Students who successfully complete secondary school in the Canadian province of Ontario are given the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits, pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test or an approved substitute, and complete at least 40 hours of community service in order to be eligible for an OSSD. The completion of specific courses necessary for graduation is one of the OSSD’s essential elements. We’ll talk about the OSSD courses and what you should know about them in this article.
There are two categories of OSSD courses: required courses and elective courses. All students must complete mandatory courses in order to graduate. These programmes consist of:
- 4 credits in English
- Calculus (3 credits)
- Two credits in science
History of Canada (1 credit) - One credit in Canadian geography
1 credit in the arts - Physical education and health (1 credit)
- 1 credit in French as a Second Language
Career Studies: 0.5 credits
Citizenship (0.5 credit)
Students must take a specific number of elective courses in addition to these obligatory ones in order to get the necessary credits for graduation. From a variety of options, students can select courses in the arts, business studies, computer studies, languages, mathematics, science, and social sciences.
The mandatory courses serve as the OSSD’s cornerstone and are created to give students a wide range of knowledge and abilities that they can utilise in their future coursework and employment. For instance, the English classes are made to help students learn how to communicate effectively and to think critically and analytically. The mathematical principles and problem-solving techniques covered in the courses are meant to give students a strong foundation. Students will learn about the natural world and scientific inquiry in the science classes.
The political, economic, and social systems of Canada, as well as their history and geography, are all topics covered in the courses on Canadian history and geography. The goal of the arts course is to introduce students to a range of artistic disciplines, such as music, theatre, visual arts, and dance. The purpose of the health and physical education course is to encourage fit living. The goal of the French as a Second Language course is to aid students in improving their French language abilities, which are crucial for many Canadian occupations.
On the other hand, the elective courses give students the chance to delve deeper into their hobbies and interests. The student’s job goals, post-secondary intentions, or personal hobbies can all be taken into consideration when selecting these courses. A student interested in a career in business, for instance, might select to enrol in courses in accounting, economics, or marketing. Students interested in a career in the arts may decide to enrol in music, theatre, or visual arts classes.
It is crucial to remember that not all electives are created equal. There may be requirements for some courses since they are more difficult than others. For instance, a student may need to have completed Grade 11 physics before enrolling in a Grade 12 physics course. For advice on which courses are best for them and whether there are any prerequisites, students should see their guidance counsellors.
In addition to the required and elective courses, students can enrol in specialised programmes and courses to improve their academic performance and job prospects. For instance, the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme is a demanding and well-known curriculum that gets pupils ready for college-level coursework. Students can concentrate their studies on a particular industry, such as healthcare, construction, or hospitality and tourism, thanks to the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programme. With the help of the dual credit programme, students can simultaneously earn high school and college or apprenticeship credits.
In conclusion, the OSSD courses constitute a crucial component of the Ontario educational system. These programmes give students a strong foundation in information and skills that they can apply in their future academic pursuits and professional endeavours. The OSSD is built on the foundation of the required courses, while the elective courses provide students the chance to delve deeper into their personal interests. In order to choose the courses that are best for them and determine any prerequisites, students should consult closely with their guidance counsellors. Students will be well-prepared for post-secondary study or the workforce if they complete the necessary courses and credits.