Graduation Requirements for Students 

A Nova Scotia High School diploma requires 18 credits, of which 13 are compulsory: No more than 7 of the 18 credits may be from Grade 10 level courses, and at least 5 must be Grade 12 level courses:

· 3 English Language Arts Credits: one at each grade level

· 3 Mathematics Credits: one at each grade level

· 2 Science Credits (1 of these from Science 10, Physics, Chemistry or Biology). The second science may be chosen from any approved science course.

· 1 Other Credit from Technology, Mathematics, or Science (if taking the full year Math 10 course, this covers this requirement, as students finish the course with 2 credits)

· 1 Canadian History Credit (from Canadian History 11, African Canadian Studies 11, or Mi’kmaw Studies 11, or Histoire du Canada 11 Fr. Imm., Contemporary Canadian Studies 11)

· 1 Global Studies Credit (Global History 12 or Global Geography 12, or Geographie Planetaire 12 Fr. Imm.)

· 1 Fine Arts Credit (Music, Drama, Dance or Visual Arts, or Art Dramatique 10 Fr. Imm.)

· 1 Physical Education Credit (from Phys. Ed 10, 11, 12, Mode de vie actif 11F, Yoga 11, Dance 11, Physically Active Living 11, or Phys. Ed. Leadership 12)

NOTE: Halifax Regional Centre for Education students must take a minimum of 21 credits over 3 years (8 in grade 10; 7 in grade 11; and 6 in grade 12.)

PREREQUISITES

Prerequisites are recommended for certain courses requiring the student to possess particular cumulative knowledge and skills. To ensure optimum academic success for these courses, it is suggested that the prerequisites listed be followed. If a student wishes to register for a course and has not achieved the recommended prerequisite, the student should consult with the School Counsellor or the subject area Department Head.

Course Descriptions

Descriptions for all courses offered in Nova Scotia, including the courses we offer here at CHDHS can be found at: https://curriculum.novascotia.ca/english-programs/high-school/full-course-list

Please note that we are not able to offer every course available in Nova Scotia, due to staffing.  If there is a course you are interested in, but we do not run here at CHDHS, there may be an option to take the course through Nova Scotia Virtual Schools (NSVS).  Courses on NSVS vary per semester and are not set by any staff member at CHDHS.

Graduation requirements vs Admission requirements

The requirements for graduation and the requirements for post secondary admissions are quite different.  I highly encourage you to research your post secondary institution(s) to ensure you have the proper admission requirements for your program(s) of choice.  Its better to have too many courses than not enough, so do your research and if you're not 100% of the program you want to apply to, make sure you have all of the required courses for all of the possible programs, so your bases covered, and it is an easy transition come grade 12. 
Often Universities require "Academic" credits, and not all courses offered at CHDHS are considered "academic" by certain universities.  Please check with your post-secondary institution of choice, to ensure you have all credits required.  Here is an example of St. Mary's admission requirements: https://www.smu.ca/future-students/cs-admission-requirements.html You can download the pdf of the courses they do and do not consider "academic" here: NS Usable Elective Courses 

Post Secondary Admission requirements (examples)

Listed below are examples of the grade 12 courses required for several post-secondary programs. 

****It is important to check the specifics for each institution as they vary, especially outside Nova Scotia.****

University Entrance Requirements: Academic or Advanced Courses are required; IB Programs differ

Bachelor of Arts - English + 4 other academic courses

** Please note: Bachelor of Arts (Child and Youth Studies) at MSVU requires students to have a grade 11 or 12 Academic Math course

Bachelor of Science - English, Pre-Calculus Math, 2 Sciences + 1 other academic course

Bachelor of Commerce (Business) - English, Mathematics (Academic within N.S., normally Pre-Calculus outside the province) + 3 other academic courses

Bachelor of Engineering - English, Pre-Calculus Math, Chemistry, Physics + 1 other academic course (Calculus is required for Science and Engineering in some universities outside of Atlantic Canada.)

Bachelor of Computer Science - English, Pre-Calculus Math + 3 other academic courses

Bachelor of Nursing - English, Math (academic) Chemistry, Biology + 1 other academic course +CASPer exam (https://acuityinsights.app/casper/#:~:text=Casper%20is%20an%20online%2C%20open,applicants%20pursuing%20people%2Dcentered%20professions.) 

