Students Handbook

Our School Philosophy

TDA works to enhance the academic, social, and character development of our students by providing them with a challenging, varied and supportive learning environment.

We set high personal and academic standards for our students. We believe, with positive support and direction, that each student will be able to achieve the highest possible levels of success.

Our students are recognized and respected as unique individuals, and their successes reflect our own dedication to providing a high quality, well-rounded education. The Duncan Academy High School will remain committed to our students and our mission to create well rounded, successful members of society.

The Duncan Academy is a private, co-educational, non-denominational, independent Private School. The Duncan Academy provides our students with the Ontario Ministry of Education Curriculum in small classes with high expectations, within a caring and secure environment. Our mission is to enable our students to pursue and achieve personal and academic excellence through their school experiences, in order to better prepare them in pursuit of their future goals.

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)

Diploma Requirements

An Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) shall be granted by the Minister of Education, on the recommendation of the principal of the school last attended, to a student who has earned a minimum of 30 credits.

In order to earn an OSSD, a student entering Grade 9 in the 1999/2000 school year or in subsequent years must:

• Earn 30 credits (18 compulsory credits and 12 optional credits).
• Complete 40 hours of community involvement activities.
• Fulfill the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Requirement (OSSLT).

Compulsory Credits (total of 18)

• 4 credits in English (1 credit per grade); ESL or ELD credits may count, but the fourth must be a Grade 12 English credit.
• 1 credit in French as a second language.
• 3 credits in Mathematics (at least 1 in Grade 11 or 12).
• 2 credits in Science.
• 1 credit in Canadian History.
• 1 credit in Canadian Geography.
• 1 credit in the Arts.
• 1 credit in Health and Physical Education.
• 0.5 credit in Career Studies.
• 0.5 credit in Civics.

Plus one credit from each of the following groups:

• Group 1: additional credit in English, French as a second language, a Native language, a classical or international language, social sciences and humanities, Canadian and world studies, guidance and career education, or cooperative education.
• Group 2: additional credit in health and physical education, the arts, business studies, French as a second language, or cooperative education.
• Group 3: additional credit in science (Grade 11 or 12), technological education, French as a second language, computer studies, or cooperative education.

In addition, students must complete: 12 optional credits, 40 hours of community involvement activities, and the provincial literacy requirement.

A maximum of 3 ESL/ELD credits may count towards the 4 compulsory English credits, but the fourth must be a Grade 12 compulsory English credit. In Groups 1–3, a maximum of 2 French-as-a-second-language credits may count as compulsory (one from Group 1 and one from either Group 2 or 3). A maximum of 2 cooperative-education credits may count as compulsory. The 12 optional credits may include up to 4 credits earned through approved dual-credit courses.

Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC)

The OSSC will be granted on request to students leaving secondary school upon reaching age 18 without having met OSSD requirements. A minimum of 14 credits is required, distributed as follows:

7 required compulsory credits:

• 2 credits in English
• 1 credit in Mathematics
• 1 credit in Science
• 1 credit in Canadian History or Canadian Geography
• 1 credit in Health and Physical Education
• 1 credit in the Arts, Computer Studies, or Technological Education

7 required optional credits — selected by the student from available courses.

The provisions for substitutions for compulsory credits also apply to the OSSC.

Foreign Credit Equivalency

A student must have a minimum of 30 credits to earn an OSSD. However, students are granted overseas equivalency credits based upon their previous successful secondary school work in their own country. For example, a student who has obtained good results after three years of high school could be granted up to 23 credits.

Students who wish to apply for University entrance in Canada and do not have a High School Diploma must obtain an OSSD that includes a minimum of six (6) "U" or "M" credits, or a combination of 4 "U" and a maximum of 2 "M" credits. University and college entrance requires students to have an OSSD or a high school diploma from their country of origin.

For students from overseas and outside Ontario, the Principal will assess school records and determine the number of equivalency credits granted, along with the remaining courses required to qualify for the OSSD.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Prior learning includes the knowledge and skills a student has acquired, formally or informally, outside secondary school. This formal evaluation and accreditation process involves two components: challenge and equivalency.

Challenge refers to the process whereby a student's prior learning is assessed for the purpose of granting credit for a course developed from a curriculum policy document.

Please note: Duncan Academy does not use or support the challenge process.

Equivalency refers to the process whereby credentials from other jurisdictions are assessed for the purpose of granting credit. Students transferring from non-inspected private schools or schools outside Ontario are eligible. Equivalency credits are granted for placement only.

