Courseload Expectations for Secondary School Students in Delta
The Vision of the Delta School District is to be “an innovative and inclusive community where all learners belong and everyone soars”. To achieve this, we believe that schools are more than just a place of learning and contribute to the development of the whole individual through deep connection and social engagement. The Delta School District’s general expectation of all students attending a Secondary School in Delta is full-time enrollment. The Ministry of Education and Child Care outlines our collective responsibility as a K-12 education system and our responsibilities in supporting the development of all learners:
As specified in the Statement of Education Policy Order, the purpose of the British Columbia school system is to enable learners to develop their individual potential and to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to contribute to a healthy society and a prosperous and sustainable economy.
To achieve this purpose, we have a collective mandate to develop the “educated citizen” which is defined as having:
- Intellectual Development – to develop the ability of students to analyze critically, reason and think independently, and acquire basic learning skills and bodies of knowledge; to develop in students a lifelong appreciation of learning, a curiosity about the world around them, and a capacity for creative thought and expression.
- Human and Social Development – to develop in students a sense of self-worth and personal initiative; to develop an appreciation of the fine arts and an understanding of cultural heritage; to develop an understanding of the importance of physical health and well-being; to develop a sense of social responsibility, acceptance and respect for the ideas and beliefs of others.
- Career Development – to prepare students to attain their career and occupational objectives; to assist in the development of effective work habits and the flexibility to deal with change in the workplace.
Click here for more information on the Ministry of Education’s Vision for Student Success.
In supporting this mandate, learners can pursue course options with increasing choice, in the graduation years that honour their interests, passions and skills across the three domains as described by “The Educated Citizen”. While a minimum number of credits is required for graduation purposes, the goal, and our focus, is on all students engaging in a full complement of courses that allow them to experience and participate in a wide range of educational opportunities that support development of their individual potential.
Study Blocks:
For some students in Grade 12, individual requests for study blocks may be considered through an application process. Approval is not automatic and our district requires each request to be reviewed by the school counsellor and the school principal. Consideration is given to the current progress of the student toward graduation, the individual learning needs of the student as outlined in the Individual Education Plan, and/or the intensity of the student’s academic load. In unique circumstances consideration for a study block may be given to students in other grades, and this process begins with a written request describing the student’s unique circumstances. Thorough consultation with the school counsellor and principal is required and there is no guarantee the study block will be provided. Other options to make accommodations for unique situations may be explored at this time.
Requests for reduced or partial schedules:
Typically, reduced days or partial schedules are granted in situations where students have demonstrated unique learning, family, or health needs that make it difficult to attend with a full course schedule. Often this accommodation is for students with clearly identified unique needs, including medical needs. In most cases this type of programming involves significant consultation with the school principal and counsellor to coordinate, and often is the result of ongoing accommodations. Hybrid in-person and online schedules are possible in Grades 10–12 but require significant individualized planning and coordination with the appropriate school personnel.
Our schools provide a wide range of elective course offerings in addition to a full range of academic programs. We are not organized in “bricks and mortar” secondary schools to accommodate large numbers of students on part-time schedules without drastically impacting the level of staffing and range of course offerings we can provide.
For students who need to attend school part-time or on a significantly reduced schedule, it is recommended that enrollment in a Provincial On-line School (POLS) be considered as a flexible option.
Courseload Expectations for Secondary School Students in Delta (PDF Version)