Community College Entrance Requirements:

High School Graduation Diploma or equivalent (Please Note: some NSCC programs have specific subject requirements, particularly in mathematics and science)

High School Credits

Definition of a credit: A credit is awarded in recognition of the successful completion of an approved course (a mark of 50% is considered a passing grade). A one-credit course is normally completed in a minimum of 110 hours of instruction - the equivalent of a 75 minute class every day for a full semester.

There are courses offered at our school that are not considered ACADEMIC.  Universities will have a list of acceptable academic courses, so it would be best to check there to ensure you have what is needed.

Courses and Course Changes

Students are expected to attend all courses on their timetables. Students do not have the option to stop attending an assigned course. Any student who chooses to stop attending a course will receive a failing grade on his or her permanent transcript.

Course changes will not be permitted unless there are special circumstances. All changes must be approved by Student Services. Therefore, students/parents are expected to review and confirm course selections carefully.

List of acceptable reasons for course changes. The Student:

• is registered but does not have a timetable

• is in grade 10 or 11 and is not in 8 or 7 courses, respectively, for the year

• does not have the pre-requisite for a course s/he is taking (eg. In grade 12 English, but does not have grade 11 English)

• is in grade 12 and needs to add/change a course to graduate

• is in grade 12 so must carry at least 3 courses per semester

• is in grade 12 and needs a course to meet post-secondary plans 

Others are on a case-by-case basis if room exists in the course (at the discretion of Principal)

Late registrations - Students who are not registered and in class in early September or February, will find they will not be enrolled until the next semester. The only exception to this will be students who have been registered elsewhere and are transferring into Cole Harbour District High School directly from another school.

Although semestering offers the opportunity to repeat a failed course, the school cannot guarantee the possibility for students to repeat a failed course in the next semester.

It is critical in semestering that students choose their courses wisely. This is especially true for grade 11 and grade 12 students. Grade 11 marks are very important to university and scholarship applications as are first semester grade 12 marks. Your School Counsellor will attempt to balance courses between semesters whenever possible. Students are responsible for checking this aspect of their timetable in September. 

Student Services

Check Student Resources  link  on the CHDHS Website for a good selection of resources related to career development and leadership opportunities.

Scholarship Information

Check the Scholarship Webpage link on the CHDHS Website for information on Scholarships and Bursaries available to students.

Registration and Residency Requirements

In order for a student to attend Cole Harbour District High School, the student must fulfil certain requirements. Please note that all applications are subject to approval by the Principal.

• Must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.The student must be living with parents/guardians within the high school boundary area for Cole Harbour District High as designated by the Halifax Regional Centre for Education policy.

• If the student’s parents are living outside the designated boundaries, the student must reside with a court-appointed legal guardian within the high school boundary area.

• While individual school boundaries in HRM have been established by the Regional Centre, students may be permitted to attend an alternate school in the city provided accommodation is available. Students are responsible for their own transportation. The procedure to be used is as follows:

• Out-of-Area application forms are available in all schools and at the HRCE office, and must be signed by the Principal of the school that the student wishes to leave.

• Out-of-Area application forms can be accepted by the school to which a transfer is desired throughout the school year.

• Out-of-Area application forms must be signed by parents or guardians of the student.

• Parents will be informed between June 2 and 28 whether or not the accommodation can be made.

• Classes are organized and staff assigned based on school enrollment after March 31st. When a student applies and is accepted in another school through an Out of Area Request, the student must attend that school for the remainder of  high school.

Registration of A Student From Another School

The following information is required for students new to Cole Harbour District High coming from another high school or a junior high that is not a feeder school:

• Must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

• Must have recent proof of present address.

• Must have complete transcripts of any high school marks to date (or for a grade 9 student coming into high school—a copy of your grade 9 report card and copy of any summer school marks attained).

• Must have complete name and mailing address of school previously attended.

• If a student has been on an IPP, IEP or other special programs, a copy of this document needs to accompany student at the time of registration.  A copy of and adaptations a student was on would be very helpful also. 

