The 2023-2024 school year is quickly approaching! As our secondary students are getting ready to begin learning, we would like 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. To earn the OSSD a student must complete: 30 required credits, the literacy requirement, the online learning requirement, and at least 40 hours of community involvement.1
In Grade 9, students typically complete 8 credits. There are two types of credits that they will earn: compulsory and optional. Most courses/credits students that select for the Grade 9 year are compulsory. The goal is to complete many of the compulsory credits required to graduate in Grades 9 and 10, so that students have more opportunity in Grades 11 and 12 to choose courses that interest them. The Grade 9 year is when most students complete their compulsory French credit. If you have limited elementary French experience, please reach out to our Guidance Team prior to enrollment.
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 how many have been 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 will 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 to help create a plan that works. We are here to help!
Our current and prospective students are welcome to meet with our Head of Guidance for a consultation where we can provide an individualized plan and set them up for a successful school year. Please contact guidance@christianvirtualschool.com to set up a time to discuss your student’s needs.
If you have general questions about enrollment and are interested in booking a virtual tour, you can schedule one below.
We look forward to chatting with you!
