| How can I pass the Literacy Test if I failed it in high school? |
| Adults students are permitted to take the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OLC 4O1) in place of re-writing the provincial EQAO literacy test. This credit may count for one of your two compulsory senior English credits, so by taking it you improve your literacy skills, gain confidence, and never have to take the test! |
| How does Co-op Works work? |
| If you are employed you may earn up to 4 optional (elective) credits towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. There is no need to attend class! Our Cooperative Education teacher meets with you and your employer to outline the requirements, provide you with engaging assignments, and assist you to work through the credit expectations as you continue in your job. |
| How does the North Credit Program work? |
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You select one or two courses. We provide you with correspondence materials and you complete 20 lessons, one midterm and one final exam for each course to earn the credit. Our on-site teacher will help individualize your program, provide support for your learning, and supervise your exams in the class. You will also be given the chance to take up to two in-class Learning Strategies credits.
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| How is Cooperative Education different than Co-op Works? |
| In regular Cooperative Education, your teacher will consult with you and locate a suitable unpaid job placement that will help you reach your career and life goals. In Co-op Works you use your job as a placement so you can get paid as you earn credits. |
| How many credits can I earn? |
| Realistically, however many you can handle! Generally over the course of a school year, you can expect to earn one or two in-class Learning Strategies credits (depending upon when you begin), two or three correspondence credits of your choosing, PLAR credits, and perhaps even Cooperative Education credits. |
| How often do I have to go to class? |
| You are expected to attend virtually one day per week. |
| I have a diploma. Am I allowed to upgrade here? |
| Yes. Quite a few adults in the community choose this program to increase their marks for college or university acceptance, to earn pre-requisite courses, or to improve their skills in an area they did not have a chance to pursue while in high school. |
| I’m not 21 years old yet, what should I do? |
| Phone the Durham Alternative Secondary School (905 579 1990) to learn about adolescent programs in your area. |
| I work. Can I still attend North Credit? |
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Yes, attendance in class is only required virtually once per week and the timing can be flexible to suit your work schedule. You may want to also consider Co-op Works if you are employed.
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| Is this the real Ontario high school diploma? |
| Yes! Upon successful completion of graduation requirements, you will be granted the authentic Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and invited to our yearly adult graduation ceremony! |
| What age do I have to be? |
| If you earned your Ontario Secondary School Diploma you are welcome at any age. If you are working towards earning the diploma you should be at least 21 years of age (by December 31st of the current school year). |
| What are in-class Learning Strategies credits? |
| You earn these credits by attending class, working with the teacher on your learning processes and mastering the specific expectations from the Ontario curriculum. |
| What credits do I need to earn to get my diploma? |
| Adult students require 30 credits, the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Requirement and 40 hours of student involvement activities (that’s volunteer time) to earn the OSSD. Keep in mind though, that a significant number of credits and volunteer hours may be earned through the PLAR process depending on your experiences. You are probably ‘closer than you think’! |
| What is PLAR? |
| PLAR stands for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition. Adult students (at least 18 years of age and out of school for a year) earn any unfinished grade 9 and 10 credits by successfully writing subject assessments instead of taking the courses. This is the ‘assessment’ part. Additionally, grade 11 and 12 credits may be earned for proof of work, training, and/or life experiences that are equivalent to high school courses. This is the ‘prior learning’ part. The number of grantable PLAR credits ranges from one to 26. |
