In Grade 9 and 10
In disciplines like the arts, health and physical education and business
studies, all students will take the same type of course, called an open
course. In the core subjects like math or English, you will be able to
choose between the academic or applied stream. Courses in the academic
stream draw more heavily on theory and abstract thinking, while applied
courses focus more on practical applications and concrete examples.
Applied Courses – Course Code P
These courses focus on the essential learning concepts of the
subject. You will develop knowledge and skill through both theory and
practical applications, but the focus will be on practical
applications. Familiar, real-life situations will be used to illustrate
ideas and opportunities will be given to students to experience hands-on
applications of the concepts studied.
Academic Courses – Course Code D
Academic courses focus on the essential learning concepts of the subject
plus additional related concepts. Although students will develop
knowledge and skills in the subject through both theory and practical
applications, the emphasis will be on theory and abstract thinking as a
basis for future learning and problem solving.
Open Courses – Course Code O
There are also open courses which are appropriate for all students.
These courses may be taken to meet compulsory or optional requirements
for graduation, or they may be taken for your personal interest.
Locally Developed Compulsory Credit Courses – Course Code L
Our schools may also offer Ministry of Education approved locally
developed courses in English, mathematics, history and science for
students who require additional background knowledge and skills. These
courses may be counted as compulsory credits. Contact your school
directly for more information.
In Grade 11 and 12 you can choose
university preparation, university or college preparation, college
preparation, workplace preparation and open courses.
University Preparation Courses – Course Code U
These courses will give you the knowledge and skills needed to meet the
entrance requirements for university programs. Teaching and learning
will emphasize theoretical aspects of the course content, but will also
include concrete applications.
University/College Preparation Courses – Course Code M
These courses are designed to give you the knowledge and skills needed
to meet the entrance requirements of specific university and college
programs. Teaching and learning will emphasize both theoretical aspects
and related concrete applications of the course content.
College Preparation Courses – Course Code C
These courses will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to
meet the entrance requirements for college programs. Teaching and
learning will emphasize concrete applications of the theoretical
material covered
in the course, and will also emphasize the development of critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Workplace Preparation Courses – Course Code E
These courses are designed to give you the knowledge and skills needed
for you to directly enter the workplace or for admission to
apprenticeship and other training programs offered in the community.
Teaching and learning will emphasize workplace applications of the
course content, but will also explore the theoretical material that
underlies these practical applications. Cooperative education and work
experience placements within the community
are important components.
Open Courses in Grade 11 and 12
Open courses in Grades 11 and 12 will allow you to broaden your
knowledge and skills in a particular subject that may or may not be
directly related to your post-secondary goals. These courses usually
reflect your interests. They are appropriate for all students regardless
of post-secondary destination. These courses are designed to provide
students with a broad educational base and to equip them for active and
rewarding participation in society. They are not designed with the
specific requirements of university or college programs or the workplace
in mind. Over the course of your four years in high school, your
interests and goals might change as you gain experience and learn about
new career options.
Courses of Study
For more information about the specific courses offered at your high
school, please visit your Guidance department and obtain a course
calendar or program of study guide.It is entirely possible to change the
types of courses you are taking.