Course Calendar

The school year is divided into two semesters. Four course blocks (A, B, C and D) are available each day. Regular attendance is expected, and attendance is recorded daily in Edsby. Significant attendance issues may affect the ability to achieve credit expectations.

In grades 9 and 10, students take 2 full year courses, Biblical studies and physical education. Lunch is between blocks B and C. A Learning Report is issued at the end of each semester. Teachers use Edsby to communicate student learning progress, course material and attendance on a daily basis. All official Ontario Transcripts are available through Student Services. Learning Dialogues are scheduled five weeks into each semester in order to communicate student learning early into the semester. In this way, a plan for success, as needed, can take its fullest effect.

All grade 9 and 10 students will study a full program of eight credits. Successful completion will allow students to earn one credit per course for a total of eight credits toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. In grade 10, students take 9 courses with 2 of those worth half a credit each.

Students who are not successful in completing a credit may be able to upgrade their course in the summer (at a publicly funded school), or repeat the course the following year. Promotion is on a subject-by-subject basis, not grade-by-grade as in elementary school.

Students’ academic progress is measured against curriculum expectations established by the Ministry of Education in each subject and grade. The achievement charts for each subject are printed in the curriculum documents. The school has these documents on file. The documents are available to parents on request.

A variety of assessment techniques will be used by teachers to measure students’ levels of achievement at various points through the year. These will include regular class work, assignments, projects, portfolios, presentations, tests, and formal examinations.

Students will be evaluated in a variety of ways in order to give an accurate picture of what they have learned and to strengthen their learning. Assessment and evaluation will be based on the achievement of the learning expectations, as outlined in the courses of study.

An evaluation outline for each course in which the student is enrolled is provided at the beginning of the school term and copies of these are available to parents or guardians upon request. Teachers will provide students with specific assessment and evaluation details for all major assignments, providing clear instructions as well as a detailed “rubric” (evaluation form).

Evaluations come from three different sources—observations, conversations and student products—and are usually completed under the supervision of the teacher. The report card grade will reflect the student’s most consistent Level of Achievement, with special consideration given to more recent evidence at the time of reporting.

70% of the grade will be based on evaluations conducted throughout the course.

30% of the grade will be based on the summative project/exam at the end of the course.

Assessment and evaluation will be completed in a balanced manner with respect to the four categories identified by the Ministry of Education: Knowledge and Understanding, Thinking, Communication, Application.

Student academic progress will be communicated regularly via Edsby. Final report cards are published in Edsby each semester.

The Ontario Student Record folder (OSR) is an official record created when a student enters the Ontario school system and moves with the student from school to school. It is developed under the authority of the Education Act, and the contents are protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The OSR folder contains achievement results, credits earned, and other information important to the education of the student.

The information in an OSR is available to supervisory officers and the principal and teachers only for the purpose of improving the instruction of the student. All students and the parents or guardians of students under 18 years of age have the right to examine the OSR and to receive a copy of its contents, if they so desire.

The Ontario Student Transcript (OST) is a provincially standardized document that provides a comprehensive record of a student’s achievement in secondary school. The credits that a student has earned towards fulfilment of the requirements for graduation will be recorded on the OST.

In grades 9 and 10, the student’s achievement with percentage grades earned and the credits gained are recorded for successfully completed courses. In Grades 11 and 12, the student’s achievement for all courses taken or attempted is recorded, showing percentage grades earned, credits granted, (if successful), or “W” for “withdrawn before completion.” (Students repeating a course for which they have already received a credit will have all marks recorded, but only one credit granted.)

The Ontario Ministry of Education (EDU) has published benchmark levels of achievement in an attempt to standardize grading across the province. The levels of achievement associated with percentage grades are as follows:

A = 80-100% – Level 4: A very high to outstanding level of achievement. Achievement is above the provincial standard.

B = 70-79% – Level 3: A high level of achievement. Achievement is at the provincial standard.

C = 60-69% – Level 2: A moderate level of achievement. Achievement is below, but approaching the provincial standard.

D = 50-59% – Level 1: A passable level of achievement. Achievement is below the provincial standard.

E = Below 50%: Insufficient achievement of the curriculum expectations. The student will not receive a credit for the course.

Students will be evaluated in a variety of ways in order to give an accurate picture of what they have learned and to strengthen their learning. Assessment and evaluation will be based on the achievement of the learning expectations, as outlined in the courses of study.

Courses of Study

The Courses of Study taught at King’s have been developed consistent with our mission to equip students to grow “in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52) and the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education. All Courses of Study are kept on file in the office and are available for parental perusal.

These are the secondary school credits, prescribed by the Ministry policy that a student must earn in order to satisfy the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. In the case of a student whose educational interests would best be served by the substitution of a compulsory credit, the Principal may make such a substitution of up to three compulsory credits to be replaced by additional courses from the compulsory list.

