Senior School (Grades 9-12)

Secondary school is an exciting time for students, with many new opportunities and challenges. At Albert College, we work with students and parents to customize a learning opportunity to engage students in the Five A’s - Academics, Arts, Athletics, Active Citizenship and Adventure - as well as prepare them with the skills for post-secondary pursuits.  As students progress through secondary school, they will maintain an Annual Educational Plan to help them plan their future academic and career choices. 

They do so with a team of faculty and staff here to support and guide them. In addition, they learn and live alongside day students and boarders from the local area and around the world. This is an inspiring environment for learning and growth.

High School Diploma Requirements

The Ontario Secondary School system is based on a credit system. Students must earn a total of 30 credits to obtain the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

• Students entering Grade 9 in September 2024 onwards must earn a total of 17 compulsory credits and 13 optional credits.
• Students entering Grade 9 in September 2023 or earlier must earn a total of 18 compulsory credits and 12 optional credits. 
• Optional credits are earned through a full range of courses offered at the school.

Students entering Grade 9 must also complete 40 hours of community involvement hours. Students entering from out-of-province will require the following number of hours: Grade 10 – 40 hours; Grade 11 – 25 hours and Grade 12 – 15 hours.

The activities must be unpaid and take place outside of normal instructional hours  during lunch, after school, or on weekends or evenings. 

Students are responsible for fulfilling the hours and they are required to submit a record of the hours to the Community Service Coordinator and/or to the Academic Office. The Albert College Community Involvement Tracking Sheet is available in the Active Citizenship Group in Edsby and in the Library of the AC Talk - Middle and Senior School in Edsby, or the form can be picked up in the Academic Office.  

The following is a list of some of the eligible volunteer opportunities available at Albert College. There are many opportunities available throughout the year for students to complete hours. Please note that opportunities are not exclusive to those listed below.

If a student would like to volunteer for an activity that is not included, please contact the Community Service Coordinator or the Assistant Head – Senior School.

• ACT Committee
• AC Tour Guide
• Adopt-A-Plant
• Arabella Intergenerational Program
• Assisting with Albert College Fundraising Events
• Belleville Terry Fox Run
• Belleville Theatre Guild/Pinnacle Playhouse
• Big Brothers Big Sisters
• Camp Committee
• Climate Action Committee
• Community Clean-up
• Gleaners Food Drive
• Junior School Co-curricular Activities (After-School Care)
• Peer Tutoring
• Resource Centre Volunteer
• Scoring for Athletic Activities
• Standards Committee
• Wellness Committee

Please note that there are activities that are ineligible (cannot be used) for volunteer opportunities. An activity is ineligible if the activity:

• is a requirement of a class or course; 
• takes place during the academic day (8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.), excluding lunch or study hall; 
• receives wages by a student in a workplace;
• involves the operation of a vehicle, power tools, etc.; and 
• consists of duties normally performed at home (i.e., daily chores) or personal recreational activities.

Each student must also successfully complete the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) which is typically written during their Grade 10 year. Students entering from out-of-province must also successfully complete the OSSLT.  Students from out-of-province will write the test during the year they enter school in Ontario.  

Albert College's Five A's

Academics: All students in the Senior School at Albert College have an Advisor assigned in Grade 9. Advisors maintain an academic record of their students and assist with the development of a plan of action, if required. Advisors also assist students with the development and maintenance of their Annual Education Plan, and help students in other aspects of their school life. Advisors serve as a key school contact for parents.

Arts: Albert College’s unique Arts Period is built into the academic schedule, in addition to arts credits. Three times a week, students participate in artistic classes as part of our co-curricular program. Scheduling an Arts Period allows students to rehearse without conflict and provides time for them to participate in other after-school co-curricular activities. The musical, theatrical and visual arts components are taught by faculty members with specialist degrees. Arts activities may include choir, band, theatre, chess and visual arts (i.e., drawing, painting and photography).  

Athletics: Each term, there is a wide range of athletic opportunities for students. Athletics is also built into the academic schedule, and is a required co-curricular activity. Students choose their activity for each of three terms. Some options are competitive, others are developmental or recreational. Opportunities include soccer, rugby, field lacrosse, field hockey, volleyball, basketball, swimming, track and field, fitness and cross-country.

Active Citizenship:  At Albert College, we strive to develop courageous global citizens. Active Citizenship initiatives provide experience for students to volunteer for a variety of local, national and international causes. Students are recognized and encouraged for their participation in many community service initiatives. With so many ways to be involved, students reach a remarkable number of volunteer hours before they graduate. We have recognized students who have accumulated over 250 hours of community service. 

Adventure: Adventure trips and experiences at Albert provide students the opportunity to learn outside the classroom, challenge themselves in areas of uncertainty, develop leadership and teamwork skills and create lasting friendships. Orientation Camp is an Albert tradition dating back to 1973 and is a highlight for students each September. Before classes begin, students and faculty spend a few days enjoying the Canadian outdoors together. Students choose from a variety of activities including kayaking, canoeing, sailing, rock climbing and hiking. In the evenings, everyone gathers around the campfire for skits and songs. Other Adventure opportunities include the Duke of Edinburgh Program, winter adventure trip, fall canoe expedition, and trips across Canada and abroad.