Graduation Information Course Information Destination Options Graduation Information What do you need to graduate?  18 compulsory credits Students must earn the following compulsory credits to obtain the Ontario Secondary School Diploma: Compulsory Courses (Total 18) 4 credits in English* 3 credits in Mathematics 2 credits in Science 1 credit in Canadian History 1 credit in Canadian Geography 1 credit in the Arts 1 credit in Health and Physical Education 1 credit in French as a Second Language 0.5 credit in Career Studies 0.5 credit in Civics PLUS one credit from each of the following groups:   Group 1 1 additional credit in English, or French as a second language, or a Native language, or a Classical or an International Language, or Social Sciences and the Humanities, or Canadian and World Studies, or Guidance and Career Education, or Cooperative Education**. Group 2 1 additional credit in Health and Physical Education, or the Arts, or Business Studies, or French as a second language**, or Cooperative Education**. Group 3 1 additional credit in Science, or Technological Education, or French as a second language**, or Cooperative Education**. In addition to the compulsory credits, students must complete: 12 optional credits*** 40 hours of community involvement activities the provincial literacy requirement *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. back to top The Literacy Requirement The successful completion of the Grade 10 Ontario Literacy Test or Grade 12 Ontario Literacy Course is required for graduation. The test will be administered in the spring of the studen's Grade 10 school year. This test will measure how well students are meeting the reading and writing expectations across all subjects in the provincial curriculum up to the end of Semester 1 in their Grade 10 year. Students who are not successful will be provided remedial assistance. Students who have been eligible to write the Grade 10 Literacy Test once and who have been unsuccessful are eligible to take the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course with principal's permission. Accommodations: Students who are receiving Special Education programs and who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) have a fair and equal opportunity to successfully complete this test.  Necessary accommodations will be made to support students. Deferrals: Some students may benefit from delaying completion of this test. The principal in consultation with parents may decide to defer this test in order to allow the students more time to acquire the level of proficiency to succeed. Exemptions: Exemptions are allowable only for students not attempting to achieve a diploma. back to top 40 Hours of Community Involvement Students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement as a requirement of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. These 40 hours may be completed at any time during the student's high school years and may take place in a variety of settings, including not-for-profit organizations, businesses, public sector institutions, and informal settings.  Students, in collaboration with their parents will decide how they will complete the community involvement requirement.  Students may complete any number of eligible activities as outlined in the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board Community Involvement pamphlet available from the school's guidance department. Activities must be completed outside of normal instructional school hours, may not be a part of a credit program and students may not receive pay for their community involvement activities. Students will maintain a record of their community involvement activities on their Community Involvement Completion Form. The purpose is to encourage students to develop an awareness and understanding of civic responsibility and of the role they can play to contribute to their communities. Examples of community involvement includes: activities within the school such as Student Council committee work, helping an elderly neighbour, volunteering at a local hospital, helping a community event and tutoring an elementary or high school student. At Quinte Secondary School Volunteer opportunities with Community agencies are listed on the large white board outside the Guidance office. back to top Practical Learning Program The Practical Learning Program (PLP) is a life and pre-work skills program intended for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their placement is confirmed through the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) process. Students in the PLP develop the skills they will need for their eventual transition to community life after high school. functional literacy functional numeracy social skills work skills basic personal life skills. The Program's design: First two years: Focus is in the classroom with a half to whole day working in an on site work placement. Third, fourth and fifth years: Focus shifts to off site work placements. Final two years: Focus is out of class to job sites and community living preparation if appropriate to their Transition Plan with a developing relationship with their local Community Agency. Students move through PLP as their Individual Education Plan (IEP) outlines. In addition to the classroom and work placement portions of the program the PLP provides students with regular opportunities to access leisure and recreational options in the community such as skating, swimming, theatre, etc. This aspect of the program is meant to provide students with a means to develop and practice the social and self control skills that they will need to participate in community social events after graduation. back to top Employment Destinations Program (EDP) - Under Review The Employment Destinations Program is a school-work transition program for students who are identified as exceptional and have received extensively modified or alternative programming in elementary school. This program prepares students for direct entry into the work force, emphasizing the development of skills in literacy, numeracy, life and employability.  Students are involved in an extensive experiential learning component, industry-recognized certifications and the development of an employment portfolio. Students in the EDP program are earning credits leading toward both the Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC) and/or the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Ontario Secondary School Certificate The Ontario Secondary School Certificate will be granted on request to students who leave school before earning the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, provided they have earned a minimum of 14 credits distributed as follows: Compulsory Credits (total of 7) 2 credits in English 1 credit in Canadian Geography or Canadian History 1 credit in Mathematics 1 credit in Science 1 credit in Health and Physical Education 1 credit in the Arts or Technological Education Optional Credits (total of 7) The Certificate of Accomplishment The Certificate of Accomplishment may be granted on request to students who leave school before earning the Ontario School Diploma or the Ontario Secondary School Certificate. There are no compulsory courses required for this certificate. back to top Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board Employment Destinations Certificate (EDC) To earn the certificate, a student in the Employment Destinations Program (EDP) must: Earn a total of 30 Ministry &/or K-(Board) Credits Develop an Employment Portfolio which includes Industry- Recognized Certifications, an Employability Skills Profile, and a Record of Employment Experience Earn certification in First Aid, CPR, WHMIS and Service Excellence Earn certifications which are job specific like Food Handlers, Chainsaw Operators Complete 1000 hours of work experience K - (Board) Credits are taken by a student in the EDP to: Prepare for a Ministry Credit Course Meet individual needs as indicated on the IEP Some of the K- (Board) Credit Courses that may be offered are: Language and Communication Development Numeracy and Numbers Money Management and Personal Banking Exploring Our World Exploring The World Of Work Exploring Our Environment Culinary Skills Personal Life Skills 8 other courses are available A student in the Employment Destination Pathway has the opportunity to complete Ministry courses to meet the requirements of the OSSD or OSSC. Students do not earn a Ministry Credit toward the OSSD or OSSC by successfully completing the K - (Board) Credit Courses. Instead, a Board Credit is granted towards the EDC. Courses will be chosen based on a student's career plans and lifestyle choices. Speaking with parents, classroom teachers and guidance teachers, special education staff, and the transition planning team will help students choose the best courses for their school to work program. back to top < Go Back to Ontario Secondary School Diploma   Copyright © 2006 Quinte Secondary School All rights reserved.