Registration Handbook
2012 – 2013
Forestburg School Website - www.brsd.ab.ca/forestburg
Forestburg Senior High School
Registration Handbook
2012-2013
Introduction
This handbook has been developed to assist
students and their parents, as students prepare to
register for the coming school year. It is important
that students entering high school, and those who
are continuing, be aware of diploma requirements,
prerequisite courses, and where possible course
content.
Please consult the following website for
information on all aspects of the school
program:
http://education.alberta.ca/parents.aspx
Registration Procedure
Grade 9 Students - Students who will be entering
grade 10 in September will be required to register in
person with their parent(s)/guardian(s). Parents are
requested to attend the registration session since
entry into grade 10 is a major step in the educational
process. This is a significant step into either post
secondary study or the work force, and the
involvement of parents/guardians is extremely
important.
Grade 10 and Grade 11 Students - Students
entering grades 11 and 12 will register in June.
Parents are strongly encouraged to consult with their
child about course selection and may attend a
registration meeting if they choose.
It is mandatory that all students meet all the
requirements for registration that are currently in
place.
School Organization
There are two semesters in each school year; each
approximately 19 weeks long. Final Exams are held
in January and June each year.
Credits
Courses can be offered for 5 credits (a class
everyday), 3 credits (3 classes per week), or may be
a combination of 1-credit courses (in CTS for
example).
Students in grades 10 and 11 are required to carry a
full load of courses totaling at least 40 credits (i.e.,
they do not get spares). Grade 12 students are
required to carry a minimum of 30 credits.
Cycled Courses
Since we are a small high school, some courses are
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Registration Handbook
Page 2
cycled, that is they may not be offered every year;
however, all students have the opportunity of
obtaining cycled courses by class-room instruction..
Courses by Video Conferencing
Some courses will be available via videoconferencing in the coming year. These may include
Math at the 30 level, Physics 30 and Math 31.
ADLC/Distance Education Courses
If class size does not warrant a teacher-led course,
or the schedule does not work for a student, the
course may be offered using either Alberta Distance
Learning Materials or Distance Education Courses.
Since there is more independent work in these
courses, students must be willing to work hard and
stay on schedule to be successful. If a course is
offered in a classroom, students cannot take the
course using a different method of instruction. They
must take the course in the classroom.
There will be some combined classes next year as
well. Often in these classes, students will use ADLC
materials and have the help of a teacher who will be
in the room. Specific instruction for some aspects of
the course will be lead by the teacher.
Diploma Examinations
Students in grade 12 are required to write diploma
examinations set by Alberta Education in the
following subjects: English 30-1, English 30-2,
Mathematics 30-1, Mathematics 30-2, Social Studies
30-1, Social Studies 30-2, Biology 30, Chemistry 30,
Physics 30. The diploma examination is worth 50%
of the student’s final grade; the remaining 50% is
based upon assignments and tests
Alberta High School Diploma Graduation Requirements
The requirements indicated in this chart are the minimum requirements for a student to attain an Alberta High
School Diploma. The requirements for entry into post-secondary institutions and workplaces may require
additional and specific courses.
Prerequisite Courses – Transfer Points
Some high school courses have prerequisites, that is a particular course may not be taken unless the student has
completed an introductory or lower level course.
This chart shows prerequisite courses; the arrows indicate that the student must successfully complete the course
to the left before proceeding to the course on the right. It is possible to change streams. This is indicated under
Transfer Points on specific subject pages.
ELA 10-1
ELA 20-1
ELA 30-1
ELA 10-2
ELA 20-2
ELA 30-2
Social St. 10-1
Social St. 20-1
Social St. 30-1
Social St. 10-2
Social St. 20-2
Social St. 30-2
Various C.T.S. modules
are considered basic,
and therefore are
prerequisites for more
advanced modules.
There is additional
information about
recommended marks in
prerequisite courses on
the pages of this
handbook which refer to
specific subjects.
Science 10
Biology 20
Chemistry 20
Physics 20
Science 14
Science 24
French 10
French 20
French 30
Phys. Ed. 10
Phys. Ed. 20
Phys. Ed. 30
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
Students entering grade 10 have the option of
registering in English Language Arts (ELA) 10-1 or
ELA 10-2.
