The Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations (OCSGEs) were developed to provide a framework to represent the distinctiveness and purpose of Catholic education in Ontario. The OCSGEs were derived from the Love of Learning, a report created by the Ontario Royal Commission on Education, which recommended the development of a set of “graduate outcomes” that should be “subject and skill orientated”.
The Institute for Catholic Education worked collaboratively with the Ontario Catholic education community to craft a distinctive set of graduate guidelines, which led to the release of the OCSGEs in the 1998-1999 school year. Since the relationship between learning and believing is fundamental in Catholic schools, the decision was made that the Catholic Graduate Expectations must focus not only on knowledge and skills, but also on values and actions.
Download a PDF of the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations
Catholic Graduate Expectations
The values and attributes of our Catholic graduates are:
A discerning believer is formed in the Catholic Faith community who celebrates the signs and sacred mystery of God's presence through word, sacrament, prayer, forgiveness, reflection and moral living.
- Illustrates a basic understanding of the saving story of our Christian faith.
- Participates in the sacramental life of the church and demonstrates an understanding of the centrality of the Eucharist to our Catholic story.
- Actively reflects on God's Word as communicated through the Hebrew and Christian scriptures.
- Develops attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teaching and acts to promote social responsibility, human solidarity and the common good.
- Speaks the language of life…"recognizing that life is an unearned gift and that a person entrusted with life does not own it but that one is called to protect and cherish it." (Witnesses to Faith)
- Seeks intimacy with God and celebrates communion with God, others and creation through prayer and worship.
- Understands that one's purpose or call in life comes from God and strives to discern and live out this call throughout life's journey.
- Respects the faith traditions, world religions and the life-journeys of all people of good will.
- Integrates faith with life.
- Recognizes that "sin, human weakness, conflict and forgiveness are part of the human journey" and that the cross, the ultimate sign of forgiveness is at the heart of redemption. (Witnesses to Faith)
An effective communicator speaks, writes and listens honestly and sensitively, responding critically in light of gospel values.
- Presents information and ideas clearly and honestly and with sensitivity to others.
- Writes and speaks fluently one or both of Canada's official languages.
- Uses and integrates the Catholic faith tradition, in the critical analysis of the arts, media, technology and information systems to enhance the quality of life.
A reflective, creative and holistic thinker solves problems and makes responsible decisions with an informed moral conscience for the common good.
- Recognizes there is more grace in our world than sin and that hope is essential in facing all challenges.
- Creates, adapts, evaluates new ideas in light of the common good.
- Thinks reflectively and creatively to evaluate situations and solve problems.
- Makes decisions in light of gospel values with an inform-ed moral conscience.
- Adopts a holistic approach to life by integrating learning from various subject areas and experience.
- Examines, evaluates and applies knowledge of interdependent systems (physical, political, ethical, socio-economic and ecological) for the development of a just and compassionate society.
A self-directed, responsible, lifelong learners develops and demonstrates their God-given potential.
- Demonstrates a confident and positive sense of self and respect for the dignity and welfare of others.
- Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability.
- Takes initiative and demonstrates Christian leadership.
- Responds to, manages and constructively influences change in a discerning manner.
- Sets appropriate goals and priorities in school, work and personal life.
- Applies effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving, time and resource management skills.
- Examines and reflects on one's personal values, abilities and aspirations influencing life's choices and opportunities.
- Participates in leisure and fitness activities for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
A collaborative contributor finds meaning, dignity and vocation in work which respects the rights of all and contributes to the common good.
- Works effectively as an interdependent team member.
- Thinks critically about the meaning and purpose of work.
- Develops one's God-given potential and makes a meaningful contribution to society.
- Finds meaning, dignity, fulfillment and vocation in work which contributes to the common good.
- Respects the rights, responsibilities and contributions of self and others.
- Exercises Christian leadership in the achievement of individual and group goals.
- Achieves excellence, originality, and integrity in one's own work and supports these qualities in the work of others.
- Applies skills for employability, self-employment and entrepreneurship relative to Christian vocation.
A caring family member attends to family, school, parish, and the wider community.
- Relates to family members in a loving, compassionate and respectful manner.
- Recognizes human intimacy and sexuality as God given gifts, to be used as the creator intended.
- Values and honours the important role of the family in society.
- Values and nurtures opportunities for family prayer.
- Ministers to the family, school, parish, and wider community through service.
A responsible citizen gives witness to Catholic social teaching by promoting peace, justice and the sacredness of human life.
- Acts morally and legally as a person formed in Catholic traditions.
- Accepts accountability for one's own actions.
- Seeks and grants forgiveness.
- Promotes the sacredness of life.
- Witnesses Catholic social teaching by promoting equality, democracy, and solidarity for a just, peaceful and compassionate society.
- Respects and affirms the diversity and interdependence of the world's peoples and cultures.
- Respects and understands the history, cultural heritage and pluralism of today's contemporary society.
- Exercises the rights and responsibilities of Canadian citizenship.
- Respects the environment and uses resources wisely.
- Contributes to the common good
Adapted Catholic Graduate Expectations Language for Elementary Students
- I believe that God is an awesome God
- I believe and have faith in God
- I believe that God is with us always
- I believe that we can talk to God anytime and anywhere, through prayer I believe in the stories of the Bible
- I believe in the stories of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection
- I believe in the Church community, celebrating Mass, and the seven Sacraments I believe in forgiveness
- Because I am a believer, I will live my life like Jesus.
- I speak, write and listen as Jesus would want me to
- I care about others and speak up for them
- I am honest
- I think carefully before I react or speak
- I respect all people and their languages
- I listen to the Word of God
- Because I have a voice, I will use it lovingly, and I will live my life like Jesus
I have thoughts and opinions that matter
- I make good choices
- I have hope for the future
- I solve problems with knowledge, understanding and prayer
- I know we are all equal and special
- Because I have ideas, I have a purpose, and I will live my life like Jesus.
- I use my gifts and talents given to me by God
- I always do my best
- I build on my strengths and weaknesses
- I set goals
- I accept change
- I am proud of the good things I do
- I am thankful for the gifts of others
- Because I am a learner for life, I can reach for my dreams, by living my life like Jesus.
- I co-operate with others in all that I do
- I value everyone's work
- I respect and listen to others
- I think of others before myself
- I follow rules of fair play
- I work hard in school so that I can build my community and make it a better place
- Because I am a team player, I know that 'Together is Better', and we will live our lives like Jesus.
- I love God, myself and my family.
- I care about and respect my 'family' at school, at Church, in the community, and the world
- I care about and respect God's creation and everything in it!
- Because I care, I pray for all my families, and I will live my life like Jesus.
I am a peace-maker
- I am fair
- I am forgiving
- I follow rules and do my share
- I help the poor and care for people in need
- I stand up for what is right
- I know that all life is precious
- I respect and protect the world and all that is in it
- Because I accept my responsibilities, I can make a difference, and will live my life like Jesus