Grade 12

When a student graduates from a Catholic school, we don’t only ask, “What did you learn?” but “Who did you become?” Sister Clare Fitzgerald The Journey Continues: Planning for a Successful Grade 12

Focus on The Future It is your future. It is your choice. It is your responsibility.

Individual Pathways Plan Ensure that you meet the final graduation requirements: compulsory credits (18) Religion credit every school year credit count (total of 30) Ontario Secondary School literacy requirement (passed test or OLC 4O course) Community service hours (4O)

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)

Most Common Remaining Compulsory Courses English Church & Culture or Philosophy French Language & Literature (French Immersion) Church & Culture or Philosophy (French Immersion)

New Courses and Changes Introduction to Anthropology Sociology and Psychology English -“HSP3U” Online or in class option for International Business BBB4M & World Issues CGW4U Writers Craft – EWC4U online only PLF4M Recreation & Fitness Leadership

All Work Is Valuable All Pathways lead to the same place - Work While you are choosing courses to to meet graduation requirements, consider your post- secondary plans … Apprenticeship College University Work God created all of us as unique individuals so each and every person has the opportunity to develop a plan.

Headed for an Apprenticeship… Consider co op education and register under Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) No prerequisites, many require strong math, communication and science skills Find an employer to register your apprenticeship See: and

Headed directly to College… Research prerequisites for each program and each college of interest. They vary! Prerequisites may include non-academic requirements (e.g., portfolio, supplemental form, audition, interview). College accept C, U, M courses and sometimes O courses, but C courses are the main admission requirements. Understand whether your program of choice is considered a competitive program Exception: For applied degrees, students must earn at least six 4U/4M credits. See:

Highly Competitive College Programs A program for which the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of seats available. You must apply before February 1 st See information on Follow Quick Links: Highly Competitive Programs May wish to consider another program as a backup Post secondary education may be required for successful admission to this type of program.

Headed directly to University… Research prerequisites for each program and each university of interest. They vary! They also may change from year to year! Prerequisites may include non-academic requirements (e.g. portfolio, supplemental form, audition, interview) Ontario universities accept U and M courses. Admission requirements are a minimum of six 4U/4M credits. See: (Ontario Universities Application Centre) and (eINFO)

Headed directly to Work… Take courses to prepare for the workplace. Consider courses in the following disciplines: Co-operative Education, Computer Studies, Business Studies, Technological Education. Develop an essential skills portfolio (e.g., Ontario Skills Passport) Develop job preparation skills which include professional resume writing, interview techniques. Research specific company and labour market info Contact Employment Ontario agencies See:

Research, Research, Research …  Interest questionnaires and assessment tools  Internet sites  Talk to friends, family and community  Talk with your guidance counsellor  Visit campuses  Job shadowing  Part time work  Volunteering  Cooperative education  OYAP  Specialist High Skills Major  Dual Credits

Board Website – A Great Resource (program – guidance and career education)

Research, Research, Research… Data Collection Career Cruising Apprenticeship eINFO Ontario Universities Application Centre Ontario Colleges Other government sites Consult Family Friends Community Teachers Guidance Counsellor

Research, Research, Research… Experiential Learning In School Cooperative Education OYAP Dual Credits Specialist High Skills Majors Work Experience Part Time Job Volunteer in Parish, Community and School Job Shadowing

Be Realistic Check the admission averages – can you realistically achieve them? Check out the details of the program – length, courses required, optional courses. Picture yourself in the program – can you see yourself enjoying it and being academically successful?

Remember your pathway when selecting your courses.

PREREQS for BUSINESS at UNIVERSITY ENG 4U Usually, two 4U Maths (sometimes, Calculus is required & sometimes, only one math is required) 3 other 4U or 4M courses The prerequisites vary, depending on the university.

PREREQS for BUSINESS at COLLEGE ENG 4C or 4U (usually, no bonus points given for 4U or 4M courses) Usually, any Grade 12 math (sometimes data management is not accepted) Some colleges accept Grade 11 math. Business studies courses, such as marketing, entrepreneurial studies, info tech and accounting are recommended. The prerequisites vary depending on the college.

PREREQS for SOCIAL SCIENCES at UNIVERSITY ENG 4U Usually, 5 other 4U/4M (some Social Sciences programs require or recommend 4U Math). The prerequisites vary, depending on the university.

PREREQS for GENERAL ARTS & SCIENCE at COLLEGE Often, ENG 4C or ENG 4U The prerequisites vary, depending on the college.

PREREQS for SCIENCES at UNIVERSITY ENG4U MHF4U (Advanced Functions) MCV4U (Calculus) – Required or Recommended U courses in two of the following: Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Data, Calculus, Earth and Space Science, Computer Science Two other 4U, 4M courses The prerequisites vary, depending on the university.

PREREQS for PRE-HEALTH at COLLEGE ENG 4C or 4U Grade 11 U or U/C (M) Math or Grade 12 Math U or C Grade 11 or 12 Chemistry (C or U) Grade 11 or 12 Biology or Physics (C or U) The prerequisites vary, depending on the college.

Paying for Your Education Part-time job Education Savings Bursaries (a cash award that is based primarily on financial need, but academic standing may also be considered) Scholarships (academic achievement, volunteer work etc) Many bursaries and scholarships go “unawarded” as students don’t apply

Paying For Your Education Loans (borrowed funds that must be paid back, often with interest) Bank Loans OSAP – Ontario Student Assistance Program Every student should apply for OSAP regardless of financial situation!! Listen to the announcements regarding financial aid information.

Research Your Financial Plan Talk with your family. Visit the guidance office. Listen to morning announcements. Search online scholarships and bursaries. Search post secondary institutions’ websites and financial aid publications. Go to your local bank and discuss options.

Helpful Websites

Grade 11 Marks Matter Post-secondary institutions look at both grade 11 and grade 12 marks All attempted courses in grade 11 and 12 are recorded on your transcript

Finish Grade 11 Strong! Grade 11 marks are considered in college admission averages. Early conditional admission based on Grade 11 marks is possible for some universities. Final decisions for university admission are always based on Grade 12 marks: Semester 1 final marks + Semester 2 mid-term marks. Semester 2 final marks are important and may affect offers of admission and scholarships.

So, between now and September… Do your research so that you make an informed decision about your post-secondary plans. The possibilities…

ONLINE REGISTRATION Links to the Course Calendar can be accessed on the LDCSB home page under Students – Secondary School Calendars.LDCSB home page Follow directions on instruction sheet. Chrome seems to work better than Internet Explorer or Safari. Course request signoff and student fee due to main office by February 22 nd. The Journey Continues: Planning for a Successful Grade 10