Ottawa-Carleton District School Board director Barrie Hammond defends the student survey. (CBC) An Ottawa school board is delving into the personal lives of its students with a survey that asks sensitive questions including about sexual orientation.

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board will conduct the anonymous, online survey later this month among 115,000 students in Grades 7 through 12.

The 43-question survey covers a wide range of issues including sexual orientation, religious affiliation, languages spoken at home, household income and future career plans.

A different survey is being distributed to parents of students in kindergarten to Grade 6.

Board director Barrie Hammond said the information will help school officials make better decisions about services and programs offered to students.

'I don't see what program they can do to help that like depends on your gender, sexuality or race.'— J.T. Burke, Glebe Collegiate student

"The more we know about our students the more we know about their needs," said Hammond.

The survey is confidential and voluntary, he said. With each question, students are given the option not to disclose the information.

"We're not going to identify individuals. What we're going to identify is the make up and composition of our student body," said Hammond.

Student reaction split

Some Glebe Collegiate students told CBC News that they were uncomfortable with revealing too much private information to school officials.

"I don't really see how that would help them with anything," said student J.T. Burke. "I don't see what program they can do to help that like depends on your gender, sexuality or race. So, I don't really think it's appropriate."

Other students including Liam O'Brien were unfazed.

"Since it's voluntary I don't think there's much of a problem with it," he said.

The students will have three weeks starting Nov. 22 to complete the survey online.

The Toronto District School Board conducted a similar survey several years ago.