Registration Policy for Students entering Grade 10

Students entering Grade 10 must take eight courses over the two semesters. These courses must include Grade 10 English, Science, and Math; and these courses will likely include Canadian History requirement, Physical Education and a Fine Arts course. You should also refer to the graduation requirements and the education planning chart before making your final selection. 

Students in the French Immersion Program are reminded that they will need nine immersion credits over 3 years, with a minimum  of two FI courses per year, in order to obtain the Immersion certificate. Therefore, students in this program will take four of these courses in their Grade 10 year.

Teaching staff and the School Counsellor at the junior high level should be consulted in this process and any parent/guardian or student that has questions may contact the High School Counsellor at 464-5220 - Extension 6.

Please refer to the Course Selection Booklet for Students entering Grade 10 for a comprehensive overview of transitioning from Grade 9 to Grade 10. 

Registration Policy for Students entering Grade 11

Students will select a minimum of 7 courses in the following order:

• Repeat required Grade 10 courses as necessary: 

  • • Based on Grade 10 marks at time of registration (if you have a failing mark in a compulsory course, then re-register for that course.) Students’ course selections may be changed at the end of June if they fail a course and do not have the prerequisites to enter the next level of a particular course (e.g. Math or English.)

• Select Grade 11 Compulsory Courses:

  • • English 11

    • Mathematics 11 (academic; @Work; or Essentials)

    • Science - one or more of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Oceans, Human Biology, Geology

    • Canadian History 11, African Canadian Studies 11 or Mi'kmaw Studies 11, Contemporary Canadian Studies 11

• Select Elective Courses: 

  • • Students may choose from all Grade 11 courses and should select at least one Grade 12 course, provided prerequisites are met.

Registration Guide for Students entering Grade 12

• Students planning to apply to post-secondary institutions are responsible for checking the suitability of their program 

• It is important that students who plan on attending university or other post secondary establishments, check on each institution’s program prerequisites and admission requirements.  They can often be different than high school graduation requirements

•  The school cannot guarantee that a student can repeat a failed semester 1 course in semester 2; NS Virtual School Studies or correspondence studies may be required.

•  Although students have access to 24 credits, 8 per year, the requirement for Grade 12 is a “minimum" of 6 credits - 3 per semester.

Student Program Support

Recognizing and valuing the multiple pathways through which learning happens in an outcomes-based curriculum, a variety of services are available:

• Resource Support - The focus of this support is to assist   student learning by meeting individual student needs based on their individual abilities. This may be achieved through the use of program adaptations, focused skill development,  cooperative teaching strategies, tutorial services, study skills programs, assessment tools and services, etc. This service may be provided on an individual, group, or in-class basis by classroom and resource teachers. 

• Learning Centre - This support is designed to assist students with special needs and to support classroom teachers with curriculum delivery for these students.  Students requiring Learning Centre support vary in terms of cognitive, physical and emotional needs and abilities. Individual Program Plans (IPPs) are developed for these students in consultation with parents/guardians, administrators, counsellors, teachers, outside professionals, etc. When an IPP is developed for a student in a particular course, it is done so with the understanding that the learning outcomes have been modified or changed to accommodate that particular student, therefore, the credit will be identified as an IPP credit. Students on an IPP may, at times, be scheduled into a Learning Centre block for life skills and learning strategies development. Learning Centre support will enable these students to realize their full potential in society and may provide students with work placements, communication skills, organizational strategies, literacy and numeracy skills, computer skills etc.

• African Canadian Student Support - This support is designed to assist African Canadian students in achieving personal and educational success.

• Aboriginal Student Support - This support is designed to assist Aboriginal and First Nations students in achieving personal and educational success.

French Immersion

Enrollment in the Immersion program is normally limited to students who have completed a similar program at the  junior high level or who have come from a Francophone school system.

Students must successfully complete nine French Immersion credits, of which three must be Français 10, 11, 12 and at least one other course taught in French during each year of high school.

Students are free to select one or more French language courses without taking the complete Immersion program if they can demonstrate sufficient fluency in French, if they meet any other prerequisites of the courses  requested, and if there is available space in that course as priority is given to students registered in the FI program. 

