A controversial decision by officials with Lord Beaverbrook High School could see students who meet the provincial requirements for graduation standing on the sidelines during the school's grad ceremony.

As part of the school’s policy, Grade 12 students must pass every class in order to qualify to participate in the school’s graduation event.

The school’s stance was meant to encourage students to attend all of their classes and put forth their best effort, but students say they would rather drop all of their optional classes than risk the chance of not being permitted to walk across the graduation stage.

Lord Beaverbrook student William Nguyen says the school’s decision could prompt students to take easier courses so there’s less of a risk of failure.

“The school is basically saying that if I fail Math 30, which is a course I can choose to take or not to take, I won’t be allowed to stand on the stage,” said Nguyen. “It’s pretty stupid.”

Student Nykyta Gulyayev says graduation is an important part of the high school experience and it would be unfortunate if a graduating student was unable to stand with their classmates.

“I'm pretty sure that's the last thing you'll experience and it will be your memories from high school pretty much,” said Gulyayev. “If you don't get the chance to do that, it’s unfortunate.”

Jack Trawick believes the decision to punish failure is hypocritical to the school’s teachings.

“It’s counteractive to what they teach us in CALM (Career and Life Management) class,” said Trawick, “that failing is a part of life and that to succeed in life you need to fail.”  

The Calgary Board of Education says each school is responsible for graduation ceremony decisions, including deciding which students may walk the stage.

“It is a practice at each school to work with the community, staff students and parents, to determine what would be an optimum ceremony or how that ceremony would be conducted,” explains Cathy Faber of the CBE.

Faber adds that the CBE is aware of the concerns of Lord Beaverbrook students.

“We know that there is a concern regarding the particular situation at our one high school,” said Faber. “We are we looking and monitoring and supporting the principal to continue that review and investigation.”

With files from CTV's Chris Epp