ELA 10-1 which leads to ELA 20-1 in grade 11, and
ELA 30-1 in grade 12 is the more academically
challenging of the two courses and is a requirement
for all students planning to apply for university
entrance.
Reading, writing, listening, speaking, viewing and
representing are key points of the ELA program.
There is an emphasis in both streams on correct and
effective communication, a wide variety of means of
presenting work, and on student collaboration and
teamwork.
Prerequisites
ELA 10-1 - required 50% in L.A. 9;
recommended 65% in L.A. 9
ELA 10-2 - completion of L.A. 9
ELA 20-1 ELA 20-2 ELA 30-1 ELA 30-2 -
required 50% in ELA 10-1;
recommended minimum 60%
50% in ELA 10-2;
40% or higher in ELA 10-1
required 50% in English 20;
recommended minimum 60%
required 50% in English 23;
40% or higher in English 30
Post Secondary Requirements
All university programs across Canada require that
students have successfully completed ELA 30-1.
Since most university programs require students to
have averages in excess of 70% (in some cases the
requirement is significantly higher than 70%) it is
important that students entering ELA 30-1, with a
view to going to university realize that merely passing
ELA 30-1 will not ensure entry to the program of their
choice.
Most college programs require students to have
either ELA 30-1 or ELA 30-2.
It is important that students check with the school
counsellor and look at various college calendars to
ensure that they are taking the appropriate English
courses in high school.
MATHEMATICS
In order to achieve the requirements for a High
School Diploma, it is necessary for a student to
obtain 10 credits in mathematics, 5 of these credits
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Biology 30
Chemistry 30
Physics 30
must be at the grade 11 (20) level. Students
entering post secondary education programs may
require one or more courses at the grade 12 level.
Students wishing to obtain an Alexander Rutherford
Scholarship at the grade 12 level, must successfully
complete a grade 12 mathematics course.
Math Courses – How do you know which course
to take?
There are four math courses available at the 20
level:
20-4 (Knowledge & Employability – the only course
that is not a new curriculum)
20-3 (trades-related, but not every trade)
20-2 (attending university or technical institute, but
not needing calculus)
20-1 (pre-calculus for engineering, mathematics,
sciences and some business)
The new program differs from the Pure/Applied
model in that the highest proportion of students
will be taking Math 20-2 and 30-2.
Here is info about choosing the right sequence:
http://www.education.alberta.ca/teachers/program/m
ath/sequence.aspx
Here is the info about post-secondary entrance
requirements:
http://alis.alberta.ca/ec/ep/aas/ta/mathreq.html
Prerequisites
Math 10C
- required 50% in Math 9
Math 20 - 1
- required 50% in Math 10C
Math 20 - 2
- required 50% in Math 10C
Math 10-3
- required 50% in Math 9
Math 20-3
- completion of Math 10-3
Calculators
Students entering the Pure and Applied Mathematics
programs will require a good quality graphing
calculator in order to complete the course: (TI-83
Plus is recommended.)
SOCIAL STUDIES
In order to achieve the requirements for a High
School Diploma, it is necessary that a student
achieve 15 credits in Social Studies. Five of these
credits must be in Social Studies 30 or 33.
Responsible citizenship is the ultimate goal of the
Social Studies program. Basic to this goal is the
development of critical thinking skills.
Social Studies 10-1, 20-1 and 30-1 is the best
choice for students who are good at working
independently. Students will develop inquiry skills,
and will be asked to form opinions and defend them.
Students will write research papers and position
papers; and will be required to participate in class
discussions and presentations. This is an
academically challenging program, particularly at the
30 level.
Social Studies 10-2, 20-2, and 30-2 works to
develop the students’ process, communication and
participation skills, while increasing knowledge and
developing positive attitudes. Evaluation is on-going
with an emphasis on testing in these areas.
Prerequisites
Social Studies 10-1 - required 50% in S.S. 9;
recommended 65% in S.S. 9.
Social Studies 10-2 - required completion of S.S. 9.
Social Studies 20-1 - required 50% in S.S. 10;
recommended minimum 60%
Social Studies 20-2 - required 50% in S.S. 13; 40%
or higher in S.S. 10.
Social Studies 30-1 - required 50% in S.S. 20;
recommended minimum 60%
Social Studies 30-2 - required 50% in S.S. 23; 40%
or higher in S.S. 20.
