PCA offers an array of courses at the high school level and meets or exceeds the Ontario Ministry of Education standards. As much as we try to meet the needs of all students the school reserves the right to discontinue offering a course of study if enrollment is inadequate. Students would have the option of substituting another course.
For a list of current
Courses Offered please refer to our
High School Course Planner within our
Application Kit Package supplied in pdf.
Please find the latest
High School Course Calendar available for download within the High School section of
pca.ca/mypca.
COURSE SELECTION
Adding a CourseA senior student may add a course to his/her program any time within the first two weeks of classes in September, provided he/she has the correct prerequisites and there is room in that class. Before adding a course there must be a conference with the guidance counselor and written permission from the teacher, principal and parent.
Withdrawing from a CourseA student may withdraw from a course within the first two weeks of school in September or for a period of one week after the Term II examinations. Before withdrawal is granted, there must be a conference with the guidance counselor and written permission from the teacher, parent, and principal. Also, drops must not reduce loads below minimums required to be a full-time student (see Full Disclosure).
A student who is enrolled in and/or failing a course and has not officially withdrawn from the course must continue through June and take the final examination. Exceptions will be granted by only the Principal for special circumstances.
A subject dropped or not taken in year two or year three may be impossible to pick up again later at PCA because of timetable limitations.
In choosing which subjects to take, it is important that as many future avenues as possible be kept open, keeping in mind that God’s leading in your life may require you to change your plans as the years progress.
Alternative StudyIt is important to realize that summer, night school and independent learning courses taken for advanced standing or upgrading do not necessarily ensure that students are prepared for the next level of study at the Peoples Christian Academy or for University.
It is the policy of PCA that a student will not be given principal’s approval to take a course outside of the school, if that course is offered at our school, except for extraordinary circumstances.
Music Certificates Accepted for CreditsSatisfactory standing in the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto in Grade VII Practical and Grade I Rudiments may count for a maximum of one Grade 11 credit (AMX3M) toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Satisfactory standing in the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto in Grade VIII Practical and Grade II Rudiments may count for a maximum of one Grade 12 credit (AMX4M) toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS & GRADUATION
Diploma RequirementsIn order to earn an OSSD (Ontario Secondary School Diploma), a student must earn a minimum of 30 credits, including 18 compulsory credits and 12 optional credits. A credit is earned by successfully completing a course that involves a minimum of 110 hours of classroom work. Students must also complete 40 hours of community involvement activities and must pass the provincial Secondary School Literacy Test. The diploma will be awarded upon graduation.
Secondary School Credit SystemBeginning at Grade 9, a credit is granted in recognition of the successful completion of a course for which a minimum of 110 hours has been scheduled. Each credit is independent of the others and is passed or failed without affecting the results in the other subjects being studied.
Many courses have prerequisites, i.e. prior courses of study which must first be completed successfully. These prerequisite courses are determined by the Ministry of Education and Training. The Principal may waive a prerequisite. The prerequisites are outlined in the school’s Program of Studies. It is recommended that sequential courses be taken at our school and not at summer school/night school unless required because of a failure. Summer school and night school standards vary greatly and may not offer the background necessary for study at the next level at PCA.
Credits Required for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD):
Compulsory Credits (total of 18)
- 4 English (1 per grade)
- 1 French as a Second Language
- 3 Mathematics (1 Senior Division)
- 2 Science
- 1 Arts
- 1 Canadian Geography
- 1 Canadian History
- 1 Physical & Health Education
- 0.5 Career Studies (grade 10) Guidance
- 0.5 Civics (grade 10) World Studies
- 1 English, OR a third language, OR Social Sciences, and the Humanities, OR Canadian and World Studies
- 1 Science (grade 11 or 12) OR Tech Ed (grade 9-12)
- 1 Health & Physical Education, OR the Arts, OR Business Studies
Optional Credits (total of 12)GraduationThe Graduation and Awards program is one of the outstanding events of the school year. The highlight of the ceremony is the graduation exercises. Scholarships and awards are given to graduating students who have made outstanding achievements. All students and parents are encouraged to attend.
