Questions related to this site are to be forwarded via Email to:
Dependent Education Management.

PART II - EDUCATION ALLOWANCES - PREPARATION FOR THE MOVE - GRADE GUIDELINES FOR EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS OF ONTARIO, UNITED STATES , GREAT BRITAIN , FRANCE, BELGIUM LYCÉE AND QUEBEC EDUCATION SYSTEM INCLUDING CEGEP

This page is effective 01 January 2006

This part should be read in conjunction with Part XIII – Education and Related Care of Dependent Children Guide – Post Ceiling and Education/Travel Allowances Guidelines

GENERAL

611.01  Parents who are moving to a new school district should spend some time researching the school district and schools that their children will be attend. Initially, parents should determine which characteristics of a school and school district are most important for meeting the needs of their children. For instance, parents may be interested in the academic performance of students at he school, test scores, programs for special needs of students, courses offered, teacher turnover rates, graduation requirements, the availability of special resources, the size of the school population, the number of students per class, dropout rates, graduation rates, and other information. Parents may also want to know how parents whose children attend the school, regard the school and how the school is regarded in the community. The secondary school experience is a very complicated and challenging landscape. This is even more the case for the highly mobile, military-connected student population. Secondary students will be most interested in records transfer, interpretation systems of credits at new school, subjects offered, school calendars, school schedules, school standards and opportunities, extracurricular activities.

611.011  Each student is unique; they are children first and connected to the military second. Each new school situation brings a particular set of opportunities, challenges, and daunting unknowns. It is tough, regardless of the circumstance and the age of the student, to be the "new kid" over and over. Parents are the best counsellors. The parents are key to all this, the teachers and counsellors can only do so much. So as a parent get involved with your children and plan ahead. The bottom line is you really have to be involved with your teens in order to make a transition smooth.

611.012  There are a number of resources for information on schooling at your new POST, including but not limited to the following.

Screening is important

EDUCATION SCREENING AND SCHOOLING FACILITIES - EDUCATION BENEFITS OUTSIDE CANADA

611.02  Improper and incomplete screening of members and dependants for posting outside of Canada continues to result in unnecessary administrative and financial burden to the CF.

Note: A member of a student requiring English as a Second Language instruction prior to arrival at the Post or a student that will require English as a Second Language at the post is to contact Dependent Education Management .

611.021  FSDs 34, 35, and 51 and this manual outline applicable education benefits for personnel posted outside Canada.

SECTION 1:  COMPATIBILITY

611.03  It is intended that elementary and secondary children of members living at the post are educated at the nearest compatible non-fee paying day school.

611.031  Compatible education means an education system providing an educational curriculum and services reasonably comparable to those normally provided without charge in public schools in Ontario in a junior kindergarten, kindergarten, elementary (grade 1 to 8) or secondary school (grade 9 to 12) The major criteria of compatibility is whether a child of normal ability, upon completion of a grade, or its equivalent, can enter the next higher grade in a public school on return to Canada.

611.032  The full range of educational facilities, normally found in Canada may not be available outside Canada. Members are cautioned to ensure appropriate language of instruction, grade level, special education requirements, if applicable, is available at the new post prior to accepting the posting. Education Screening for a Posting Outside Canada forms are to include a statement from the member that appropriate schooling is available at the new post in the appropriate language of instruction, grade level and special education, if required, prior to sign-off at unit level.

611.033  Language of instruction outside Canada, as within and when available, may be provided in the appropriate official language, i.e., the English or French language of instruction consistent with section 23 of the Minority Language Educational Rights prescribed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

611.034  French Immersion (FI) programs are optional programs for Anglophone pupils and are not contemplated under Section 23, Minority Language Educational Rights, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as a language of instruction. Such programs are not available outside Canada.

611.035  Special education programs are very limited at most posts outside Canada. Source of special education services outside Canada must be included on the Education Screening for a Posting Outside Canada form prior to sign-off.

611.036  For the most part, at the elementary level grade 1 to 8, be it Canadian, British or American, the education programs are compatible and transfers between programs at this level is not likely to provide an impediment for re-entry into the Canadian school system. At the secondary level, the systems begin to diverge. Whether it is Canadian, British or American, the education program is based on subject credit requirements and entry or re-entry requires some planning to ensure prerequisite requirement and introduction of subject content at various level is studied. It should be noted that school programs and course content might vary from education system to education system. Members are encouraged to obtain a curriculum outline from school dependants are now attending which will assist with course/subject planning at new school outside Canada.

University Planning and Scholarships

611.04  Members posted outside Canada who have children preparing for university and planning on enrolling in a school under a foreign curriculum are advised to communicate with the Canadian university of choice in advance so they may ensure that the courses selected will be acceptable to the Canadian university.

Click here for the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada for information on post secondary education in Canada.

Click here for Canadian Education on the Web

Click here for the Canadian Millennium Scholarship Foundation

Click here for Canada's Most Comprehensive Scholarship Portal

Click here for Studentawards.com

SECTION 2:  ROUTINE QUESTIONS AND SCHOOLING INFORMATION

611.05  Routine questions about entitlement may be directed to post personnel as follows:

DND DEPENDANTS SCHOOLS OVERSEAS for personnel posted to SHAPE (Casteau), AFNORTH (Brunssum) and Geilenkirchen area

611.06  The Department of National Defence shares with other NATO countries two International schools overseas. One is located at Headquarters Allied Forces North Europe (AFNORTH) in Brunssum, The Netherlands and the other at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe (SHAPE) in Casteau, Belgium.