Post Secondary Requirements
Most university programs will accept Social Studies
30-1 as an entry requirement. College programs may
require Social Studies 30 –1/-2. Students must
recognize that post secondary institutions seldom
accept a passing mark of 50%. Most often they
require an average mark, often in excess of 70%; or
a specific mark in Social Studies. It is important that
students check university and college calendars in
order to determine the Social Studies requirements
for specific programs.
SCIENCE
In order to achieve the requirements for a High
School Diploma, it is necessary that a student
achieve 10 credits in the sciences. Five of these
credits must be at the grade 11 level.
Students may take Science 10 and then proceed to
one or more of Chemistry, Biology and Physics at the
grade 11 and 12 levels. In order to qualify for an
Alexander Rutherford Scholarship it is necessary
that a student have one of these three subjects at
the grade 12 level. The alternate route is to take
Science 14 and 24.
Prerequisites
Science 10 - required 50% in Science 9;
recommended 60% in Science 9
Science 14 - completion of Science 9.
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Chemistry 20; Biology 20; Physics 20 - required 50%
in Science 10; recommended
60% in Science 10
(recommendations may be made for
specific grade 11 sciences based
upon achievement in particular grade
10 units).
Science 24 - required 50% in Science 14; 40% or
higher in Science 10.
Chemistry 30; Biology 30; Physics 30 - required
50% in corresponding grade 11
course; recommended minimum 60%
Post Secondary Requirements
One or more sciences at the 30 level may be used
for general admission to Canadian universities.
Beyond this, it is important that students refer to
college and university calendars or consult with the
counsellor to determine specific science
requirements. Many technical/scientific college
programs require students to have one or more
sciences at the 30 level. Few programs accept
students with only passing grades i.e. 50%. Some
technical programs will accept Science 20 and 30 as
entrance requirements.
FRENCH
In order to achieve the requirements for a High
School Diploma, a student must have 10 credits in
either a second language or Career and Technology
Studies.
Students who successfully complete the High School
French program will develop the ability to express
themselves in writing using a variety of verb tenses
to present complex ideas. They will develop
confidence in their oral skills and will be able to read
complex materials such as novels and short stories.
Lastly, they will develop their listening skills so that
they are able to comprehend lengthy and complex
oral presentations.
Prerequisites
French 10 - recommended 60% in Grade 9.
French 20 - required 50% in French 10;
recommended minimum 60%.
French 30 - required 50% in French 20;
recommended minimum 60%.
Post Secondary Requirements
French 30 may be used as a general requirement to
most Canadian universities. It is important that
students investigate carefully to discover areas in
which French may be a mandatory requirement.
Regardless of whether students are using French as
part of a general or mandatory program requirement,
it is unlikely that a passing mark in French 30 i.e.
50% will be adequate to secure admission.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION 10 - 20 - 30
In order to achieve the requirements for a High
School Diploma, it is necessary that a student
achieve 3 credits in Physical Education 10. A variety
of venues and facilities are accessed depending
upon availability, season, etc. A focus of the new
Physical Education curriculum is on the student’s
awareness of the maintenance of fitness levels and
activities that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.
Students registering in Physical Education 20 and 30
must recognize that a substantial part of this course
is theoretical rather than practical, and that a variety
of written, research and presentation activities are a
required part of the course.
All levels of Physical Education will be offered at one
time with two teachers. Groups will be made
according to interest or competitiveness or a
combination of these.
Prerequisite
Physical Education 10 - Completion of Physical
Education 9
Physical Education 20 - minimum of 50% in
Physical Education 10
Physical Education 30 - minimum of 50% in
Physical Education 20
CAREER AND LIFE MANAGEMENT
In order to achieve the requirements for a High
School Diploma, it is necessary that a student
achieve 3 credits in C.A.L.M. This is a personal
development course. This course will be offered to
students in grade 10.
Prerequisite - None
WORK EXPERIENCE
Students enrolled in the Forestburg School will have
a number of opportunities to explore future career
interests by participating in the Work Experience
Program. The program is a partnership with the
community, whereby students are able to discover
their career interests through meaningful work
related activities, situated in community based work
stations.
