FAQ: Grad

Where do I go to complete Provincial Assessments? 

There are a few options for students when it comes to writing provincial assessments.

1) The simplest option is to sign up for an HCOS location.assessment site. We typically host an assessment location in Kelowna and the lower mainland in each assessment session, but often we have additional locations (based on student numbers) such as Nanaimo or Victoria.

2) The other option is to write your assessment at a local school. This option is totally dependent on each individual local schoolschool's plans and it's important to note that not all schools run assessment sessions in all 4 assessment windows. If a school is willing to host one of our students, we are happy to make those arrangements, but this option isn't always possible and is dependent on a number of factors. factors outside of HCOS.

3) SE students who are eligible for a private location can write at a location set up by their case manager, with a private invigilator and other accommodations in place. This can only be arranged through a student's Case Manager. 

What formats are courses provided in at the Grad Program?

We have four different formats for many of our courses in the Grad program. It's important to note that not all courses are available in all formats... so it's good to check with your Grad Advisor as you are planning. 

1) Online Synchronous - this option uses the online courses that HCOS has written, and also has the added benefit of weekly zoom meetings with your course teacher. The student cohort in these classes work together at about the same pace, beginning in September and finishing in June. 

2) Online Asynchronous - this option also uses the same online course as the synchronous course, but students have the flexibility to work at their own pace, as well as start and end on dates that may fit their unique schedule. 

3) Hybrid - this course option is designed for students who need some guidance and structure in a course but are also looking for a bit more flexibility. This course format may provide resources, suggest assignments, give project ideas, etc. and allow for more freedom and student choice. By design, they also benefit from more parent oversight and support as students don't have daily lessons to complete. Instead, students learn material independently and then submit samples that demonstrate the culmination of their learning.

4) Individualized - this course option is designed for students who have a plan that doesn't 'fit' one of the above options. This could be because you have a particular curriculum you want to use, you are involved in a unique learning opportunity, or you just have a really great idea that is a bit out-of-the-box. This option requires the student to work with the course specialist teacher to outline the course expectations, select resources to use, identify what work samples will be submitted, and how assessment will be done. 

In the grad program, how do I know my Individualized teachers’ email?

All of our HCOS teacher emails follow the same format: firstname.lastname@onlineschool.ca

If you aren't sure what your teachers name is (or how to spell it), there are a couple of ways to find your course teacher's email address.

1. 1. On your Encom home page, find the box called 'List of Courses'. This should list all the courses you are enrolled in and from there you can can click on your teacher's name to see their email address,  OR
   2. On your Encom home page click on the report card box. At the top all the courses you are enrolled should appear along with the teacher's name beside them. Click on the teacher's name to email them. 

How do I see teacher comments for my child’s assignments in Online Grad courses?

 

My child is working on Math 11 yet I don’t see this on the transcript; why not?

Unofficial transcripts (and official transcripts) only show completed courses. Any courses that are still in progress, or that your student is still working on will not appear on the transcript. Once a teacher enters a final grade for a course indicating a student has completed the course, our data department reports that final grade and it will appear on a student's transcript. Courses that a student withdraws from also do not appear on the transcript. 

Do I have to complete the grade 10 and 12 assessments?

Yes, the ministry expectation is that all students in grade 10 will write the numeracy and literacy 10 assessments. this gives students the opportunity to re-write the assessments if they want to improve their scores before grade 12. These assessments are required to receive a Dogwood Diploma in BC. The literacy 12 assessment is also required for graduation and so must be completed by students in grade 12. 

It's important to note that officially, all students are working towards the Dogwood Diploma. Once a student turns 18, they may then declare their intent and move to the Adult Dogwood program. The Adult Dogwood program does not require assessments to be written at this time. However, some post-secondary institutions have indicated that they prefer to see those assessments have been completed when looking at adult student applications. 

How many classes do I need to complete to graduate?

There's no easy answer for this as there isn't a set number of 'classes' a student needs to complete. Instead, graduation is based on the number of credits a student earns, and in specific content/course areas. Your Grad Advisor can give you more guidance on this, but in order to graduate in BC, you need a total of 80 credits, and some of those credits must be completed in certain courses or subject areas. 

The majority of courses that HCOS offers are 4-credit courses. Some exceptions to this are:

• • English Language Arts 10 courses: there are 5 options here that are each 2-credit courses. Students must complete two of these courses for graduation
  • Christian Studies 10-12: students have the option to do a 2-credit option here, if they choose. 

 

I re-enrolled into the Grad program yet I don’t see any curriculum funds. In K-9 I had $600 Where are the funds?

How much communication should I expect with my teachers?

Do you offer summer school?

I attend another school. Can I take one or two courses with you?

Can I use a combination of online courses and individualized courses?

(this question was pulled from our website and we are hoping you could answer this question in a grad specific way - here is our current answer below)

Yes! HCOS is set up to be flexible: we want to meet your child's learning needs.

We offer online courses from grades 5 - 12 and you're welcome to choose any number of our online courses for your child. (We encourage students in grades five to seven to limit their number of online courses.)