Programmes
Pre-University at ECS
Signature Programmes
The Non Nobis Philanthropy Programme and Her Future By Design are signature offerings that make this Pre-University Programme distinctly ECS. Reflecting our school values and 360° approach to learning, they connect academics to real-world experience.
The Non Nobis Philanthropy Programme
To obtain the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), all students are required to complete 10 hours of community service. True to our Non Nobis motto—Not for Ourselves Alone, but for the City and the World—we offer a broader range of options for this requirement, allowing students to choose the path that best aligns with their passions and purpose:
List of 3 items.
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1. Direct Service & Impact
Ideal for students who want front-line experience. They volunteer with school-approved community partners to complete the mandatory 10 hours of service.Completion includes:- Minimum 10 hours working with/for the community service organization.
- A log of hours combined with reflections.
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2. Community Innovation & Design
Ideal for students who enjoy problem-solving and improving systems, and want to dive deeper into the philanthropic experience for their Capstone project. They will partner with a local organization to address specific challenges and develop a practical solution that the organization can pilot or implement. This option can double as “Her Future by Design” industry experience leading up to their Capstone project.Completion includes:- Minimum 10 hours working with/for the community service organization.
- Experience portion of their Capstone project.
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3. Cultural Connections & Storytelling
Ideal for students drawn to relational, empathetic, and creative work. Students partner with a local organization to collect, preserve, and share stories and lived experiences. Projects are co-created with participants and checked for accuracy and respect.Completion includes:- Minimum 10 hours working with/for the community service organization.
- A storytelling artifact (media or print).
Her Future by Design
Developed by ECS’s Entrepreneurial Platform team, Her Future by Design focuses on three overarching themes: Futures Thinking, Agency, and Impact. Throughout the programme, all students move through distinct phases such as work-study, culminating in a Capstone project that includes a TEDx-style Summit talk. More than preparation, Her Future by Design positions students to design their direction, voice, and impact.
The Programme at a Glance:
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Phase 1: Foundational Seminar Series
Our series of seminars bring the entire Pre-University cohort together to explore big ideas, gain real-world insight, and build a common foundation for learning. Featuring guest speakers and hands-on activities, students engage with key topics from three perspectives:- Expert Keynotes & Panels: Direct access to industry professional and thought leaders who provide context for our four core themes (Human Wellbeing, Innovation, Sustainability, and Social Systems).
- Applied Case Studies: Interactive analyses of current global challenges, teaching students how to use Futures Thinking to analyze complex problems from multiple perspectives.
- Capstone Workshops: Students focus on developing the skills to craft their final Capstone.
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Phase 2: Strategic Skills Development
Following the Foundational Seminar Series, students will participate in high-level workshops focused on developing essential professional skills that can be applied across all fields. This will prepare them for Phase 3 of the programme: the Co-Op Industry Experience. -
Phase 3: Co-Op Industry Experience
In this stage of the programme, students select one of four domains, Human Wellbeing, Innovation, Sustainability, or Social Systems, and are paired with a mentor. They spend dedicated time in a professional setting, during which they observe, research, analyze, and identify areas for growth. This experience informs their Capstone Project, where they propose solutions and strategies. This work is embedded into the school schedule, allowing students to apply academic learning on the field without adding extra time or weeks.
Kickstart Her Future
Discover all that ECS has to offer to nurture the next generation of changemakers!
Empowering girls to lead the way.
525 Mount Pleasant Westmount, QC Canada H3Y 3H6
Phone: 514-935-6357 | Fax: 514-935-1099
Phone: 514-935-6357 | Fax: 514-935-1099
For General Inquiries: info@ecs.qc.ca
For Admissions Inquiries: admissions@ecs.qc.ca
Land Acknowledgment
The ECS community acknowledges that the land on which we learn is the ancestral territory of the Kanien'kehá (Mohawk) Nation. We honor the continued presence of Indigenous peoples on this land and remain wholeheartedly committed to working towards reconciliation.
ECS is a private school for girls that offers educational services in English from kindergarten to secondary 5, leading to the secondary school diploma (MEQ).
