Course Selection Tips PDF Print E-mail

Course Selection Tips

If you are going into Grade 9:

  • Consider very carefully the recommendations made by your grade 8 teacher(s)/guidance department regarding level selection for each compulsory subject. Discuss these with your parents/guardians when completing your application.
  • Select the pathway/level that will best fit your educational needs and abilities. You want to set yourself up to be successful while also being challenged to reach your potential.
  • Put careful thought into your optional courses and select courses which appeal to your personal interests. Many grade 9 optional courses provide the starting point for similar courses at other grades.

If you are going into Grade 10:

  • Think about the learning that has taken place in grade 9. Take a good look at your marks, attendance and work habits. Select the pathway/level for grade 10 based on your past performance and future goals.
  • You have a bit more choice this year - put careful thought into your optional courses. You may want to continue in an area of interest from grade 9 or try something new.

If you are going into Grade 11:

  • Assess your marks, work habits, attendance, and overall learning in grades 9 and 10. As you move into your senior years of high school, you want to be on the pathway that best fits your needs and goals.
  • It's time to start thinking about post-secondary plans if you haven't already done so. Start researching apprenticeship, college and university entry requirements so that you can be sure to take the appropriate courses to prepare for grade 12. Many grade 12 courses have prerequisites (courses which must be taken before being eligible).
  • You have more choice this year than ever before. Once you've planned for your post-secondary requirements, choose courses that are of personal interest and/or related to your career plans.
  • Check out the resources at the bottom of this page as you plan ahead.

If you are going into Grade 12:

  • This year takes some serious planning. You need to research your post-secondary plans and select the courses which will prepare you for those post-secondary destinations. Do NOT assume you can easily make changes next year. Select the proper courses now and avoid the problem of trying to change into a course later only to find out it is already full.
  • All grade 12 students should make sure that Ontario Secondary School Diploma requirements are being met in order to graduate - 30 credits including 18 compulsory credits, if that is your goal.
  • Students planning to apply to university need 6 4U/4M credits including ENG4U.
  • Check out the resources at the bottom of this page as you plan ahead.

 

Resources for Post-Secondary Planning

Students planning to apply to university can check www.electronicinfo.ca for entry requirements for specific programs and choose grade 11 and 12 courses accordingly.

  • Students planning to apply to college can explore programs through www.ontariocolleges.ca and select grade 11 and 12 courses based on common entry requirements for programs of interest.
  • Students considering an apprenticeship should look at www.skillsontario.com and www.ontario.ca/yourfuture to start their research.
  • Talk to a Guidance Counsellor for more information about planning ahead.