Choosing Courses for Grades 9 and 10
Destreamed Courses (Grade 9)
Students selecting a destreamed (“W” or “D”) course in grade 9 will learn the essential concepts of a subject and explore related materials.
Destreamed courses provide pathways from grade 9 to:
Academic (D) courses in Grade 10;
Applied (P) courses in Grade 10.
Students selecting Academic (D) courses in grade 10 will learn the essential concepts of a subject and explore related materials. There is an emphasis on theoretical and abstract applications of essential concepts, while incorporating practical applications as appropriate.
Academic (D) courses provide pathways from grade 10 to:
University Courses in grades 11 and 12;
College Courses in grades 11 and 12;
College / University Courses in grades 11 and 12.
Students selecting Applied (P) courses in grade 10 will learn the essential concepts of a subject. There is an emphasis on practical, concrete applications of essential concepts, while incorporating theoretical and abstract concepts as appropriate.
Applied (P) courses provide pathways from grade 10 to:
College Courses in grades 11 and 12;
College / University Courses in grades 11 and 12.
Students selecting Locally Developed (L) courses in grades 9 and 10 will develop the essential concepts of the subject. The program uses relevant and practical learning activities to develop skills in literacy, numeracy, problem solving, decision-making, and communication skills.
Locally Developed (L) courses provide pathways from grades 9 and 10 to:
Workplace Courses in Grades 11 and 12
Please note that the pathways provided by course types in grade 11 and 12 only refer to a student’s immediate destination after high school. Many post-secondary pathways exist between apprenticeship, college, university, and the workplace that can allow students to change paths after high school. Visit https://ontransfer.ca/ as a starting point to research transfer opportunities among colleges and universities in Ontario.
University (U) courses provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the entrance requirements for university programs out of high school. Courses focus on theory of the subject matter. They encourage analytical thinking and problem solving.
University courses in grades 11 and 12 provide pathways from high school to:
University programs;
College programs;
Apprenticeship programs;
Workplace
College (C) courses provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the entrance requirements for most colleges. Courses are based on the practical application of the subject matter with a focus on developing critical thinking and problem solving.
College courses in grades 11 and 12 provide pathways from high school to:
College programs;
Apprenticeship programs;
Workplace
College / University (M) courses provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the entrance requirements for specific college and university programs. Courses are based on both theory of subject matter and practical hands-on applications.
College / university courses in grades 11 and 12 provide pathways from high school to:
Specific College programs;
Specific University programs;
Apprenticeship programs;
Workplace
Workplace (E) courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for direct entry into the workplace, some apprenticeship programs, and/or training programs in the community. These courses provide support to enhance essential skills and promote lifelong learning.
Workplace courses in grades 11 and 12 provide pathways from high school to:
The workplace
Some Apprenticeship programs;
Specialized College programs;
Other community-based training / certification
Throughout Grades 9 -12 students have the opportunity to select Open courses. Students selecting Open courses will learn concepts and skills designed to prepare them for further study in a subject area. Open courses have expectations that are suitable and appropriate for all students and can be found in every grade.
Open Course Pathways:
Open courses in Grade 9 and 10 can lead to College, College/University, University, Workplace, and Open courses in grade 11 and 12, depending on the subject and prerequisites.
Some subjects that start out with Open Courses in grades 9 and 10 but offer multiple pathways in 11 and 12 are: Arts; Business; Computer Studies; First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Studies; Health and Physical Education; Humanities and Social Sciences; and Technological Education.
Note that Open courses in grades 11 and 12 are not usually considered as part of the required courses for University and College program admissions. Students planning to apply directly to College or University programs need to ensure they have the courses needed for program admission before selecting Open courses.
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