Dear Students,

Starting March 2nd, students who will be in ​Grades 9-12 ​in ​September 2021​ will select
courses for next year. This is the time for you to explore new opportunities and choose
courses designed to support your goals for life after high school.

When do I select high school courses for the 2021/2022 school year?

All current Grade 8 students ​will start course selection on ​March 2, 2021​. You can
view the recorded​ Welcome to High School Information sessions ​to see grade 9 elective
options.

What are the different course types?

All OCDSB secondary schools offer a full range of courses. At every grade, there are
both required courses and optional courses. There are also different types of courses
and these depend on your grade:

● Grades 9 & 10:​ Academic, Applied, Locally Developed, and Open (​Note: A
​ ll
course types in Grade 9 build upon the learning in Grade 8).
● Grades 11 & 12:​ College, Mixed, Open, University, and Workplace.

To learn more about the different types of courses, please read the ​Course Type
Information Guide​. ​All course types are available to all students​.

Which courses should I choose?

When selecting courses, consider your interests, experience at school, your pathway
goals, and career plans. We know it can be hard to know exactly what you want to do.
The course selection process can help you explore your interests.

It’s a good idea to choose courses in a way that keeps as many options open as
possible. Academic (Grade 9 and 10) and University (Grade 11 and 12) courses provide
the most options for post-secondary opportunities and should be considered the top
choice for most students.

Here are a few course selection tips:

● Plan some time to ​discuss​ course selection ​with ​your ​parents and
guardians​. They can help with decision-making and they have to sign off at
the end of the process.
● Confirm what ​courses ​are ​required by grade​.
● Consider the high school ​diploma or certificate requirements​ when selecting
course types.
 ● Look ahead at ​course offerings for future grades​ to understand what
requirements might be necessary for courses of interest.
● Select all your options ​of interest and ​then narrow down​ selections to the
required number of courses.

To learn more about diploma requirements, course selection, program pathways and
more, please refer to the ​OCDSB Secondary School Quick Reference Guide​.

Who can help me with course selection?

Talking with parents, guardians, other adults in your life and friends can help make
course selection an easy process. Review the detailed ​Student Guide for Course
Selection​ so you understand the process. Here are some helpful tips to consider:

● Reflect on your academic experience - previous academic performance is

helpful, but don’t let it be a limiting factor;
● Maximise current and future options, keep as many doors open for
post-secondary options as possible;
● Consider your interests, your life and pathway goals while allowing room for
further career exploration; and
● Set expectations that challenge you and reinforce belief in your abilities.

Note: ​Course selection for students under the age of 18 must be made with
parent/guardian approval.

Course Selection Tool - Xello

You will be using an online tool called ​Xello​ for course selection. This ​Step-by-Step
Guide​ gives detailed instructions on making and submitting course selections. You can
also watch this ​Video guide for Course Selection​. You can approach your Guidance and
Student Success teachers for help with Xello.

Schools will reach out to parents and guardians to confirm course selections following
course submissions.

What other supports are available to me?

Classroom Teachers, Guidance Teachers, Student Success Teachers, Principals and

Vice-Principals are all ready to support you, answer questions and help you make
informed choices. Please reach out to your school if you need help.