NPSS logo with text 'course calendar'

Course selection details and timelines

Secondary students typically select eight courses per academic year. Information and support in planning for your future, selecting courses to meet individual interests and goals, post-secondary destinations and course type preferences is available by reviewing the secondary school graduation requirements and from individual secondary school guidance departments and/or graduation coaches.

Course selection is an annual process completed by students using myBlueprint and their SCDSB login information to access myBlueprint. Families can also create an account where they can directly link to their child(ren)’s account. For more information, please visit: www.myblueprint.ca/simcoe and select 'Sign Up'.


January 21 - February 20, 2026 - course selections for Grade 8 students
February 9 - March 6, 2026 - course selections for Grade 9-11 students

Course offerings

Specialist High Skills Majors

The Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a specialized program that enables Grade 11 and 12 students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while fulfilling the requirements for their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). SHSMs offer students valuable opportunities to gain sector-specific skills and knowledge, preparing them for various post-secondary pathways, including apprenticeship training, college, university, or direct entry into the workforce.

At Nottawasaga Pines, we offer the following SHSM programs:

Program highlights

  • Hairstyling - Barbering focus course
  • Exploring Canadian Geography and Mathematics
  • Athletic leadership, basketball, hockey, and volleyball focus courses

Extracurricular opportunities

  • Teams & Sports: Alpine Skiing, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country Running, Curling, Dance, Fitness Activities, Flag Football, Golf, Hockey, Rugby, Slopitch, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Field, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball
  • Clubs: Athletic Council, Diversity and Excellence Association, Gender-Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Mock Trial, Nottawasaga Alliance for Sustainability, Yearbook
  • Arts: Drama Club, Notty Noise, NPSS Production Crew, Open Music Jam Session, Open Visual Art Studio
  • Leadership: Timberwolf Council (TWC), Athletic Leadership course
  • Community: Community Clean Up, Essa Public Library Teen Community Connectors, Food Drives, Relay for Life, Terry Fox Run

Diploma and certificate requirements

Students in Ontario can earn:

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
  • Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC)
  • Certificate of Accomplishment

Learn more about the requirements for the OSSD, OSSC, and Certificate of Accomplishment.