No student will participate in the High School graduation exercises unless the student has completed all the necessary academic requirements (including Bible courses, Grade 10 Literacy Test and a minimum of 40 hours of community service) as outlined by the High School and by the Ontario Ministry of Education, prior to the last day of exams, and demonstrates attitudes and character consistent with PCA policies.
Additional PCA Requirements for GraduationA Bible course at every grade level, with a minimum of 50% average.
Full DisclosureFull disclosure of all courses dropped (from 5 days after Term 1) and/or failed/repeated during the school year for Grades 11/12 students will appear on student transcripts.
REPORTING PRACTICES
Marking SystemAll courses Grades 7-12 are evaluated on a percent basis. The guide below indicates the corresponding letter code:
- A 80.0 - 100%
- B 70.0 - 79.9%
- C 60.0 - 69.9%
- D 50.0 - 59.9%
- F < 50.0%
Early in the school year students will receive a hand-out, from their teacher outlining the requirements of the course, including evaluations and assessments.
Report cards are distributed three times per year (exact dates TBA). The report card mark is cumulative and therefore the third marking period indicates the full year evaluations. As per Ministry of Education standard, the final evaluation in the form of an exam, project or other form constitutes 30% of the student’s grade.
Unsuccessful Completion of Course WorkThe passing grade is 50% and there are further stipulations as to the promotion as it pertains to grades 7 and 8. Students who have an average of 50% or more and have passed all subjects will be promoted to the next grade level. An overall average of 55% is required with one failure, an average of 60% is required for a student who fails two subjects. A student who fails three or more subjects will be passed, only after considering the overall average and with consultation involving the parents.
Grade 9-12 students are awarded credits per course and therefore may make up course work under alternative means (see previous). Due to a limited schedule it may not be possible to make up the course work at PCA. Students who demonstrate a lack of concern for maintaining passing grades may not be invited back for the following year.
Students who are failing or not maintaining grades which are acceptable may be limited in their extra-curricular activities until such time that the marks reach an acceptable standard. The period of time is at the discretion of the school.
GENERAL INFORMATIONDishonesty/CheatingSubmitting other people’s work for evaluation as one’s own is considered cheating or plagiarism. It is deceitful and does not reflect the character of our God, who is a God of truth. Plagiarism is defined as the conscious or obvious attempt of a writer to convince his/her reader that the words or concepts unique to another writer are his/her own (regardless of source). Using another person’s words or concepts is acceptable as long as credit is given to the original writer. Tests, essays and papers in which cheating is detected will receive a mark of zero. Students caught cheating will be dealt with according to the Academic Honesty Policy of PCA. Students with questions should check with teachers before submitting material. Dishonesty (cheating or lying) of any kind will be considered a serious disciplinary matter.
Extra HelpIn order to assist both teachers and students to plan their time efficiently and in order to encourage a greater level of responsibility and accountability on the part of students, teachers (at the outset of the school year) will post times during which they will be available to provide extra help before and after classes and during the lunch hour.
A student may also approach his/her teacher to arrange for extra help at a mutually agreeable time during the school day. It should be understood that because of time limitations and the number of students that each teacher instructs, this extra help cannot perform the same function as private tutoring.
In addition to this extra help given to all students, some teachers or senior students may choose to offer private tutoring. School Board policy states that "... a teacher may tutor students who are not currently enrolled in his or her class. All private tutoring would take place before 8:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. or on weekends." Direct all inquiries regarding tutoring to the Guidance Office.
HomeworkHomework is a necessary ingredient to ensure the success of each student. It is imperative that students complete their work in a timely fashion in order to see success. Students should use the agenda book to remain organized and focused. If a student is absent from a class it is the student’s responsibility to ensure they get the assignment and make the necessary arrangements with the teacher in order to complete the work.
Make-up WorkWhen a student is absent for illness or any other reason, all assigned make up work must be completed in a reasonable amount of time established by the teacher. It is the responsibility of the students to secure make up assignments upon their return to school. A student should arrange for the time to complete the assignments and see the teacher well before the deadline, if help is needed.
Study HallsGrades 9-12 students who are not in a class are required to attend the supervised study. No students are allowed in the halls during class time without teacher permission. Studies are to be quiet places of work. It is the students’ responsibility to bring enough work to occupy the time during the study. Grade 11-12 may sign out to leave the premises, however, students are cautioned about doing this too frequently.
