Picking courses is part of a student's pathway to achieving their goals and dreams.
Cracking the code
Every course in secondary school is identified with a six character code. The first five characters are consistent throughout every high school in Ontario.
![How to read a course code](/en/resourcesGeneral/course_codes.jpg)
Course type
As part of your transition into Grade 9, you need to determine the level of courses to take, these include:
Locally Developed Courses (L) |
Students at this level:
- learn the most essential concepts of a subject;
- require teacher direction and instruction to accommodate learning needs and to complete activities;
- improve basic literacy and numeracy skills;
- learning skills need improvement or require consistent practice and reinforcement; and
- students best suited for Locally Developed Courses have previously worked in the Level 1 range.
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Applied Level Courses (P) |
Students at this level:
- learn the essential concepts of a subject;
- emphasis is on practical and hands-on application of concepts;
- students are more dependent learners, preferring discussions, teacher-directed or teacher-guided learning and real-life applications;
- students who do well in Grade 9 applied have generally performed in the Level 2-3 range.
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Academic Level Course (D) |
Students at this level:
- learn the essential concepts of a subject and explore related materials;
- emphasis is on theory and abstract thinking as a basis for future learning;
- students are creative and like to research and problem solve;
- students are independent learners with good to excellent learning skills; and
- students who do well in Grade 9 academic have generally performed in the Level 3-4 range.
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Advanced Placement Course (AP) |
Students at this level:
- meet or exceed a high level of academic achievement (Level 4 or 80%) in a broad array of subjects;
- are independent, self-directed learners;
- process information quickly;
- display intellectual curiosity; and
- assume responsibility for their own learning.
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Open Level Course |
All students at all levels of academic abilities and learning needs and strengths can take an open level course. Expectations are designed to be appropriate for all students. These courses are usually in art and physical education.
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Course calendars
Our secondary schools offer a wide selection of courses at many different levels. Students and parents can access their high school's course secondary calendars using myBlueprint below: