INTRODUCTION TO HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SELECTION Planning Grade 9 and 10 with an eye on the future!

Overview This information is applicable to other schools and magnet programs in our Board Requirements to graduate High School Course Selection Resources School Websites Course Calendars Differences between Academic and Applied level courses Switching levels and programs between each grade Summer School options “MyWay” Guidance Portal What your children know

Requirements to Graduate 40 hours of community service -You can start these hours on July 1st, 2017 -tracking sheet available in June Pass the Grade 10 Literacy Test (O.S.S.L.T.) 30 Credits -A credit is earned by passing a semester-long class

Credits to Graduate High School (30) Required 4 English 1 French 3 Mathematics 2 Science 1 Canadian Geography 1 Canadian History 1 Arts 1 Physical Education .5 Career Studies and . 5 Civics (Government) 12 Electives You must also have at least one credit from each of the following groups. Group 1: English, French, Third Language, Humanities, Canadian and World Studies, Cooperative Education Group 2: Health and Phys. Ed., Arts, Business, French, Cooperative Education Group 3: Science, Technology, French, Computers, Cooperative Education

Grade 9 Compulsory Courses English (Academic or Applied) Geography (Academic or Applied) Math (Academic or Applied) Science (Academic or Applied) French (Academic or Applied)

Accessing your School’s Guidance Website Go to your school’s website: Preston https://phs.wrdsb.ca/ Jacob Hespeler https://jhs.wrdsb.ca/ Glenview Park SS https://gps.wrdsb.ca/ Eastwood https://eci.wrdsb.ca Galt Collegiate Institute: https://gci.wrdsb.ca/

Click on the “Guidance” tab along the top menu bar https://phs.wrdsb.ca/ Click on the “Guidance” tab along the top menu bar

Course Codes One of the most confusing things in High School are the 6-Digit Course Codes Example: Grade 10 Academic Math M P M 2 D I Differentiating Letter/Number Subject Area or Subject/Class Grade Level 1=9, 2=10, 3=11, 4=12 Type of Course D = Academic P = Applied O = Open

Guidance teachers will assist students with this at high school. Prerequisites Some classes in Grade 11 and onwards have a prerequisite course that a student will need to take before they can register for that course. e.g. A student may need to take Visual Art in grade 9 or 10 before they can take Art in grade 11. Guidance teachers will assist students with this at high school. Some courses are available for students with or without experience. e.g. Students who have a minimum 1 full year on a band instrument may choose experienced music.

Programs in High Schools For all Core subjects: English, Math, Science, French, Geography, History Academic - leads to university “U” or university/college “M” Gr 11/12 courses - Recommended to have over a 70% average in the subject - Emphasis on theoretical, abstract applications of the essential concepts - Lead towards university and college degrees after high school Applied - leads to college “C” or university/college “M” Gr 11/12 courses Emphasis on practical, concrete applications of the essential concepts Lead to senior courses preparing students for college, apprenticeship, skill trades and the workplace

Being Aware of Prerequisites

Switching between Academic & Applied You may switch program types between Grade 9 and Grade 10 for English, Geography/History and Science. Math is the exception. You must have completed Gr. 9 academic before taking Gr. 10 academic math. Switching program types is NOT always possible at the start of the semester. There is not always an academic and applied class running that the same time so a change may cause a drastic change to a student’s timetable.

Summer School (Grade 8 to 9) There are summer school programs available before Grade 9 begins. The programs listed below DO NOT offer credits towards completing a diploma. High School Preparation- Math High School Preparation- English Reach Ahead

The bolded courses below are compulsory The Grade 9 and 10 Schedule The bolded courses below are compulsory GRADE 9 GRADE 10 English Geography History Science Math French Civics and Careers

ELECTIVE

Possible Electives Arts -Drama -Instrumental Music (experienced, beginner) -Vocal Music -Crafts (ceramics, paper mache, painting, drawing, carving, jewellery) -Visual Arts (drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture) Physical Education -Healthy & Active Living (Girls) -Healthy & Active Living (Boys)

Possible Electives Business -Intro to Business -Business Technology Tech -Computer Design -Auto/Wood/Metal Shop

Possible Electives Learning Strategies (GLE) -Only available to students with an IEP -Organization Skills, Study Skills, Note-Taking Strategies -Extra Support in classes that semester

MyWay Student Portal Students log into the portal by going to myway.wrdsb.ca Login information is the same as to log onto their Google accounts. example username: falcs1234 This page is available all year to look at earned credits, required credits but the course selection part of MYWAY is ONLY open from the Feb 21-Feb 24, 2017

MyWay Student Portal A change this year - your are responsible to print it off at home and sign form Mrs. Falco is available to answer questions about any technical issues. Please send your child to school on Friday Feb 24, 2017 with a print-off of the MYWAY course selection page and sign it.

Questions about high school planning? Check the Wm G Davis Website Check High School Website Ask Mrs. Falco sandy_falco@googleapps.wrdsb.ca