These are courses that students must complete before enrolling in certain other courses. Prerequisite course requirements are clearly listed after the course description. A student lacking a prerequisite must speak with a guidance counsellor to determine if equivalent standing exists. In certain situations, the Principal may waive these prerequisites.

Secondary School courses in grades 9 and 10 are organized into four types: Academic, Applied, De-streamed and Open. All courses build on completion of previous grades and have rigorous standards. All courses prepare students for study in the senior grades.

Academic and Applied courses differ in the balance between essential concepts and additional requirements, and in the balance between theory and application. They differ primarily, not in the level of skill required, but in the kinds of problems presented and the application of the content and concepts.

Academic Courses (D) focus on the essential concepts of the discipline. Course work develops students’ knowledge and skills by emphasizing theoretical, abstract applications of the essential concepts and incorporating practical applications as appropriate. The emphasis is on theory and abstract thinking as a basis for future learning and problem solving.

Applied Courses (P) also focus on the essential concepts of the discipline, but course work develops students’ knowledge and skills by emphasizing practical, concrete applications of these concepts and incorporating theoretical applications as appropriate. Course work relates to familiar, real-life situations and provides students with opportunity for extensive hands-on applications of the concepts they study.

De-streamed Courses (W) focus on the essential concepts of the discipline and are offered for grade 9 courses to replace the Academic and Applied options.

Open Courses (O) have one set of expectations for the subject, appropriate for all students in a given grade. These courses are designed to provide students with a broad educational base that will prepare them for their studies in higher grades, and for productive participation in society.

Secondary School courses in grades 11 and 12 are organized into five types: University (U), University/College (M), College (C), Workplace (E), and Open (O) courses. These courses differ in how a student is prepared to continue their education in various aspects of life.

University Courses (U) are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for university programs.

University/College Courses (M) are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for specific programs offered at universities and colleges.

College Courses (C) are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the requirements for entrance to most college programs or for admission to apprenticeship or other training programs.

Workplace Courses (E) are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the expectations of employers if they plan to enter the workplace directly after graduation or the requirements for admission to certain apprenticeship or other training programs.

Open Courses (O) are designed to broaden students’ knowledge and skills in subjects that reflect their interests and to prepare them for active and rewarding participation in society. They are not designed with the specific requirements of universities, colleges, or the workplace in mind.

Courses are identified by 3 letters to denote subject area, a number to denote grade level, and a letter to denote course type. For example, ‘ENG2D’ means English for Grade 10 (“2”) students. It is an academic course (“D”).

The first character indicates the subject area:

To make a change to a timetable:

1. All changes must be made through Student Services. Students remain in their scheduled class until a change can be made and recorded by the guidance counsellor.
2. Within the first week of school, changes can be made by students in consultation with the guidance counsellor.
3. After the first week of classes, students wishing to make a change to their timetable, will need approval from the guidance counsellor, the teachers implicated in this decision, and the parents of the student before a change can occur. After the first 2 weeks of classes, students may not switch their classes unless it is judged beneficial by the guidance counsellor and administration.
4. Once the midterm report has been distributed, no further timetable changes may be made and any courses that are dropped after this point will remain on the student’s transcript if it is a Grade 11 or Grade 12 course.

Students in grade 9 and 10 will receive an academic or applied credit based on the degree of modification used in individual cases. Credits will be assigned in consultation with teachers and parents or guardians.

Students in grade 11 and 12 should choose courses based on their abilities and future goals. Transfers between university and college preparation courses will be done in consultation with teachers, students, and parents or guardians.

In February, Student Services presents students with class choices for the following school year. Students and parents receive information to make appropriate choices to successfully complete diploma requirements and look ahead to post-secondary options. Course selection is completed in each student’s myBlueprint account.

Grades 9 and 10: Withdrawals from grades 9 and 10 courses are not recorded on the Ontario Student Transcript (OST). Only successful courses are recorded on the OST.

Grades 11 and 12: If a student withdraws from a grade 11 or 12 course within five instructional days following the midterm, the withdrawal is not recorded on the OST.

The PLAR process allows for a student enrolled in an Ontario school to challenge for a credit based on skills and knowledge, evaluated against the expectations outlined in the provincial policy documents, acquired outside of secondary school. The challenge process is not available at King’s Christian Collegiate.

Where secondary students transfer from a home school, from a non-inspected private school, or from a school outside Ontario, the Principal of the receiving school will determine the total credit equivalency of the student’s previous learning and the number of compulsory and optional credits still to be earned. The credit equivalency total and the number of compulsory credits included will be entered in the student’s OST. All students must meet the provincial secondary school literacy requirement. Principals will determine the number of hours of community involvement activities a student will be required to complete.

The secondary school program is based on the credit system. The Ministry of Education defines a credit as “a means of recognition of the successful completion of a course that has been scheduled for a minimum of 110 hours”. The 110 hours involves planned learning activities related to the learning expectations in a course. They do not include homework. Students are required to stay in school until the age of 18 or until they have completed graduation requirements.

