? � The Portfolio Project includes the following: 1. The Proposal 2. Mentor 3. Portfolio Project Styles � Together, these sections create your Portfolio Project!

The Portfolio Proposal � Your journey starts with the Portfolio Proposal. � The proposal outlines your chosen project and includes such things as your topic, goals for pursuing your topic, timelines and product. � To get started, download a copy of the assignment from the CLC web site. ◦ Due Date: Friday, December 13, 2019 in Room 116 A (print a copy and hand in)

The Portfolio Process � Once your proposal is submitted and approved, your next step in the process will involve an in depth investigation and exploration of your chosen passion. This can include research, experiences, and documentation of your Portfolio Presentation. � Your CLC teachers will support you through this process, including a formal “check-in” meeting during Assessment Week on Thursday, January 23, 2020.

The Portfolio Presentation � Your presentation can take on many different forms and will occur with an audience of teachers, staff, students and possibly community members. � The CLC Portfolio Presentation date will be Friday, April 17, 2020. All students are required to share their project on this day.

The Portfolio Presentation � Students will be put into groups of 5 or 6. You will present to an assigned teacher and be able to observe the presentation of your peers in the group. � Each presentation will be approximately 15 minutes long.

Mentor � You will be required to identify a MENTOR who will support you during the portfolio process. � A mentor is an adult that you trust, a person who can provide support and guidance as you are going through the process of completing your Portfolio Project. � Your mentor will be someone who has knowledge in your area of interest and they should not a parent.

Portfolio Project Styles � Your Portfolio Project can take a variety of formats or styles, and you should choose the one that will allow you to present your best work. � Here are examples of different project styles to help give you an idea of what your Portfolio Project may look like. They include: ◦ ◦ ◦ Research Community Service Event Planning or Hosting Build Something The Entrepreneur Work Experience

Example: Research � This is an academic research paper and ideal for those students who are curious about a specific area of study. � Take advantage of the opportunity to further explore, research, and gain knowledge. � You will conduct research and study the academic literature related to your question.

Example: Community Service � You will research an issue of interest that is affecting your community, then develop and implement a solution. � Your work will include looking into a current issue and its importance to the community, asking questions, and identifying a solution to the problem. � You will Implement your service to support the solution.

Example: Event Planning or Hosting � This option is ideal for students who are interested in event planning in the areas such as sports, entertainment, education, fundraising, social awareness etc. � Research, create and host your own event from scratch (NOT be a revamp of another preexisting event). � Will need to include a plan/timeline, budget, roles for those involved, materials, as well as a reflection after hosting the event.

Example: Build Something � This is ideal for the hands-on student who wants to make a physical item and demonstrate its purpose. � Maybe you are artistic and creative… or maybe you are the inventor who can come up with something new… or maybe you are an engineer who can improve on an existing design. � In all cases you are expected to develop, design, and build a model of a physical product.

Example: The Entrepreneur � If you select this option, you will write a business plan for a business you would be interested in starting. � You do not have to start the business, just create the plan. � A business plan shows investors or banks that you’ve thought through all the details to ensure the maximum likelihood of success.

Example: Work Experience � This option will help you personalize your learning, and prepare you for life and a career after high school. � These experiences will help you improve on your work-related skills and allow you to understand areas where you need to further develop your skills, learning, and education.

Things to Consider � Understand that this is a chance for you to design your own learning - and get credit for it! The topic you explore is YOURS! � As long as you show effort, learning, and a development of skills, there is no right or wrong. � Explore your own passion to learn; honour your curiosity; learn what you want. � Focus on NEW learning and experiences, not what you know already.

Key Dates to Remember � Proposal Due (handed in to room 116 A) ◦ Friday, December 13, 2019 � Project Check-in with CLC Teacher ◦ Thursday, January 23, 2020 � Portfolio Project Presentation ◦ Friday, April 17, 2020 More details about the check-in and portfolio presentation will be provided as the school year progresses.