At a Glance Requirements- What You Need to Graduate

In order to graduate with a Dogwood Diploma, every student in the Graduation Program has to pass certain basic courses, like English, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science. The table below is an overview of what you need to graduate:

- 48 credits from required courses,

- 28 credits from elective courses, and

- 4 credits from Graduation Transitions.

REQUIRED COURSES: (48 Credits)

Planning 10	4
English 10	4*
Science 10	4*
a Mathematics 10	4*
Social Studies 10	4
Physical Education 10	4
English or Communications 11	4
a Mathematics 11 or 12	4
Social Studies 11 or First Nations Studies 12	4*
a Science 11 or 12	4
a Fine Arts and/or Applied Skills 10,11, or 12	4
English or Communications 12	4**
* Required 20% Provincial exam
** Required 40% Provincial Exam

ELECTIVE COURSES: (28 Credits)

Students must earn at least 28 additional credits.

Of these credits, at least 12 must be grade 12 level (3 Courses)

GRADUATION TRANSITIONS (4 Credits)

Students must earn 4 credits for Graduation Transitions

OVERALL TOTAL: 80 Credits

EXTERNAL CREDITS

An External Course is the Ministry of educations method of recognizing the significant achievements, time and dedication needed to attain a high level of accomplishment outside the regular school system. All students who have successfully completed a Ministry approved External Credential receive credit towards secondary school graduation.

Some External Credentials meet Foundation Studies while others meet Selected Studies requirements.  Examples of programs that qualify for external credit include Dance, Music, Athletics, First Aid, Cadets, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, and many more. For a complete list of programs that have Ministry approval for external credit can be found at:http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/graduation/courseinfo/0809_cid.pdf

Course Selection Process

Course selection begins in the spring for the following school year. Students will select courses required for graduation, as well as alternate choices in the event that classes selected are not available. It is important to make careful a selection at this time, as changing courses later is not always possible. Students should make sure their course selections meet their graduation requirements, as well as satisfy any post-secondary admission requirements.

Course Changes

Students should see their counsellor immediately if they have any problems with their course schedules. During the first two weeks of the year,, limited course changes can be made depending on availability of space. Course change forms requiring parent and teacher signature will be utilized after two weeks of class. Students must change courses prior to the deadline posted in the school calendar.

* Information compiled from Ministry of Education website http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/transcript/