AFNORTH International School located in Brunssum (AFNORTH) the Netherlands (near Maastricht)

Visit the AFNORTH International School Web Site for more information

AFNORTH International Middle/High School- Ontario Curriculum at Secondary Level

611.07  The AFNORTH International School was established in 1967 to serve the educational needs of the children of the four founding nations of Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. DND provides Canadian teachers, an Ontario secondary curriculum and recognizes AFNORTH International School as a DND Dependants School Overseas.

611.071  The AFNORTH International Middle/High School web site is www.afno-is.eu.dodea.edu. Starting school year 2002/2003, the AFNORTH International Middle/High School will offer students the opportunity to gain an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

611.072  The AFNORTH International Middle/High School is recognized in accordance with Section 16 of the Ontario Education Act as a private school in Ontario found on the web site at www.edu.gov.on.ca. This permits the offering of the Ontario secondary curriculum with the Principal permitted to offer advance level courses in Grade 9-12 that leads to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. A student's record of courses successfully completed and credits earned towards the requirement for the Ontario Secondary School diploma (O.S.S.D) will be maintained on the Ontario Student Transcript. This transcript is kept in the Ontario Student record and will follow a student to the new school upon transfer.

611.073  Under FSD 34.04, an education allowance at public expense will no longer apply at the secondary level for students to attend a Canadian curriculum school away from post. Members with students attending secondary school grade 9-12 are expected to educate such students at nearest DND overseas school, which is AFNORTH International Middle/High School, at no cost to the member. This applies to students of member posted to CC-NAEWF (Geilenkirchen, Germany), CFSU (E) Selfkant (Niederheid, Germany), Regional Command, North HQ (Brunssum, The Netherlands) and any student eligible to attend AFNORTH International School.

611.074  DND recognizes, as in Canada, that the number of credits to graduate from Secondary School may differ from province to province and such credits due may not be granted to a transferring student by the new school to be attended. To alleviate this problem, members with students in provincial education systems other than Ontario at the grade 11 or 12 level and who qualify under CBI Chapter 12, Section 1 for education benefits when posted from province to province in Canada may apply for an education allowance. Member posted from a province, other than Ontario, or territory may apply for an education allowance when posted outside Canada to CC-NAEWF, CFSU (E) or AFNORTH. This benefit will permit a secondary student in the pre or graduation year to continue in the same secondary school in Canada and complete their secondary education. This option does not apply to Ontario students posted to CC-NAEWF, CFSU (E) or AFNORTH as AFNORTH International Middle/High School offers the Ontario curriculum with the same credit requirements as any high school in Ontario. A student's record of courses successfully completed and credits earned towards the requirement for the Ontario Secondary School diploma (O.S.S.D) is maintained on the Ontario Student Transcript. This transcript is kept in the Ontario Student record and will follow a student to the new school upon transfer.

611.075  For students who do not have Ontario credits (students from non-inspected private schools or from outside Ontario), the following information may be found on the Ontario Ministry web site at www.edu.gov.on.ca under Ontario Secondary Schools Grades 9 to 12-Program and Diploma Requirements at Appendix 8: Equivalent Diploma Requirements. The principal will use the table and the list of diploma requirements as a guide to determine:

1. the total credit equivalency of the students background for placement purposes;
2. the number of credits, including compulsory credits, that the student must earn to qualify for the Ontario Secondary Diploma (OSSD) under Ontario Secondary Schools (OSS).

611.076  This policy is effective 20 August 2002.

The SHAPE International School located in Casteau (SHAPE)
Belgium (near Mons)

602.09 

SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS CANNOT BE PROVIDED AT SHAPE
OR AFNORTH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

Members with students to be enrolled in the AFNORTH or SHAPE Canadian Sections are directed to: OSAP 200.14.3 - SPECIAL EDUCATION

SECTION 3: CANADIAN EDUCATION INTERNET SITES

611.09

SECTION 4:  SCREENING FORM FOR A POSTING OUTSIDE CANADA

611.10  It is intended that elementary and secondary children of members living at the post are educated at the nearest compatible non-fee paying day school.

Compatible education means an education system providing an educational curriculum and services reasonably comparable to those normally provided without charge in public schools in Ontario in a junior kindergarten, kindergarten, elementary (grade 1 to 8) or secondary school (grade 9 to 12). The major criterion of compatibility is whether a child of normal ability, upon completion of a grade, or its equivalent, can enter the next higher grade in a public school on return to Canada.

The full range of educational facilities, normally found in Canada may not be available outside Canada. Members are cautioned to ensure appropriate language of instruction, grade level, special education requirements, if applicable, is available at the new post prior to accepting the posting. Education Screening for a Posting Outside Canada forms are to include a statement from the member that appropriate schooling is available at the new post in the appropriate language of instruction, grade level and special education, if required, prior to sign-off at unit level.

Language of instruction outside Canada, as within and when available, may be provided in the appropriate official language, i.e., the English or French language of instruction consistent with section 23 of the Minority Language Educational Rights prescribed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Note: A member of a student requiring English as a Second Language instruction prior to arrival at the Post or a student that will require English as a Second Language at the post is to contact Dependent Education Management .

French Immersion (FI) programs are optional programs for Anglophone pupils and are not contemplated under Section 23, Minority Language Educational Rights, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms as a language of instruction. Such programs are not available outside Canada.

Special education programs are very limited at most posts outside Canada. Source of special education services outside Canada must be included on the Education Screening for a Posting Outside Canada form prior to sign-off.

