Academic (D) courses develop students’ knowledge and skills through the study of theory and abstract problems. These courses focus on the essential concepts of a subject and explore related concepts as well. They incorporate practical applications as appropriate. More independent learning is expected of students in these courses, as they move at a faster pace. The maximum class size of an academic course is 30 students. Academic courses are available in English, math, science, geography and French.

 

Applied (P) courses focus on the essential concepts of a subject, and develop students’ knowledge and skills through practical applications and concrete examples. Familiar situations are used to illustrate ideas, and students are given more opportunities to experience hands-on applications of the concepts and theories they study. The maximum class size of an applied course is 22 students. Applied courses are available in English, math, science, geography and French.

 

Locally Developed (L) courses are intended for students who need to upgrade their knowledge and skills in order to be successful in secondary school curriculum. These courses review and reinforce the elementary curriculum. The maximum class size of a locally developed course is 16 students. Locally developed courses are available in English, math and science.

 

Open (O) courses are designed to prepare students for further study in a subject and to enrich their education generally. These courses comprise a set of expectations that are appropriate for all students. Generally, these courses are elective subjects, with the exception of the compulsory credits in the arts, health and physical education, career studies and civics. 

 

The following flowchart indicates the usual progression of course types from grades 9 & 10 to grades 11 & 12.