Assessment and evaluation through PLAR is based on curriculum expectations and achievement charts in the Ontario curriculum policy documents. On the Ontario Student Transcript (OST), 'PLE' is the code used for equivalent credits granted for previous learning outside Ontario or in a non-inspected private school in Ontario. For these credits, the code 'EQV' is used instead of a percentage grade.

Session System & Credits

At The Duncan Academy, we provide E.S.L. support and operate on a 12-month, continuous cycle. Students may enter the academy at any time but must meet the course requirements of 110 hours to be issued a credit.

A credit is granted when a course that has been scheduled for a minimum of 110 hours is successfully completed. "Scheduled time" is the time during which students participate in planned learning activities designed to lead to the achievement of the curriculum expectations of the course — including interaction between teacher and student as well as assigned individual and/or group work, excluding homework.

Music Certificates

1. A maximum of one Grade 11 University/College preparation music credit may be awarded towards the OSSD for the successful completion of one of the following:

• Grade VII Practical and Intermediate Rudiments (formerly Grade 1 Rudiments) of the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto
• Grade VII Practical and Grade III Theory of Conservatory Canada, London, Ontario
• Collegial I Practical and Collegial I Theory of any conservatory of music in the province of Quebec
• Grade V Practical and Grade III Theory of Trinity College London, England
• Grade VII Practical and Grade VI Theory of the Royal Schools of Music, London, England

2. A maximum of one Grade 12 University/College preparation music credit may be awarded towards the OSSD for the successful completion of one of the following:

• Grade VIII Practical and Advanced Rudiments (formerly Grade II Rudiments) of the Royal Conservatory of Music, Toronto
• Grade VIII Practical and Grade IV Theory of Conservatory Canada, London, Ontario
• Collegial II Practical and Collegial II Theory of any conservatory of music in the province of Quebec
• Grade VI Practical and Grade IV Theory of Trinity College London, England
• Grade VIII Practical and Grade VIII Theory of the Royal Schools of Music, London, England

Notes: "Practical" refers to any musical instrument on which performance is examined, including voice (singing) but not speech arts. The mark credited to the student is calculated by averaging the marks earned in the practical component and in rudiments or theory.

Course Codes

The Duncan Academy's courses are labeled according to the Ontario Ministry of Education's coding system. The code consists of five characters (e.g. ENG1D):

• The first three characters represent the discipline, the subject, and the course.
• The fourth character represents the grade: 1 = Grade 9, 2 = Grade 10, 3 = Grade 11, 4 = Grade 12; or A–E where A = level 1, B = level 2, C = level 4, E = level 5 (letters represent proficiency in a language course).
• O — Open: a course open to all levels.
• D — Academic: a Grade 9 or 10 course for students planning future post-secondary education.
• M — University/College: a senior course preparing students for university or college.
• U — University: a senior course preparing students for university.

Substitution for Compulsory Courses

In designing a student's program and to ensure that all students can qualify for the secondary school diploma, substitutions can be made for up to three compulsory courses. The courses used by a Second Language student may have a substitution made for the French as a Second Language requirement, using any course from the compulsory listing — an additional Arts, Technology, Mathematics or Science, for example. A substitution is only made if the student's educational interests are best served by the substitution. The decision is the responsibility of the school Principal.

Student Records & Transcripts

Ontario Student Record (OSR)

The Ontario Student Record folder (OSR) is the official record for a student. The OSR is created when a student enters the Ontario School system and moves with the student from school to school in Ontario. Every Ontario school keeps an OSR for each student enrolled.

The OSR is created under the authority of the Education Act, and its contents are protected under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Parents and students (18 and older) may examine the contents of the OSR on request, with the assistance of the Principal or designated administrator. All OSRs are stored in a secure location within the school's office. The OSR folder contains achievement results, credits earned, and other information important to the education of the students.

Ontario Student Transcript (OST)

• The OST is a provincially standardized document providing a comprehensive record of a student's secondary-school achievement. Copies are available on request.
• Credits earned toward the diploma are recorded on the OST regardless of how or where they were earned.
• In Grades 9 and 10, only successfully completed courses are recorded, along with percentage grades earned and credits gained.
• From September 1999, Ontario has implemented a policy of full disclosure: all Grade 11 and 12 courses attempted must be recorded — any course completed, withdrawn from or failed will appear on the transcript along with the marks earned.
• All attempts, withdrawals and repeats of Grades 11 and 12 courses are recorded with percentage grades, credits granted (if successful), or "W" for withdrawn. Students wishing to drop a course must request it within three teaching days after the mid-term point.
• Any course substituted for a compulsory course will be identified. Completion of community involvement and literacy requirements will be noted. Any extraordinary circumstances affecting senior-grade achievement and completion of subject specialization may also be noted.

