Business Studies

Business at Tommy Douglas Secondary School is where passion meets possibility. Our students engage in dynamic, real-world learning through a wide selection of courses including Accounting, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Business Leadership, International Business, Economics and more. We focus on developing future-ready skills such as critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and financial literacy so every student can thrive in post-secondary pathways and the careers of tomorrow.

Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)
Students can pursue career-focused pathways and gain access to valuable industry certifications, experiential learning, and networking opportunities through our SHSM Business program, giving Business students a competitive edge as they continue their academic and professional journeys.

Titans Locker
Business skills come to life through the operation of the "Titans Locker," our school store run in partnership with Business students. From product design and inventory to marketing and customer service, students gain real entrepreneurial experience while showcasing school spirit.

Business Certificate
Students who complete five or more Business courses between grade 9-12 with a minimum average of 75% graduate with a Business Certificate, recognizing their dedication and achievement in the field of Business.

Business Award Certificate

From classroom innovation to real-world application, we empower Titans to explore, lead, and build a future full of opportunity.

Courses

Learn more about the courses offered at our school.
Courses

Grade 9 Courses

What’s this course all about?

Get ready to think big, create boldly, and take charge of your future! This hands-on, project-powered course immerses you in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship — where creativity meets strategy and ideas turn into real opportunities. You’ll discover what makes an entrepreneur unstoppable while building the skills that successful business leaders use every day. 


Cool things we do…

✅ Design, build, and project-manage your own structure
✅ Pitch your business idea in our Dragons’ Den challenge
✅ Connect professionally with a real local business
✅ Make Excel & Google Sheets fun and powerful tools
✅ Create eye-catching ads for the Titans Locker school store

…And that’s just the beginning.


What do you need to get in?

This course is open to everyone — no prerequisites required.

Grade 10 Courses

What’s this course about?

Hungry to learn how businesses really work? This course is like an all-you-can-learn business buffet. You will get exposed to Marketing, Accounting, Human Resources, Production, Finance, Leadership… you get a taste of it all! You’ll explore what it takes to bring ideas to life and develop the leadership mindset that sets entrepreneurs apart. Whether you want to run your own future business or simply build skills that employers love, this course sets you up for success in every business pathway.


Cool things we do…

✅ Plan and run a full marketing carnival for the school
✅ Lead your own creative lesson to celebrate global cultures
✅ Pitch bold business ideas in high-energy entrepreneurial challenges
Create, market, and sell real products by running a candy business — sweet profits included!

Real customers. Real money. Real experience.
This is business done right. 


What do you need to get in?

This course is open to everyone — no prerequisites required.

Grade 11 Courses

What’s this course about?

Why do prices keep rising? How do taxes actually work? What makes the stock market jump one day and crash the next?
In The Individual and the Economy, you’ll unpack the real economic forces that impact your everyday life — from the cost of your favourite sneakers to big national debates like healthcare and housing. If you want to understand how money, markets, and government decisions shape the world (and your wallet), this course is your ultimate guide.


Cool things we do…

✅ Build and run your own functioning economy
✅ Compete in realistic simulations and debates
✅ Analyze real financial data to make smart investment decisions
✅ Explore how government policies affect Canadians right now

This is economics that you’ll actually use in real life — no boring lectures!


What do you need to get in?

Grade 10 History — academic or applied

What’s this course about?

Money makes the world go round and accountants keep it moving! In this course, you’ll learn the essential principles of accounting and discover how businesses track success, measure growth, and make smart financial decisions. You’ll develop real-life financial analysis skills that can help you with everything from managing your own money to launching future entrepreneurial ventures. Plus, you’ll explore the many exciting career pathways in the world of accounting and finance.


Cool things we do…

✅ Take on the Stock Market Investment Challenge (with cash prizes!)
✅ Hear from local business professionals about the power of accounting
✅ Play mega Monopoly games to put money management into action

Hands-on learning + real financial skills = a course that pays off!


What do you need to get in?

This course is open to everyone — no prerequisites required.

What’s this course about?

Dreaming of being your own boss? Got a brilliant idea but don’t know how to turn it into reality? BDI3C is your launchpad into the world of entrepreneurship! From brainstorming ideas to planning, launching, and running a business, you’ll learn the essential skills and strategies that successful entrepreneurs use every day. This course is all about turning creativity into action and giving you the confidence to make your business dreams come alive.


Cool things we do…

✅ Develop a full venture plan to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey
✅ Explore the complete entrepreneurial process from start to finish
✅ Learn hands-on skills you can apply in school, your community, or your future business

Real ideas. Real experience. Real entrepreneurship!


What do you need to get in?

This course is open to everyone — no prerequisites required.

What’s this course about?