For the most part, at the elementary level grade 1 to 8, be it Canadian, British or American, the education programs are compatible and transfers between programs at this level is not likely to provide an impediment for re-entry into the Canadian school system. At the secondary level, the systems begin to diverge. Whether it is Canadian, British or American, the education program is based on subject credit requirements and entry or re-entry requires some planning to ensure prerequisite requirement and introduction of subject content at various level is studied. It should be noted that school programs and course content would vary from education system to education system. Members are encouraged to obtain a curriculum outline from school dependants are now attending which will assist with course/subject planning at new school outside Canada.

University Planning

Members posted outside Canada who have children preparing for university and planning on enrolling in a school under a foreign curriculum are advised to communicate with the Canadian university of choice in advance so they may ensure that the courses selected will be acceptable to the Canadian university.

Click here for the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada for information on post secondary education in Canada.

DND DEPENDANTS SCHOOLS OVERSEAS for personnel posted to SHAPE (Casteau), AFNORTH (Brunssum) and Geilenkirchen area.

The Department of National Defence shares with other NATO countries two International schools overseas. One is located at Headquarters Allied Forces North Europe (AFNORTH) in Brunssum, The Netherlands and the other at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe (SHAPE) in Casteau, Belgium

AFNORTH International School located in Brunssum (AFNORTH) the Netherlands ( near Maastricht)

Visit the AFNORTH International School Web Site for more information

AFNORTH International Middle/High School - Ontario Curriculum at
Secondary Level

The AFNORTH International School was established in 1967 to serve the educational needs of the children of the four founding nations of Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. DND provides Canadian teachers, an Ontario secondary curriculum and recognizes AFNORTH International School as a DND Dependants School Overseas.

The AFNORTH International Middle/High School web site is http://www.afno-is.eu.dodea.edu. Starting school year 2002/2003, the AFNORTH International Middle/High School will offer students the opportunity to gain an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

The AFNORTH International Middle/High School is recognized in accordance with Section 16 of the Ontario Education Act as a private school in Ontario found on the web site at http://www.edu.gov.on.ca. This permits the offering of the Ontario secondary curriculum with the Principal permitted to offer advance level courses in Grade 9-12 that leads to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. A student's record of courses successfully completed and credits earned towards the requirement for the Ontario Secondary School diploma (O.S.S.D) will be maintained on the Ontario Student Transcript. This transcript is kept in the Ontario Student record and will follow a student to the new school upon transfer.

Under FSD 34.04, an education allowance at public expense will no longer apply at the secondary level for students to attend a Canadian curriculum school away from post. Members with students attending secondary school grade 9-12 are expected to educate such students at nearest DND overseas school, which is AFNORTH International Middle/High School, at no cost to the member. This applies to students of member posted to CC-NAEWF (Geilenkirchen, Germany), CFSU (E) Selfkant (Niederheid, Germany), Regional Command, North HQ (Brunssum, Netherlands) and any student eligible to attend AFNORTH International School.

DND recognizes, as in Canada, that the number of credits to graduate from Secondary School may differ from province to province and such credits due may not be granted to a transferring student by the new school to be attended. To alleviate this problem, members with students in provincial education systems other than Ontario at the grade 11 or 12 level and who qualify under CBI Chapter 12, Section 1 for education benefits when posted from province to province in Canada may apply for an education allowance. Member posted from a province, other than Ontario, or territory may apply for an education allowance when posted outside Canada to CC-NAEWF, CFSU (E) or AFNORTH. This benefit will permit a secondary student in the pre or graduation year to continue in the same secondary school in Canada and complete their secondary education. This option does not apply to Ontario students posted to CC-NAEWF, CFSU (E) or AFNORTH as AFNORTH International Middle/High School offers the Ontario curriculum with the same credit requirements as any high school in Ontario. A student's record of courses successfully completed and credits earned towards the requirement for the Ontario Secondary School diploma (O.S.S.D) is maintained on the Ontario Student Transcript. This transcript is kept in the Ontario Student record and will follow a student to the new school upon transfer.

For students who do not have Ontario credits (students from non-inspected private schools or from outside Ontario), the following information may be found on the Ontario Ministry web site at www.edu.gov.on.ca under Ontario Secondary Schools Grades 9 to 12-Program and Diploma Requirements at Appendix 8: Equivalent Diploma Requirements. The principal will use the table and the list of diploma requirements as a guide to determine:

1. the total credit equivalency of the students background for placement purposes;
   
2. the number of credits, including compulsory credits, that the student must earn to qualify for the Ontario Secondary Diploma (OSSD) under Ontario Secondary Schools (OSS).

This policy is effective 20 August 2002.

The SHAPE International School located in Casteau (SHAPE)
Belgium (near Mons)

SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS CANNOT BE PROVIDED AT SHAPE
OR AFNORTH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

Members with students to be enrolled in the AFNORTH or SHAPE Canadian Sections are directed to: OSAP 200.14.3 - SPECIAL EDUCATION

SECTION 5  - STUDENT MOBILITY

Click here for the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada for information on post secondary education in Canada.

