EHS Student Publications EHS Program of Studies 2019-2020 | Page 8

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.
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