The Department's graduation requirements allow students to choose 13 optional courses for credit, based on their interests and/or plans for post-secondary study or work. Optional courses include those developed by the Department, as well as those that schools develop. Schools may offer courses for optional credits in subject areas such as

• the arts (e.g., drama, music, dance, visual art, film and video)
• languages other than English (e.g., French, Spanish, German, Japanese, Cree)
• technology education (e.g., industrial arts, home economics, business and marketing education, vocational industrial)
• physical education, health education
• additional language arts, sciences, mathematics, social studies

To ensure that students have flexibility in meeting the provincial graduation requirements, Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth provides alternative ways for students to acquire both the compulsory and optional credits they need. These include

• courses developed by Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth (including school-based courses, Independent Study Option, Teacher Mediated Option, Web-Based courses)

• courses developed or acquired by the school/division/district (see School-initiated Courses [SIC] or Student-initiated Projects [SIP])

• courses developed by post-secondary institutions and offered by Senior Years schools. Students receive a Senior Years course credit and a credit from the post-secondary institution offering the course (dual credits). (Note: This is a pilot project. It will be reviewed in 2003.)

• Challenge for Credit Option — In some instances, where students can demonstrate they have already achieved the learning expectations defined in a particular Manitoba curriculum, they may challenge for credit in the course. The challenge process must be based on the policy established by the school/division/district.

• Special Language Credit Option — Senior Years students who can demonstrate their proficiency in a language other than English or French may earn up to 4 optional credits. Arrangements are made through the school principal for a qualified examiner to assess the student's oral and written skills.

• Private Music Option — Senior Years students can earn up to 4 optional credits if they meet the requirements of the Conservatory Canada or the Royal Conservatory programs. Arrangements are made through the school principal or school counsellor for these credits to be recorded.

• Substitution of Credits — In exceptional circumstances, and in discussion with parents, a school administrator may approve the substitution of a maximum of two credits in any subject area.
  

• Community Service Credit — Students may earn one Community Service credit (in the form of a SIP) within the 28 credits for graduation. Credit for community service activities will be given not simply for participation in an activity, or for the amount of time spent in an activity, but for the achievement of an educational purpose. Guidelines for this SIP have been sent to schools.