Course Information for OSS Students:
Types of Courses in Grades 9 and 10:
Academic Courses
Academic courses emphasize essential concepts in a subject and the theory related to these concepts. These courses are required preparation for university, university/college and some college level courses in the senior grades.
Applied Courses
Applied courses focus on developing knowledge and skills by emphasizing practical, concrete application of the concepts being taught. These courses lead to workplace and most college level courses in senior grades.
Locally Developed Courses
Locally developed courses are designed to accommodate students who experience difficulty with the provincial curriculum. Placement is determined through the I.P.R.C. process or at the recommendation of teacher and counsellors. These courses are sometimes made available in English, Math and Science when the enrollment numbers warrant their being offered.
Open Courses
Open courses are suitable for all students, regardless of their post-secondary destination. They are offered in non-compulsory subjects and contain course expectations suitable for all students at a given grade level.
Types of Courses in Grades 11 and 12:
University Preparation Courses
University preparation courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for university programs.
University/College Preparation Courses
University/College preparation courses include content that is relevant for both university and college programs. These courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for specific university and college programs.
College Preparation Courses
College preparation courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for most college programs.
Workplace Preparation Courses
Workplace preparation courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need for direct entry into the workplace or for admission to apprenticeship programs and other training programs offered in the community.
Open Courses
In Grades 11 and 12, Open Courses allow students at a given grade to broaden their knowledge and skills in a particular subject that may or may not be related to their post-secondary goals but that reflects their interests.
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Organization of Courses
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Pathways
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Description of a Credit:
A
credit is granted in recognition of the successful completion of a
course that has been scheduled for a minimum of 110 hours for a full
credit or 55 hours for a half credit. Each credit has been developed
according to the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education.
Course Codes:
The Course Identifies:
- The Course
- The Year of Study
- The Level of Difficulty
For example:
First
three characters indicate the subject course code as indicated in the
Ministry of Education Common Course Codes and/or The Ontario Curriculum
Grades 11 and 12 Course Descriptions and Prerequisites.
Explanations of Course Codes
Fourth character indicates the grade
1 = Grade 9
2 = Grade 10
3 = Grade 11
4 = Grade 12
Fifth character indicates the course type
O =Open courses (Grades 9 - 12)
D =Academic (Grade 9 and 10)
P = Applied (Grades 9 and 10)
L = Locally developed courses (Grades 9 or 10)
U =University destination courses (Grade 11 and 12)
C =College destination courses (Grades 11 and 12)
M =University/College Destination courses (Grades 11 and 12)
E =Employment Destination courses (Grades 11 and 12)
Policies on Substitutions for Compulsory Course
Up
to 3 compulsory courses may be substituted at the discretion of the
principal and parents to meet the needs of individual students. The
total number of credits required for a diploma remains at 30.
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PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition)
For Ontario Secondary School Diploma Students completing OSS program and
diploma requirements
Students may earn credits for knowledge and skills acquired outside school through a challenge or equivalency assessment. A maximum of four credits may be obtained in this way, with no more than 2 in one subject area. To challenge a credit, students must successfully complete formal tests and a variety of other assessment strategies appropriate to the particular course, including written assignments and observation of student performance and laboratory work (if applicable).
Students who are eligible for equivalency credits are those who transfer to Ontario Secondary Schools from non-inspected private schools or schools outside Ontario.
PLAR for Mature Students
Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) for Mature Students is the formal evaluation and credit-granting process through which mature students, who are enrolled in a secondary school course, may obtain credits for prior learning. Mature students may obtain credits towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) for knowledge and skills that they have acquired, in both formal and informal ways, outside secondary school.
The PLAR process involves:
a) Grade 9 and 10 individual assessment/equivalency process
b) Grade 11 and 12 equivalency process
c) Grade 11 and 12 challenge process.
In all cases, the knowledge and skills gained through education, work experience, and training must be directly related to the provincial curriculum expectations.
By using this process, mature students may be granted up to 26 credits towards their OSSD by the Principal.
For more information and details about how to apply, or to obtain a brochure on the PLAR Process for Mature Students and Facts Sheets on each PLAR process, please go to the Students Services Office.
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Alternate Ways of Earning Credits
While the majority of students will earn credits in the school, some may consider alternative ways. These include correspondence through the Independent Learning Centre, independent study, private study, continuing education and summer school. Please see a counsellor or administrator to find out the availability and accessibility of the courses in each school area.
eLearning - A Great Way to Learn!
The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board is committed to providing access to appropriate programme for all our students. One of the board's innovative ways to deliver courses to students is through eLearning. Students from all secondary schools may register in courses that they cannot access in their home school. These students then get a login to our state-of-the-art eLearning platform where they access course materials and assignments, and communicate with their teacher and classmates. Course offerings are determined based on what schools are unable to offer in-house so vary from year-to-year. We have over 25 courses to choose from with more being developed all the time. Students enjoy the flexibility that eLearning offers, and will learn transferable skills such as time management, organization, and work habits, as well as various technology skills.
Please Note:
Spaces are limited, and students need to have the approval of their Principal and Counsellor. Students should check with their Guidance Counsellor to find out what courses are available and how to register. More information is also available by visiting our website at http://www.hpedsb.on.ca/ec/elearning/
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