Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Our Catholic high schools offer faith-filled programs that promote high standards of achievement and provide all students with the learning opportunities they need to succeed. Earning an OSSD prepares you for life after high school. Careful planning is required to make sure you meet all of the necessary requirements.
Compulsory Credits (18)
- Englishfootnote1 – 4 credits (1 per grade)
- Mathematics – 3 credits (Grades 9 and 10 and at least 1 in Grade 11 or 12)
- Science – 2 credits
- French as a Second Language – 1 credit (Grade 9)
- Canadian Geography – 1 credit (Grade 9)
- Canadian History- 1 credit (Grade 10)
- The Arts – 1 credit
- Health and Physical Education – 1 credit
- Civics – Half credit (Grade 10)
- Careers – Half credit (Grade 10)
- Group 1 – Choose one course from:
- English
- French as a Second Languagefootnote2
- Native Language, Classical or International Language
- Social Science and the Humanities
- Canadian and World Studies
- Guidance and Career Education
- Co-Operative Educationfootnote3
- Group 2 – Choose one course from:
- Health and Physical Education
- The Arts
- Business Studies
- French as a Second Languagefootnote2
- Co-Operative Educationfootnote3
- Group 3 – Choose one course from:
- Science (Grade 11 or 12)
- Technological Education
- French as a Second Languagefootnote2
- Computer Studies
- Co-Operative Educationfootnote3
Footnotes
return to footnote1referrer A maximum of three (3) credits in English as a second Language (ESL) or English Literacy Development (ELD) may be counted towards the 4 compulsory credits in English, but the 4th must be a credit earned for a Grade 12 compulsory English course.
return to footnote2referrer In groups 1, 2, and 3, a maximum of two (2) credits in French as a Second Language can count as compulsory credits, one from Group 1 and one from either Group 2 or Group 3.
return to footnote3referrer A maximum of two (2) credits in Co-Operative Education can count as compulsory credits.
Credits in Religious Education (4)
YCDSB students are required to take 1 credit in Religious Education each year.
Additional Credits (8)
Students are required to successfully complete 8 optional creditsfootnote+. Students choose these courses from a wide variety that is offered in every discipline. they select the courses that match their interests and develop their skills.
return to footnote+referrer The 8 additional credits may include up to 4 earned through approved dual credit courses.
Other Requirements
- Meet the provincial literacy requirement either by:
- passing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) in Grade 10 or
- passing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC) in Grade 11 or 12
- 40 hours of Christian service activities, complete over the course of four (4) years
Download OSSD Requirements as a PDF
