OSSD

South Ridge High School

Compulsory credits

You need the following 17 compulsory credits to get your OSSD:
 

● 4 credits in English (1 credit per grade)
● 3 credits in mathematics (Grade 9, Grade 10 and 1 credit in Grade 11 or 12)
● 2 credits in science
● 1 credit in technological education (Grade 9 or Grade 10)
● 1 credit in Canadian history (Grade 10)
● 1 credit in Canadian geography (Grade 9)
● 1 credit in the arts
● 1 credit in health and physical education
● 1 credit in French as a second language
● 0.5 credit in career studies
● 0.5 credit in civics and citizenship
● 1 credit from the STEM-related course group

The following apply to compulsory credit selections.

● You can use the Grade 11 English: Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Métis and Inuit Voices course to meet the Grade 11 English compulsory credit requirement.
● You can use the Grade 9 Expressions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Cultures course to meet the compulsory credit requirement in the arts.

STEM-related course group

Of the 17 compulsory credits, you must complete 1 from the following group:
 

● business studies
● computer studies
● cooperative education
● mathematics (in addition to the 3 compulsory credits currently required)
● science (in addition to the 2 compulsory credits currently required)
● technological education (in addition to the 1 compulsory credit required)

Optional credits

You must earn 13 optional credits by successfully completing courses from your school’s program and course calendar.
Optional credits may include up to 4 credits earned through approved dual credit programs.

Literacy graduation requirement

You must meet the literacy graduation requirement to earn your high school diploma.
For most students, this means passing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT).
If you do not pass the OSSLT, there are other ways to meet the literacy graduation requirement. Contact your school principal to find out about these options.
Resource: https://www.ontario.ca/page/earning-your-high-school-diploma

Community involvement activities

You need to have at least 40 hours of community involvement activities (volunteering) to graduate and earn your OSSD.

You can start collecting volunteer hours in the summer before you begin Grade 9.

When looking for volunteer opportunities:
● make sure you know which activities qualify in your school board and meet the Ministry of Education’s guidelines
● check your school board’s website for:
   oeligible and ineligible activities
   otools to help you record hours and find volunteer activities
● ask your principal or guidance counsellor for more information
 

If you’re under 18, ask your parents to help you plan and select your activities. Talk with your guidance counsellor or principal about other ways your school can help you earn community involvement hours.
 

Volunteering in your community helps you learn about civic engagement and understand your role as a citizen. By being involved in your community and serving others, you:
● develop transferable skills
● explore different sectors and potential career opportunities
● understand more about yourself and your role in society