Course Types

As a high school student, you will have important choices to make that will open doors to your future, including the selection of your courses throughout high school.

Academic (Grades 9 and 10)

• Cover the core content and have an emphasis on theoretical and conceptual learning
• Example: History - CHC2D

Open (Grades 9-12)

• Learning expectations are the same for all students
• Designed to prepare students for further study and to enrich general education in a subject
• Can be counted as compulsory or elective credits
• Example: Health and Physical Education - PPL1O

Alternative (No Credit, Grades 9-12)

• ‘K’ courses focus on specific skill development which may be taken in preparation for credit courses or in place of
• Designed to meet students' education needs not met by existing credit courses

College Preparation Courses (Grades 11 and 12), C in the 5th position

• Provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to meet entrance requirements for most college programs
• Emphasis is on concrete applications of the theoretical material covered in the course and development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Focus on the development of independent research skills and independent learning skills
• Example: Foundations for College Math - MBF3C

University Preparation Courses (Grades 11 and 12), U in the 5th position

• Provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to meet entrance requirements for university study
• Emphasis on theoretical aspects of the course content, with supporting applications
• Courses will focus on the development of both independent research skills and independent learning skills
• Example: Challenge and Change in Society - HSB4U

University/College Preparation Courses (Grades 11 and 12), M in the 5th position

• Include content that is relevant for both university and college programs
• Provide students with knowledge and skills needed to meet entrance requirements for specific university and college programs
• Emphasis on both theoretical aspects and related concrete applications of the course content
• Example: Financial Accounting Fundamentals - BAF3M

Workplace Preparation Courses (Grades 11 and 12), E in the 5th position

• Prepare students to move directly into the workplace or to be admitted to apprenticeship or other training programs in the community
• Emphasis on practical workplace skills
• Example: Environmental Science - SVN3E

Dual Credit Programs

• Designed to help students finish Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and move on successfully to college and apprenticeship programs
• Focus is on students facing challenges in graduating 
• A maximum of four optional credits may count toward the OSSD for approved college courses or Level 1 Apprenticeship college-delivered Dual Credit programs

Credit Recovery Courses

• Designed for a group of students through referral from the Student Success Team
• Provide opportunity to get a credit without repeating the entire course
• Provide support to students by way of intervention to support successful completion of the credit. See Guidance Counsellor for details.