Click here for Canadian Education on the Web

Click here for the Canadian Millennium Scholarship Foundation

Click here for Canada's Most Comprehensive Scholarship Portal

Click here for Studentawards.com

611.11  Military connected students move from school system to school system about three times more often than other students. It is important for student to have their academic passport in order prior to the move. Items that require attention would be:

• timely transfer of student records
• student should up date their Education Plan
• documentation of academic and extra-curricular performance
• copies of course descriptions and syllabi
• email address of school student guidance counselor at old school
• check the new school on the Internet
• check out graduation requirements at the new school and discuss with your guidance counselor at your old school
• check out the course catalogue at your new school
• contact your new school guidance department
• use the Internet, it is a great research tool.

611.111  Returning to Canada before secondary graduation:

• Check on the Internet Ministry of Education Web Site for provincial secondary graduation requirement for the Province you will be moving to.
• Student should update Education Plan
• Consult www.cmec.ca web page under elementary/secondary for an overview of each provincial education system, testing and grading practices and graduation requirements.
• Check out school in the area in Canada that the student will be returning
• Annual Education Plan - see example at www.edu.gov.on.ca
• Information about admission requirements for Ontario Universities www.ouac.on.ca/news/jan2001.pdf
• Prospects: Ontario's Guide to Career Planning using the "Training/Job" button on the Ministry of Education website: www.edu.gov.on.ca

SECTION 6 - CURRICULUM OVERVIEW- ONTARIO, BRITISH, AMERICAN, DODDS, FRENCH NATIONAL SYSTEM, BELGIAN NATIONAL SYSTEM, INTERNATIONAL AND AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION SYSTEMS

Click here for the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada for information on post secondary education in Canada.

Click here for Canadian Education on the Web

Click here for the Canadian Millennium Scholarship Foundation

Click here for Canada's Most Comprehensive Scholarship Portal

Click here for Studentawards.com

612.00  For the most part, the elementary levels, be it Canadian, British or American, are compatible and transfers between systems at this level is not likely to prove an impediment for re-entry into the Canadian school system.

612.001  At the secondary level, the systems begin to diverge. At an international school (they follow the British or American curriculum or combination of both) Canadian subjects are not taught, thus the prerequisites for re-entry into a Canadian Secondary system or entry into a Canadian University undergraduate program may not be available. In Canada at the post-secondary level, each institution sets the degree requirements and admission standards/ requirements using location provincial secondary level as the standard.

612.002  The secondary system, whether it is British, American or Canadian, curricula are very similar, however, as in Canada, high school graduation is based on subject credit requirements and entry or re-entry is somewhat difficult due to prerequisite requirements and introduction of subject content at various levels.

612.003  Canadian students who complete their high school education in an educational system that is not Canadian may encounter difficulty in gaining admittance to Canadian universities upon their return to Canada. Accordingly, members posted outside Canada who have children preparing for university and enrolled in schools under a foreign curriculum are advised to communicate with Canadian universities in advance so they may ensure that courses selected will be acceptable to the Canadian university of their choice.

CANADA

The Ontario Education System

612.01  Public Funded schooling in Ontario: The Education Act of Ontario provides for religious and linguistic guarantees in the British North American Act, 1867 and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, 1982, and for a variety of types of schools to co-exist within Ontario's publicly funded education system. These include public schools and separate schools.

• Roman Catholic Separate Schools - the right to existence of Roman Catholic Schools was guaranteed prior to Confederation and is confirmed in the Constitution of Canada.
• French Language Schools - French language schools may be either public or separate schools. They may be attended by personnel who have a right to education in French as a first language under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms or who are admitted by an admission committee as defined in the Education Act of Ontario or equivalent in other provinces

Ontario Secondary School Diploma Requirements - 30 Credits

612.011  Students entering Grade 9 in school year 1999/2000 and in subsequent years must earn the following eighteen compulsory credits in order to earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma:

• 4 credits in English (1 credit per grade)
• 1 credit in French as a second language
• 3 credits in mathematics (at least 1 in grade 11 or 12)
• 2 credits in science
• 1 credit in Canadian History
• 1 credit in Canadian Geography
• 1 credit in the arts
• 1 credit in health and physical education
• 5 credit in civics
• 5 credit in career studies

PLUS:

• 1 additional credit in English, or a third language, or social sciences and the humanities, or Canadian and world studies
• 1 additional credit in health and physical education, or the arts, or business studies
• 1 additional credit in science (Grade 11 or 12) or technological education (Grades 9-12)

PLUS:

• Pass the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test
• Complete minimum of 40 hours of unpaid community involvement

612.012  In addition to the 18 compulsory credits, students must earn 12 optional credits. Students may earn these credits by successfully completing courses that they have selected from the courses listed as available in the school course calendar.

612.013  As part of the diploma requirements, students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement activities. These activities may be completed at any time during their years in the secondary school program. The community involvement requirement is designed to encourage students to develop awareness and understanding of civic responsibility and of the role they can play in supporting and strengthening their communities. The requirement will benefit communities, but its primary purpose is to contribute to students' development. It will provide opportunities for students to learn about the contributions they can make to the community.

612.014  All students who entered grade 9 during SY 1999/2000 and subsequent school years must successfully complete the provincial secondary school literacy test in order to earn a secondary school diploma. The test will be based on the Ontario curriculum expectations for language and communication - particularly reading and writing - up to and including Grade 9. The test will serve both to determine whether students have acquired the reading and writing skills considered essential for literacy, and to provide confirmation that those students who have completed the test successfully have attained the provincial expectations for literacy.

Equivalent Diploma Requirements for Students Transferring from a Non-Inspected Private School or a School Outside Ontario

612.015  Under the Ontario Education Act, that part of a private school's secondary program, which leads to a graduation certificate (Ontario Secondary School Diploma), must follow the applicable provincial curriculum. Private schools located outside the Province of Ontario offering the Ontario secondary curriculum must be accredited by The Ontario Ministry of Education and Training to have the same education status as those within the province of Ontario.

