Handbook for Students and Parents/Guardians
2004 - 2005
This complete Handbook in pdf format 1 mb

Secondary School courses in Grade 9 & 10 are organized into three types: Academic, Applied, and Open. All courses build on completion of previous grades and have rigorous standards. All courses prepare students for study in the senior grades.

In Grades 11 and 12, courses are organized to prepare students for their post-secondary destinations include: university preparation courses, university/college preparation courses, college preparation courses, and workplace preparation courses. Open course are also offered in Grade 11 and 12.

Academic and Applied courses differ in the balance between essential concepts and additional requirements, and in the balance between theory and application. They differ primarily, not in the level of skill required, but in the kinds of problems presented and the application of the content and concepts.


Academic Courses

These courses focus on the essential concepts of the discipline. Course work develops students' knowledge and skills by emphasising theoretical, abstract applications of the essential concepts and incorporating practical applications as appropriate. The emphasis is on theory and abstract thinking as a basis for future learning and problem solving.


Applied Courses

These courses also focus on the essential concepts of the discipline, but course work develops students' knowledge and skills by emphasising practical, concrete applications of these concepts and incorporating theoretical applications as appropriate. Course work relates to familiar, real-life situations and provides students with opportunity for extensive hands-on applications of the concepts they study.


Open Courses

These courses have one set of expectations for the subject, appropriate for all students in a given grade. These courses are designed to provide students with a broad educational base that will prepare them for their studies in higher grades, and for productive participation in society.


University Preparation courses

University preparation courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for university programs. All university preparation courses are based on rigorous provincial curriculum expectations and emphasize the development of both independent research skills and independent learning skills. Students are required to demonstrate that they have developed these skills.


University/College Preparation Courses

University/College Preparation Courses include content that is relevant for both university and college programs. These courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the requirements for specific university and college programs. All University/College preparation courses are based on rigorous provincial curriculum expectations and emphasize the development of both independent research skills and independent learning skills. Students are required to demonstrate that they have developed these skills.


College Preparation Courses

College preparation courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for college programs. All college preparation courses are based on rigorous provincial curriculum expectations and emphasize the development of both independent research skills and independent learning skills. Course requires students to demonstrate that they developed these skills.


Workplace Preparation Courses

Workplace preparation course are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need for direct entry into the workplace or for admission to apprenticeship programs and other training programs offered in the community. The range and content of the course offered allows students to prepare for a variety of jobs, training programs, and careers.


Note: ISNA High School is geared towards students proceeding to university and/or college. Thus emphasis will be on offering either university preparation courses and/or university/college preparation courses in Grades 11 and 12.