General Course Information

What’s the difference between De-streamed and Locally Developed courses?

De-streamed Courses

  • Starting in September 2022, all Grade 9 compulsory courses have become de-streamed

  • Students, who in the past would have chosen applied- or academic-level programming, should now choose the de-streamed level

  • In Grade 10, students and families can then choose the best pathway based on achievement and future goals

  • Students are supported by their teachers and special education accommodations can be applied

Locally Developed (Essentials)

  • Compulsory credit courses for students who need more flexibility and support

  • Focuses on basic skills

  • For students working below grade level

  • Must be recommended by the Special Education team

  • Class size maximum is 15

Why is there no level for elective courses?

  • All of the Grade 9 elective (or optional) courses are taught at the OPEN level (that’s why each each course code ends in O). Learning expectations are the same for all students in OPEN level courses and are designed to prepare students for further study and to enrich general education in a subject.

Compulsory Courses

  • Compulsory courses are courses required to graduate.

  • Each course is aimed to fit specific learners.

  • Each pathway (de-streamed in Grade 9 and then academic, applied and locally developed in Grade 10 onward) will employ different teaching strategies and may have different expectations in terms of quantity of work.

  • De-streamed classes will combine theory and hands-on activities, and can lead to the academic and applied streams in Grade 10. You will see these course codes with a fifth character of W or D.

  • Locally Developed (called Essential) courses aim to cater to the learners in that specific class, and can often better meet the needs of those learners. You will see these course codes with a fifth character of L.

Elective Courses or Optional Courses

  • Electives or Optional Courses are courses that enrich your high school experience.

  • Students get an opportunity to select courses based on their interests.

  • These courses give students opportunities to go into more detail about different topics, learn new skills, and clarify career goals.

  • They can cultivate students' passion for learning and studying.

  • Grade 9s take 3 elective courses.