High School Planning
With guidance from teachers and counsellors, you will create a high school plan by selecting from the wide variety of courses at Victoria School. This plan should reflect diploma requirements as well as your interests and future plans.
Step 1: Know your needs and aspirations
It is your responsibility to know and select courses required for your postsecondary education or occupational goal. If you are unsure and require advice in this area, please contact Student Services. Our up-to-date career centre, Internet access and knowledgeable staff will be a great help.
Step 2: Know the requirements of a high school diploma
A diploma does not necessarily grant admission to post-secondary schools. You should be aware that there are a variety of entrance requirements for post-secondary schools and that you should plan your program accordingly. Again, check with Student Services for current entrance requirements.
Step 3: Know the rules governing awarding of credits
To earn the credits attached to all high school courses, you must achieve at least 50% in each course. No credits will be granted when the maximum credits in a course have been previously awarded. Students achieving between 40% and 49% in a course may, instead of repeating the course, take a course in an alternative sequence. Students who successfully complete the next higher level course in the alternative sequence will then be granted credit for the prerequisite course.
Step 4: Selection of courses
- Select those courses that are compulsory to your present program.
- Select those compulsory courses that you have to repeat or were unable to take previously.
- Select elective courses to complete your program (list in order of preference). Grade 10 students are required to select at least two arts options. It is recommended that each Grade 11 and 12 student select a minimum of one arts class per year. We encourage parents to be involved in this process.
To earn an Alberta High School Diploma, you must:
- Earn a minimum of 100 credits
- Complete the following courses: English 30-1 or 30-2, Social Studies30 or 33, Mathematics 20P or 20A or 24, Science 20 or 24 or Biology 20 or Chemistry 20 or Physics 20
- Complete the following courses: Physical Education 10 and Career and Life Management (CALM) 20
- Earn 10 credits, in any combination, from: Career and Technology Studies (CTS) or Fine Arts or Second Languages or locally developed courses
- Earn 10 credits in: Any 30-level courses, in addition to English 30-1 or 30-2 and Social Studies 30 or 33
NOTE: Successful completion of a diploma exam is required for English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2 and Social Studies 30 or 33, as well as 30-level mathematics and science courses.
Keep this in mind
In Grade 10, students must be enrolled in courses equivalent to 40 credits; in Grade 11, 35 credits; and in Grade 12, 30 credits. We maintain this expectation to ensure that all students have the opportunity to graduate from high school in three years.
Download the Alberta High School Graduation Requirements document here.