In order to maximize the opportunity for students within the French program to be successful, it is important students and parents/guardians understand that students are required to communicate in French, rarely in English. Students will be required to sign an academic performance contract which states clearly this “French only” requirement. Parents will be asked to initial the contract, acknowledging that they are aware of the requirement to have students speak French in all French courses.

It is mandatory for students to speak French in French courses in order to be awarded a credit.

Immersion Française

NIVEAU 10

Français 10

Sciences Integrée 10

Arts Dramatique 10

NIVEAU 11

Biologie 11

Mode de vie actif 11

Français 11

Histoire du Canada 11

NIVEAU 12

Français 12

Géographie Planétaire 12

Options & Opportunities

(O2 PROGRAM)

The goals of the “Options and Opportunities” Program are for  students to develop a career plan, transition to community college, university or youth apprenticeship, and to find satisfying work within Nova Scotia. This program is about helping students make connections between what they are learning in school and post-secondary programs and/or work. The O2 program is offered to 20 students per year through an application process. Normally students enter the program in grade 10, but there may be opportunities to enter in grade 11.

In grade 10, some of the courses are taken as a cohort. Two of these courses are Career Development and Community Based Learning, which are the core courses of the program in this year. Students participate in a number of out of school learning opportunities and are expected to volunteer within the school and larger community.

In grades 11 and 12, approximately 25% of O2 classes are taken as a cohort, in addition to participating in the Co-operative Education Program. Students identify possible career interests and are placed accordingly. Each CO-OP class they take is equivalent to 100 hours of Community Based Learning and is worth one high school credit. Students who graduate from O2 will have fulfilled all graduation requirements and have earned a high school diploma as well as an Options and Opportunity  Certificate. In addition, they will have also graduated with a greater understanding of their skills, knowledge and strengths, a portfolio and career plan, four co-operative education credits, and an understanding of the post-secondary options available at  Nova Scotia Community College and through apprenticeship. 

 Upon completion of their third year, students receive priority seating in a program of their choosing at the Nova Scotia Community College. 

Please Note: Registration in the O2 program requires a special application and interview process under the direction of the Junior High School Counsellor.

Skilled Trades Program

This program began in September 2014. It is taught by certified trades people, and provides an authentic learning environment that has rigor. It is designed to attract a broad range of students and each class size is limited to 16 students, for safety considerations. The Skilled Trades 10 course is offered as an introduction, and students in grade 10 or semester 1 of grade 11 may take that as an eligible credit for the science/math/technology requirement or an elective and then continue with specialization. The specializations that are to be offered for the 2020-21 school year are the Construction Trades 11 and Manufacturing Trades 11 courses.  

Skilled Trades 10 provides an introduction to Skilled Trades with no specific trade concentration. In this course, the focus will be on research into the trades as a life choice; basic hand tools; dexterity/hand-eye co-ordination/balance; trades-specific math; measurement; document use; communications, and working with others. A student, having successfully completed Skilled Trades 10, and upon registration as an apprentice, will be credited the actual hours worked under the supervision of the teaching certified journey person. Safety practices are a major focus of the course.

Technology Advantage Program (TAP)

The Technology Advantage Program brings together Nova Scotia’s education system and industry, to create a unique and focused program.  TAP Students began this program in Grade 9, and will be enrolled as a cohort in high school courses specific to this program's design. They will earn their High School Diploma plus their NSCC Diploma in an Information Technology discipline within 6 years. 

Earning Credits

A credit is a course that is successfully completed. All courses offered at Cole Harbour District High School are eligible for credits. A full credit is equivalent to successful completion of 110 hours of scheduled course time. A half credit requires successful completion of 55 hours of course time.

Types Of Credits

Students may combine courses from any of these types of credits:

 Graduation (GR) - These courses are designed for students who wish to obtain a graduation diploma with a view to proceeding to employment or some areas of post-secondary study or                 employment.

Open (OP) - Although these courses are not designed to meet the specific entrance requirements of any post-secondary institution, individual courses may meet entrance requirements of some     Institutions.

Academic (AC) - These courses are designed for students who    expect to enter college, university, or other post-secondary         institutions.