612.016  Where students who do not have Ontario credits are transferring from a non-inspected private school or a school outside Ontario to an Ontario secondary school, the principal of the receiving school will, in the process of deciding where the student should be placed, determine as equitably as possible the total credit equivalency of the student's previous learning, and the number of compulsory and optional credits still to be earned. Students will have to successfully complete the provincial secondary school literacy test. Principals will determine the number of hours of community involvement activities that the student will have to complete. The principal should note the results of his or her assessment and deliberations in the student's Ontario Student Record (OSR). Principals will use the following table and the list of diploma requirements as a guide to determine:

• the total credit equivalency of the student's background for placement purposes;
• the number of credits, including compulsory credits, that the student must earn to qualify for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) under the Program and Diploma Requirements, 1999 of Ontario Secondary Schools (OSS).

612.017  Requirements of the OSSD under OSS:

612.018  In addition to the requirements listed above, principals will ensure that the following requirements are met:

1. a student has no previous Ontario credits but who has successfully completed more than three years of secondary school is required to earn a minimum of four credits in Grade 11 or Grade 12 courses before being recommended for the OSSD under OSS.
2. a student who has successfully completed more than three years of secondary school education, has previously earned at least three Ontario credits, and has returned to the Ontario educational system may qualify for the OSSD under OSS by completing a minimum of one Grade 11 or Grade 12 credit.

The Quebec School System

Primary

612.02  Kindergarten programs may be available to a student who reaches the age of five before 1 October of the current school year.

Elementary

612.021  A student who reaches the age of six before 1 October of the current school year is admitted to elementary school.

1. The total duration of studies at the elementary level is six years.
2. Students normally graduate from elementary school to secondary school at about age 12.

Secondary

612.022  The duration of Secondary school is five years, covering grades 7 to 11, or Secondary forms 1 to 5.

612.023  The "Diplôme d'études secondaires" (DES) is awarded to pupils who have accumulated a minimum of 130 credits, including the compulsory credits listed below. Twenty credits of the 130-credit total must be from Secondary form 5 courses (in general education or vocational education) or those courses recognized as such:

612.024  The Ministry of Education awards the "Secondary School Vocational Certificate" with mention of the trade or vocational specialization to any student who has obtained the credits attached to the vocational education program that the student has selected.

CÉGEP

612.03  After the completion of secondary schooling the student proceeds to a CÉGEP (Collège d'enseignement général et professionel). These institutions offer two-year academic courses preparing students for entry into university, or three-year terminal technical/vocational courses, which prepare students directly for employment. Admission to both types of course is by the "Diplôme d'études secondaires".

612.031  A student taking the two-year pre-university course is required to complete 24 credit courses to qualify for the Diploma of Collegial Studies (DCS) as follows:

a.  Quebec CÉGEP system - CÉGEP I & II & III Vocational and CÉGEP I & II Pre-university (FSD 34.02 refers):

Student Attending a Private Residential School

612.04  Selection of a Private Residential School takes considerable research. The following list offers some helpful web sites. It is very important to know graduation requirements before you make the final selection. Equally important is the Education Plan for the student. Following web sites will assist with your research:

Research sites for student wishing to attend a Canadian curriculum private residential school to determine graduation requirements:

612.041  Parents/Students are responsible to ensure private residential school selected offers a full selection of courses, which meets the student's education goal.

612.042  Education allowances cease at the end of the semester in which the numbers of provincial credits are acquired to obtain Secondary School Graduation.

612.043  While education benefits are very generous, history tells us that parents with students attending Residential schools inside/outside Canada should be prepared to pay out-of-pocket non-reimbursable expenses in the neighbourhood of $2,000.00 to $4,000.00 per student.

United States Education System

612.05  The responsibility for providing public education at the primary, secondary, and post-secondary levels in the United States lies with the individual states. Historically, however, this responsibility has been delegated to local school district jurisdictions for schools at the primary and secondary levels. These local districts support their schools and pay their teachers through local taxation, which is supplemented by considerable state aid along with limited assistance, usually for specific purposes, from the federal government.

Department of Defence Dependents Schools (DoDDS)

612.06  The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is committed to academic excellence. The United States Department of Defence Dependents Schools (DoDDS) provide a quality education from Kindergarten through Grade 12 for the eligible dependents of Department of Defence military and civilian personnel of official overseas assignments. Dependents of other federally connected members (i.e. CF members) may attend DoDDS schools on a space available basis. To ensure students in the DoDDS system continue to have access to a quality educational program, the requirements for high school graduation have been increased. In short, the graduating class of 2002 will be the first students to graduate under the new requirements. The required credits for science, math, and computer technology have been increased, two years of the same second foreign language are now required, and a minimum of 20 hours of service learning is required of all students in grades 9-12. The total number of credits required for graduation increases from 22* to 24 as follows:

Note 1: Carnegie Units of Credit: Carnegie units of credit are to be computed and awarded to each grade 9-12 student on a semester basis. One unit of credit signifies the successful completion of the study of any subject meeting five periods, or its equivalent, per week for two semesters. Each semester is 18 weeks each (a minimum of 120 clock hours of instruction).

Note 2: *For students graduating in 1999 through 2001: a minimum of 22 units of credit are required for high school graduation. Sixteen of the 22 units will be in required areas and can be earned only in stipulated courses. Of these, one credit in either math or science will be required in addition to the minimum of two credits required in those areas.

