The remaining 12 credits will be optional, allowing students to pursue a variety of courses and meet to university, college or work requirements. For the first time under the new high school program, students will take Civics as a separate, compulsory course, rather than as only a unit of the Canadian History course. In order to encourage civic responsibility and promote community values, all students will be required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement prior to high school graduation. This activity will be in addition to the 30 credits required for a high school diploma. Through community involvement, students can experience first hand how everyone can make a contribution to their community.
Voluntary organizations are one of the many sources of placements for community involvement.
Many informal opportunities within a neighbourhood also exist. For example, a student could help a nearby senior citizen or tutor younger students in a school homework program. The program will be flexible so that all students will be able to find ways to participate. The Ministry will work with school boards and other groups to suggest ways to provide students in remote and rural communities with enough opportunities to participate, and to identify appropriate opportunities for students with special needs. There will be a clear process and clear expectations for how students will report on their activities.