Project Overview

The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) is the official high school diploma issued by the Ontario Ministry of Education in Canada. Shenzhen SEG International School (SEG) offers the OSSD program, aimed at providing students with high-quality education and equipping them to be competitive in a global educational environment.

Course Structure

The OSSD system includes both mandatory and elective courses, and students must meet certain academic and personal development standards to obtain the OSSD diploma.

Mandatory Courses:

Students must complete the following core courses:

  • English: Enhance reading, writing, and critical thinking skills, and develop language application abilities.
  • Mathematics: Includes Algebra, Geometry, and Calculus to ensure a solid mathematical foundation.
  • Science: At least three natural science courses, including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, to cultivate scientific inquiry skills.
  • Social Studies: Students need to study History, Geography, and Economics to enhance their understanding of society and global affairs.
  • French: Study French to improve foreign language skills and promote cross-cultural communication.
  • Physical Education: Focus on students’ physical and mental health, fostering good habits and sports skills.

Elective Courses:

Students can choose elective courses based on their interests and career goals, including:

  • Visual Arts: Stimulate students’ creativity by providing opportunities for painting, sculpture, and other artistic practices.
  • Music: Learn music theory and performance skills to develop musical expression.
  • Drama: Study drama performance, scriptwriting, and production to enhance expressive abilities and teamwork.
  • Computer Science: Provide foundational knowledge in programming and information technology to adapt to modern technological advancements.
  • Psychology: Learn basic concepts and research methods in psychology to understand human behavior and thought processes.
  • Economics: Offer foundational knowledge in Microeconomics and Macroeconomics to help students understand economic systems.
  • Geography: Study geographical phenomena and their impact on human society and the environment.
  • Environmental Science: Explore environmental issues and their solutions to cultivate environmental awareness.
  • Anthropology: Study human culture, society, and development to understand human diversity.
  • Business Studies: Introduce basic principles of business management and market operations.
  • International Relations: Study the relationships between nations and global affairs to enhance international perspectives.

Community Service:

Students are required to complete at least 40 hours of community service, aimed at cultivating social responsibility and practical skills, and promoting interaction with society.

Graduation Requirements:

Students must pass a series of assessments, including coursework, final exams, and projects, to ensure mastery of the knowledge and skills learned.

Program Advantages

  • Global Recognition: The OSSD diploma is widely recognized by universities around the world, including higher education institutions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, increasing students’ opportunities for further education.
  • Diverse Course Options: A rich selection of elective courses allows students to choose based on their interests and career plans, promoting personalized development.
  • Practical Experience: The community service requirement helps students enhance practical skills, develop leadership, and foster teamwork to prepare for future careers.
  • Academic Support: The school provides comprehensive academic support services, including personalized tutoring, academic advising, and university application guidance, to help students succeed in their studies.

Course Selection Recommendations for the OSSD Program

9th Grade

Core Courses

  • English: Choose a foundational English course focused on improving reading, writing, and speaking skills.
  • Mathematics: Study Algebra to lay the groundwork for future courses in Geometry and Calculus.
  • Science: Choose Biology or Introductory Chemistry to establish a basic understanding of scientific concepts.
  • Social Studies: Study World History or Introductory Geography to develop a fundamental understanding of history and geography.
  • French: Begin studying French to build foundational language skills.
  • Physical Education: Participate in Physical Education courses, emphasizing physical health and the development of sports skills.

Elective Courses

  • Computer Science: Learn basic programming skills and information technology knowledge to prepare for future computer courses.
  • Visual Arts: Stimulate students’ creativity by providing opportunities for painting, sculpture, and other artistic practices.

10th Grade

Core Courses

  • English: Choose an honors English course to delve into literary analysis and writing skills.
  • Mathematics: Study Geometry to further solidify mathematical foundations.
  • Science: Choose Chemistry or Physics to enhance scientific understanding and laboratory skills.
  • Social Studies: Study U.S. History or European History to understand the global historical context.
  • French: Continue studying French to improve language proficiency.
  • Physical Education: Continue participating in physical activities to cultivate a healthy lifestyle.

Elective Courses

  • Psychology: Learn the basic concepts of psychology to understand human behavior.
  • Music: Study music theory and performance skills to develop musical expression.

11th Grade

Core Courses

  • English: Choose the 11th-grade English course to continue deepening literary analysis and writing skills.
  • Mathematics: Study Algebra II or Pre-Calculus to enhance mathematical skills.
  • Science: Choose Biology, Chemistry, or Physics for more in-depth scientific research.
  • Social Studies: Study Economics or Geography to enhance understanding of economic systems and geographical phenomena.
  • French: Continue studying French to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
  • Physical Education: Participate in Physical Education courses, emphasizing team sports and healthy living habits.

Elective Courses

  • Environmental Science: Learn about environmental issues and their solutions to cultivate environmental awareness.
  • Business Studies: Introduce basic principles of business management and market operations.

12th Grade

Core Courses

  • English: Study the 12th-grade English course, focusing on advanced writing and literary analysis.
  • Mathematics: Choose Calculus or Statistics to meet university requirements.
  • Science: Select Biology, Chemistry, or Physics to deepen scientific knowledge.
  • Social Studies: Study International Relations or Political Science to understand global affairs and policy analysis.
  • French: Continue to enhance French proficiency, preparing for related language proficiency exams.
  • Physical Education: Participate in Physical Education courses, encouraging the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.

Elective Courses

  • Anthropology: Learn basic concepts of human culture, society, and development.
  • Visual Arts: Engage in deeper artistic creation and participate in practical projects to develop artistic skills.

Additional Recommendations

  • Regularly Consult Academic Advisors: Ensure that course selections align with future college goals, and discuss academic progress regularly with academic advisors.
  • Balance Academics and Interests: Find a balance between mandatory and elective courses to ensure comprehensive development.
  • Consider University Requirements: Understand the admission requirements of target universities and select suitable courses to enhance college application competitiveness.

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