Types of Courses in Grades 9 & 10

Types of Courses in Grade 9

Grade 9 students will not choose a pathway as the majority of Grade 9 subjects are destreamed.  The remaining courses are offered at the Open level.

Destreamed Courses

Destreamed courses comprise the majority of courses that a student will take in Grade 9.  These courses lead to all pathways in future grades, and the curriculum expectations are the same for all students.  These courses prepare the students for further study in grade 10 in the pathway of their choice (e.g., Academic, Applied). 

Locally Developed Courses

Students who require additional support to close learning gaps may still choose the Locally Developed courses, where available, and in consultation with school teams.  Opportunities to develop, enhance, and practice literacy, and mathematical literacy processes, concepts, skills and strategies are the focus of the expectations in these courses.

Open Courses

Open courses are designed to prepare students for further study in a subject and to enrich their education generally. These courses comprise a set of expectations that are appropriate for all students in a given grade and are not tied to a particular post-secondary destination.

Types of Courses in Grade 10

Students in Grade 10 will make the choice between Academic, Applied and Locally Developed courses primarily on the basis of their learning styles, interests, levels of support needed and post-secondary goals. The selection of courses for exceptional students should also be guided by information in the student’s Individual Education Plan.

Academic Courses

Academic compulsory courses focus on the essential concepts of the discipline and also explore related concepts. Coursework develops students’ knowledge and skills through the study of theory and abstract problem-solving, incorporating practical applications as appropriate. The emphasis is on theory and abstract thinking as a basis for further learning and problem-solving.  Academic courses prepare students for any pathway in grades 11 and 12. 

Applied Courses

Applied compulsory courses focus on the essential concepts of a subject, and develop students’ knowledge and skills through practical applications and concrete examples, incorporating theoretical applications where appropriate. Coursework relates to familiar real-life situations and provides students with the opportunity for extensive hands-on applications of the concepts they study.  Applied courses prepare students for the College, College/University or Workplace pathways in grades 11 and 12.

Locally Developed Courses

Locally Developed compulsory courses focus on the knowledge and skills that students need to be well prepared for success in the grades 11 and 12 Workplace pathway. Opportunities to develop, enhance, and practice literacy, and mathematical literacy processes, concepts, skills and strategies are the focus of the expectations in these courses.

Open Courses

Open courses are designed to prepare students for further study in a subject and to enrich their education generally. These courses comprise a set of expectations that are appropriate for all students in any pathway and are not tied to a particular post-secondary destination.