Advanced (AD) - These courses are designed to meet the needs of students who have demonstrated an exceptional degree of academic ability or achievement.

French Immersion (ACF) - These courses are taught in French and may be Academic or Advanced.

IB Prep (AC) - These courses are designed for students who are highly motivated and wish to prepare for the academic challenges of the International Baccalaureate Programme.

IB Programme - This program is designed for highly-motivated students who enjoy academic challenges and wish to become involved in the community.

Course Load Requirements

• Grade 10 and 11 students must carry a full load of courses (8 Courses in grade 10 and 7 Courses in grade 11).

• 2. Only Potential Graduates in the current school year are called Grade 12 students. Grade 12 students must enroll in a minimum of three courses per semester. However, students are permitted to request four courses per semester.

• A student cannot use two courses in the same subject at the same grade level to meet graduation requirements: e.g.  Math at Work 11, and Academic Math 11 cannot both count as credits. 

Nova Scotia Virtual School (NSVS)

Should a student require a credit that doesn't fit into their schedule or that we are not offering at CHDHS, there is a chance that NSVS is offering the course and students could enroll in NSVS.
For more information, go to: https://nsvs.ednet.ns.ca/ 

Math Pathways

Students who plan to attend a college/university in pursuit of advanced studies which ARE in the Science/Mathematics/Computer areas, should follow the Advanced path:

• Math 10 (Academic) - Full year (2 credits)

• Math 11 (Academic) (one semester)

• Pre-Calculus 11

• Pre-Calculus 12

• Calculus 12 (Recommended—some universities outside NS require this credit—see the individual college/university information to check on their admission requirement to specific programs.)

Students who plan to attend a college/university in pursuit of studies which are NOT in the Science/Mathematics/Computer areas, should follow the Academic path:

 • Mathematics 10 (Academic) (2 semesters)

• Mathematics 11 (Academic)  (1 semester or 2 semesters)

• Mathematics 12 (Academic) 

Students who plan to attend a college where a high school graduation diploma is required, may follow the Graduation path: 

 • Mathematics at Work 10                                                                  

• Mathematics at Work 11    

• Mathematics at Work 12

OR

• Mathematics Essentials 10

• Mathematics Essentials 11

• Mathematics Essentials 12 

 **Please note that these are just suggestions and that you should check the university entrance/admission requirements to be sure you have the correct math required.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme 

Cole Harbour District High School is a certified International Baccalaureate World School. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a two-year, internationally recognized curriculum and system of assessment.  A student in the IB Diploma Programme at Cole Harbour District High School would take IB courses in grades 11 and 12, instead of courses from the Nova Scotia curriculum (PSP) Public School Program.  A student intending to enrol in IB Diploma courses in grade 11 and 12 would prepare by taking the Cole Harbour District High School IB Diploma Preparation Programme in his or her grade 10 year.

The IB Diploma Programme

There are currently over 1700 schools in over 120 countries which offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.  The IB Diploma is an academically challenging, standardized international curriculum intended for students heading to university.  IB Programmes aim to do more than other curricula by developing inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. The IB Programme emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural understanding and exposure to a variety of points of view, and is designed for highly motivated students who enjoy academic challenges and wish to become involved in the community. The holistic approach of the programme aids in character growth and development, and produces well-rounded students who are prepared to move into post-secondary education upon completion.

Operating now for over thirty years, the IB Programme has earned a reputation for rigorous assessment and is highly regarded at universities all over the world.  The comprehensive programme emphasizes academic excellence, as well as personal development in areas such as philosophy and community service.  Assessment in the IB Programme includes standardized exams written and graded by teachers from many countries as well as work marked by the students’ own teachers, but moderated by international markers.

Is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for you?

• Are you a motivated, academically-able student planning on going to university?

• Are you willing and able to accept academic challenges?

• Are you a competent reader?

• Do you have (or are you willing to acquire) effective communication skills, analytical/critical thinking skills, as well as  time and stress-management skills?

• Do you have an interest in school and community activities?

If you answered yes to these questions, then the IB Programme is for YOU!

 Any committed, conscientious student should be successful in the IB programme. 

