Grade 10 Course Selection

1. Astral Drive Junior High Grade 10 Course Selection

2. Course Selection Overview: • Credit Types • Course Identification • Meeting Graduation Requirements • Academic Planning

3. Choosing Courses • Students should discuss course selection with parents/ guardians and teachers. • Consider your academic ability when selecting courses and credit types. • Ensure course selections meet Nova Scotia High School Graduation requirements. • Consider post secondary goals -university, community college, etc. - when selecting courses.

4. Credit Types There are 4 credit types: • Advanced (Accepted by all post-secondary institutions) Demonstrated exceptional achievement or academic ability • Academic (Accepted by all post-secondary institutions) Demonstrated good achievement or academic ability • Open (Accepted by some post-secondary institutions) • Graduation (For students who wish to gain a High School diploma, may not be accepted by some post-secondary institutions)

5. Course Identification • Courses are identified using the following: • Subject – English, Math, History, etc. • Grade Level – 10, 11, or 12 • Credit Type • Advanced • Academic • Open • Graduation • Credit Value • 1.0 – Full Credit

6. Graduation Requirements 18 credits are required to graduate from High School • No more than 7 of the 18 credits may be for Grade 10 level courses and at least 5 must be Grade 12 level courses. • 13 are compulsory credits • 5 are elective credits

7. 13 Compulsory Credits • 3 English • 2 Math • 2 Science (1 of these from Science 10, Physics, Chemistry or Biology) • 2 Other must be from Math, Science or Technology • 1 Physical Education credit • 1 Fine Arts (only one music credit per grade level will be counted) • 1 Canadian History (From Mi’kmaq Studies 10, African Canadian Studies 11 or Canadian History 11) • Global Studies (Global History or Global Geography)

8. French Immersion • Students must complete at least 9 French Immersion credits in order to receive a French Immersion certificate. • Students in the French Immersion program must complete the following courses: • Français 10 – Grade 10 • Français 11 – Grade 11 • Français 12 – Grade 12

9. Academic Support Most High Schools offers a number of supports for students experiencing academic difficulties: • Learning Strategies 11 and 12(credit): For students who require additional learning skills and strategies to succeed in high school • Resource (non-credit): For students who require adaptations to meet course outcomes • Learning Center (non-credit): For students who require a program plan with individualized outcomes • Student Support Room: For students who may seek extra-help in any subject area

10. Academic Planning • Due to the diverse entrance requirements of post-secondary institutions, students should develop an academic plan that is both realistic and attainable. • Students can explore career and postsecondary options by: • Talking with parents/guardians and teachers • Visiting their guidance counsellor • Exploring Internet for resources

11. Things to Remember Course changes are not always possible. It is critical in semestering that you choose your courses wisely as course changes will only be entertained in exceptional circumstances. If a course change is necessary, deadlines for course changes must be respected.

12. Further Questions or Concerns Please feel free to contact one of the following if you have any questions: Mr. Ransome @ dransome@hrsb.ns.ca 462 – 8700 ext. 3 Mr. Zelios @ jzelios@hrsb.ns.ca 462 – 8700 ext. 6