ISNA High Academic Program

All credit courses toward the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) are based on rigorous curriculum expectations and course descriptions and codes of the Ontario Ministry of Education.

Credit courses toward the OSSD focus on the essential concepts of the respective 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.

College/University preparation courses in Grades 11 and 12 are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for college and university programs. Courses emphasize the development of both independent research skills and independent learning skills.

In the spring of their Grade 10 school year, students will write the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT).

Students must pass the test in order to graduate from secondary school and earn a diploma.

The OSSLT is based on the Ontario curriculum expectations for language and communication - particularly reading and writing - up to and including Grade 9.

The test determines whether students have acquired those skills necessary for literacy and whether they 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.

Once successful, the student cannot take the test again.

Students who have been eligible to write the OSSLT at least twice and who have been unsuccessful at least once may satisfy the Provincial Secondary School Literacy Diploma Requirement by successfully completing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC).

Community Involvement is a graduation requirement for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

School staff will discuss appropriate types of Community Involvement activities and projects with students and may offer suggestions, but the selection and management of the involvement is to be directed by the student.

All activities before commencement must be recorded in the Student Log Book and approved by the school office.

Activities may take place inside or outside the school; those which occur inside the school may not be part of a credit program.

Activities may take place during the school day, but must occur outside the student's scheduled course time, that is, during the lunch hour, or before or after classes.

Student fundraising, and acting as a student assistant, tutor, or peer helper or mediator within the school all qualify as Community Involvement activities.

Volunteer activities, tutoring, fund-raising, coaching, or other work with community groups or charitable organizations all qualify as Community Involvement, as long as the student is not paid for the work done.

Independent activities in the community may count, such as visiting, helping out, and picking up groceries or supplies for an elderly or disabled neighbour; shovelling snow or raking leaves, etc. Documentation must be received from the community member, and no payment of any kind may be received for these activities.