High School Course Selection: Which Courses Are Best For Me?

One of the great things about being in high school is getting to choose which classes you attend. But with a sea of options – how do you know which courses are right for you?

High school course selection can be overwhelming. To help you make some decisions, here are some useful resources on what you need to graduate high school; what the course codes mean; why it’s good to plan your grade 11 and 12 subjects even if you’re only starting grade 9; and who you can ask for help if you’re stuck.

 

WHAT YOU NEED TO GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL

In order to graduate high school in Ontario, the Ministry of Education requires students to complete 18 credits. Some subjects are compulsory, but some are for you to decide.

As per the Ministry’s website, the following subjects are compulsory for all students:

• 4 credits in English (1 credit per grade)*
• 3 credits in mathematics (1 credit in Grade 11 or 12)
• 2 credits in science
• 1 credit in Canadian history
• 1 credit in Canadian geography
• 1 credit in the arts
• 1 credit in health and physical education
• 1 credit in French as a second language
• 0.5 credit in career studies
• 0.5 credit in civics

*A maximum of 3 credits in English as a second language (ESL) or English literacy development (ELD) may be counted towards the 4 compulsory credits in English, but the fourth must be a credit earned for a Grade 12 compulsory English course.

Plus one credit from each of the following groups:

Group 1	Group 2	Group 3
English or French as a second language** A native language A classical or an international language Social sciences and the humanities Canadian and world studies Guidance and career education Cooperative education***	Health and physical education The arts Business studies French as a second language** Cooperative education***	Science (Grade 11 or 12) Technological education French as a second language** Computer studies Cooperative education***

**In groups 1, 2, and 3, a maximum of 2 credits in French as a second language can count as compulsory credits, one from group 1 and one from either group 2 or group 3.

***A maximum of 2 credits in cooperative education can count as compulsory credits.

In addition to the compulsory credits, students must complete:

• 12 optional credits†
• 40 hours of community involvement activities
• The provincial literacy requirement

†The 12 optional credits may include up to 4 credits earned through approved dual credit courses.

 

WHAT WILL YOU DO AFTER GRADUATION?

Think about which career paths you’re interested in. If your dream job means getting a post-secondary education, what subjects will you need to get into college or university? Does the apprenticeship you’re thinking of doing require you to take certain courses?

If you’re in grades 9 or 10, you should already be thinking about what you might like to study in grades 11 and 12. Often grade 11 and 12 courses require you to take certain courses (called prerequisite courses) in grades 9 and 10.

The Ontario Curriculum Grades 9 to 12: Course Descriptions and Prerequisites document includes pathways from grade 9-12 that map out courses and their possible prerequisites.

Take a look, but use it as a guide because your personal pathway might look different. If you’re not sure, your teachers or school guidance counsellor should be able to help you. (If you’re still deciding on your career path, check out this blog post: What’s Next After High School Graduation?)

 

UNDERSTANDING ONTARIO’S COURSE CODES

In the Ontario school system, each course has a different code. These codes help you choose the subjects that will help your journey after graduation.

For example, courses with “U” in the code can help prepare students for university. Course codes with an “E” may help students planning to get a job straight out of school.

The Career Cruising site breaks down the course codes in more detail. As their site explains:

 

INFORMATION FOR GRADE 9 AND 10 COURSES

“Students in grades 9 and 10 will take their core courses (see the compulsory courses mentioned above) in one of three levels – applied, academic or locally developed.  All elective courses will be taken at the open level.”

 Academic Level:  “D”      

These courses focus mainly on theoretical, abstract problems.

Applied Level:  “P”

Applied courses focus more on practical, concrete applications.

Locally Developed Level:  “L”

These courses focus on the most essential concepts in subjects like Mathematics, Science, English and Canadian History.  They help students transitioning to high school by building skills that set them up for success at secondary school.  Ontario students can get up to six credits toward a secondary school diploma through these types of courses.

 Open Courses:  “O”

Open courses are your electives. They’re non-core subjects which you get to choose yourself.

 

INFORMATION FOR GRADE 11 AND 12 COURSES

Courses in grades 11 and 12 are offered in levels that are related to a student’s destination after high school – workplace, apprenticeships, college or university. Most courses are offered at one of following five levels:

University/College Courses: “M”

These courses prepare students for college and university after high school.

 College Courses: “C”

Courses to prepare students for going to college after high school. 

University Courses: “U”

Courses to prepare students going to university after high school.

Workplace Courses: “E”

Courses for students wanting to enter the workplace right after high school.

Open Courses:  “O”

Open courses are for all students and not tied to a specific pathway after graduation. These may even be taken to meet compulsory or optional requirements.

Learn more about course codes at: Career Cruising

 

KNOW YOUR OPTIONS

Now that you know what the course codes mean, grab your high school’s course selection list. Read through your options, highlighting the courses you’re interested in. Then narrow down that list, making sure you meet all of the compulsory and open course credits you need to graduate.

If your high school has course selection information nights, go! You can get a better idea of the things you’ll be learning, speak to guidance counsellors, and maybe meet some of your new teachers.

Also check when your course selection form needs to be submitted, so you don’t miss out on your preferred courses.

 

GET ADVICE FROM PARENTS, TEACHERS, GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS

If you’re not sure which career you want to pursue, there are lots of people who can give you advice on course selection.

Guidance counsellors are great to talk to, and have lots of experience helping students decide on which courses to take.

You can also pick the brains of your parents, teachers, and older siblings who have graduated already. These are the people who know you well and may see talents you don’t even know you have! Simply talking out your options with someone also helps. You may end up answering your own questions.

You will receive lots of different advice from people around you. But at the end of the day, trust your own heart to make the best decision for you. And if you change your mind later, that’s OK too.

Are you a parent or student feeling overwhelmed by high school course selection choices?

Educational consultant Marlene Kaiman can help you discover your best options. Whether you’re looking for guidance on course selection or other high school challenges, Marlene has 30 years of experience to share with you. Book an appointment and get some answers today.