I'm not in high school though, I'm in CEGEP. CEGEP is the intermediate level between high school and University. It operates like University(15 week semesters, irregular schedules etc.), but with a lesser course load. To compensate for easier classes, they just give you more

I mean, in University, it's uncommon you get 7 course semesters, but we do >.>
Also, most of our teachers also teach at University so sometimes, if they don't want to break their heads, they'll just teach in a similar style they do at Uni(i.e. blah blah blah and correct papers).
As for course work, I had a 75% final once in one of my classes and some of my classes are quite hands on(think it was Calculus 3 not sure). Also, my biology class pertains one lecture per week and everything we have to learn,w e learn in the lab. The teacher won't tell me what the appendix does, I have to find it, see it and understand it >_>
It's not University level, but it's not a walk in the park. CEGEP's aim is to make taht transition most of the world faceplants on easier.