Personal Development Credit (PDC)
Earn a high school half credit (0.5) or full credit (1) while exploring your creativity, building leadership skills, or becoming a young entrepreneur.
This elective credit can count toward your High School graduation requirements and is available to any youth enrolled in MacPhee programming.
Step One: Register for programs
Sign up for programs through the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning.
Let us know if you’re interested in earning a Personal Development Credit when you register—or tell a staff member anytime!
Step Two: Attend programs
For a half-credit, you need to attend 55 hours of programming. That’s about three after-school programs in total.
([2 hours of program x 10 weeks] x 3) = 60 total hours
For a full credit, you will need to spend 110 hours. That's about six after-school programs in total.
([2 hours of program x 10 weeks] x 6) = 120 total hours
MacPhee program staff will help you:
- Track your hours.
- Choose the right programs towards your credit.
| Grade | Credit Name | Required Programs |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 10 | Creative Arts | At least 2 "Like a Boss" programs (32+ hours) and 1 "Art Entrepreneurship" program (16+ hours). |
| Grade 11 | Leadership Arts | At least 1 “Like a Boss” program (16+ hours) and at least 2 other leadership-based programs (32+ hours) |
| Grade 12 | Entrepreneurship Arts | At least 1 “Art Entrepreneurship” program and participate in an event hosted by MacPhee (more details under Step Four). |
In addition to the required programs, you can take any additional programs that interest you towards your total hours!
Step Three: Be involved and engaged
Show up regularly and participate in art workshops or leadership sessions. Work on your create projects, practice giving and receiving feedback, and take responsibility in the space.
MacPhee Centre Staff can help you determine what success looks like for you and help with your goals.
Step Four: Complete these program milestones
To receive your credit, by the end of your programming you must:
For all grade levels:
- Create 8 to 10 pieces of original work.
- These can be any kind of art form, like painting, original songs or beats, collage, creative writing, clay, beading, and more!
- You can display these in a MacPhee art exhibit, or during the Program Celebration!
For Grade 11 Leadership Arts
- Learn to facilitate and co-lead at least two creative workshops at MacPhee
For Grade 12 Entrepreneurship Arts
- Participate in at least one entrepreneurship event. For example:
- Host a table at the MacPhee Maker's Market,
- Join the AfterWords Literary Street Team.
Step Five: Reflect on your experience
Complete a self-assessment about what you learned and how you grew.
This can be in writing, a conversation, or any creative format agreed upon with MacPhee staff.
Step Six: Submit your work
Once your portfolio and reflection are complete, the MacPhee team will review everything and confirm your learning with your school. Then—you get your half or full elective credit!
Notes
- You can work on multiple credits at once, but each credit requires unique hours and work. (No double-dipping!)
- Talk to a staff about using previous events/milestones to fulfill PDC requirements.
- You can earn hours during the summer—credits are not limited by the school year.
- PDCs earned at MacPhee are elective credits—they do not replace required High School subjects like English or Math.
- Each half credit must be based on new hours and new work.