A student who completes all the requirements for the King’s Christian Collegiate Diploma will have achieved the listed outcomes:

• To establish a deep realization of God’s presence and greatness in all creation.
• To understand the need for study and application of scripture in daily living for the attainment of wisdom.
• To recognize the world as a set of related communities, family, local and global, that invites our participation.
• Provide opportunity to study and practice discipleship and servant-hood skills.
• To enjoy our human body as God-created beauty and to learn to choose behaviours that encourage good health from cradle to grave.
• To identify and develop innate gifts and talents, and to use this understanding to wisely influence future vocational choices and opportunities.
• To develop effective communication skills and strategies.
• To learn to interpret and critique communication media.
• To apply critical thinking to evaluate Western culture and to be able to respond from a Biblical point of view.
• To develop independent, critical and creative thinking.
• To develop effective problem solving strategies and skills.
• To understand God’s design as the basis and application of technologies.

At King’s we believe that education is an essential part of the process of growing in wisdom—of seeking to know and do the Will of God in our lives. Christian education reflects a way of thinking about life; a way of developing a foundational sense of perspective, discernment, and action. It is also an opportunity to use and develop our unique gifts as we seek to serve and glorify God.

The King’s Christian Collegiate Diploma (KCCD) is intentionally structured to provide an overall learning experience that stimulates growth and maturation on several levels (intellectual, spiritual, psychological, social, emotional, physical). All our courses are carefully crafted to provide opportunities for both academic excellence and character formation. Our courses are rooted in a Biblical foundation, and both course content and instructional methods are intentionally shaped by this foundation as well.

In addition to the compulsory credits that students must take, a King’s student is also required to take the following courses to be eligible for a KCC Diploma:

For students who started Grade 9 in or before Fall 2023

• 2 Bible courses (HRE13, HRE23)
• 1 additional physical education credit (PPL2O)
• 1 grade 11 Biblical Perspectives (IDC3O)

For students who started Grade 9 in Fall 2024 and after

• 2 Bible courses (HRE13, TGJ2O)
• 1 additional physical education credit (PPL2O)
• 1 grade 11 Biblical Perspectives (IDC3O)
• 1 additional King’s Grade 11 or 12 Arts, Humanities or French credit

The Provincial Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) has designed the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). In their Grade 10 school year, students will be required to complete the Grade 10 Literacy Test based on language and communications expectations up to and including Grade 9.

• Students must pass the test in order to graduate from secondary school and earn a diploma.
• A deferral may be made in consultation with the student and parents or guardians
• The test determines whether students have acquired those skills necessary for literacy and have attained the provincial expectations for literacy.
• Students unsuccessful on the first attempt may rewrite the test. There is no limit to the number of attempts a student may make.
• If a student has attempted and failed it at least once, the student is eligible to enrol in the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC).
• Successful completion of the course is equivalent to successful completion of the test.
• Once successful, the student cannot take the test again.
• Only successful completion will be noted on the student’s OST. There will be no specific mark or date.
• Students who are English language learners may be entitled to special provisions. For students with special education needs, accommodations specified in the student’s Learning Profile will be available on the day of the test.
• Student who do not successfully complete the test will receive remedial assistance designed to help improve their skills so that they are better prepared to retake the literacy test.

Students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement activities as part of the diploma requirements. The purpose of this requirement is to encourage students to develop an awareness and understanding of civic responsibility and of the role they can play and the contributions they can make in supporting and strengthening their communities. Students will plan and select their community involvement activities in consultation with their parents and Student Services.

• Students can start accumulating community involvement hours in the summer before they enter Grade 9 until the end of Grade 12
• Students may not complete the hours through activities that are counted towards a credit, through paid work or by assuming duties normally performed by a paid employee.
• Supervisors of the activities must confirm completion of the 40 hours.
• Documentation attesting to the completion of each activity must be submitted.
• This documentation must include
  • the name of the person or organization receiving the service
  • the activity performed
  • the dates and hours
  • signatures of the student, the parent and the supervisor

King’s Christian Collegiate supports the use of technology in learning, especially in our increasingly digital world. We also believe that deeper learning for each student is promoted when we focus on the whole child – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The culture of care that is promoted through in-person learning is integral to the educational relationship between students and teachers.

The use of technology as a tool, as a topic for learning, and for on-line opportunities within classes and for courses will continue to be an aspect of learning and an option for some students. King’s does not offer online courses internally.

In accordance with the Ministry of Education memorandum of February 1, 2022, whereby “inspected private schools . . . may exempt all students of the school from the graduation requirement if, in the principal’s opinion, the online learning graduation requirement strongly conflicts with the religious or educational mission of the school and the school holds the Ontario Student Record for each student,” all students at King’s Christian Collegiate are exempted from the mandatory two credit online learning requirement to graduate. This exemption is approved by the Ministry of Education and is indicated in each student’s OSR.

King’s does not offer the Secondary School Certificate or the Certificate of Accomplishment as part of the regular program.