In grade 9 students begin earning credits for a Manitoba high school diploma. The graduation requirements have increased from 28 credits in the 2007-08 school year to 30 credits in the 2009-10 school year as a result of the addition of one compulsory physical education/health credit at grade 11 and one at grade 12.

Students seeking to graduate in:

• 2008-09 require a minimum of 29 credits
• 2009-10 and beyond require a minimum of 30 credits

At SMA, two of the credits must be in religious studies (1/2 credit in each of the four years of high school). Many SMA graduates exceed the minimum requirements for graduation. Most courses run the full year.

In January, mid-year formative assessments worth 10% of final grade are completed in many subjects.  In June, all students write exams worth 30% of the final grade in Mathematics, English, Geography, History, Chemistry, Physics and Biology.  In Grade 9 Social Studies, the final assessment will consist of a major research project and an assessment which encourages critical analysis.  Choral music option is part of an extended day schedule.

Grade 9 Courses:
Compulsory - English, math, science, social studies, phys ed, religion, and French or advanced French
One of: human ecology, dramatic arts, visual art, choral music (by audition). 

Grade 10 Courses:
Compulsory - English, pre-calculus or consumer math, science, geography, phys ed, religion
Two of: dramatic arts, French, advanced French, human ecology, visual art, creative digital design, chemistry 30s, American history, choral music (by audition). 

Grade 11 Courses:
Compulsory - English, pre-calculus or consumer math, Canadian history, phys ed, religion
Three of: advanced French, biology, chemistry, current topics in science, family studies, French, law, physics, dramatic arts, visual art, choral music (by audition). 

Grade 12 Courses:
Compulsory - English comprehensive, AP English literature and composition or English transactional, pre-calculus or consumer math, religion, phys ed. (starting in 2008-2009)
Three of: AP calculus, AP French, biology, chemistry, family studies, French, interdisciplinary topics in science, law, physics, dramatic arts, visual art, world issues, art history, choral music (by audition).

Grades 9-12 Curriculum Handbook for 2008-2009