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Minimum Course Load Requirements 

Bowness High School require students to carry a full course load and students working towards their High School Diploma are expected to earn 105+ credits in 3 years of high school: 

 

Minimum Course Load 

Grade 10 

8 courses (no spares) Minimum 40 Credits 

Grade 11 

Minimum of 7 classes as this sets students up for graduation requirements moving into grade 12 - 38 Credits (can include CALM in Summer School) 

Grade 12 

 6 courses (3 per semester; limited spares possible with credit minimums - must be graduating with minimum 105+ Credits) 

Counsellor and administrative approval are required for modified or part-time programing. 

Course Withdrawals  

Withdrawing from a course is strongly discouraged and will require: 

  • Meeting with Guidance Counsellor 
  • Meeting with Assistance Principal 
  • Conversation with Parent/Guardians 
  • Final administrative approval 

Repeating & Upgrading Courses 

  • Students can only take a course once a given school year. 
  • Repeating a course is not guaranteed at Bowness High School due to class size limitations. 

Most upgrades may be completed through: 

  • CBe-Learn 
  • Chinook Learning Services 
  • CBE Summer school 

Appeals must be made through your Assistant Principal. 

Prerequisites & Teacher Recommendations 

  • A minimum of 50% is required to earn credit and move to the next course level. 
  • Passing a course with 50% does not necessarily indicate readiness for the next level. 
  • Marks above 70% are strongly recommended for success in advanced pathways. 
  • Teacher recommendations guide placement in all courses. 
  • Completing a Pathway Appeal form does not guarantee a spot in your desired course. 
  • Pathway Appeal Form 

 Online & External Courses 

  • Students taking courses outside Alberta or online must confirm credit acceptance prior to registering. 
  • Concurrent online courses are typically limited and prioritized for Grade 12 students. 
  • Some online courses include mandatory in-person assessments. 
  • CBe-Learn availability varies by semester and courses. 
  • Shifting from online to in-person may not be possible. 

Spare Etiquette 

If you are on a spare, you are to be in these designated spaces studying or completing a quiet activity 

  • The Learning Commons 
  • Success Center 
  • Fishbowl/Cafeteria 
  • Upstairs Foyers on South side of building 
  • Phys Ed Foyer 
  • Leaving the school completely during your spare 

Alberta High School Diploma Requirements

The requirements indicated below are the minimum requirements for a student to attain an Alberta High School Diploma.

Earn a minimum of 100 credits and completion of the following courses:

Credits In

  • English 30-1 or 30-2
  • Social Studies 30-1 or 30-2
  • Mathematics 20-1 or 20-2 or 20-3
  • Science 20 or 24 or Biology 20 or Chemistry 20 or Physics 20
  • Physical Education (3 credits)
  • Career and Life Management (CALM) 20 (3 credits)
  • 10 credits in any combination from Career and Technology Studies (CTS) OR Fine Arts OR Second Languages OR Physical Education 20 and/or 30
  • 10 credits in any Grade 12 level course in addition to English 30-1 or 30-2 and Socials Studies 30-1 or 30-2

Certificate of High School Achievement Requirements

Students will be eligible to receive a Certificate of High School Achievement upon completion of the following requirements: Earn a minimum of 80 credits including the following:

Credits in

  • English Language Arts 20-2 or 30-4
  • Mathematics 10-3 or 20-4
  • Science 14 or 20-4
  • Social Studies 10-2 or 20-4
  • Physical Education 3 credits)
  • Career and Life Management (CALM) (3 credits)

5 Credits in

  • 30-level Knowledge and Employability Occupational course
    or
  • 30-level Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
    or
  • 30-level locally developed course with an occupational focus and

5 Credits in

  • 30-level Knowledge and Employability Workplace practicum course
    or
  • 30-level Work Experience course
    or
  • 30-level Green Certificate course

or 5 credits in

  • 35-level Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) course


Knowledge and Employability Certificate High School Achievement Requirements

Students will be eligible to receive a Certificate of High School Achievement upon earning a minimum of 80 credits and completing the following requirements:

Credits in

  • English 20-2 or 30-4
  • Social Studies 10-2 or 20-4
  • Mathematics 10-3 or 20-4
  • Science 14 or 20-4
  • Physical Education (3 credits)
  • Career and Life Management (CALM) (3 credits)
  • 30 level Knowledge and Employability Occupational course
    Or
  • 30 level Career and Technology Studies (CTS)
    Or
  • 30 level Locally Developed course with an occupational focus
    AND
  • 30 level Knowledge and Employability Workplace Practicum course
    Or
  • 30 level Work Experience course
    Or
  • 30 level Green Certificate course
    OR
    5 credits in
  • 35 level Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) course

Homework and Studying

Students know that homework is an important factor in educational success. Homework should include a review of their notes and textbook materials on a regular basis.

Homework Recommendations

  1. Grade 10 students devote a minimum of one and one-half hours a day to homework.
  2. Grade 11 and 12 students study at least two hours a day.

Flex Time

Flex time is provided daily, Monday through Thursday, for students to meet with any teacher for individual or small group learning support. Each Flex block is 30 minutes long. Mandatory attendance may be required at the request of teachers or administrators.