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Choosing next year's courses (Grades 9–11)

Secondary schools usually ask students to pick next year's courses between January and March. The Grade 10 math and Grade 11 math and science choices decide which university programs stay open.

Last checked October 4, 2026 against the official page

☆ Save to my child's plan

What do I need to do?

Check next year's math and science choices before course requests

Who acts
Parent and student
Preparation
No preparation
Eligible grades
Grades 9–11
Format
Done at school, usually online, with help from teachers and the counsellor.
Cost
Free.
Official site
www2.gov.bc.ca

Key dates

  • ExpectedCourse selection for next yearUsually January–March; dates vary by school
  • ExpectedCourse change windowUsually the first weeks of the semester; ask your school

Confirmed official date · Expected based on last year · Not announced yet

What it is

Every year, secondary students choose next year's courses. Schools usually do this in winter, and timetables are built from those choices.

In Grade 9, students choose a Grade 10 math: Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-calculus 10, or Workplace Mathematics 10. Workplace Math leads away from the Pre-calculus courses universities ask for.

In Grade 10, students choose a Grade 11 math and sciences. Pre-calculus 11 is the usual way into Pre-calculus 12, which UBC and SFU ask for in Science, Engineering and Business. UBC Science and Engineering also need Chemistry 11 and Physics 11.

To graduate, students need 80 credits, including a Math 10, a Math 11 or 12, Science 10, and a Science 11 or 12.

Our guide 'University starts in Grade 10' (/guides/university-starts-in-grade-10) explains which courses each kind of degree needs.

A good fit if: Families of Grade 9, 10 and 11 students, especially if your child might want science, engineering or business.

How to register

  1. Watch for the course planning form or online selection from your school, usually in January or February.
  2. Look at the choices together before your child submits. Ask the counsellor what each math course leads to.
  3. If a choice turns out wrong, ask about changing in the first weeks of the semester, summer school, or a BC online learning school.

How to prepare

  • Before Grade 9 course selection, look at the entrance requirements for two or three programs your child might like at UBC, SFU or UVic.
  • Talk with the math teacher about which Grade 10 or 11 math suits your child. Marks in Grade 11 and 12 courses count for admission.

For grade-by-grade options see Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11.

Common questions

Does Workplace Math 10 stop my child from going to university?

It closes many programs. Workplace Math leads away from Pre-calculus, which UBC and SFU ask for in science, engineering and business. Talk with the school before choosing it.

When do BC students choose courses for next year?

Most secondary schools do it between January and March. Each school sets its own dates.

What comes next

Provincial assessment · School programs

Graduation Numeracy and Literacy Assessments (Grades 10 and 12)

Three provincial assessments every BC student must write to graduate: Grade 10 Numeracy, Grade 10 Literacy and Grade 12 Literacy. 2026–27 sessions are in November, January, April and June.

Grades 10–12FreeSome preparationProvincial assessment · School programs

Advanced Placement (AP) exams in BC schools

Students in AP courses must be signed up for the May exams by November 13, 2026 or pay a late fee. 2027 exams run May 3–7 and May 10–14.

Grades 10–12US$99 per exam in Canada for 2027Significant preparation

Sources

Last checked October 4, 2026. Dates can change, so always confirm with the organizer.