The IB Programme is not meant just for the academically elite students.  Any motivated student capable of coping successfully with our regular high school academic courses should also be able to cope with the IB diploma, provided they are willing to put in the extra time and effort required.   We encourage you to seek advice from your teachers, counsellors and parents before deciding on pursuing the IB Diploma Preparation Programme at Cole Harbour District High School. Questions should be forwarded to the IB Coordinator.

IB Programme Requirements

To achieve an IB diploma, a student must take six subjects, one from each of the following groups: first and second languages, mathematics, social studies, science and fine arts.  The fine arts course may be replaced by an elective from one of the previous groups, for example a second science course.   

 Three of these courses must be taken at the Higher Level (HL), comprising a minimum of 240 teacher-student contact hours.  Three courses must be taken at the Standard Level (SL), comprising 150 teacher-student contact hours.  (Nova Scotia curriculum courses require 110 teacher-student contact hours). IB subjects are taken over two years, with exams being written in May of the grade 12 year.

 Students are also required to fulfil three additional requirements, which are the core of the IB Programme: 

•  Theory of Knowledge (TOK) - An interdisciplinary philosophical course, which stimulates critical reflection on ways of acquiring knowledge. TOK is a key element in encouraging students to appreciate other cultural perspectives.  Each student is required to produce a formal essay and an oral presentation on topics related to the course.  

•  Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) – In CAS, students complete the CAS outcomes in creative programs, athletics and community service. This will include extracurricular activities offered at Cole Harbour District High School.  Service projects will benefit the school, local, and international communities.  Students are required to keep records of hours and self-evaluations for each activity and show ongoing involvement throughout the 18 month period.  These activities help students develop self-confidence, initiative, responsibility, concern for others, and the ability to work cooperatively with other people.  They also provide an important balance to the academic requirements of the IB Programme. 

•  Extended Essay (EE) – In the Extended Essay, each student has the opportunity to conduct independent research into a topic of special interest to him or her. This essay is a good introduction to the kind of independent research and writing skills expected by universities. On average, it will take the student 40 hours to prepare and write the extended essay of approximately 3,500 to 4,000 words. 

Assessment

The IB Diploma Programme has earned an international reputation for rigorous, independent assessment standards.  The assessment of IB courses includes a combination of internally assessed coursework and standardized examinations assessed by external examiners worldwide.  Samples of coursework assessed internally by Cole Harbour District High School teachers will be sent to independent outside experts, to ensure that international standards are met.

IB Diploma Graduation 

Requirements

Each of the IB subjects is graded on a 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest) scale. To determine diploma eligibility, the marks in each of the six subjects are totalled.  The TOK and Extended Essay grades contribute up to three bonus points to a student’s total.  In order to receive a Diploma, a student must receive a minimum of 24 points and complete the TOK, EE and CAS requirements.  

Certificate Courses

A student who does not complete the IB Diploma, but takes an IB subject course and passes an exam, can be awarded an IB Certificate in that subject.  Certificate options may be limited due to scheduling of IB courses and students cannot take more than two certificates in most situations. Certificates are an excellent way to take IB level courses in specific areas of interest for the student. An example could be a strong artistic student taking only IB Visual Arts, but not any other Diploma courses. Students can do this with any IB course that will fit into their schedule, and should speak with the IB Coordinator or their Cousellor if they wish to pursue this avenue.

Professional Development

Cole Harbour District High School teachers will have received special training before teaching an IB course.  Teachers at IB schools become members of an international professional body, which provides ongoing support for curriculum including online access to education resources, subject area experts, and discussion sessions with teachers at IB schools throughout the world.  

Benefits of the IB Diploma

The IB Programme is a comprehensive international curriculum with an emphasis on critical thinking, intercultural understanding, citizenry, and extracurricular activities.  Students are exposed to a broad range of subjects, but study several subjects in great depth.  The ultimate benefit of this programme is that IB graduates are literate, articulate, adaptable, confident young adults with expertise in at least two languages and a global understanding of issues.  

 In addition to just wanting to participate in this excellent program, many students take the IB Diploma to improve their chances of university admission.  Graduates of the IB Diploma Programme consistently perform well at university. At some universities, graduates with an IB Diploma may receive preferred entrance status, scholarships and possibly advanced credit or transfer credits for IB courses in which sufficiently-high results were achieved.  Many Canadian universities have entrance scholarships created specifically to attract IB Diploma graduates.