ENGLAND

British School System

British Education at the Post - The National Curriculum

612.07  At the British elementary level, the National Curriculum is compatible to the Ontario elementary school program. As a result, re-entry into the Canadian school system at the elementary level is not likely to prove an impediment. Elementary level education is available at most locations.

Primary Education in the UK

Secondary Education in the UK

Children normally transfer from primary to secondary school at the beginning of the school year following their 11th birthday. This means that children born on or between 1^st September 1992 and 31^st August 1993 are due to transfer to secondary school in September 2004.

612.071  State Schools in the UK follow the National Curriculum: Pupils aged 5 to 16 in state schools must be taught the National Curriculum, which is made up of the following subjects: English, mathematics, science, design and technology, information technology, history, geography, music, art, physical education (PE) and a modern foreign language. The National Curriculum sets out, in broad terms, what schools must teach for each subject. The National Curriculum is divided into four stages. These are called key stages and depend on pupils' ages.

• Key Stage I Ages 5 - 7
• Key Stage II Ages 7 - 11
• Key Stage III Ages 11 - 14
• Key Stage IV Ages 14 - 16

612.072  At the end of Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 for all subjects except art, music and physical education, standards of pupils' performance are set out in eight level descriptions of increasing difficulty, with an additional description above level 8 to help teachers in differentiating exceptional performance. For art, music and physical education, end of key stage descriptions set out the standard of performance expected of the majority of pupils at the end of each key stage. Descriptions of exceptional performance are provided in art and music at the end of Key Stage 3 and in physical education at the end of Key Stage 4. At Key Stage 4, public examinations are the main means of assessing attainment in the National Curriculum. New GCSE syllabuses, which reflect the revised National Curriculum, were introduced for courses beginning in September 1996.

612.073  It is difficult to justify education expense to attend a fee-paying school when they follow the same curriculum as the non-fee paying school. The National Curriculum came about with the Education Reform Act 1993. The revised programs of study and attainment targets for each subject became legal requirement by means of an order made by the Secretary of State for Education and came in effect on 1 August 1995 for all year groups in Key Stages 1, 2, and 3.

UK National Testing

612.074  In the UK National tests and teacher assessment for children in England aged 7, 11 and 14 are administered at state schools. The tests cover:

• Age 7: Reading, writing (including handwriting) spelling and maths.
• Age 11: Reading, writing (including handwriting) spelling and maths, mental arithmetic and science.
• Age 14: English (including reading, writing and studying a Shakespeare play), maths, mental arithmetic and science.
• Most 16-year-olds take General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) courses and exams or vocational qualifications.

612.075  What choices are available for 14 to 16 year olds - At Key Stage 4 the National Curriculum ( www.nc.uk.net/home.html) gives schools the opportunity to offer pupil's aged 14 to 16 a wider choice of subjects. This includes a range of GCSE and vocational courses.

612.076  When considering British education at the Post, the Outside Canada Approving Authority will use the results of National Testing in arriving at school selection. If the school does not obtain an England Average in the top one half of the applicable table, it may be deemed unacceptable in compatibility with Canadian Standards. Notwithstanding test results, parents are required to visit or speak with the school principal prior to the Outside Canada Approving Authority making the determination on attendance at a fee-paying school at the post. The National Testing results are published for all primary schools in a LEA table that gives information about the National Curriculum results of 11-year-old pupils in state schools in England. They list each Local Education Authority (LEA) maintained and grant maintained schools in alphabetical order. These tables are to be the basis of acceptability for state school education in the catchment area the member is located. Fee paying schools in the UK will not be approved until after parents have visited and received a written refusal and failed the appeal process from any acceptable non-fee paying schools in the catchment area or reasonable distance outside the catchment area. In practice, fee-paying schools will only be authorized in an exceptional and well-substantiated basis. Local Education Authorities (LEA) in the UK may be found on the Internet at www.dfes.gov.uk/info/dfeelea.htm.

612.077  When considering secondary level education at the Post in the American vs British curricula, the Outside Canada Approving Authority will be guided by:

1. the results of National Testing in arriving at school selection. The Test Results may be found at: www.dfes.gov.uk/perform.htm. If the school does not obtain an England Average in the top one half of the applicable table it may be deemed unacceptable in compatibility with Canadian Standards.
   
   
2. the member provided documentation outlining that courses offered would not allow the student to enter the next higher provincial secondary credit subject which would lead to a provincial secondary school graduation diploma within four years in a public school on return to Canada; and/or
   
   
3. courses offered would not be acceptable to the Canadian university chosen.

Choosing a school

612.078  The member is required to ascertain what schools will be in their catchment area from lists provided by Local Education Authorities on the Internet at www.dfes.gov.uk/info/dfeelea.htm. Names of catchment schools will be determined by home address. Requesting a school's prospectus, a governor's annual report or checking for recent  Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED- www.ofsted.gov.uk). Inspections will assist in choosing the right school. Also, visiting and talking to teachers at the schools will prove helpful in seeking the appropriate school. Secondary school performance tables can help to determine which secondary school at the Post meet the National Curriculum testing. Elementary and secondary performance tables can determine which school at the post meets the National Curriculum and Testing standards.

EUROPE

French National Education System

612.08  Primary and secondary education in France is the responsibility of the "ministère de l'Éducation nationale." Schools are secular in nature and administered by district. French national schools abroad fall under the jurisdiction of the "L'Agence pour l'enseignement français à l'étranger." This agency ensures that out-of-country students follow the same curriculum as their peers in France.

