Effective September 1999, in order to earn the OSSD, a student must:
The 18 compulsory credits are:
Plus one credit from each of the following groups:
Additional credit in English, or French as a second language, or a Native Language, or a classical o an international language, or social sciences and the humanities, or Canadian and world studies, or guidance and career education, or cooperative education**
Additional credit in health and physical education, or the arts, or business studies, or cooperative education**
Additional credit in science, or technological education, or cooperative education**
* A Maximum of 3 credits in English as a second language (ESL) or English literacy development (ELD) may be counted towards the 4 compulsory credits in English, but the fourth must be a credit earned for a Grade 12 compulsory English Course.
** A maximum of 2 credits in cooperative education can count as compulsory credits.
*** May include up to four credits achieved through approved Dual Credit courses.
The Ontario Secondary School Certificate will be granted on request to students who leave school before earning the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, provided that they have earned the required 14 credits.
Grades 9 and 10
Under the new system, students in Grades 9 and 10 will choose courses from 2 mainstreams: Academic and Applied. (Enriched level courses cover the same core course content as the academic stream with enrichment provided for very strong students.)
Academic Stream Courses
These courses focus on the essential concepts of the discipline plus additional related concepts. They emphasize theoretical, abstract applications of the essential concepts while incorporating practical applications as appropriate.
Applied Stream Courses
These courses focus on the essential concepts of the discipline. They emphasize practical, concrete applications of the essential concepts while incorporating theoretical applications as appropriate.
Grades 11 and 12
Courses in grades 11 and 12 are divided into five types: Workplace Preparation Courses, College Preparation Courses, University Preparation Courses, University/College Preparation Courses, and Open Courses. There are also Transfer Courses for students moving from one type of course to another in the senior grades.
Workplace Preparation Courses
These courses prepare students to move directly into the workplace or to be admitted to apprenticeship programs and other training programs in the community. These courses emphasize practical workplace applications and employment skills.
College Preparation Courses
These courses provide students with the knowledge and skills to meet entrance requirements for most college programs.
University Preparation Courses
These courses provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the entrance requirements for university study.
University/College Preparation Courses
These courses include the content that is relevant for both university and college programs. They provide students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for specific university and college programs.
Open Courses
These courses have on set of expectations for all students in the subject selected. Open courses allow students to broaden their skills and knowledge in a subject that interests them and which may or may not be related to their post-secondary plans.
Transfer Courses
These courses are being designed to allow students to transfer from one type of course to another if their goals and interest change.
Locally Developed/Essential Courses
These courses have been developed to meet students' educational needs not met by the existing provincial curriculum. Two courses are available in Grade 9 and 10; one in English, one in Mathematics. These courses will provide additional support for students who experience considerable difficulties in the study of one or more of these subjects.
Prerequisite Course (PRE)
A course is designated as a prerequisite for a subsequent course only if it is absolutely essential for the successful understanding of the subsequent course. Prerequisite courses are only established by the Ministry of Education curriculum guidelines. To request exemption from a prerequisite course, an individual student or parents may contact a guidance counsellor who will then ask the principal to consider the request.
The principal and staff of a school may make recommendations to students and their parents regarding the selection of courses. Students and their parents have the right to make alternative course selections but should be aware of the requirements for the OSSD.
Students in Grades 9, 10 and 11 will be expected to study a full program of eight courses per year. Successful completion will allow students to earn one credit per course, for a total of eight credits each year towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Basic Level course selections will usually be done individually with the student involved, administration and guidance personnel. Students who have attained the age of majority may accept responsibility for their own course selections.
In early September (in Semester 1) and in early February (in semester 2), students may want to drop a subject and add a new one or change level of difficulty in the same subject. These changes depend on several considerations:
Class size
Approval of guidance counsellor (with the recommendation of teachers)
Approval of parents for students under the age of majority
Immediately after parent-teacher nights in October (semester 1) and March (semester 2) teachers may recommend and parents may request a change of level. After consulting with teachers and parents a guidance counsellor would make this change as soon as possible if space permits. NOTE: The last day for dropping courses is December 8 for semester 1 and May 3 for semester 2
Beginning September 1999, a full disclosure policy will be in effect for senior level courses. Under full disclosure, the marks for all of these courses including failed marks and all attempts on repeat and upgraded courses will appear on the student transcript. This does not apply to repeating or upgrading courses which were initially taken prior to September, 1999.
Also, if a student withdraws from a course on or before the 5th day after issuance of the first provincial report card (mid-term report card), that course WILL NOT appear on the transcript. However, if a student withdraws from a course after the 5th day after issuance of the first provincial report card, a mark WILL appear on the transcript along with an indicator that the student had withdrawn from this course.
Note: the above full disclosure policy does not apply to grade 9 and 10 courses.
Students may obtain credits toward the secondary school diploma (OSSD) for knowledge and skills that they have acquired outside of secondary school. This prior learning is assessed and evaluated to determine whether the student has met the provincial course expectations. Students may "challenge" a specific course for credit if they can provide evidence indicating a likelihood of success. During the school year 2002-2003 students (not including mature students) enrolled in secondary school may challenge Grade 10 courses. Also, during the year 2002-2003 students (not including mature students) enrolled in secondary school may challenge Grade 11 courses.
Students will be required to comply with provincial and board policies should they elect to challenge a course.