PSK4U, Introductory Kinesiology, Grade 12, University

PSK4U is the Grade 12 University-preparation kinesiology course focusing on human movement: anatomy and physiology (muscular, skeletal, cardiovascular systems), biomechanics, motor learning, and the physiological principles of fitness and performance.

The prerequisite for PSK4U is any Grade 11 university or university/college preparation course in science, or any Grade 11 or 12 course in health and physical education. That flexibility makes it accessible from several pathways.

PSK4U is recommended — and directly relevant — for kinesiology, physical education, and human-kinetics programs, though most admit on ENG4U plus sciences (often SBI4U) and overall average. Taking PSK4U previews the program content, strengthens the application, and adds a relevant U-level mark to the top six.

PSK4U meets the Ministry of Education’s attendance and participation expectations through activities blended directly into the course. OES requires students to log in at least once per week for attendance, and participation activities appear throughout the course and are reflected in the grade book — preserving self-paced flexibility while satisfying the requirements for online courses.

PSK4U covers the anatomy and physiology of movement (skeletal, muscular, cardiorespiratory systems), biomechanical principles, energy systems and training, motor learning and skill development, and the social and historical context of physical activity and sport.

PSK4U supports kinesiology, physiotherapy-track, athletic therapy, physical education, and health-science pathways, pairing naturally with SBI4U (and HFA4U) in a health-focused top six at OES.

Yes. Many students take PSK4U at OES to raise a mark for university or college applications — Ontario uses your highest grade for the course. The course is self-paced and open year-round, so you can retake it alongside your day-school timetable and finish in as little as 4 weeks.

Yes. Ontario students who started Grade 9 in the 2020–21 school year or later must earn at least two online learning credits to graduate, and PSK4U at OES — a Ministry-inspected online school (BSID #667186) — counts toward that requirement. An opt-out process exists through school boards, and specific provisions apply to students affected by the 2021 school closures.

Ontario’s Growing Success policy pre-determines the evaluation structure for every credit. Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, PSK4U is graded on classroom work completed throughout the course (65%) plus a Ministry-mandated final evaluation worth 25% for Grades 11–12, with attendance and participation also reflected in the final grade. A credit is granted at 50% or higher — and as an inspected private school, OES may administer final evaluations online, while school-board online courses generally require in-person exam sittings.