612.081  Education under the French system is rigorous. The school day can be long and students at the secondary level are required to spend several hours on homework each evening. In theory each school studies the same material at the same time throughout the world.

612.082  The French national education system offers pre-university, vocational and technical schooling. However, most French national schools abroad offer only the pre-university program of study which is structured as follows: the pre-elementary level consists of two or three years of schooling depending on individual school offering, the elementary level consists of five years of schooling and secondary level of six years of studies. Secondary schooling is broken down into two cycles: cycle one is from 6e to 3e, and cycle two is from 2e (often called "classe de seconde") to "terminale." At the end of 3e, successful students receive a "brevet des collèges" and at the end of terminale students graduate with the French Baccalaureate. In 1ère ("première") students must choose a specialization which they continue to follow in terminale. The three areas of specialization are: "L" (littérature), "ES" (économie et social) and "S" (scientifique). Most English and French-speaking universities in Ontario and Québec accept French Baccalaureate graduates into a first-year general undergraduate program.

French National Education System Additional Admissible Expenses

612.083  An Education Allowance may include fees, expenses and charges for courses, instruction, services or programs normally provided free as part of the educational program within the province of the members residence when serving in the headquarters city, but not provided free of charge at the school attended by the child over the age of 3 years 8 months and under the age of 21 years at the commencement of the school year.

612.084  Where compatible schools for instruction in the French language are not available at the post, and Education Allowance ceiling for such instruction based on actual admissible education expenses for attendance at Centre Internationale de Valbonne, France (Web Site: www.civfrance.com) shall not be exceeded. The French language instruction ceiling will be announced to all posts concerned by NDHQ/DCBA 5/DEM when approved by the interdepartmental coordinating committee.

612.085  The following may be considered as admissible education expenses:

1. curriculum textbooks (all grade levels);
2. Craft and art material (up to and including the equivalent level of Ontario Grade 8);

Note 1:  School Supplies are no longer admissible.

Note 2:  For Grades Kindergarten to Grade 8 - In the event that the representative school does not provide craft and art material to meet the students requirements during the academic year the member may submit an education allowance request form #13S. In order to request the allowance, member's Form #13S is to include receipts and a letter from the school attended stating that craft and art materials are not provided without cost. Receipts provide evidence that conditions for which the allowance is being issued occurred.

3. fees associated with swim program which is compulsory by both education systems, but not including any item of swim clothing or shoes.
4. cost associated with photocopy charges in both education systems.

612.086  The following items would not be admissible:

1. non-admissible items listed at Article 603.02;
2. fee associated with optional field trips of more than one day;
3. school pictures;
4. school magazines, including year books; and
5. school uniforms or items of clothing.

Belgian Education System

612.09  Education in the Belgium Lycée system falls under "Le système éducatif en communauté française de Belgique", which is based on the French National Education system as described above. Education in Belgium in compulsory for children aged six to eighteen, though some may attend part-time after sixteen.

Kindergarten

612.091  Kindergarten schools in Belgium are for children from two and a half years to six-year-old, and are usually attached to the Primary Schools. Many children stay at school all day, but times and days of attendance are flexible. The emphasis is on creative play and learning to get along with other children. In the third year, there is some activity to prepare children for reading and writing at primary school

Primary School

612.092  Children start primary schooling at age six, although they may begin at five if the school feels the child is mature enough. The emphasis is on language and mathematics, the traditional strong points of Belgian education. Heads of schools are given increasing freedom to choose teaching methods, however the curriculum is set at the National level. Extra activities, such as swimming, gymnastics and arts and crafts, may be provided on Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays. There is homework from early on, and close cooperation between parents and teachers is encouraged.

Secondary School

612.093  The six-year primary course must be completed before students may enter secondary school, which teaches children from age 12 to 18. Most secondary schools follow the system called Type I, compulsory in state schools, which is flexible and leaves more room for student choice than the traditional, or Type II, system.

Type I Schools

1. Type I schools offer a three-tier system involving observation, orientation and specialization. In the first cycle (ages 12-14) students follow the same curriculum. In the second and third cycles, based on teachers' observations and students' preferences and abilities, in addition to common instruction, students choose between a general, technical, vocational or artistic orientation (GTA).

Type II Schools

2. Type II schools, the more traditional system, offer a two-tier system where students must choose their specialization at age 12, be it technical, vocational or general with classical or modern languages. Changing in mid-stream can be complicated.

612.094  The six study years in secondary education may be complemented by an optional seventh in the secondary vocational training. Students have a choice of specialization and can opt for studies aimed at further education, university or working life. Students are evaluated at the end of the first cycle (age 14) and then after one or two years. General studies are the most academic. Vocational studies are geared towards commerce, printing, graphic art, etc. Technical studies veer towards theory and can lead to further education, and also include practical courses, and on-the-job training in the final years. Artistic studies are less well developed, the main choice being between music and the visual arts, for which there are specialist teacher-training schools.

612.095  Certificates and diplomas include the Certificate of Lower Secondary Education after four years of study, and the Certificate of Higher Education after six years of general or seven years of vocational studies.

Belgian Education System Additional Admissible Expenses

612.096  An Education Allowance may include fees, expenses and charges for courses, instruction, services or programs normally provided free as part of the educational program within the province of the members residence when serving in the headquarters city, but not provided free of charge at the school attended by the child over the age of 3 years 8 months and under the age of 21 years at the commencement of the school year.

