Clarification of Terms

Definition of a Credit: The successful completion of a course for which a minimum of 110 hours is scheduled. A credit is granted to a student by the Principal of a secondary school on behalf of the Minister of Education.

Academic Courses: Develop students’ knowledge and skills by emphasizing theoretical, abstract applications of the essential concepts while incorporating practical applications, as appropriate.

Applied Courses: Develop students’ knowledge and skills by emphasizing practical, concrete applications of the essential concepts while incorporating theoretical applications, as appropriate.

Open Courses: These courses are designed to provide students with a broad educational base that will prepare them for their studies in Grades 10, 11, and 12 and help prepare them for their role in society.

Locally Developed Courses: Are courses that meet educational needs not met by provincial curriculum documents. Beginning in the 2004-5 school years, a student may count no more than six such locally developed courses as compulsory credits.

K Courses: Course codes beginning with “K” are non-credit courses and used for students with an IEP who are unable to meet the requirements of credit courses. The focus of these non-credit courses is practical academics.

Ontario Student Record (OSR): The Ontario Student Record is the official school record for a student. Every Ontario school keeps an OSR for each student enrolled at that school. The OSR contains achievement results, credits earned and diploma requirements completed, and other information important to the education of the student. These records are protected by the Education Act and freedom of information legislation.

Ontario Student Transcript (OST): The Ontario Student Transcript is an official and consistent summary of a student’s achievement in Ontario secondary school credit courses. A current, accurate and complete copy of OST will be included within the Ontario Student Record.

Transfer Courses: Transfer courses are available to bridge the gap between Grade 10 and 11 as well as Grade 11 and 12. These will offer students a means of transferring from one type of course to another if their interests and goals change. These courses will be credit based and will be counted towards the 30 credits required to meet diploma requirements. These courses are available through Continuing Education (summer school).