Types of Courses
Once you move into secondary school, courses are categorized by subject and type (e.g. Grade 9 Mathematics, Applied or Grade 10 History, Academic). There is a variety of course types to choose from, so how do you decide which one is best for your preferred learning style and future pathway?
Consider a wide range of courses and course types. Some students take most of their courses of the same type (e.g., mostly Applied or mostly Academic). Others take a combination and balance of Applied, Academic, Open and Locally Developed courses. It's important to realize that we all have strengths and weaknesses. The courses you select need to match your needs and interests. The right match win lead you to success. It is possible to change course type as you move towards graduation. Courses in grades 9 and 10 are designed to develop your knowledge and skills and to help you explore your interests. They are not designed for you to choose a career for the rest of your life.
Types of Courses - Grade 9 and 10
(O) Open
Open courses are suitable for all learners in a particular grade. Students will learn concepts and skills designed to enrich their education and lives.
(P) Applied
Applied courses are suitable for students who benefit from practical experiences and real life examples in order to understand concepts before moving on to the next topic. Applied courses provide lots of examples to help students make connections.
(D) Academic
Academic courses are suitable for students who can easily connect concepts and ideas. These courses have a quick pace - they move from one concept or topic to the next rather quickly. They offer students frequent opportunities to extend their knowledge and go deeper.
(L) Locally Developed
Locally Developed courses are suitable for students who start Grade 9 with knowledge and skills gaps. These courses are ideal for students who benefit from concrete experiences. This type of course prepares students for success in everyday life.
Types of Courses - Grades 11 and 12
As you continue your journey from grade 9 to grade 10, the course types remain the same: Academic, Applied, Locally Developed and Open. It is important that you continue to explore all of your options. Select courses that match your needs and interests. When considering course types for grade 10, it is important to pay attention to the success you experienced in grade 9 in terms of marks and Learning Skills and Work Habits. Keep in mind that level 3 (70-79%) represents the Provincial standard for achievement.
In grades 11 and 12, you will select courses that reflect your academic achievement, focus on your interests, and prepare you for your postsecondary pathway: Apprenticeship, College, University, or the Workplace. When selecting courses for grades 10, 11, and 12, you must also pay attention to Prerequisites. The course types in grade 11 and 12 are different than grades 9 and 10. The course types are: College (C), Open (0), University/College (M), University (U), and Workplace (E).
(C) College Preparation Courses
College preparation courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for most college programs or for admission to specific apprenticeship or other training Programs.
(O) Open Courses
Open courses are designed to broaden students' knowledge and skills in subjects that reflect their interests and prepare them for active and rewarding participation in society. They are not designed with the specific requirements of apprenticeship, college, university, or the workplace in mind.
(M) University / College Preparation Courses
University/College preparation courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for specific programs offered at universities and colleges.
(U) University Preparation Courses
University preparation courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for university programs or applied degree programs at college.
(E) Workplace Preparation Courses
Workplace preparation courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the expectations of employers, if they plan to enter the workforce directly after graduation, or the requirements for admission to certain apprenticeship or other training programs.