The 2022-2023 school year is fast approaching! As our secondary students are getting ready to begin, we wanted to provide some details on the importance of course selection. Here at Christian Virtual School, our Guidance Team is ready to support students with selecting their courses and answer any questions they may have.

Our secondary students are working towards earning the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. In order to earn the OSSD, students must:

  • Earn 30 credits (18 compulsory and 12 optional)
  • Successfully pass the Secondary School Literacy Requirement
  • Earn 40 hours of Community Involvement activities
  • Earn at least two online learning credits

In Grade 9, students typically complete 8 credits. There are two types of credits that they will earn: compulsory and optional. The majority of courses/credits students select for the Grade 9 year are compulsory. The goal is to complete most of the compulsory credits in Grades 9 and 10, so that students have more opportunity in Grades 11 and 12 to choose courses that interest them.

In Grade 10, students typically complete 8 credits, and among these are two half-credits: Civics and Career Studies. These two half-credit courses are compulsory and are the only half-credits that students complete while earning their OSSD at CVS. While many of the Grade 10 credits are compulsory, students will have a bit more opportunity to select courses that interest them in the Grade 10 year. Perhaps Music or French is a special interest for a student – we can help with that!

In Grade 11, students typically complete 7 or 8 courses, depending on the number of credits that they have previously completed. Most courses taken in Grades 11 and 12 are optional, and selection is based on a student’s plans for post-secondary.  Students in Grade 12 typically complete anywhere from 6 to 8 courses, depending on what they need to earn the OSSD and meet their post-secondary admission requirements.

We understand that course selection can be overwhelming, especially for a Grade 9 student who is entering secondary school for the first time! Each student will have unique circumstances and CVS Guidance is here to assess a student’s previously completed courses (if applicable) and help create a plan that works for the student. We are here to help!

Our current and prospective students are welcome to book a guidance consultation where we can provide an individualized plan and set them for a successful school year.

Contact guidance@christianvirtualschool.com to set up a time to discuss your student’s needs. We look forward to chatting with you!