Common Course Codes     

The common course code consists of the following components, designated by the Ministry of Education:

· five code characters

o  for example, the Grade 10 Academic Mathematics course is M P M 2 D

· a sixth character is reserved for in-school use

· a course title

Mathematics   MPM                          2                                  D

ê ê ê ê

Course title       Course descriptor         Grade of course             Course type

                                                            “1” - Grade 9                “D” - Academic

                                                            “2” - Grade 10              “P” - Applied

                                                            “3” - Grade 11             “U” - University

                                                            “4” - Grade 12              “M” - University/College

                                                                                                “C” - College

                                                                                                “E” - Workplace

                                                            (all grades)                    “O” - Open

Course Types     

Grades 9 and 10:

Academic courses (“D”) develop students’ knowledge and skills through the study of theory and abstract problems. These courses focus on the essential concepts of a subject and explore related concepts as well. They incorporate practical applications as appropriate.

Applied courses (“P”) focus on the essential concepts of a subject, and develop students’ knowledge and skills through practical applications and concrete examples. Familiar situations are used to illustrate ideas, and students are given more opportunities to experience hands-on applications of the concepts and theories they study.

Open courses (“O”) are designed to broaden students’ knowledge and skills in subjects that reflect their interests and to prepare them for active and rewarding participation in society. They are not designed with the specific requirements of universities, colleges, or the workplace in mind.

Grades 11 and 12

University preparation courses (“U”) are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for university programs.

University/college preparation courses (“M”) are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for specific programs offered at universities and colleges.

College preparation courses (“C”) are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the entrance requirements for college programs.

Workplace preparation courses (“E”) are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the expectations of employers, if they plan to enter the workplace directly after graduation, or the requirements for admission to certain apprenticeship or other training programs.

Open courses (“O”) are also available in Grades 11 and 12. Open courses are appropriate for all students and are not linked to any specific post-secondary destination.

Academic Versus Applied and Open Courses in Grades 9 and 10

Grade 9 and 10 students will need to choose between academic and applied courses in their core subjects of English, French, Math, Science, and Geography. They may also choose a combination of academic and applied courses. Choices should be made based on the students’ academic strengths and interests and their preferred way of learning.

Academic and Applied Courses - Similarities and Differences:

Both academic and applied courses require students to learn essential knowledge and skills. Both prepare students for the Grade 10 Literacy Test. The differences are instructional strategies, materials, methods of assessment, evaluation, and future destination.

Examples	Academic Focus on Theoretical	Applied Focus on Practical
Science	- Mathematical focus in these strands: earth and space science, physics and chemistry	- Description focus in these strands: earth and space science, physics, and chemistry
Mathematics (Algebra)	- Students use abstract reasoning to develop equations	- Students use concrete learning material to develop equations