Final exams are scheduled at the end of each semester, in January and June, and May for IB. Exams include both diploma and non-diploma exams and are an assessment component of all academic courses. Alberta Education stipulates that, in order for students to receive a final course mark, they must write the diploma examination. Please note, Alberta Education fixes the dates of all diploma exams—these dates are non-negotiable.

Requests for Exemption from Exam(s)

Students may be exempted from diploma or non-diploma exams for extraordinary reasons or unforeseen circumstances. However, requests for exemption from a diploma exam must comply with Alberta Education Student Evaluation Regulations. For diploma exams, Administration must be notified as early as possible of any extenuating circumstances (e.g. a medical emergency) which may warrant a request for exemption and will assist students in preparing the required documentation to support such a request. In all but the most extraordinary circumstances, Alberta Education will defer diploma exams to a later date rather than exempt the student from an exam. For non-diploma exams, Administration will consult with the subject Learning Leader and consider such requests on a case by case basis.

Request for Deferral of Exam(s)

Non-diploma examinations include Grade 10 and 11 academic courses with a scheduled final exam. If a student anticipates missing a scheduled non-diploma exam(s) for non-emergency reasons (e.g. a family holiday) it is necessary to inform an administrator in advance and complete an Extended Absence Form. In the case of non-diploma exams, school administration works with students and teachers to find a solution and the student’s mark remains incomplete until such time as the exam has been completed in some cases, students may be required to write their exam in August.

Please note:

• When an exam is deferred to a later date, the final course mark and credits are withheld until such time as the final exam is written and a combined school mark and final exam mark result in a passing final mark for the course.
• If a student defers a 20-level examination in January, for example, and is registered in a 30-level course in second semester, the student will not be able to take the 30-level course, as the pre- requisite 20-level course will not have been completed.