Special Credit
Special projects are student-initiated programs designed to encourage the pursuit of learning in an area of personal interest or passion. The content of the special project(s) need not be related to a specific school subject. If a special project is related to a specific school subject, the content of the project shall be distinct from and in addition to regular course requirements.
While students may use out-of-school programs currently in place (e.g., Cadet training, post-secondary courses) to develop their personal learning proposal, it is important that the proposal(s) be individualized to meet the needs and interests of that particular student.
Standing Granted (SG) for Courses from Non-Academic Entities
Effective August 2019, credit recognition for programs successfully completed by a non-academic entity will receive a final mark record of Standing Granted (SG) on the official Transcript of Secondary Level Achievement. A final per cent (%) mark is no longer required.
You can complete a registration application Online. CLICK HERE to register for the class.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me: (click on my name to email me, or call)
Todd Paslawski
Program Leader
306-659-7705
Special Project Credits – Questions and Answers
Q. What is the difference between a Special Project Credit and a Locally Developed Course?
A. Special projects are student-initiated and designed to encourage the pursuit of learning in an area of personal interest or passion. The content of the Special Project(s) need not be related to a specific school subject. If a special project is related to a specific school subject, the content of the project shall be distinct from and in addition to regular course requirements. Project proposals are approved by the school and/or school division.
Locally Developed Courses of Study are developed by school divisions and are approved by the Ministry of Education. Courses must contain original outcomes and indicators defined by the school division and be at a level of rigour consistent with provincially developed courses of study. Locally Developed Courses will be approved only as unspecified electives and become the property of the Ministry of Education upon approval.
Q. Can a Special Project Credit be related to a provincial course? i.e., automotive class or rebuild an engine on my own or with help?
A. If a special project is related to a specific school subject, the content of the project shall be distinct from and in addition to regular course requirements. Project proposals are approved by the school and/or school division.
Q. Is a program itself (hockey, dance, drama, etc.) grounds for a Special Project Credit or a vehicle for establishing grounds for a credit?
A. Special projects are student-designed learning experiences, not teacher- or mentor-designed classes or programs. Students who want to collaborate on a special project with a community dance studio, or theatre company, for example, could be supported by the supervising teacher and dance/theatre mentor in identifying individualized goals and project descriptions tailored by and for each student. The mentor from the dance studio or theatre company could help codesign the learning experiences to ensure each student is able to carry out his/her individual project rather than providing a pre-set “program” that is the same learning experience for every student who is participating in a community dance or theatre class.
Q. Can Special Project Credits 10, 20, 30 be all attained using the same project?
A. Yes, however each project must clearly identify new learning and be distinct from previous special project submissions.
Q. What do we mean by 100 hours of work?
A. 1 credit = 100 hours. The expected start and completion dates and an outline of how the required amount of time (100 hours) must be clearly outlined in the proposal to receive the credit. The work must include all aspects of the learning such as theory, practice, etc.
Q. Is there a timeline framework to complete a special project credit? Does it have to be completed within the school calendar year, or can it flow over the course of 2 academic years, or be completed in part during summer/holiday months?
A. There is no time limit however students must be enrolled in the school/division. The timeline should be identified in the Special Project Proposal Template. Any adjustments to the timeline must be recorded on the proposal for future reference and auditing.
