The British Columbia Certificate of Graduation is a diploma awarded to high school graduates in the province of British Columbia. The provincial Ministry of Education uses the name "Dogwood" to describe the diploma, although that name is not set out in provincial statute or regulations.
The current Dogwood requirements have been in place since July 1, 2004.[1] However, the prior requirements apply to students who started Grade 10 before July 1, 2004, who have until June 30, 2011 to graduate under the previous requirements.[1] Under current regulations, students must earn a minimum of 80 credits to graduate, which must include 48 credits for required courses, a minimum of 28 elective credits, and 4 credits for "graduation transitions" (A standards-based assessment evaluated by schools under B.C. Ministry of Education guidelines).[1] Required courses include, among other things, language arts, social studies, mathematics, and science courses in grades 10, 11, and 12. Part of the evaluation of students includes standarized provincial examinations in a number of the required courses in grades 10 and 12.