Secondary School Graduation Requirements
To graduate from an Ontario High School, students must fulfill the following requirements:
- Community Service
- Literacy Requirement
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
This section of our website is here to help guide our students towards achieving their OSSD. All of the requirements must be met to graduate. If you would like to make sure that you are on track with all of your requirements please don't hesitate to make an appointment with either Mr. Merrick or Mrs. Swierniak. Parents are also welcome to contact us!
Community Service
As part of the diploma requirements, students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement activities during their secondary school years. Accumulation of community involvement hours may begin the summer after grade 8.
The purpose of the community involvement requirement is to encourage students to develop an understanding of civic responsibility and the role they can play in supporting and strengthening their communities. As well, such involvement can assist students in increasing their awareness of community needs and in making a positive difference. Helping others enhances the self-image of students and fosters a greater sense of belonging. Experiences in the community may also influence career choices.
The requirement is to be completed outside the student's normal instructional hours. The activities are to take place in the student's designated lunch hours, after school, on weekends, or during school holidays. Each student must submit to the school a record of his or her community involvement activities. Before engaging in volunteer activities, students (and parents) are strongly advised to confirm the eligibility of all intended volunteer activities with their school's principal or guidance office.
Allowed Community Involvement Brochure
Literacy Requirement
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) is administered in Grade 10. It is based on the Ontario curriculum expectations for reading and writing that have been identified across the curriculum up to and including Grade 9. The results of the OSSLT are reported as successful/unsuccessful. Students who are unsuccessful will be given clear feedback regarding their performance in order to help them address the areas where improvement is required. Students who are not initially successful will be allowed to retake the test. In addition, students who have had at least one failed attempt may enroll in the Literacy Course (OSSLC) to satisfy the diploma requirement.
A student with special education needs who has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) may receive accommodations for the test. The accommodations will be the same as those that are set out in the student's IEP and/or those that are available to the student in the course of his or her regular school work, including examinations and other forms of evaluation. (Note: Adherence to the EQAO policy on accommodation for the OSSLT is required.) A deferral may be granted if the student is unable to participate in the test even if all accommodations were provided. A student whose IEP indicates that the student is not working towards the attainment of a secondary school diploma may, with the consent of the parent and the approval of the principal, be exempted from participating in the OSSLT.
An English Language Learner (ELL) may receive special provisions such as adjustments to the setting and/or timing of the test. A deferral may be granted if the ELL has not acquired a level of proficiency in English sufficient to participate.
Decisions regarding accommodations, special provisions, and deferrals are made in consultation with the student and parents or the adult student, and with the appropriate teaching staff.
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC)
The OSSLC is a Grade 11/12 Open course and is part of The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: English program. Students are eligible to take this course after one failed attempt at the OSSLT with the principal's permission. When students successfully complete the OSSLC, they will have met the provincial literacy requirement for graduation. Students earn a credit for successful completion of the OSSLC which may be used as an additional English credit (to meet either the Grade 11 or 12 English credit) or a Group 1 compulsory credit.
Additional Opportunity for Students to Obtain Their Graduation Literacy Requirement (Adjudication Process)
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC) may be used to meet either the Grade 11 or the Grade 12 English compulsory credit requirement.
The Grade 11 Contemporary Aboriginal Voices course may be used to meet the Grade 11 English compulsory credit requirement.
For English language learners the requirement may be met through earning a maximum of 3 credits in English as a second language (ESL) or English literacy development (ELD); the fourth credit must be a Grade 12 compulsory English course.
- 4 credits in English (1 credit per grade)
- 3 credits in mathematics (at least 1 credit in Grade 11 or 12)
- 2 credits in science
- 1 credit in the arts
- The Grade 9 Expressing Aboriginal Cultures course may be used to meet the compulsory credit requirement in the arts.
- 1 credit in Canadian geography (Grade 9)
- 1 credit in Canadian history (Grade 10)
- 1 credit in French as a second language
Students who have taken Native languages in place of French as a second language in elementary school may use a Level 1 or 2 Native language course to meet the compulsory credit requirement for French as a second language.
- 1 credit in health and physical education
- 0.5 credit in career studies
- 0.5 credit in civics
- 1 “Group 1” credit: 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 1 “Group 2” credit: French as a second language, the arts, business studies, health and physical education, cooperative education 1 “Group 3” credit: French as a second language, science (Grade 11 or 12), computer studies, technological education, cooperative education Note: The following conditions apply to selections from the above three groups:
- A maximum of 2 credits in French as a second language may count as additional compulsory credits, 1 credit from Group 1, and 1 credit from either Group 2 or Group 3.
- A maximum of 2 credits in cooperative education may count as additional compulsory credits, selected from any of Groups 1, 2, or 3.
- In addition to the 18 compulsory credits, students must successfully complete:
- 12 optional credits (may include up to four credits earned through approved Dual Credit courses)
- The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Requirement (OSSLT or OSSLC)
- 40 hours of community involvement activities
A credit is granted when a course of at least 110 hours is completed successfully.
Commencement Awards
Award Nominations 2019/20 – MUST BE A CURRENT GRADUATE. MUST HAVE MET ALL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS BY JUNE 30
Note: Awards might vary by year depending on sponsors.
