Student Support at Longbridge Academy
At Longbridge Academy, student support is more than a department; it’s a promise. As an independent, university‑preparatory high school in Aurora, we combine high academic standards with a caring, secure learning environment so every student can reach their personal best and confidently plan the next step in their journey. From understanding OSSD requirements to navigating OUAC and OCAS applications, our guidance and teaching team walks beside students and families every step of the way.
OSSD Requirements
Your Roadmap to Graduation
All Longbridge programs lead to the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), following the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum.
To earn the OSSD, most students must:
- Complete 30 credits (17 compulsory and 13 optional credits)
- Meet the provincial literacy requirement
- Complete at least 40 hours of community involvement activities
At Longbridge, we turn this into a clear, manageable plan:
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Personalized graduation planning
Starting in Grade 9, the principal and guidance counsellor help students map out a four‑year plan that aligns with university, college, or pathway goals.
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Credit tracking & check‑ins
Regular reviews ensure students are on pace with compulsory credits (English, Math, Science, Canadian History & Geography, Arts, French, Health & Physical Education, Civics, Career Studies) and their chosen electives.
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Community involvement guidance
We help students choose meaningful volunteer opportunities, track their hours, and reflect on what they’re learning about civic responsibility and future careers.
Course Assessment
How Your Learning Is Evaluated
70% Term Work – ongoing evaluations throughout the course (projects, labs, essays, quizzes, presentations, discussions)
30% Final Evaluation – an exam, culminating performance task, final project, or combination of these near the end of the course
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In both in‑person and online courses:
Modular, transparent course design
Each unit clearly states learning goals, curriculum expectations, and approximate time commitment so students know exactly what success looks like.
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Ongoing feedback & support
Teachers provide regular feedback, encouragement, and guidance, helping students build strong study habits and confidence.
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Flexible timelines with structure
Online students can set their own pace, with up to a year to complete a course; our staff monitor progress and step in with reminders and support when needed.
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Individual Education Plans (IEP) & Special Education Plans (SEP)
For students who need accommodations or additional support, our IEP/SEP process ensures assessment is fair, inclusive, and aligned with each learner’s strengths and needs.
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
Building Confident Communicators
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) is a province‑wide assessment, usually written in Grade 10, that measures whether students have achieved the minimum literacy standard expected by the end of Grade 9. Successful completion of the OSSLT (or the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course) is a requirement for the OSSD.
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At Longbridge, we treat the OSSLT as part of a larger commitment to strong reading and writing skills:
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Early preparation in Grades 9–10
Literacy skills are embedded across English and content‑area courses, with targeted practice in reading comprehension, short writing, and news/article analysis.
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Practice materials & workshops
Students complete practice questions and mock tests so they’re familiar with the format and timing before test day.
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ESL & newcomer support
International and English‑language learners receive daily or small‑group ESL instruction and extra scaffolding to build confidence with academic reading and writing.
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Alternate pathways & re‑writes
For students who need a second attempt or who qualify for the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course, the guidance team collaborates with families to choose the pathway that best supports success.
Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC)
Support for University Applications
Most applications to Ontario universities are submitted through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre (OUAC), a centralized, not‑for‑profit service that processes and forwards applications to the universities students select. OUAC does not make admission decisions; each university evaluates applicants directly.
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Longbridge’s university‑preparatory focus means students are not navigating OUAC alone:
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Dedicated university guidance services
Full‑time students, including online learners, receive free access to our university guidance services — from program exploration to application strategy. Longbridge Academy
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OUAC account setup & application coaching
Guidance staff walk students through creating their OUAC account, selecting programs, entering course information, and tracking deadlines.
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Document & reference support
We coordinate official transcripts and help students request teacher reference letters where required by specific programs.
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Offer review & decision support
When offers arrive, counsellors help families compare options, scholarship opportunities, and long‑term pathways.
Ontario College Application Service (OCAS)
Support for College & Pathway Programs
Students applying to Ontario’s public colleges use the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) through the ontariocolleges.ca platform — a centralized system that allows applicants to research programs, submit one application to multiple colleges, and manage offers of admission.
At Longbridge, college‑bound students receive the same level of personalized guidance as university‑bound students:
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Exploring the college option
Counsellors help students understand college credentials (diplomas, advanced diplomas, certificates), transfer pathways, and how college can connect to future university studies or careers.
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OCAS application support
Step‑by‑step help creating an ontariocolleges.ca account, choosing programs and campuses, and submitting an application.
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Program fit & prerequisites
We review admission requirements (specific Grade 11/12 courses, minimum averages, portfolios or tests) and help students align their senior‑level course choices accordingly.
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International & mature applicants
For international students, we provide guidance on credential assessment and English‑language requirements, and coordinate documents as needed.
Need Help Right Now?
Have questions about credits, OSSLT, OUAC, OCAS, or anything else related to your academic pathway?