Your OSSD Checklist: Essential Requirements for High School Graduation

 

Nowadays, the value of a good education is clearer than ever. As the world becomes more advanced and job markets grow more competitive, a high school diploma is indispensable.

Having a high school diploma can:

●     open many job opportunities,

●     create paths to higher education,

●     bring personal satisfaction,

●     provide essential skills and knowledge,

●     qualify for financial aid for college or university,

●     and more!

But before enjoying these benefits, you must first choose the correct high school and meet all graduation requirements. After all, selecting a high school lays the groundwork for the future and so it's only natural to choose wisely.

This is exactly why an increasing number of international students come to Canada to complete high school. Canada not only offers a varied and welcoming environment but is also known for its high quality of education. Within Canada, Ontario schools are among the most highly regarded for their academic excellence.

What is an OSSD?

Before we go into the essential requirements for high school graduation in Ontario, let's first understand what an OSSD is.

OSSD stands for Ontario Secondary School Diploma. It is a diploma given to students who complete their secondary education (usually from Grade 9 to Grade 12) in an Ontario school. This diploma not only signifies that the student has completed their high school studies but also serves as proof of their academic achievements.

Many students and parents aim to obtain an OSSD because of the following reasons:

Global Recognition

It is no secret that technology has made everything global. This means that working abroad, studying abroad, and even immigrating to another country are not far-fetched opportunities.

The OSSD curriculum is recognized and accepted worldwide and there is a growing demand for international schools to follow the OSSD curriculum. This makes it easier for students to seamlessly continue their studies or pursue a career in other countries.

High-quality education

The Ontario high school curriculum is designed and continuously updated by the Ministry of Education, ensuring that it meets the highest educational standards. This means that students receive a top-quality education from their very first day in high school until graduation.

What's more, the OSSD program is accepted around the world as a top choice for adaptable learning. The system makes sure every student gets a tailored education that matches how they learn best. With regular assessments, students do not just study for tests; instead, they keep building their skills all the time.  This system has produced many students who excel academically, and it is always a top pick for admission to post-secondary institutions.

Preparation for the real world

The OSSD program is designed to build five key skills: transformational skills, global citizenship, real-world application, varied assessments, and guided learning paths. The assessment system relies on continuous evaluation, with assignments and projects giving a fuller picture of a student's progress. Each student receives an education that caters to their unique learning methods, meaning they develop skills constantly, not just when studying for exams. This hands-on learning model has proven effective in preparing students for further education and future careers.

This prepares students for success in both the academic and professional world, where continuous learning, critical thinking, and adaptability are key traits for success.

Better job opportunities

Having an OSSD from an Ontario high school can significantly improve a student's chances of finding employment. Employers recognize the value of this diploma and often prefer candidates with an OSSD over those without one.

Furthermore, certain professions require a high school diploma, making it essential for students to obtain their OSSD before pursuing their dream careers.

Essential OSSD requirements

Now that we understand the importance and benefits of an OSSD let's go through the essential OSSD requirements for obtaining it.

1) Complete 30 credit courses 

Students need to successfully pass a total of 30 credit courses between Grades 9 and 12. This includes 18 mandatory credits and 12 elective credits.

2) Acquire the 18 mandatory credits 

The 18 mandatory credits must encompass:

●     English (4 credits, one per grade)

●     Mathematics (3 credits, with at least one in Grade 11 or 12)

●     Science (2 credits)

●     Canadian History (1 credit)

●     Canadian Geography (1 credit)

●     The Arts (1 credit)

●     Health and Physical Education (1 credit)

●     French as a Second Language (1 credit)

●     Career Studies (0.5 credit)

●     Civics (0.5 credit)

Additionally, 3 compulsory credits must be selected from three diverse subject groups listed on the official OSSD website.

3) Choose 12 elective credits 

The 12 elective credits can be selected based on personal interest or academic direction. These courses are available within the curriculum of the respective school.

4) Complete 40 hours of community service 

During the four high school years, students must accomplish 40 hours of community involvement. This equates to an annual requirement of 10 hours of community service, which can be completed concurrently with academic coursework.

5) Pass the OSSLT

Finally, passing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) is mandatory to fulfill the Literacy Requirement. Alternatively, if one fails the OSSLT, one may take the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OLC4O) as a substitute.

Why USCA Academy is the best choice for completing your OSSD

USCA Academy is an Ontario private high school that offers a range of courses leading to the completion of an OSSD. Here are some reasons why USCA Academy stands out as the best choice for international students:

●     Experienced and certified teachers who provide individualized attention to each student,

●     Small class sizes allow for more interactive and personalized learning experiences,

●     A diverse student body that fosters a global perspective and cultural exchange,

●     Flexible course offerings with the option to choose elective courses based on personal interests or academic goals,

●     Proven track record of success, with many students going on to top universities in Canada and around the world,

●     Opportunities for involvement in extracurricular activities, clubs, and community service projects,

●     Online OSSD program for students who are unable to physically attend classes, and

●     Assistance with university applications and career guidance.

If the OSSD requirements listed above still sound confusing to you, feel free to reach out to us at (905) 232-0411. Our team will always be happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have about the OSSD program at USCA Academy.