In the event that optional course enrollment trends indicate an insufficient number of students enrolled to justify the continuation of certain courses, the following procedure will be followed:

1. Students and parents will be advised, if practical, at the Grade 8 level, of courses that may be discontinued.
2. Alternatives, as outlined above will be considered.
3. The discontinuation of courses may take place at any level if the number of students enrolled does not justify its continuation.
4. Generally, enrollments of less than 18 students (except in such courses as Home Economics, Industrial Arts, and Vocational Industrial) will be considered insufficient to justify offering courses at Grade 9 and 10. Courses at Grade 11 and 12 will be subject to review and possible discontinuation if the enrollment drops below 15 and 12 respectively. Each course is to be considered on its own merit with consideration given to enrollment trends, average class sizes, and staff availability.

A list of courses meeting the requirements of this policy will be presented to the Board annually during September.

Previously, the Department had changed the Senior Years graduation requirements based on consultations throughout Manitoba. While changes had been made, the required credits (15) remained but were known as compulsory credits. The other 13 credits known as optional credits, could be taken from a wider range of course choices.

Those changes were explained in detail in the report Increasing Choice and Flexibility: Changes to Senior Years Graduation Requirements (March 2001), and the Status Report (June 2002).

The following changes were based on the consultation results and remain in effect:

The number of categories was changed from four to two: compulsory and optional. This change makes graduation requirements easier to understand and gives students more choices.

More opportunity is provided for School Initiated Courses (SICs) and Student Initiated Projects (SIPs), including sharing of such courses across the province. Students can select a maximum of 11 SICs and three SIPs across their Senior Years. Schools are encouraged to consult with parents and other community members about their SIC and SIP school offerings. See also IFB

It is possible for students to take courses delivered from outside the province and use these as compulsory or optional credits. They no longer require a SIC submission. Reporting student marks for provincial distance online courses based on Manitoba’s curricular outcomes will use the same Subject Table Handbook course code as courses based on Manitoba’s print curricula. Out-of-province distance learning courses (print and online) have a new category of course codes in the Subject Table Handbook. Refer to: Distance Learning: A Policy Handbook for Schools/Divisions/Districts (2002) and Suggested Courses: A Supplement to Distance Learning: A Policy Handbook for Schools/Divisions/Districts (2002).

See also IFJ

The challenge for Credit Option provides a process for students to demonstrate that they have achieved learning outcomes as defined in the Manitoba Curriculum for a directly-related course. See IEG

Students will be allowed to take college and university courses for Senior Years graduation credits. It is important that schools check with the university/college about their policy for issuing transcripts and acceptance of other post-secondary institution credits.

 

Student activity done outside of a school course, in this case volunteering, can be given credit if a student meets the conditions of the guidelines. See IEH

Principals may substitute one or two compulsory credits where individuals can make a strong case for doing so, conditional on parent/guardian approval. See also IEI

1. Cadets

Two credits, one for the successful completion of the basic training program and one for the advanced training program, are possible. These two credits are recognized only as additional credits beyond the minimum thirty (30) credits required for high school graduation.

2. Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB)

Up to four (4) credits toward graduation requirements, for the RWB Senior Dance levels, one credit for each level 4, 5, 6, and 7 is possible.

3. 4-H

Student Initiated Projects (SIPs) may involve students in activities quite different than those in a regular course and students may initiate their own projects in areas of special interest not provided for in the regular High School program. Credit is issued by the school, not by 4-H.

4. Private Music Option

Up to four (4) credits toward graduation are possible, as per the Manitoba Education guideline dated October, 1997, toward graduation. See also IFM

5. Special Language Credit Option

Up to four (4) credits toward graduation are possible for Senior Years students proficient in languages other than English or French, Refer to: Special Language Credit Option: A Policy and Administrative Handbook for Senior 1 -4 (2001).

The addition of Grades 11 and 12 PE/HE compulsory credits changes the credit requirements for graduation for the High School Diploma from 28 to 30 (except for students entering Grade 12 in 2008-2009, who required 29 credits).

For students with special needs, Teachers will continue to make modifications, adaptations, and accommodations as necessary and as outlined by the Individualized Senior Years Program.

The Mature Student Diploma requirements remain, as outlined in the Mature Student Graduation Requirements document (2003).

For the English Program, the graduation requirements for Grades 11 and 12 are as follows:

Grade 11: - Compulsory credits (including PE/HE) 4

- Optional credit, minimum of 1

Grade 12: - Compulsory credits (including PE/HE) 3

- Optional credits, minimum of 2

The following tables show graduation requirements for:

English Program IED-E1

Technology Program IED-E2

French Immersion IED-E3

Increasing Choice and Flexibility: Changes to Senior Years Graduation Requirements - Status Report (2002)

Implementation of Grades 11 and 12 Physical Education/Health Education: A Policy Handbook (2007)