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The Graduation Program

The British Columbia Certificate of Graduation or "Dogwood Diploma" is awarded upon successful completion of the provincial graduation requirements. 

Requirement Details

  • Graduation Transitions
    All B.C. secondary school students who are enrolled in Grade 10, 11 or 12 as of September 1, 2007, must complete Graduation Transitions.   

    Graduation Transitions is intended to prepare students for a successful transition to life after secondary school. In order to meet this goal, Graduation Transitions encourages students to:
      • take ownership of their own health and learning
      • examine and demonstrate connections between their learning and their future
      • create a plan for their growth and development as skilled, healthy, knowledgeable, participating citizens
      • exhibit attributes of a model B.C. graduate
    All B.C. secondary school students must demonstrate they have met the following requirements for:
      • Personal Health - maintain a personal health plan and participate in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
      • Community Connections - participate in at least 30 hours of work experience and/or community service and describe what was learned.
      • Career and Life - complete a transition plan and present significant accomplishments.
    Students are responsible for planning and preparing their education, career, and life goals through Graduation Transitions. Schools are responsible for ensuring that students have opportunities to meet the Prescribed Learning Outcomes.  Teachers are responsible for assessing and providing feedback to students.  For detailed information on Graduation Transitions refer to the Program Guide English (PDF, 128KB) French (PDF, 159KB). 
  • Exams
    All B.C. Students must write five graduation program exams: Language Arts 10, Science 10, Mathematics 10, a Social Studies 11/12, and a Language Arts 12. Detailed information on exams is available on the ministry's website.

  • Focus Area
    Focus Areas help students:
    • Explore a range of learning and work options
    • Develop an area of interest to focus their leaning during Grades 11 and 12
    • Think about and organize the courses they take in Grades 11 and 12
    • Explore post-secondary education or training options
  • Grad Planner
    B.C.'s secondary school students begin working on their graduation requirements in Grade 10. This helpful booklet helps them plan for graduation and beyond. English (PDF, 3.54MB) French (PDF, 3.58MB)