Programs of Study Leading to High School Completion
Students may complete high school with:
- an Alberta Education Diploma
- an Alberta Education Diploma and a French Immersion or Spanish Bilingual Certificate; or
- a Certificate of Achievement. In addition to earning a diploma and / or certificate, students may earn advanced credit or advanced standing at many colleges and universities based on their AP achievements.
Alberta High School Diploma Requirements
High school graduation requirements ensure students get the basic education they need to do well in further studies and careers. To receive an Alberta High School Diploma, students must complete a full range of compulsory core subjects as well as optional courses that broaden their knowledge and skills. Diploma requirements are set by the Minister of Education and include 100 credits in compulsory and optional courses. Most courses are worth either 3 or 5 credits, with the exception of Career and Technology Studies (CTS) courses which are comprised of 1 credit modules. The average course load is 35-40 credits per year.
The requirements indicated in this chart are the minimum requirements for a student to attain an Alberta High School Diploma. The requirements for entry into post-secondary institutions may require additional and/or specific courses.
100 Credits including the following:
English Language Arts – 30 Level: (ELA 30-1 or 30-2)
Social Studies – 30 Level: (Social Studies 30-1 or 30-2)
Mathematics – 20 Level: (Mathematics 20-1, 20-2, or 20-3)
Science – 20 Level: (Science 20, Science 24, Biology 20, Chemistry 20, or Physics 20)
Physical Education 10 : (minimum of 3 credits)
Career and Life Management 20: (3 credits)
10 Credits in any Combination from:
- Career and Technology Studies (CTS);
- Fine Arts;
- Second Languages (French and Spanish are available at William Aberhart);
- Physical Education 20 and/or 30.
10 Credits in any 30-Level Course in addition to 30-level ELA and 30-level Social Studies courses. These courses may include:
- 35-level locally developed/acquired and locally authorized courses (ie. Yoga 35);
- 3000 series; Advanced level in Career and Technology Studies (CTS) courses;
- 35-level Work Experience (limited availability);
- 30-4 level Knowledge & Employability (K & E) course;
- 35-level Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) or 30-level Green Certificate Specialization (not available at William Aberhart High School).
Course Load Requirements and Expectations
In order to promote academic achievement and enhance our school culture and learning environment we have the following expectations: Students are encouraged to take advantage of 120 credits in a three-year program. At the very least, the Credit Expectation and Completion is as follows:
- Grade 10 – 40 credits – Grade 10 students are not normally permitted spares
- Grade 11 – 35-38 credits
- Grade 12 – 30-35 credits.
Please also note that course load requirements are a necessary part of many award criteria, including the Honour Roll. In addition, registration in a course will be seen as a commitment. Please choose your courses carefully during the registration process. Requests for revisions may be made prior to and within one week of the commencement of the course. If the change cannot be made you will be expected to remain in the course. 2
Course Withdrawal
When considering withdrawal from a course, students must first consult their Guidance Counsellor and Assistant Principal. Parent/Guardian consultation will also occur for students under 18 years of age. Course withdrawal will only be considered in extraordinary circumstances. Students must attend the class until final approval to drop a course has been granted. Course drops for extraordinary circumstances that occur after mid-point in the course may be subject to a failing grade.
Repeating a Course
Students will only be allowed to take the same course twice in their 3 years of education at William Aberhart.
- Grade 10 and 11 students do not repeat courses in the second semester of the same school year.
- Grade 12 students requiring consideration for graduation must complete a Request to Repeat a Course form available from their counsellor. Prior to semester two, the student must speak with the subject teacher and the Learning Leader to discuss the feasibility and necessity of repeating the course. The request will be granted provided there is room in the course AND the teacher and Learning Leader approve the application. Past effort, attendance and completion of assignments will be factors considered in the application.
- Opportunities to repeat courses are also available through CBe-Learn, Chinook Learning Services, or Vista Virtual/online courses.
Honour Roll
Contact: Mr. S. Fournier via email or voicemail: 2402
A credit weighted system is used to calculate a student’s average over all subject areas. We will be posting our Honour Roll after each reporting period during the school year. Honour Roll recognition is granted to students who earn a minimum average of 80% overall for final marks, over the year, no matter what level of course is taken, and who are enrolled in a minimum of 40 credits in grade 10, 35 credits in Grade 11, and 30 credits in Grade 12. Students must also not have received a failing grade in any course in order to be eligible for Honour Roll. Students achieving Honours standing are awarded certificates in the fall of the following school year.
Honours Society
In 1995, William Aberhart High School established an Honour Society to recognize exceptional academic excellence. Students who have earned Honour Roll status through Grades 10, 11 and 12 are inducted into this society at our annual awards. In grade 12 students will receive Honour Society Certificates at the Academic Awards.
Mark Appeals
Student have the right to appeal their course final mark on the days noted as Appeal Dates. These dates will be posted on our school website. Students who feel their class mark may not have been calculated accurately must first contact the teacher; then the department/subject area Learning Leader; and lastly, the Assistant Principal. Students should be tracking and discussing class marks with their teacher throughout the semester.
