HOW TO USE THE PROGRAM OF STUDIES
Purpose of the Program of Studies : To provide parents , students , counselors , and teachers with a useful reference to help select courses . When choosing courses , keep the following in mind :
• Graduation requirements : There are many required courses which students must take before they can graduate . Look over the list of course requirements and make note of what courses are required and in what grades students must enroll in them .
• Post-secondary goals : When choosing courses keep in mind the student ’ s goals for after high school . There are courses that students who are interested in attending four-year colleges should take to be competitive applicants . If you are unsure what courses are best for your son or daughter , his or her school counselor will be able to make suggestions based on the student ’ s post-secondary goals .
• Course sequences : In some cases , the courses a student takes in Grade 9 will affect what he or she can take in Grade 12 . It is important to plan ahead . Consult with your student ’ s teachers and counselor then choose the appropriate courses that will place the student where he or she would like to be by graduation .
• Course levels and weights : Some courses are leveled and weighted higher than others . These weights affect a student ’ s cumulative grade point average . Be sure to check the course descriptions to determine the weighting and select the course level that best meets the needs of the student . ( See page 12 .)
Reading the Course Descriptions : The course descriptions for each department are in the same format . The sample below explains the different parts of the course descriptions .
1