February 22nd, 2017

Frequently asked Questions about Semesters #3

1. How many credits are required for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma?
Students require 30 credits to graduate from high school: 18 compulsory credits and 12 elective credits.

2. What is the maximum number of credits a student can take at high school?
Students can take up to 34 credits. If a student has an IEP (individual education plan) they may take more than 34 credits.

3. Is there a fee for returning for a 5th year or for an additional semester?
There are no fees for students who wish to return for a 5th year or for an additional semester. Students can choose to return for 1 semester only or for 2 semesters, as long as they have not taken over 34 credits.

4. Can I still attend school trips that run in Semester Two? What about missing school?
Students who are taking a course in semester one, and a course-related trip is offered in semester two, are eligible to participate and go on the trip, as long as they are registered/attending in semester two. Teachers will inform students in both semesters about the trip opportunity. When possible, faculty will do their best to schedule trips so that students miss fewer days of classes.

5. When will I get my timetable for 2017– 2018?
As in past years, students will receive their timetables on the first day of school in September. Any students with conflicts will be contacted by their Guidance Counsellor in June.

6. How does Co-op work?
In a semester system, students can choose either a 2 credit or 4 credit option for co-op. A 2 credit co-op allows students to work either 4 mornings or 4 afternoons/week, as well as take other courses for that semester. A 4 credit co-op will allow students to work 4 full days/week for the semester. Both options require the student to complete an in-school component of the co-op course prior to their placement, and attend in-school classes once/week for the remainder of the semester.

7. Vacations/Holidays
Remember when planning family vacations/holidays, students must be present to write exams at the end of January and June. It is important to note that course content moves very quickly in a semester system, so missing a week can have a large impact on student learning. It is strongly recommended that students avoid family vacations in January and June due to exam review and final summative evaluations.

8. What if my course for university or college is not offered until Semester Two?
If a student has not yet taken a required course for their university or college program because it is in Semester 2, offers may be made based on the credits and marks completed to date, and semester 2 mid–term marks (April). This varies depending on the university/college and the program. W-O will follow the same process used by all semestered schools in the province.

9. When are my marks sent to college and university?
When students apply to college and universities, their marks are uploaded by a certain date to determine offers of admission. For colleges and universities, the OCAS (college) and OUAC (university) mark uploads do not change in a semester schedule, but the February marks submitted will represent your final grades in your Grade 12 courses taken Semester one.

Evaluation and Reporting

There are two provincial report cards per semester. The first report is in mid-November, with a final report for the first semester classes in early February. The first report for second semester is in mid-April, with a final report for second semester classes issued at the end of June.

Full disclosure refers to dates that Grade 11 and 12 courses and marks appear on student transcripts and applies to non-semester and semester settings. For both semesters, full-disclosure is 5 days after the first report card is issued. After this full disclosure date, all Grade 11 and 12 courses/marks taken or attempted by students, will be recorded on the Ontario Student Transcript. If a course is dropped before this date, it does not appear on a student’s transcript.

Please visit the website for other FAQs, or email your specific question to me at beth_bodkin@wrdsb.on.ca or my Vice Principal at carolyn_salonen@wrdsb.on.ca

Sincerely,
Beth Bodkin
Principal
Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School