 The Grade 10 Preparation Diploma 

Any student who is interested in pursuing the IB Diploma in Grades 11 and 12 at Cole Harbour District High School is very strongly encouraged to take the Diploma Preparation Programme in his or her Grade 10 year. 

• Grade 10 courses in the Diploma Preparation Programme at Cole Harbour District High School will follow the provincial curriculum.  However, subject material will be covered at a faster pace and there will be an emphasis on building skills such as research, writing, oral communication and designing, performing and analysing experiments.  These skills are essential for success in the IB courses.  Students who are successful in this programme will be well prepared to face the challenges of the IB Diploma courses in Grades 11 and 12.  

• The Diploma Preparation year will help students decide if the IB Diploma is an appropriate choice. The selection of courses is designed so that if a student decides not to pursue the IB Diploma, he or she is still on track to fulfil the requirements for a Nova Scotia diploma.

•  Acceptance into the IB Diploma Programme for grade 11 and 12 will depend upon the successful completion of the grade 10 Diploma Preparation Programme.  Success will be determined by a combination of marks and teacher recommendations.  In rare situations where students do not have the Grade 10 Diploma Preparation courses but wish to enrol in IB courses, acceptance will be determined on a case-by-case basis. 

•  A student who chooses the Diploma Preparation Programme in grade 10 will be enrolled in special sections of the following courses:  English 10, Math 10, Science 10, French 10, History 10.  The student may then choose one fine arts course and one elective. 

 A student who wishes to enrol in the Grade 10 Diploma Preparation Programme will do so with his or her junior high guidance counsellor. The junior high guidance counsellors will send the completed forms to the high schools.    

 For further information about the program, please contact:

IB Coordinator Mr. Michael Jean at mjean@hrce.ca    

902-464-5220 Ext. 7601007

Information is also available on the website of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO):  www.ibo.org

 IB ENGLISH     (HIGH LEVEL)

IB English is a two-year literature course required for completion of the IB Programme.  This course focuses on the reading and study of fifteen works of literature selected according to the format set by IB that provides students and opportunity to gain a broad and international literary perspective of a variety of historical periods, cultures and authors’ styles.  An emphasis is placed on developing oral and written communication skills in a variety of styles, to help the student reflect and analyze a range of literary texts.  Evaluation, both internal and external, is based on essays, literary reflections, tests, oral presentations and examinations, and written examinations carried out in year one and year two of the programme.  Summer reading is an expectation of this course.

IB FRENCH     (HIGH LEVEL) 

French IB Higher Level is a two-year course intended for IB students working toward the Nova Scotia French Immersion Certificate and/or the IB Bilingual Diploma. This French Second Language course focuses on literacy and oral communication skills. The students will study novels, poems and plays in the French language, in addition to units on la Francophonie and various French cultures, technology, sports and activities, racism, peace, war, and the environment. Reading and writing skills will be taught and assessed through the use of French magazines, newspapers, and other media that allow higher level critical analysis to indicate comprehension. French is the only language spoken in the classroom so that oral proficiency can be continually assessed. Evaluation is based on tests, assignments, presentations, participation, and oral exams.

IB FRENCH     (STANDARD LEVEL) 

French IB Standard Level (Group 2) is a one-year course intended for non-French Immersion students. This French Second Language course focuses on literacy and oral communication skills. The students will study novels, poems and plays in the French language, in addition to units on la Francophonie and various French cultures, technology, sports, racism, peace, war, and the environment. Reading and writing skills will be taught and assessed through the use of French magazines, newspapers, and other media that allow higher level critical analysis to indicate comprehension. French is the only language spoken in the classroom so that oral proficiency can be continually assessed. Evaluation is based on tests, assignments, presentations, participation, and oral exams.

IB HISTORY     (HIGH LEVEL) 

IB History Higher Level is a two-year course.  IB candidates will study twentieth century world history topics including: the causes, practices and effects of war, the rise and rule of single party states, and the Cold War. Candidates will also study European history. Some of the topics will include: the French Revolution, Napoleon, the Russian Revolution, World War One, Totalitarian Europe, World War Two, and the collapse of the USSR. Evaluation will be based on essay tests, research papers, and the IB exam.

