The possibilities to earn External Credits are numerous. EC credits come from taking courses, programs or activities outside of the school system. The organizations/institutes offering these credits are governed by a provincial, national or international body, and have certified instructors. To receive these credits, you need to provide documentation or a copy of your certification to your school counsellor. EC can be used to meet graduation requirements for electives and may be used to meet the one required Arts Education/Applied Designs, Skills, and Technologies 10, 11 or 12 course.
Note: Prior to Grade 10, if you achieved the criteria of external courses, you are entitled to receive EC once you enter Grade 10. For example, if you participated at North American Indigenous Games in Grade 8 or 9, you are able to gain External Athlete 11 for 4 credits upon entering Grade 10.
These credits are awarded to recognize learning/schooling in another language. Students who have taken Indigenous languages from other jurisdictions in Canada may earn credits toward graduation. For example, a student who has taken a Grade 10 Inuktitut course for credits in NWT may receive External Inuktitut 10A credits in B.C./Yukon.
This is also the case for students who received instruction in a first language in an international jurisdiction in Grades 7-9 (only). For example, a student from the Philippines who received instruction in their first language of Tagalog for Grades 7-9, prior to moving to the Yukon, is entitled to 12 external language credits once they enter Grade 10 in the Yukon.
You are able to earn credits by taking post-secondary courses while still attending high school. The granting institutes must be members of the British Columbia Transfer System. These courses must also count toward a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree. High School upgrading courses do not qualify for dual credits.
Historically, Yukon high school students have taken courses such as first year English, Math and Psychology at Yukon College (now Yukon University), while still attending high school. Students will earn 4 credits toward high school graduation for each completed approved post-secondary course, as well as earn credits at the post-secondary institution.
Note: The Yukon Department of Education covers a set amount of tuition for two post-secondary courses per year for Grade 11 and 12 students. See your high school academic counsellor for more information on the specific amount of tuition covered.
Important Note: Although you may complete all the graduation requirements, you may still not meet the entrance requirements for your chosen post-secondary institution. Choose your courses wisely and work hard to get the grades you need.
Meet with your high school academic counsellor each semester to ensure you are taking the courses needed to meet graduation requirements and to meet post-secondary entrance requirements. In Grade 12, you should meet more often. Counsellors can assist you with post-secondary applications, planning your post-secondary course schedule and applying for funding. Your First Nation Education office may also be able to assist.
