Ontario Secondary School Curriculum

Flexible course selection. In addition of completing compulsory credits that are required by Ontario Ministry of Education, students can pick various selective courses depending on their individual interests.

Various assessment evaluation factors instead of one-time exam. The overall score of each course consists of unit tests, mid-term test, final test, homework, group assignments, research paper, and presentations, and is calculated by weighted average method. This assessment model can give students maximum chance. Students do not totally loss a chance to win a top score in case of occasional disorders in assessment. This model also encourages students to work hard normally so that prepares a solid foundation.

One course has various levels for different students’ abilities and targets in order to multi-level teaching. For example, English has diverse levels including ENG4U (Grade 12 English), ENG3U (Grade 11 English), ESLEO (ESL level E), ESLDO (ESL level D), ESLCO (ESL level C), and ESLBO (ESL level B). Therefore, students can set up a feasible study plan.

Concentrate on training of learning skills, practical skills, team work, expression and experiential learning. Teaching process is an interaction between teachers and students. Teachers frequently assign after-school reading materials, and require students to do research. Dividing students into different groups is normal in many classroom activities. Each group select a specific topic and does research paper and presentation. This kind of teaching methods cultivate students’ self-study skill and problem-solved skill instead of pumping knowledge from teachers to students.

Concentrate on commitment and responsibility in community. Many courses relate to focus on local communities and social development. For example, these courses are Grade 10 Civic (CHV2O), Grade 12 Challenge and Change in Society (HSB4M), Grade 12 Environmental Resource Management (CGR4M), and Grade 12 Human Growth and Development. Meanwhile, Ontario Ministry of Education sets a minimum of 40-hours community involvement as one of graduation requirements from secondary school education.

Ontario secondary school curriculum is highly recognized in the world, especially in Commonwealth of Nations. It is most favourable for university applications. For example, students who meet academic performance requirements and graduate from Ontario secondary school can avoid university preparation program.