Educational Planning
Turner Fenton reflects the policy of the Government of Ontario to extend equal educational opportunities to all students. This philosophy of equity gives direction to all aspects of curriculum and expectations of the staff at our school.

The Grade 9 and 10 planning guide can be found in the Grade 9 - 12 Information section.
 The Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
In order to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma students must accumulate credits.
A "credit" is defined as the successful completion of a course that has been scheduled for a minimum of 110 hours of classroom study.
The courses offered by this school have been developed according to the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training.

Prospects is issued in conjunction with the Peel District School Board policies on discipline, examinations, regional programs and Ministry of Education and Training secondary school regulations.
 Parent Responsibilities
Parents have the responsibility and opportunity to work with their sons and daughters in the planning of their secondary school education. The final decision of the course selection of students under the age of eighteen rests with the parents. Even where the school has recommended a particular group of subjects, a parent may substitute one subject for another in the group, after consulting with the Principal. All students and their parents should consider seriously the advice and recommendation of the school. The consequences of course selection can be extremely important whether students plan to work, or attend college or university. Changes may be made at the discretion of the school administration (refer to the course change policy). Detailed courses of study are available at the school for perusal.
 Student Responsibilities
As stated in the Ministry of Education Regulations, "pupils shall be diligent in attempting to master their study program, exercise self-discipline, be courteous and show respect for school property".

Regular attendance and punctuality on the part of the student are vital to the process of learning. Students should understand that they are to attend classes unless excused by their parents, by note, or through the school administration.

Students who habitually miss class will suffer in the evaluation process because of their participation and achievement cannot be fully assessed.
 Course Load
All students take a full course load of day school courses.

For students with 23 or more credits, a full course load is 3 courses each semester.

For students with fewer than 23 credits, a full course load is 4 courses each semester.
 Night School
Students are eligible to register for night school credit courses providing the course is not available at day school.

All night school registration forms must be signed by the appropriate counsellor indicating both approval of the specific course selected and that the eligibility requirement has been met.
 Prerequisite and Recommended Preparation
A prerequisite course is identified by Ministry of Education and Training guidelines as being essential preparation for a particular course which follows. Only a Ministry guideline can identify a prerequisite course and it will be indicated in a course description, if applicable. Only the Principal can waive the need for a specific prerequisite.

If, in the judgement of the Principal, in consultation with the appropriate department head, a student is more likely to be successful and to receive maximum benefit from a particular sequence of courses, the term recommended preparation course will be indicated in course descriptions. Ultimately, parents will have to determine whether they will accept this advice or not.
 Course Change Policy
Students have an opportunity in the spring to verify the choices they have made in the winter and to make any adjustments. This is an appropriate time to do education planning. We expect course selections after June to be honoured by students and parents since the allocation of classes to departments and teachers to classes is based on this data. Only essential, justifiable changes to course selections after June of each year will be considered.

In some circumstances, changes may have to be made in September. These include:
  • A lack of prerequisite courses.
  • Credits obtained outside of regular program which may necessitate additional timetable adjustments.
  • The balancing of academic work load (when necessary and if possible).
  • Computer error.
  • Level of difficulty changes with teacher’s recommendation and parental permission.
  • The balancing of class sizes.
If a change is necessitated for any of the above reasons, students will fill out a request form during the first week of school. If there are sound educational reasons and if space permits, these changes will be processed in the first two weeks starting with senior classes. After the second week, no requests will be received, except in very special circumstances and with the approval of the Vice Principals. Level changes will be considered and made after consultation with the teacher, students and parents.

Requests for changes for second semester must be received prior to the December break. Changes will be made only if there is a sound educational reason and if space permits.

Students wishing to repeat (i.e. upgrade) a course in the second semester will be considered only if all three of the following conditions are met:
  • If there is room in the course.
  • If a legitimate attempt had been made to complete the course the previous school year including writing the final exam.
  • If attendance was not a contributing factor to the lack of success.
Students are urged to plan carefully in the spring as the school’s timetable and staffing for September and February are based on their requests.
 Evaluation & Exams
Evaluation of students comprises daily work, term tests, projects, independent study units and final exams. A breakdown of the distribution of marks is available at the beginning of the course. Student reports are issued on the last teaching day of every month. In the semestered system, all students write final examinations in January and June, as scheduled. Family plans should not interfere with exam weeks.
 Ontario Student Transcript
The Ontario Student Transcript is a record of all courses attempted and is kept in the Ontario Student Record (O.S.R.). Students may withdraw from a course within 5 days following the mid-semester report card without it appearing on their transcripts. Transferring students should take this transcript with them to register at another school. The transcript is also used to convey information to college and university registrars.
 Transportation
Currently, The Peel District School Board provides transportation (busing) for students enrolled in regular and mandated (i.e. special education) programs who live in excess of 4.8 km from the school. The Extended French and Aviation programs are non-mandated programs provided by The Peel District School Board at Turner Fenton Campus.
 School Directions
Planning for the future is important! It is as vital for us, as a school, as it is for us as individuals. The staff at Turner Fenton Secondary School has been engaged in a planning process to shape our school’s future to best reflect the needs of the young people of this community.

This continuous path towards school success is centered on developing new program approaches for the work world of the new millennium, as well as emphasizing the interpersonal skills necessary for living in our local community.

As we develop curriculum and activities, emphasis is being placed on:

School Program Development
  • Integration of the technologies with academic theory.
  • Career exploration and work education.
  • Equity and anti-racism education.
  • Preparing for transitions and change.
School Affective Development
  • Student rights and responsibilities to encourage respect and self discipline.
  • Respect and understanding among diverse groups.
  • Student citizenship initiatives, such as conflict resolution and peer mediation.
The above represent long term school-wide directions that will not be accomplished in a few months or even a year. They do represent a long term commitment to the shaping of our school for the future.
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