Grade 9-12

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When they reach SOC, each student must take tests in English and Math. This is to gauge their level and find any knowledge gaps or areas of need. We also look at each student’s past academic record through a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) exercise. Using the details gathered, we can make a plan just for them.

We evaluate the transcript of each new student. This is to see how many credits they already have and how many more credits they need to earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Since students come from many educational systems, we ensure consistency and fairness in assessing grade equivalency.  We look to the student transfer guides published by the Council of Ministers of Education, Canada.

In Grades 9 and 10, three types of courses are offered:

• Academic courses. These focus on theory and abstract problems.
• Applied courses. These focus on real applications of the material with examples.
• Open courses. These prepare students for further study in certain subjects and enrich their education.

In Grades 11 and 12, students take courses designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for university and college.

We have Course Calendar and other resources in Student Resources Page

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Report Procedures

Student progress is shown on the Provincial Report Card, Grades 9-12. This Report Card shows the student’s marks in each course. It also shows the student’s attendance record, learning skills and teachers’ assessments.

Levels of achievement are shown as a percentage:

Grades	Description
100-80%	Level 4: A very high to outstanding level of achievement. Above the provincial standard.
79-70%	Level 3: A high level of achievement. At the provincial standard. A student achieving this level is ready for work in the next grade.
69-60%	Level 2: A moderate level of achievement. Below, but close to, the provincial standard.
59-50%	Level 1: A passable level of achievement. Below the provincial standard.
50-0%	Insufficient achievement. The student will not receive a credit for the course.

Mandatory 40 Hours Of Community Involvement: This is needed for the OSSD and for graduation.  Since students may have already volunteered in their home countries, the Principal decides the number of hours of volunteering each student will have to complete at SOC.

We then set up volunteer placements for students locally such as:

• The Wesley Urban Centre Christmas Store – Students help set up stock, display goods and serve as cashiers at this charity shop for less privileged families.
• City of Hamilton Park Clean-up program – Students help maintain the public Parks by clearing garbage, cleaning graffiti and other tasks.
• Good Shepherd Society – Students help serve food to the poor and assist the organization with their special events.

These volunteering placements are a great chance for students to give back, to appreciate the privileges they enjoy and to help the city at large.