IB HISTORY     (STANDARD LEVEL) 

IB History Standard Level is a one-year course. IB candidates will study twentieth century world history topics including: the causes, practices and effects of war; the rise and rule of single party states; and the Cold War.  Evaluation will be based on essay tests, research papers, and the IB exam.

IB BIOLOGY     (STANDARD / HIGH LEVEL) 

IB Biology is a two-year in-depth biology course for IB students planning on enrolling in the life or physical sciences in post secondary study. Topics include: Cell biology (structure, function, chemistry, transport, and cell processes), Human Anatomy and Physiology (digestion, excretion, immune system, nervous system including behavioral studies, reproduction), Genetics (theoretical and molecular), Evolution, Ecology and Neurology. There will be an emphasis on laboratory work and students will complete an interdisciplinary Group 4 science project. Evaluation of the course will be based on practical lab work and an external IB exam written in May of the grade twelve year.

IB CHEMISTRY     (STANDARD / HIGH LEVEL)

IB Chemistry is designed to further the student’s understanding of chemistry and how it applies to the world while also helping the students advance their problem-solving strategies.  In addition to lab activities, the students will participate in a Group 4 interdisciplinary experimental research project.  Topics include atomic theory, periodicity, gas laws, Bonding, Stoichiometry, Organic chemistry, Thermochemistry, Kinetics, Equilibrium, Acids and Bases, Electrochemistry and Environmental chemistry.  Evaluation of the course will be based on tests, lab reports, homework evaluation and an IB external exam.

IB PHYSICS     (STANDARD / HIGH LEVEL) 

IB Physics is a two-year physics course.  Topics include:  mechanics, waves, electricity and magnetism, molecular behavior, atomic and nuclear physics, graphical analysis, astrophysics and cosmology, and relativity.  In addition to these topics, students will be required to complete a Group 4 (science based) project in their grade  year.  Evaluation will be based on tests, lab reports, projects and exams.

IB MATHEMATICS: APPLICATIONS & INTERPRETATION

This course is designed for students who enjoy describing the real world and solving practical problems using mathematics, those who are interested in harnessing the power of technology alongside exploring mathematical models and enjoy the more practical side of mathematics.

IB MATHEMATICS: ANALYSIS & APPROACHES

This course is intended for students who wish to pursue studies in mathematics at university or subjects that have a large mathematical content; it is for students who enjoy developing mathematical arguments, problem solving and exploring real and abstract applications, with and without technology.

IB VISUAL ARTS     (HIGH LEVEL)

 The IB Visual Arts program is two years in length and addresses the fundamental human need to create and communicate personal and cultural meaning through art.  New ways of expressing ideas help to make visual arts one of the most interesting and challenging areas of learning and experience. The Diploma Programme Visual Arts course enables students to engage in both practical exploration and artistic production, and in independent contextual, visual and critical investigation. The focus will be on studio work (artistic production), but will be equally enhanced by written, reflective and exploratory work in the investigation workbooks. This course is designed to enable students to study visual arts in higher education and also welcomes those students who seek life enrichment through the visual arts.  Evaluation of the course is based on an external assessment of studio work in the form of an art exhibition, following an interview with the student and a visiting examiner. The investigation workbooks that have been produced during the course provide the remainder of the assessment. These are assessed internally by the teacher and moderated externally by the IBO at course end.

IB THEORY OF KNOWLEDGE 

The Theory of Knowledge course is mandatory for all IB Diploma students.  The course, which begins in the students’ grade 11 year,   focuses on knowledge  issues: Knowers and Knowing (the nature of knowing, knowers and sources of knowledge, justification of knowledge claims);  Ways of Knowing (language; perception; reason, emotion); and Areas of Knowledge (history; human sciences; natural sciences; mathematics; the arts; ethics). These sections are linked together by questions relating to belief, certainty, culture, evidence, explanation, interpretation, intuition, technology, truth and values.  Evaluation primarily consists of essay writing and presentations.  Students are expected to conduct seminar-style presentations.