Academic Planning and Course Selection

Where can grade eight students get more information about starting grade nine at St. Mary’s?

• Visit the Future Eagles page for videos, links, information and FAQs

How many courses do I need to choose?

• Students going into grade 9, 10, and 11 must choose eight courses
• Students going into grade 12 may choose one or two spares, but only if they have earned more than 22 credits by the end of grade 11

How can I take a course via eLearning?

• eLearning courses are available for you to choose and add to your plan in myBlueprint
• These are primarily grade 11 and 12 courses, since students require maturity, independent work habits, initiative and good organization and time management skills in order to be successful in an eLearning environment
• eLearning courses have no synchronous (“live”) classes; students work at their own pace and communicate with their teacher and classmates only through email or the discussion tool in D2L
• Students in eLearning classes are not assigned to a classroom and have no direct supervision or daily support in the school during that class period.  Guidance and student success are able to troubleshoot technical issues or help connect you with your teacher if you need extra support.

What if I failed a course?

• If you’re unsuccessful in a compulsory course (e.g. English, math, science), you’ll need to re-take the course.  You don’t necessarily need to repeat it at the same level.
• If you’re unsuccessful in an elective course, you could choose to re-take the course, or could choose a different elective.  You still need to make up for the missed credit so that you get to the 30 credits required for graduation.
• Students can re-take a course at summer school in July, or they can use one of their elective spaces to re-take a course the following school year.
• If you come close to passing and your teacher determines you only need to redo part of the course, you may be recommended for credit recovery.  Your teacher will set this up with a student success monitor teacher, who will contact you to develop a plan.

I know I need a certain course in order to reach my career goal, but in the past my marks in that subject haven’t been great.  What should I do?

• It doesn’t make sense to “hurry up and fail”!  Taking things a step at a time will allow you to reach your goals faster than trying to do too much too fast.
• Take courses at the level you’re ready for now.  Then plan to build on that success later.
  • For example: If you require MCR3U (gr. 11 university level functions) to reach your goal, but your grades in gr. 9 & 10 academic math have been consistently level 2, consider taking MCF3M (gr. 11 college/university level functions) now, then take MCR3U later after you’ve built a solid understanding.  More math will only help you when it comes time to take the grade 12 math(s) that really matter for your post-secondary goal!
• You may need to be prepared to revise your goals if they aren’t realistic for you.  Everyone has skills and abilities in different areas.  Be sure to build on your strengths to avoid frustration now and in the future.

What are the levels in grades 9 and 10, and how do I decide?

• Grade 9 & 10 courses are offered at academic, applied, essential and open levels
  • Academic courses include practical applications but focus more on theory, move at a faster pace, and require more independent work habits.  If you consistently earn level 3 or 4 marks in a subject this year, and you have good learning skills, then you should be well-prepared to be successful in an academic class next year.  AP-prep courses are also available.  These are academic courses that also include enrichment opportunities to extend your learning beyond the academic curriculum.  Academic courses in grades 9 and 10 prepare you for university, college/university, college &/or workplace level courses in grades 11 and 12.
  • Applied courses cover similar content as academic courses, but have a greater focus on practical applications and real life examples.  Typically more time is given during class to get started on homework or assignments.  Applied courses in grades 9 and 10 prepare you for college/university, college &/or workplace level courses in grades 11 and 12.
  • Essential (“locally developed”) courses provide additional support and smaller classes.  The pace of the course is largely determined by the student’s needs and abilities and is tied to the student’s Individual Education Plan.  Essential courses are for credit and do lead to earning the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.  Essential courses in grades 9 and 10 prepare you for workplace level courses in grades 11 and 12.

What are Advanced Placement (AP) and AP-Prep courses?

• Advanced Placement (AP) is an internationally recognized program that allows students to enrich the Ontario Curriculum with the goal of achieving university accreditation while enrolled at St. Mary’s High School.
• Who should consider AP-prep and AP courses?
  • highly able learners looking to be challenged
  • students with a passion for learning
  • self-motivated learners with strong communication and analytical skills
  • Grades are only one of the many factors that help determine a student’s suitability for AP.
• Visit the Advanced Placement (AP) page for much, much more information

I’m graduating, but can I plan a 5th year at St. Mary’s?

• If you have applied to college or university, you cannot also submit course selections for St. Mary’s.  If plan “A” doesn’t work out and you then wish to plan a 5th year, contact your guidance counsellor in June – after the deadline to accept post-secondary offers has passed.
• If you have not applied for post-secondary, select your courses for an additional year in myBlueprint and submit by the end of February.
• You must choose a minimum of three courses.  If you only plan to return for one semester, be sure to add “S1ONLY” to your course selections