Course Planning - FAQ

In Alberta, Grade 10 students typically take:

• English Language Arts (ELA 10-1 or 10-2)
• Social Studies (Social 10-1 or 10-2)
• Mathematics (Math 10C or Math 10-3)
• Science (Science 10 or Science 14)
• Physical Education 10 (required for graduation)
• Career and Life Management (CALM) (can be taken in Grade 10, 11, or 12)
• Optional courses (e.g., fine arts, technology, languages, trades, sports performance, etc.)

To ensure the best learning experience and success for students, we recommend the following:

• -1 stream (ELA 10-1, Social 10-1, Math 10C, Science 10) is for students who have received a 60% or higher in their Grade 9 core subjects. Please note we have recently seen a strong correlation between marks received on a student’s Provincial Achievement Test (PAT) and their performance in ELA 10-1, Social 10-1, Math 10C, and Science 10. Parents may find it beneficial to view these scores when considering course placement. To see these marks, students and parents can make an account here -https://public.education.alberta.ca/PASI/mypass/welcome
• -2 stream (ELA 10-2, Social 10-2) and Math 10-3 and Science 14 suit students who received a mark below 60% in Grade 9 core subjects. Please note that the -2 stream and its equivalents in math and science can help build competencies and do not prevent students from moving into -1 classes or limit their career options. These courses provide foundational knowledge that can support better outcomes in the future and accomplish graduation requirements.
• AP - is for students who have high grades and exceptional work ethic.  AP classes do not need to be taken throughout high school.  Students can pick and choose the classes that support their needs.
• Here is the link to Bev Facey core course pathway if you would like a visual - https://www.bevfacey.ca/programs

Choosing your courses appropriately is very important. As timetables are created based on the courses you and your child have chosen at registration it may be difficult to make changes once the school year has started. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s programming, please contact the administration and counselling team. We would love to work together to support your child’s goals.

• Teacher Support: Many teachers offer tutorials before or after school or at lunch. Our school also offers Opportunity Wednesdays from 2:17 to 3:17, where students can connect with the teachers they need.
• Counseling Services: Your school counselor can help with study strategies, stress management, and course changes.
• Tutors: The University of Alberta has an extensive tutor list: U of A Tutor Registry.

• At Bev Facey, our guidance team works with students to explore career options and pathways. We ask parents and students to scan the QR code and answer the questions carefully to help with planning. Each year we revisit the data and compare the years growth.  This supports us to help your child make informed decisions as they move throughout their time here.

1. 1. 1. Grade 10 Questionnaire to support Career investigation
      2. Grade 11 Questionnaire to support Career investigation
      3. Grade 12 Questionnaire to support Transition planning

• Attend career and post-secondary fairs.
• If considering a trade, look into the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) or dual credit courses. Entrance requirements can be found here Trade Secrets Entrance Requirements.
• Post-secondary programs can be quite competitive. Consider taking Aboriginal Studies 30 alongside Social 30-1 if you excel in the humanities. Alternatively, Aboriginal Studies 30 can serve as a GPA booster since it does not require a diploma and can replace social 30-1 as an entrance requirement. Similarly, Computing Science 30 can either complement or substitute a science requirement. Additionally, Physical Education 30 and fine arts classes can enhance your overall average for competitive programs, which is beneficial for meeting post-secondary entrance criteria and future career prospects.

• Universities require 5 courses only to apply based on their specific degree program
• Your child’s guidance counsellor attends university updates yearly to ensure the most updated information is shared with you. Connect regularly.
• Many programs accept math 30-2 and, in some cases, this may benefit your ability to get into your program of choice.  IE: Nursing.
• AP – Students who receive a grade of 4 or 5 on AP exams can often use these marks to replace first year university course work.
• Consider Aboriginal Studies 30 and Computing Science 30, which can be valuable for post-secondary entrance requirements and future career opportunities.

You may have options such as:

• Retaking the course.
• Completing credit recovery programs.
• Switching to a different stream to better match your learning needs.

Recent research highlights the impact of missing school days for vacations:

• Academic Impact: Even missing five or more days can negatively affect student performance, especially in core subjects. Students missing larger amounts of time may not be able to catch up on the learning missed during this time.
• School Policy: While families are encouraged to plan vacations during breaks, if travel during school is unavoidable, students should communicate with teachers in advance to access materials and stay on track. Please note that teachers are not required to provide support outside of the classroom.

You can:

• Talk to your school counselor for support and resources.

• Diploma exams cannot be rescheduled.  If you miss your assessment you have to wait until the next government writing time.   This will also delay your marks from being processed. 
• Diploma marks are only found on MyPass.  Students will have this before the school has access. 

• For academic concerns specific to a class: Talk to your teacher or counselor.
• For all other support: Connect with your team:
  • Grade 10 
  • Administrator: Kelly.Ferguson@eips.ca
  • Counsellor: Adam.Lawlor@eips.ca

Remember: High school is a journey of learning and growth. Stay curious, ask questions, and make the most of the opportunities available to you!