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Requirement

• All students seeking an OSSD must successfully complete the provincial secondary-school literacy test or literacy course.
• International students entering the Ontario system for the first time with no previous Ontario credits are OSS students working towards the OSS diploma. Grade 12 OSS students must meet the literacy graduation requirement.
• The literacy test is based on Ontario curriculum expectations for language and communication — particularly reading and writing — up to and including Grade 9.
• The Duncan Academy will provide remedial assistance for students who do not complete the test successfully.
• Students who are unsuccessful may rewrite the test; there is no limit to attempts. Once passed, the test cannot be retaken.
• Students eligible to write the OSSLT at least twice and unsuccessful at least once may take the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC, Grade 12) as an alternative. Mature students may enroll in the OSSLC without having attempted the OSSLT.
• Only successful completion of the literacy requirement is entered on the OST. If the OSSLC is completed, the mark and credit earned will also be included.

Deferrals: ESL and ELD students will take the test when they have reached an appropriate level of English proficiency. Parents or staff may request a deferral; the Principal may grant permission.

Community Involvement Requirement

Every student who begins secondary school during or after the 1999–2000 school year must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement activities as part of the OSSD requirements. The purpose is to encourage students to develop awareness and understanding of civic responsibility and of the role they can play in supporting their communities.

TDA staff will discuss appropriate activities with students and may offer suggestions, but selection and management of the involvement is directed by the student. Activities may take place in not-for-profit organizations, public sector institutions (including hospitals), and informal settings — but not through credit-bearing work, paid work, or duties normally performed by a paid employee. Students must fulfill the requirement outside school hours.

Students must maintain a record of their activities. Supervising organizations or persons must confirm completion of the required 40 hours. Documentation submitted to the Principal must include for each activity: the name of the person/organization receiving the service, activity performed, dates and hours, signatures of student and parents, and a signed acknowledgement by the supervising person/organization. The Principal decides whether the student has met both the Ministry's and TDA's requirements.

Ineligible Activities

• An activity required by a course in which the student is enrolled (e.g., co-op portion of a course, job shadowing, work experience).
• An activity that takes place during the instructional school day (lunch breaks or spare periods are permitted).
• An activity in a logging or mining environment for a student under 16.
• An activity in a factory for a student under 15.
• An activity in a workplace other than a factory for a student under 14 who is not accompanied by an adult.
• An activity that would normally be performed for wages by a person in the workplace.
• Activities involving the operation of a vehicle, power tools, or scaffolding.
• Administration of any medication or medical procedure to others.
• Handling substances classed as "designated substances" under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Work requiring the knowledge of a tradesperson whose trade is regulated by the provincial government.
• Banking, handling of securities, jewellery, works of art, antiques, or other valuables.
• Duties normally performed in the home (daily chores) or personal recreational activities.
• Court-ordered programs (e.g., community-service program for young offenders, probationary program).

Assessment & Evaluation

The primary purpose of assessment and evaluation is to improve student learning. Information gathered through assessment and evaluation helps teachers to identify students' difficulties as well as their strengths.

Assessment is the process of gathering information from a variety of sources — assignments, demonstrations, projects, performances and tests — that accurately reflects how well students are achieving the curriculum expectations. As part of assessment, teachers provide students with descriptive feedback that guides their efforts towards improvement.

Formative evaluation occurs during the process of learning and keeps students and teachers aware of the objectives to be achieved, periodically informing them of intellectual and emotional progress. Summative evaluation takes place at the end of a unit or period of time, and determines the quality of a student's work against established achievement criteria.

The final percentage grade for Grade 9–12 courses is derived as follows:

• 70% based on evaluations conducted throughout the course. This portion reflects the student's most consistent level of achievement, with special consideration given to more recent evidence.
• 30% based on a final evaluation — an examination, performance, essay or other method suitable to the course content. Administered at or towards the end of the course. There are no exemptions from the final evaluation.