Detailed Descriptions:
PRINCIPAL’S TROPHY - $300.00
(final decision to be made by principal)
NORTH PARK AWARD - $250.00
for the graduating student who embodies the principles and character of North Park C. and who has had a positive impact on the school through their leadership and commitment
D. G. MACDONALD AWARD (MALE) - $150.00
leadership in extra-curricular, 70% average, preference given to Priam winners.
BURLEIGH HENRY LEADERSHIP AWARD (FEMALE) - $150.00
same as above
FRANK O’CONNOR – “ECO AWARD” Environment – Caring and Openness - $100
student who demonstrates respect for the school environment - student who helps to create a sense of belonging and cohesion at NPC – by being innovative, inclusive and empathetic (2020 is the last year for this award)
C. W. LEONHARDT CITIZENSHIP AWARD - $150.00
four C’s, going on to post-secondary
DAVID AND JENNIFER DEAN AWARD - $200.00
graduate going to community college who has taken some applied level courses and who has contributed to the school through participation in extra-curricular activities
GERALD WATTS SUCCESS AWARD - $200.00
student who has overcome personal adversity
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER AWARD (PIN)
A student who has given exemplary community contribution to the school and the greater community. Each year we choose a student who has a diversity of volunteer experiences and who has gone above and beyond by connecting with many organizations. The student with the highest number of accumulated hours may or may not be the recipient of the award.
CHARTWELL’S SCHOOL DINING BURSARY - $500.00
needy student entering food services or hospitality, chef training, home etc.
MICHAEL LING POST SECONDARY SCHOLARSHIP - $1500.00
financial need, continuing post-secondary - someone who enriches the lives of classmates & teachers, decent kid who flies below the radar
JOHN WILLS MEMORIAL AWARD - $125.00
most improved student
RETIRED TEACHERS OF ONTARIO SCHOLARSHIP - $300.00
student must be pursuing a career in education
PEGGY STEVENS MEMORIAL - $150.00
commitment to his/her goals, positive attitude and willingness to help others (1 male, 1 female)
RICK SOVEREIGN MEMORIAL AWARD
high academic standing, university bound, emphasis on athletics
THE CRAIG CHITTENDEN MEMORIAL AWARD - $150.00
hard working student, highly respected by peers, brings positive attitude to extra curriculars
SHARP BUS LINES SCHOLARSHIP - $100 (varies each year)
Intent is to allow students to further their education and experience in the area of the skilled trades. Failing this, each school is free to direct the award to the most appropriate area.
ST. LEONARD’S COMMUNITY SERVICES PERSEVERANCE AWARD - $50.00
a graduating student who has faced challenges throughout high school but persevered and graduated. Examples of challenges: overcome accident or illness, physical or academic barrier to learning, previous drop out but returned and graduated. Determination and strength are key criteria.
HARLEY TAIMRE CREATIVE ARTS AWARD - $200
a graduating student who is pursuing a full-time post-secondary program of study in the visual and creative arts
PRINCIPAL’S AWARD FOR STUDENT LEADERSHIP - Plaque
Usually awarded to past Student Council President but sometimes president does not fit the criteria in which case, a more appropriate candidate should be chosen
GLACIER COMMUNICATIONS INC AWARD - $225.00 this year
Committee to decide criteria. May not run every year.
BRANT COUNTY FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE - $250
Graduating student continuing on in Agriculture. Contact them if we have a suitable candidate. MUST BE ONLY ONE STUDENT.
BRANTFORD MUSLIM ASSOCIATION STUDENT RECOGNITION AWARD - $75
Graduating student who has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to valuing diversity and inclusion and demonstrates these beliefs through their daily activities. The student’s behaviour demonstrates a belief that all are created equal and that we need to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves – with compassion, empathy and understanding.
CITIZENSHIP AWARD - $200
Graduating Student, Good Citizen, preference given to College Level History Student.
The Kindred Spirits Artisan Award - Two awards of $100 each
Graduating or Victory Lap Student who has shown promise in any aspect of the arts. Not necessarily top mark. Desire to continue in chosen medium.
CYNTHIA CARES AWARD - $100
Graduating student pursuing a health-related program. Good academics, leadership, caring characteristics, in need of financial support.
TED FENIUK FIND YOUR WAY SCHOLARSHIP - $500
Student going into a trade; not going on to College or University. Doing an apprenticeship. Student is one who needs encouragement, direction and support. Is to be shown kindness and understanding. Purpose of award – to have someone who believes in them, gives them an opportunity and a chance to succeed and better themselves and their situation.
HONOUR SOCIETY
Average of top six courses taken from September to August of graduating year must be 80% or above. Averages are not rounded up. Courses can be from any grade. Summer school marks are calculated after the school year, not from the summer previous. Students must have at least 6 credits the school year of graduation to make honour roll. Credit Recovery credits do not count towards honour roll.
ONTARIO SCHOLAR
Average of top six grade 12 courses must be 80% or higher. Averages are not rounded up. Courses can be completed at any time.
SPECIALIST HIGH SKILLS MAJOR (SHSM)
Students must have completed all requirements of the SHSM by the end of summer school, prior to graduation, to earn the Red Seal on their diploma.
FRENCH IMMERSION CERTIFICATE
Students must have completed at least 10 courses in French in order to earn the French Immersion Certificate.