ONTARIO SECONDARY SCHOOLS GRADES 9 TO 12

PROGRAM AND DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS (Ontario Schools 2016)

In order to earn an OSSD a student must: 

• Earn 30 credits (18 compulsory and 12 elective / optional credits) 

• Complete 40 hours of community involvement activities 

• Successfully complete the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Requirement 

The combination of compulsory and optional courses is designed to provide all students with the essential knowledge and skills they will need to function effectively in any area of activity, as well as the opportunities to acquire the specialized knowledge and skills they will need to succeed in their chosen post-secondary endeavours.

CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

Compulsory Credits (18) 

• 4 English (1 credit per grade) 

• 3 credits in Mathematics (at least 1 credit in Gr. 11 or 12) 

• 2 credits in Science 

• 1 credit in the Arts 

• 1 credit in Canadian Geography 

• 1 credit in Canadian History 

• 1 credit in French as a second language 

• 1 credit in Health and Physical Education 

• 0.5 credit in Career Studies 

• 0.5 credit in Civics 

Plus 3 additional credits consisting of 1 credit from each of the following groups:

• Group 1:  1 additional credit in English (including the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course), French as a second language, classical languages, international languages, Native languages, Canadian and world studies, Native studies, social sciences and humanities, guidance and career education, cooperative education.

•Group 2:  1 additional credit in Health and Physical Education, or the Arts, or Business Studies, or French as a second language, or cooperative education. 

• Group 3:  1 additional credit in Science (Grade 11 or 12), or technological education, or French as a second language, or computer studies, or cooperative education. 

AND 12 Elective / Optional Credits 

In addition to the 18 compulsory credits, students must earn 12 elective /optional credits selected from the courses listed as available in the school course calendar.