News release

Graduates Report Being Well Prepared for Life After High School

Education (July 1999 - March 2013)

Most high school graduates from the class of 1998 say Nova Scotia's public school system prepared them well for post-secondary education and the workplace.

The 2006 Follow-Up Survey of 1998 Nova Scotia High School Graduates, released today, Nov. 29, found a majority of those surveyed received the academic and work-related skills necessary for success after high school.

"Our goal is always to provide all students with an educational experience that is engaging and relevant to the world we live in," said Education Minister Karen Casey. "This survey gives us a good snapshot of how we are doing and where we can improve in providing students with what they need to be successful after high school."

The survey asked 2,020 graduates, eight years out of public school at the time of the survey, for their opinions about their high school experience, their post-secondary choices and their success finding satisfying employment related to their studies.

Although most were happy with their high school experience, just over half of those surveyed felt they could have benefited from additional courses and skill development. The most common recommendations were for greater course selection and more or better guidance on career options.

Since 2005, the department has expanded advanced program options, including the launch of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at 10 additional schools across the province. Options and Opportunities, a program giving students more hands-on, career-related learning and workplace skills, is currently offered in 32 schools.

Through Learning for Life II funding, the province has also increased the number of guidance counsellors to 172 from 159 in 2005.

Some of the key survey findings include:

  • 80 per cent indicated high school prepared them well for life after graduation
  • 86 per cent said they are satisfied with their current job
  • 92 per cent attended a post-secondary institution at some point after high school
  • 79 per cent are working in jobs related to their post-secondary education or training

A copy of the report can be found at www.ednet.ns.ca .

The survey was conducted by Market Quest Research. The overall margin of error is plus or minus two per cent.

A survey of graduates from 2006 is planned for next year.