Semestering

In a semestered school, the year is divided into two equal semesters. Semester 1 runs from September to January; Semester 2 February to the end of June. During both semesters, a student may take up to four courses. Both semesters end with a final examination period.

In a semestered school, the year is divided into two equal semesters. The semesters run as follows: first semester runs from September to the end of January and second semester runs from the beginning of February to the end of June. Each semester has 4 blocks for scheduling classes – 8 blocks per year. During each semester grade 10 students take four courses, for a total of eight for the year. Each semester ends with a final examination period. In the Citadel High timetable a student has one 75 minute class for each course every day (see timetable below).

Grade 10 students must have a full schedule of 8 courses. Students pick courses for the entire year. All courses offered are conditional upon adequate enrollment. Course selections in the spring for September should be considered final. All students are expected to follow their second semester timetables for courses assigned in September. So…choose carefully and wisely. Repeating failed first semester courses in second semester should not be expected.

Timetable

Citadel High operates on a Monday to Friday schedule with four 75 minute classes each day. A student cycles through their various courses as shown on the timetable below:

High School Credits

Definition of a credit: A credit is awarded in recognition of the successful completion of an approved course (a mark of 50% is considered a passing grade). A one-credit course is normally completed in a minimum of 110 hours of instruction - the equivalent of a 75 minute class every day for a full semester.

Credit Levels: Credits are organized according to level of difficulty, advanced being the most difficult followed by academic, open and graduation, in that order. Students who plan to attend university must have a sufficient number of academic or advanced level courses for post-secondary admission; however it is normal and acceptable to have a number of open or graduation level courses on their transcript in addition to the higher level credits.

Assessment and evaluation policy

Teachers will achieve balanced assessment of student learning by using a variety of assessment strategies. In the first week of the course, each student will receive a written outline of the assessment and evaluation plan, including components and values. The teacher will inform the students of any changes to the plan. No single assessment event will be valued at more than 30% of the final mark (with the exception of IB). Several subjects have Provincial Exams, these may not be exempted.

Return of school materials

All students are expected to care for the texts and other materials provided for their use, and to return those materials in good condition at the conclusion of the program.

Attendance

Student success is directly linked to attendance. Students are expected to attend all classes regularly. Please check https://www.ednet.ns.ca/student-attendance-and-engagement-policy for attendance policy.

The learning and resource centres

These centres provide support services for students who have been identified as requiring additional planning and support to meet their unique needs.

Curriculum is adapted to meet the needs of diverse learners. Teaching strategies, classroom organization, curricular content and assessment and evaluation techniques will be adapted to assist diverse learners in meeting provincial outcomes. When students with adaptations are not able to meet provincial outcomes an Individual Program Plan (IPP) will be developed.

Parents/guardians will be involved in decisions regarding program adaptations and IPP’s.