Step into the exciting world of business, creativity, and marketing! In BMI3C, Grade 11 students learn how products, services, and events come to life, from brainstorming fresh ideas to promoting them to the right audience. You’ll think like a real marketer, analyzing trends, designing campaigns, and discovering what makes customers say, “I need that!”

Through hands-on projects, teamwork, and real-world examples, students see how marketing influences everything from music, sports, and fashion to social media and events. By the end of the course, you’ll understand what it takes to attract customers, while having fun doing it!


Cool things we do…

✅ Conduct market research and run your own juice taste test
✅ Field Trip to Yorkdale Mall to apply marketing strategies in real-world settings
✅ Explore IT in Marketing and digital promotion techniques
✅ Analyze pricing strategies of real local stores
✅ Create a marketing plan for an actual business

Real campaigns. Real experience. Real marketing fun!


What do you need to get in?

This course is open to everyone — no prerequisites required.

Grade 12 Courses

What’s this course about?

Dreaming of a career in accounting, business, finance, or commerce? BAT4M is your next step! This course dives deeper into advanced accounting principles and practices, helping you analyze financial statements, make informed business decisions, and develop skills that employers and post-secondary programs value. You’ll gain real-world experience and prepare for future studies or careers in the world of finance.


Cool things we do…

✅ Hear from guest speakers working in accounting and finance
✅ Use industry-leading accounting software to solve real problems
✅ Compete in CPA-style competitions to test your skills and knowledge

Learn advanced accounting while having fun and gaining practical experience!


What do you need to get in?

Financial Accounting Fundamentals (BAF3M)

What’s this course about?

Step into the world of global business! BBB4M gives you an inside look at international trade, marketing, distribution, and managing businesses across borders. You’ll explore how companies succeed in a connected world and develop the skills needed to think strategically on a global scale. This course is perfect for students who are curious about other cultures, international markets, and the fast-paced world of global business.


Cool things we do…

✅ Analyze and discuss current events and real-world international business scenarios
✅ Participate in hands-on challenges and competitions to test your skills
✅ Experience our International Business and Culture Market
✅ Attend the One of a Kind Show and apply your knowledge to a local company at a real trade show
✅ Host our very own International Business Trade Show at school

Learn how business works around the world — and have fun doing it!


What do you need to get in?

This course is open to everyone — no prerequisites required.

What’s this course about?

Step into the world of leadership and learn what it takes to inspire, motivate, and manage people! In BOH4M, you’ll explore group dynamics, decision-making, conflict management, and strategies for leading teams to success. This course is perfect for students who want to build confidence, develop strong communication skills, and prepare for future careers in business, management, or entrepreneurship.


Cool things we do…

✅ Lead an immersive class lesson
✅ Solve challenges and strengthen teamwork in an escape room experience
✅ Connect with professionals at the Raptors / MLSE Career Fair

Develop your leadership skills in ways that are practical, exciting, and unforgettable!


What do you need to get in?

This course is open to everyone — no prerequisites required.

What’s this course about?

Take your learning to the next level! In IDC4C, Grade 12 students dive into a dynamic, project-based course that blends knowledge and skills from multiple subjects. You’ll tackle real-world challenges with creativity, innovation, and critical thinking, designing projects that connect your interests to meaningful, real-life applications. Whether it’s business, technology, social issues, or media, you’ll take the lead — planning, researching, problem-solving, and presenting ideas that truly matter.

This course builds the collaboration, leadership, and communication skills that employers and post-secondary programs value most. By the end, you won’t just have assignments completed — you’ll have showcase-worthy projects that highlight your talents, passion, and creativity.


Cool things we do…

✅ Attend the Raptors / MLSE Career Forum for hands-on industry insights
✅ Gain marketing experience using AI tools
✅ Design and market apparel using embroidery and vinyl printing
✅ Participate in debates as both formative and summative assessments

Learning with purpose, passion, and creativity — IDC4C is your chance to shine!


What do you need to get in?

This course is open to everyone — no prerequisites required.

What’s this course about?

Ever wonder how global events impact Canada’s economy? Curious why inflation, interest rates, and trade policies dominate the news? In CIA4U, you’ll explore the forces that drive both national and international economies, learning to think critically about government decisions, business strategies, and global trends. This course gives you the tools to understand the economy like a pro — and see how it connects to your everyday life.


Cool things we do…

✅ Analyze real-world case studies on inflation, unemployment, and economic growth
✅ Debate national policies like taxation and free trade
✅ Track and predict market trends using current data
✅ Simulate the role of economists advising government leaders

Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and economic insight — skills that matter now and in the future! 


What do you need to get in?

Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world studies, English, or social sciences and humanities

Post Secondary Business Schools in Ontario

College Business Programs in Ontario

University Business Programs in Ontario

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