Ontario Secondary School Diploma

Secondary school begins in grade 9. Students usually complete their Ontario Secondary School Diploma in four years, graduating after grade 12. In that time, students earn 30 credits*, complete the literacy requirement in grade 10, and help their community through 40 hours of volunteer activity (PDF), Community Involvement Form (PDF).

*Of the 30 credits required for graduation, 18 are compulsory and 12 are the student’s choice.For further information on planning a secondary school education, please click here (PDF) to download Program Pathways A Resource Guide for Students Planning their Secondary School Education

Download our 2008-2009 Secondary Course Calendar (PDF)

Fine Arts Program — Dance, Drama, Literary Arts, Music, and Visual

ArtsCanterbury High School is the only secondary school in Ottawa offering a Fine Arts Program designed for students with a high interest and ability in the arts and academics. An in-depth study of Dance, Drama, Literary Arts, Music, or Visual Arts is available for students who meet the entrance criteria. Auditions are held in February each year. Upon successful completion of the program, a student is awarded both a Fine Arts Certificate and a secondary school diploma.

More information is available by calling Canterbury High School at 613-731-1191, ext. 302. You can also visit the Canterbury High School web site to learn more and download an application.

High Performance Athlete Program

The High Performance Athlete Program is designed for committed athletes interested in maximizing their athletic potential while maintaining a high academic standing. Offered at John McCrae Secondary School, which is connected to the Walter Baker Community Centre, the program gives students access to excellent sports facilities, ice rinks, squash courts, pools, and a fitness centre. Call John McCrae Secondary School at 613-823-0367 for admission criteria and more information.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Program — World-Wide Recognition

Offered at Colonel By Secondary School, the International Baccalaureate Program is an intellectually rigorous diploma program, designed for strong academic students and is recognized by universities in Ontario and throughout the world. Upon successful completion of the program a student is awarded both the IB diploma and The Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The application process for the IB Program begins with an information evening for parents in November. Contact Colonel By Secondary School at 613-745-9411 for further information.

Online Learning

Students of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board access online courses for many reasons…the course they want may not be offered in their school, the course may not fit in their timetable or for some reason the student needs more flexibility in the timing of their course. Students taking one of our rich, engaging courses can learn online anywhere they have reliable daily access to a computer and Internet connection. For more information visit the OCDSB eLearning website.

Advanced Placement Program — A Head Start on University

Currently offered in 10 of our secondary schools, the Advanced Placement Program is the ultimate student acceleration program for motivated students. It gives students the opportunity to study university-level content within the secondary school setting, obtain first-year university course credits, and gain a competitive edge for entry into the university of their choice.

French Immersion Program — Secondary

By the end of the four-year program, students will be able to converse in French, take French courses at the college or university level, and work at a job where French is the working language. A certificate in French Immersion is granted for successful completion of four courses and a minimum of six courses in other subjects taught in French.

Extended French Program

The aim of this program is to develop French-language knowledge and skills and to provide students with an understanding and appreciation of Francophone culture. Students will be able to converse freely on familiar topics and read and function in a French-speaking community. Schools grant a certificate in Extended French if the student has successfully completed four courses in Extended French and a minimum of three courses in other subjects taught in French.

Focus Programs

Our school district has introduced Focus Programs to provide students an opportunity to take a concentration of courses that may not be available in their home school. Students enrolled in these programs will attend the host school for one semester and will return to their home school to complete diploma requirements.

Arts
We offer a variety of excellent Arts programs throughout the school district.  Please check out our Secondary School Course Calendar for complete course listings. Arts Focus programs are designed to provide students with the opportunity to experience enhanced arts programming for one semester. The programs concentrate on a specific arts specialty in a setting that provides the necessary teacher expertise, facilities, and equipment. The following Arts Focus programs are currently being offered – to learn more please download the brochures and speak to your school guidance counselor.

Communication and Design
Dance
Musical Theatre
World Music

Trades and Technology Programs
We offer a variety of excellent trades and technology programs throughout the school district.  Please check out our Secondary School Course Calendar (PDF) for complete course listings.

In an effort to expand upon opportunities for students, we have introduced a new approach called Focus Programs. Focus programs are designed to provide students with the opportunity to experience a ‘hands-on’ program for one semester. The programs concentrate on a specific trade in a setting that will feature in-class and practical on-site experience.  The following Focus Programs are currently being offered – to learn more please download the brochures and speak to your school’s guidance counselor.

Cabinet Making
House Building
Landscape and Design
Manufacturing – Tool and Die

Cooperative and Career Education — Important Workplace Skills

Students can get a taste of the world of work through Cooperative Education placements (PDF). Students discover aptitudes and develop job skills necessary for entering the workplace or to pursue further studies. Detailed information is available by calling 613-596-8211, ext. 8590.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program — Teaching Trade Skills

Please download this helpful guide for students and parents Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (PDF). More than 140 trade specialties exist, including automotive, construction, manufacturing, and service industries.

We also encourage you to:

	Contact your child’s guidance counsellor
	Call our Secondary Consultant, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) / COOP at 613-596-8211, ext. 8590.
	Ottawa District Apprenticeship Office (613) 731-7100
	Training Hotline at 1-800-387-5656.
	Visit  Opening Doors Skills Connect – List of Apprenticeship Trades

Alternate Program — Helping Secondary Students Overcome Challenges

Some students have difficulty in the traditional secondary school setting. The special Alternate Program (PDF) provides an opportunity for students to complete their secondary school diploma and includes opportunities for apprenticeship programs and cooperative education placements. Staff and students work together to provide a positive school experience. We are pleased to offer the program to secondary school students at different locations throughout the city.

Adaptive Program — Preparing for Work