A total of EIGHTEEN credits are required to obtain a High School Graduation Diploma. The following 13 compulsory credits from the following subject groupings must be taken and passed for students to be eligible for graduation:
Language, Communication, and Expression
3 English Language Arts, one at each grade level
1 Fine Arts (Art, Dance, Drama, or Music)
Science, Mathematics, and Technology
For students graduating 2019-2020 or later: 3 Mathematics (three different grade levels)
2 Science (ONE from Biology, Chemistry, Science 10, or Physics, and one additional approved science course)
1 other from Mathematics, Science, or Technology
Note: Dance 11 may count as a fine arts credit or a physical education credit, but not both.
Personal Development and Society
1 Physical Education High School Credit
1 Canadian History: African Canadian Studies 11, Canadian History 11, and Mi'kmaw Studies 11 fulfill this requirement)
1 Global Studies (from Global History, Global Geography, Global Economics, or Global Politics)
At least Five (5) credits must be at the Grade 12 level, and no more than SEVEN (7) may be at the Grade 10 level. Students are eligible to take all three Global Studies courses, if desired.
Please Note: The above are minimum requirements for graduation, and may not be sufficient to allow a student to meet the entrance requirements for all post-secondary educational institutions.
Requirements for universities/colleges and other educational institutions vary considerably and are subject to change. It is advisable to consult institution calendars frequently when making long-range plans. All universities require at least five Grade 12 Academic courses. Requirements for community college and other post-secondary institutions vary according to the institution. Students should check with Student Services on entrance requirements.
Averages required for entrance vary from 60% to 70%; however, students are advised that in many instances, achievement of minimum requirements in no way guarantees acceptance. This is particularly true for specialist diplomas such as Pharmacy, Engineering, Dental Hygiene, Nursing, etc. Be advised that Nova Scotia Community College accepts students as early as grade 11.
Most universities do not accept "Open" credit type courses. In addition, some Academic type credit courses are not acceptable. Acceptance of some courses vary from one educational institution to another, and students should consult institution calendars carefully before making final course choices. When in doubt, email the registrar of the university.
Choose courses according to your own abilities and need. Students and parents can book an appointment with Student Services during school hours. Appointments can be arranged by phoning 758-4622 or by booking an appointment with Kari Blaikie in student services.
Students are considered to be registered in grades as noted: Grade 10 if they have fewer than 2 credits; in Grade 11 if they have 2 credits, but fewer than 10 credits; and Grade 12 if they have successfully completed 10 credits, and are eligible to graduate by achieving the 18 required courses by the end of their grade 12 year.