Students are required to complete a pre-employment
training package prior to their work placement. Upon
completion of the package, students are then placed
at an appropriate work site.
Prerequisites - None
Students may take up to 15 credits in Work
Experience over the 3 years of High School.
CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY STUDIES
In order to achieve the requirements for a High
School Diploma, it is now necessary that a student
have 10 credits in either Career & Technology
Studies (CTS) and/or French, and/or Physical
Education 20-30.
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CTS replaces traditional vocational courses such as
Industrial Arts, Home Economics, Business
Education and Computer Studies. CTS courses or
subject areas are called Strands. CTS strands are
offered in groups of modules, each module being
worth one credit.
It is expected that the average student will be able to
complete one module in approximately 25 hours. It is
possible and quite normal for some students to
complete a module in as few as 15 hours, while
others may take longer than the 25 hours allotted. If
a student takes CTS modules for a five credit time
block in one semester (1 period per day), the
expectation is that by the end of the semester, the
student will have at least 5 credits.
The intent of the CTS program is that students are
able to progress at their own pace, on strands and
modules that are of particular interest to them. With
this in mind, the modern CTS lab bears little
resemblance to a traditional classroom. Students
work mainly from module booklets, using the
instructor as the primary resource person, but also
making extensive use of textual, video, library,
community and internet resources. Tests of skills
mastery, as well as tests based upon course content
are part of the module evaluation. It is possible that
20 students working in the CTS lab at the same time
could each be working on a different module, in
several different strands. A CTS module in which the
necessary skills have not been attained is not a
failed module but an incomplete module. Students
are able to complete the module and obtain the
requisite skills in the next CTS block they have in
their timetable.
CTS-S is an AISI sponsored course that is designed
to give students “hands on” experiences. Enrollment
is limited to a small number because of the facilities
we use for the class.
Prerequisites
None for students entering grade 10.
After students have started CTS modules in high
school, some beginning modules are prerequisites or
corequisites for more advanced modules.
Post Secondary Requirements
It is important that students consult college
calendars to determine whether specific CTS
modules are required or desired for particular
programs. Basic word processing skills as presented
in the earlier modules of Information Processing
would be an asset to all students whether furthering
their education or entering the work place after High
School. It is an expectation of universities and
colleges that students graduating from High
School in the 21st century are able to use
computers effectively.
GREEN CERTIFICATE PROGRAM
The Green Certificate program is an out of school
agriculture-apprenticeship training program designed
for rural students. To be eligible, the student must:
- have a strong farm background
- be highly involved with farm operations at
home or on the job
- be 15 years or older
The Green Certificate Program is a collaborative
program between: Alberta Agriculture, Alberta
Education, Forestburg School and the Farm Trainer.
Through on site instruction, self study, and school
assigned projects, students may earn 16 high school
credits and possibly advanced credit in courses at
the College level. Students must successfully
complete the Green Certificate Level 1 program to
qualify for the above. The course is taken over one
calendar year commencing in late June.
The registration fee may be paid by the Battle River
Regional School Division.
RAP PLUS
(Registered Apprenticeship Program)
The RAP Plus is a program designed for high school
students which enables them to work as apprentices
while attending a high school. The unique
advantage of this program is that it allows students
to earn high school credits, as well as time credits
towards journeyman status. To be eligible for the
program, students must:
- be entering grade 11 in the fall of 2005
- have demonstrated the following in their grade
10 year:
• good attendance
• good attitude towards learning
• good cooperation skills
• achievement in grade 10 subjects (60%
average)
- have completed CTR 101 (Job Preparation
Module)
- have successfully completed a school
screening process
Students must complete a trial period of 125 hours of
work experience before they enter into the program.
Once officially registered in the program students are
then registered as an apprentice with the
Apprenticeship Board.
MUSIC
Forestburg School does not normally offer a High School music program. This year, where the timetable allows,
students may enroll in the Band program. However, students may receive up to 15 credits for music by private
study. In order to qualify for credit, students must have passed examinations at the level(s) indicated in the chart
below, and present the relevant examination documentation at the school office. At that point, the principal will
make application to Alberta Education for the awarding of credit.
For more information on this topic go to Page 69 of the Guide to Education
(http://education.alberta.ca/media/6542444/guidetoed_2011-2012.pdf).
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