The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is the diploma that is awarded to students who successfully complete secondary school in the province of Ontario, Canada. In order to receive an OSSD, students must fulfill a number of requirements, including completing a minimum of 30 credits, passing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test or an approved alternative, and completing at least 40 hours of community involvement. One of the key components of the OSSD is the completion of certain courses that are required for graduation. In this article, we will be discussing the OSSD courses and what you need to know about them.
The OSSD courses are divided into two types: compulsory courses and optional courses. Compulsory courses are those that all students must take in order to graduate. These courses include:
- English (4 credits)
- Mathematics (3 credits)
- Science (2 credits)
- Canadian History (1 credit)
- Canadian Geography (1 credit)
- Arts (1 credit)
- Health and Physical Education (1 credit)
- French as a Second Language (1 credit)
- Career Studies (0.5 credit)
- Civics (0.5 credit)
In addition to these compulsory courses, students must also complete a certain number of optional courses in order to reach the required number of credits for graduation. These courses can be chosen from a wide range of subjects, including the arts, business studies, computer studies, languages, mathematics, science, and social sciences.
The compulsory courses form the foundation of the OSSD and are designed to provide students with a broad range of knowledge and skills that will be useful in their future studies and careers. The English courses, for example, are designed to teach students effective communication skills, critical thinking, and analysis. The Mathematics courses are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills. The Science courses are designed to teach students about the natural world and scientific inquiry.
The Canadian History and Geography courses are designed to provide students with an understanding of Canada’s history and geography, including its political, economic, and social systems. The Arts course is designed to introduce students to a variety of artistic forms, including music, drama, visual arts, and dance. The Health and Physical Education course is designed to promote healthy living and physical fitness. The French as a Second Language course is designed to help students develop their French language skills, which is important for many careers in Canada.
The optional courses, on the other hand, allow students to explore their interests and passions in greater depth. These courses can be chosen based on the student’s career aspirations, post-secondary plans, or personal interests. For example, a student who is interested in pursuing a career in business might choose to take courses in accounting, economics, or marketing. A student who is interested in pursuing a career in the arts might choose to take courses in music, drama, or visual arts.
It is important to note that not all optional courses are created equal. Some courses are considered more challenging than others and may require certain prerequisites. For example, a student who wishes to take a Grade 12 physics course may need to have taken Grade 11 physics first. It is important for students to speak with their guidance counsellors to determine which courses are right for them and what prerequisites they may need to meet.
In addition to the compulsory and optional courses, there are also specialized programs and courses that students can take to enhance their learning and career prospects. For example, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a rigorous and internationally recognized program that prepares students for university-level studies. The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program allows students to focus their studies on a specific sector, such as health care, construction, or hospitality and tourism. The Dual Credit program allows students to earn both high school credits and college or apprenticeship credits at the same time.
In conclusion, the OSSD courses are an essential part of the education system in Ontario. These courses provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that will be useful in their future studies and careers. The compulsory courses form the foundation of the OSSD, while the optional courses allow students to explore their interests and passions in greater depth. Students should work closely with their guidance counsellors to determine which courses are right for them and what prerequisites they may need to meet. By completing the required courses and credits, students will be well-prepared for post-secondary studies or the workforce.