612.097  Education Allowances associated with the Belgian Education System are the same as the French National Education System; see Articles 612.085 and 612.086 for admissible and non-admissible expenses.

612.098  Field Trips – Activities such as “Classe de neige” and “Classe verte” are a compulsory part of the Belgian curriculum where students are assigned projects to complete during these activities. As such, they are admissible field trips.

AUSTRALIA

Australian Education System

612.10  There are no enrolment zones for government schools but each school gives priority to the enrolment of children living in its designated area. School year in Australia is 1 January - 31 December.

Preschool

612.101  The aim is to provide a year of preschool education for all four-year old children for the school year immediately before their entry into primary schools. Children must turn four on or before 30 April. Children's names can be registered on a waiting list at their local preschool if they turn three before 30 April in that year. Preschools are conducted in specially designed buildings, run by qualified staff and benefit from active involvement of parents. Children can attend for up to four half days sessions a week.

Primary Schools

612.102  All five year old and children turning five on or before the 30 April enroll at the beginning of the year. Primary schools place a major emphasis on teaching children the basic skills of reading, writing, language, and mathematics. The arts, languages other than English, social education programs, health, nutrition and physical recreation also play important roles in primary education programs.

High Schools

612.103  High schools cater to students aged from about 12 to 16 in years 7 to 10. A year 10 Certificate and High School Record detailing programs undertaken by a student in years 9 and 10 are issued at the end of Year 10. High schools provide a comprehensive range of programs that offer all students a balanced curriculum.

Secondary Colleges

612.104  At the completion of high school in Year 10 (Age 16), students proceed to secondary college. Secondary colleges cater to Years 11 and 12.

612.105  Secondary colleges prepare students for the workforce through technical programs or academic programs for university studies.

International Curriculum

612.11  The curriculum at an international school may be British, American or a combination of both. At the elementary level the curriculum is compatible. Most offer an international baccalaureate at the secondary level.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

612.111  IB provides an international pre-university curriculum and an international university entry qualification. It is gained by examination following two years of study at the end of upper secondary education (grade 11) and gives access to higher education on a worldwide basis. The International Baccalaureate organization is based in Geneva, Switzerland and is registered as an educational, charitable foundation under Swiss Law. Only students in affiliated IB schools and colleges can take the IB examinations. The IB diploma awarded upon successful completion of IB examinations fulfils the general matriculation requirements of most universities. The IB Diploma candidate must choose six subjects, one from each of the six categories, three at Higher Level (equivalent to GCE 'A' level or US Advanced Placement) and three at Subsidiary level (roughly equivalent to GCSE). The high standards implicit in the IB examinations assume high levels of achievement or pre-IB preparation at the middle school and junior high levels. The subjects that comprise the core of the IB curriculum are arranged according to six groups (two Language groups, Individuals and Societies, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics and an elective). The Diploma candidate is required to select one subject from each area. The student's selection of subjects will depend upon the range of IB subjects offered by the participating school. All IB Diploma candidates must also produce an extended essay of 4000 words, complete a course entitled "The Theory of Knowledge," and participate in extracurricular and community service activities. Those who do not satisfy the requirements of the full program are awarded a certificate for the examinations completed.

612.12  SAT and AP courses are offered by the College Board ( www.collegeboard.org) in the United States. The College Board is a non-profit membership organization that provides tests and other educational services for students/schools/colleges. SAT and AP results are designed to measure education outcomes common to all for use by a post secondary college/university. An outline of these courses/programs/tests follows:

1. Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) - of the College Board. A program of the College Board that provides college entrance tests and service for students planning to go to college in the United States. It provides for standardized testing, a yardstick into which to measure students from different state education programs. Some Canadian universities now use SAT testing for applicants who have graduated from an American curriculum. The SAT test is a multiple-choice that measures verbal, mathematical skills and Test of Standard written English (TSWE). The SAT is required for undergraduate admission to most American post secondary colleges/universities in the United States, as SAT testing is not a high school graduation requirement.
   
   
2. Advance placement courses (AP) - the Advanced Placement program is offered by the College Board and enables a student to complete college-level studies during secondary school, thus serving as an "academic bridge" that helps to smooth the transition from secondary school to college/university outside Canada. An AP exam can be written without following the AP course load, a student only needs to pay the fee. The AP examinations are given each May at participating schools. Exams are marked in June and in early July; the grades are reported to the students, their secondary schools, and the universities and colleges they may be entering. College board results do not determine/provide the pass/fail mark for a course at the secondary school attended in the United States, as AP courses/exams are not part of a high school graduation requirement. AP exams/testing, as provided for by the College Board, is used by a college/university to judge a common academic standard of applicants. The post secondary institution may also use them as a basis for determining academic credit and/or advanced course placement.

612.121  In 1994, the Advanced Placement International Diploma (APID) was introduced by the College Board. The intent of the APID is to certify the achievement of successful AP candidates, whose higher education plans include the prospect of enrolling in a university outside the United States or Canada. The APID is an optional service to these students at no additional cost beyond the AP programs examination fee. It is not a substitute for the high school diploma.

School Year and Education Grade Level Guidelines

612.13  For the purpose of Education Allowance and Family Reunion Travel Allowance the school year is 1 September to 31 August. Education Allowance grade level guidelines are as follows:

1. Education Allowance guidelines for Ontario, American, British, French National and Quebec education systems: (FSD 34.02 refers)