Grades 9 to 12 Curriculum Overview
A comprehensive guide to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) requirements, compulsory credits, and elective pathways at Maple Stars.
Grades 9 to 12 Curriculum Overview
A) Compulsory Credits (Core Subjects)
The 17 compulsory credits must include specific core courses distributed across the high school years:
Grade 9
- English
- Mathematics
- Canadian Geography
- French as a Second Language
- Health and Physical Education
Grade 10
- English
- Mathematics
- Canadian History
- Civics (0.5 credit)
- Career Studies (0.5 credit)
Grade 11
- English
- Mathematics (at the Grade 11 or 12 level)
Grade 12
- English
From above Grade 9 to Grade 12, students can earn twelve (12) Compulsory credits. The remaining five (5) Compulsory credits can be earned by combining some of the following courses:
- Science (2 credits needed, typically taken in Grades 9 and 10)
- The Arts (Dance, Drama, Music, Media, or Visual Arts)
- Technological Education (1 credit, typically Grade 9 or 10)
- STEM Group: 1 additional credit from one of these — Science, Computer Studies, Technological Education, Business Studies, or Cooperative Education
- Additional Group Credits: 2 credits from the remaining curriculum baskets (e.g., extra languages, social sciences, or cooperative education)
B) Optional Credits (Electives)
The 13 optional credits provide flexibility. While students can take these in any grade, they become highly specialized in Grades 11 and 12 to prepare for university, college, or the workplace. Elective categories include:
The Arts
Visual Arts, Music, Drama, Vocal, Photography, Media Arts
Business Studies
Financial Accounting, Information Technology, Marketing, International Business
Computer Studies
Introduction to Computer Science, Computer Programming
French and International Languages
Mandarin, Malay, Korean, Japanese, etc.
Social Sciences and the Humanities
World Religions, Philosophy, Food and Nutrition, Understanding Fashion
Canadian & World Studies / Indigenous Studies
Law, World History, The Environment, Civics
Physical Education
Kinesiology, Healthy Active Living, Leadership
Technological Education
Hospitality, Construction Technology, Transportation, Hairstyling, Communications Technology
Cooperative Education (Co-Op)
Combining classroom theory with community workplace experience
Have Questions About Grades 9–12?
Our admissions team is happy to walk you through the curriculum and answer any questions about enrolment.