Achievement Levels

• 80–100% — Level 4: a very high to outstanding level of achievement; above the provincial standard.
• 70–79% — Level 3: a high level of achievement; at the provincial standard. A student achieving at this level is well prepared for the next grade or course.
• 60–69% — Level 2: a moderate level of achievement; below but approaching the provincial standard.
• 50–59% — Level 1: a passable level of achievement; below the provincial standard.
• Below 50%: insufficient achievement — no credit awarded.

Evidence of student achievement is collected from three sources — observations, conversations, and student products. Student products may include tests, exams, performance tasks, demonstrations, projects, or essays. Assignments for evaluation must be completed under teacher supervision wherever possible and must not include ongoing homework. Group projects are acceptable provided each student's work is evaluated independently.

Academic Dishonesty

Academic dishonesty includes plagiarism and cheating on tests, examinations and assignments. Academic dishonesty may result in receiving a mark of zero on the assignment.

Plagiarism

When you borrow another writer's words and/or ideas and include them in your work, you must acknowledge them — whether it is a direct quotation or a restatement of an idea. Failure to do so is a form of academic dishonesty known as plagiarism and will result in a mark of zero for the work submitted.

Report Cards and Marks

A report card will be completed and filed in the OSR for each student enrolled at TDA. The student's record of courses and credits gained towards the OSSD is maintained on the Ontario Student Transcript (OST), which is the official record of academic achievement. A final grade is recorded for every course; credit is granted for any course in which the student's grade is 50% or higher.

Attendance & Leave

Transfer, Change, or Withdrawal

Students wishing to transfer to The Duncan Academy from another school in Ontario mid-semester may do so only if the selected courses have already begun at the previous school. The transfer must be approved by the Principal after consultation with the previous school's Principal, and will only be allowed if we believe the student can successfully complete the course at TDA.

Attendance

Regular attendance is crucial to success in The Duncan Academy programs. Ministry of Education guidelines require that students receive at least 110 hours of instruction for each credit course. TDA expects all students to attend all classes. Valid documentation must be presented to the teacher and the office for missed classes. Persistent absences will result in the following:

• 1st notice — 5 hours absence: warning to student and development of a plan by student and staff to improve attendance.
• 2nd notice — 9 hours absence: warning sent to parents/guardians with an interview required with the Principal/Vice Principal.
• 3rd notice — 15 hours absence: interview with the Principal/Vice Principal. Loss of credit.

Lates: Lates will be recorded on the attendance log with the amount of time late indicated. Should total minutes of lates exceed 15 hours, the Principal may not grant the credit.

Leave of Absence

To maintain eligibility for Student Authorization from the Canadian Government, students must follow certain guidelines before taking a Leave of Absence outside Canada. They must:

• Have attended a minimum of 2 semesters.
• Have a tuition fee balance for 4 courses (or the number required for graduation).
• Have a signed letter from parents or guardian approving the application.
• Have a round-trip air ticket.

A Leave of Absence must be requested at least two weeks prior to the intended departure date and should coincide with scheduled holidays or times when the student's absence does not affect course completion. Leave will not be granted if it would negatively impact the student's program, unless requested for compassionate reasons. The Principal makes the final decision.

External Credits

If a course critical to graduation is not available at TDA, we will assist students in obtaining the credit through agencies such as the Independent Learning Centre or Continuing Education Programs.

Equal Education Opportunity

The Duncan Academy is committed to the principles of gender, faith, race and ethno-cultural equity in the curricula, policies and practices of the School.

Student Services

Our staff assists and advises students in a variety of areas during their stay with The Duncan Academy. Services include:

Academic

• Course and academic counselling
• University and college information
• Applications to universities and colleges
• Computer lab

Personal

• Opening bank accounts
• Application for transit cards
• Welcome to new students
• Counselling for personal problems

Housing

• Student residence
• Homestay opportunities

Visa Renewal

The school office will facilitate renewal of the Canadian Student Authorization, provided that the student is proceeding towards an OSSD or 30 credits at The Duncan Academy.

• (a) Students with four or fewer courses to complete for the OSSD: renewal is issued upon confirmation of full payment of the remaining tuition fees.
• (b) Students with more than four courses remaining: confirmation is issued only if the student has a tuition fee balance for four courses for the coming semester.

Guidance and Career Assistance

This program is delivered through orientation and exit programs, career exploration activities, and individual assistance and counselling. The program is organized into three areas of learning:

• Student development — the skills and habits necessary for learning.
• Interpersonal development — the skills and knowledge necessary to get along with others.
• Career development.

All students are required to complete a half-credit course in career studies as part of the diploma requirements.