Challenging Curriculum
The HCDSB provides all of its students with an exceptional educational experience, resulting in our School Board being a continuous provincial leader in academic achievement.
International Students will be taught the challenging Ontario provincial Curriculum, which requires the completion of core courses (i.e. English, math, science) and also allows for students to choose interest based courses (i.e. art, music).
Additionally, International Students will be enrolled in the English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) Program. Our patient and knowledgeable ESL teachers will help International Students improve their reading, writing, listening and conversational English language skills.
International Students who successfully complete secondary school at the HCDSB will receive an Ontario High School Diploma. Click here for a full list of graduation requirements.
Specialty Programs
International Students can choose from a wide range of specialty programs to apply to at the HCDSB. These programs are designed to further intellectually challenge students, and better prepare them for their post-secondary education or career choice.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a globally recognized program that better prepares students for university by emphasizing critical, compassionate thinking, community involvement and intercultural understanding.
Advanced Placement (AP) Program Courses offer university-level content to students at the Grade 12 level. Students in AP and Pre-AP (Grade 9-11) study topics in greater depth, providing an opportunity for enhanced learning.
The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Program gives students a focus in their senior secondary school years that better prepares them for their post-secondary destination (apprenticeship, college, university and work). At the conclusion of the program, students will receive a special Red Seal diploma and transcript.
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship (OYAP) Program provides secondary students with the opportunity to complete their high school diploma while at the same time completing their apprenticeship coop credit.
Pathways
Our Board offers various Pathways initiatives to our students that provide a wide range of course types, programs and learning opportunities to prepare students for success in secondary school and beyond.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Each of our schools offer a wide and unique variety of extra-curricular activities.
Some popular extra-curricular activities are listed below.
- S.T.E.A.M. Club
- Football Team
- Environmental Club
- Student Council
- Model United Nations
- Art & Music Clubs
- Skiing & Snowboarding
- Theatre Productions
- Peer Tutoring
- Homework Club
- Multicultural Club
- Robotics Team
- Social Justice Team
- Field Hockey
- Anime Club
- Soccer Team
- Student Year Book
- Student Prefects
- Debate Club
- School Newspaper
- DECA Business Club
- Book Club
- Band – Concert & Jazz
- Photography Club