Course Loads
The school expects all students schedule a full course load, in order to take advantage of the many programs offered at Dr. E.P. Scarlett and ensure graduation requirements are met. A full course load is defined as follows:
- Grade 10 & 11 students must maintain 8 courses per year, aiming to achieve 40 credits per year.
- Grade 12 students must maintain 6 courses, aiming to achieve at least 30 credits, aiming to maintain at least 3 courses each semester
Students in receipt of two full course spares must meet the following criteria: no issues related to school attendance; meeting the Scarlett Commitment; proven record of student achievement; course load that will result in the student graduating with course credits significantly higher than a minimum of 100 credits.
Students who have a spare period in their timetable are not to interrupt classes in session. They must situate themselves in the Learning Commons for quiet work, in the student cafeteria, or leave the building.
Students are expected to attend tutorials as required. All teachers work with students during this time and may request a student’s attendance. If more than one teacher makes this request it is expected that the student and parent contact administration to discuss the possibility of other learning supports.
Course Withdrawals
CBE schools are committed to making the most effective use of available educational resources. The master timetable and students’ individual timetables are created on the basis of students’ course requests. Once course selections have been made, students should expect to fulfill their commitment to attend all courses and make every effort to do the work required in each course in which they have been granted placement. Students may not be allowed to drop courses after specified add/drop dates:
- Semester #1: Oct. 31, 2022
- Semester #2: April 3, 2023
Only in exceptional circumstances will a student be permitted to withdraw from any class. Course drops require counsellor and administration approval and will only be considered in extraordinary circumstances. Parents/Guardians, and students, will be consulted. Recommendations for course sequences are made by teachers based on the learning needs of the student and the desire for student success. If a course recommendation is not followed, there will be limited opportunity to accommodate course changes.
Course Challenges, Course Waivers
Course challenges and course waivers can be approved only through the principal. This process is established by the Guide to Education. There are courses excluded from the challenge and waiver process. Along with portfolio evidence from the student, a consultation process including the principal, student, parents, guidance counsellor, and teacher is held to determine the student’s readiness. Students who are approved for a course challenge or course waiver are formally assessed by a certificated teacher, with expertise in the course, on the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of the learning outcomes of the Program of Studies for the course. For more information, see Guidance/Student Services.
Course Transfer Points
Course transfer points between courses within course sequences are set by Alberta Education (Alberta Guide to Education). When considering course transfers between course sequences, students should seek the support of their guidance counsellor. Decisions to transfer between course sequences are made collaboratively between the student, parent, and guardian, guidance counsellor, and learning leader and/or assistant principal.
Passing Marks
50% is the minimum passing mark that entitles a student to move into the next course in that sequence. While a final mark of 50% entitles a student to move into the next course in that sequence, doing so may not lead to student success. Teacher recommendations may differ from this and should be informed by review of:
- Attendance - regular or irregular pattern of attendance
- Assignments - achievement, quality and rate of completion
- Assessments of and for learning
- Writing - quality
- Meeting stated expectations of School Code of Conduct.
Student transfers to alternate course sequences must align with approved course transfer points and policy as found in the Alberta Guide to Education.
Repeating Courses
Students are granted an opportunity to take each course once. If a student fails a course, there are no guarantees that they will be able to repeat the course at Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School. The decision regarding repeating a course will be based on availability in the requested course. If a student wished to repeat a course to upgrade a passing mark they must take the course through CBE Learn, Chinook Learning Services, or Alberta Distance Learning. Appeals can be made through school administration.
