COURSE SELECTION INFORMATION

Important Information About Course Selection

The selection of courses is an important part of the process leading to graduation and post-secondary training or work. These courses are the stepping stones to your future. We encourage you to discuss options fully with your parents, teachers and counsellors in order that you select the best options for your academic and personal development. A helpful document for all students is the Grad Planner, which can be found on the Ministry of Education - Graduation Information website.

Your course selections determine the school’s schedule for next year – please choose carefully. Changes in September may not be possible. We cannot guarantee all courses will proceed. Courses will be cancelled if there are too few student requests to offer them.

• The school is obligated to offer a variety of courses that lead to a graduation program, entrance to post-secondary institutions and the world of work. However, not every course may be offered each year. For example, in order for a low enrolment course to be offered, it may be available every other year.

• All Grade 9 - 10 students must have a full timetable.

• In the event the courses a student has requested cannot be successfully timetabled, alternate courses listed on their course selection form will be automatically substituted. Students should take care to list alternate course choices in priority order.

• Students and parents need to be aware that promotion to the next grade level is dependent upon passing required courses. For example, if a student fails Grade 9 English, it must be repeated and passed before they can continue in Grade 10 English.

• If a student fails a course, we cannot guarantee there will be space in a class to repeat the course during the same school year. Therefore, we strongly recommend students and parents access other options if a required course is failed. These options include summer school and distance education courses. Counsellors have further information on these options.

• Students in Grade 11 and 12 may be permitted a spare(s) in their timetable. It is recommended, however, that senior students take full advantage of the courses offered at Parkland.

The following priority system is in place for loading students into classes (from high to low):

1. Priority will be given to grade-appropriate placements. For example, Grade 11 students may not be able to access some Grade 12 courses if all seats are required for Grade 12 students.

2. Grade-appropriate first time enrollees;

3. First time enrollees who require course for graduation program;

4. Course requests based on Career Program or grad transition plan;

5. Students repeating a course required for graduation;

6. Out of grade first time enrollees;

7. Repeating - not required for grad but needed for university/college entrance;

8. Repeating - not required for grad.

We are proud of the quality of learning at our school. Our staff and students have established a very positive reputation which helps motivate us all to maintain a culture that leads to success in a warm, friendly environment. Make the commitment to add your best efforts this year. Start with good choices, and build in the kind of effort that will result in success now and in your future.

Please see a complete list of all the courses we offer here and course selection forms and instructions here.

It should be noted that financial hardship should never prevent a student from taking a desired course or program. Flexible payment plans or fee deferrals can be arranged. Please contact Parkland Principal Kal Russell  (krussell@saanichschools.ca) if you wish to discuss this.