Course Selection & Pathways Presentation For Grade 8 Students & Families Thursday, December 4, 2014

Your Guidance Counsellors: Mr Belman A-G Ms Schuur H-Me Ms Blicker Mi-Z Mrs Shepherd – Student Success

Diploma Requirements (O.S.S.D.) for the 4 year program O.S.S.D 18 Compulsory Credits 12 Optional Credits Successful completion of Ontario School Literacy Test 40 hours of Community Involvement

18 Compulsory Credits 4Credits in English (1 credit per grade) 1Credit in French as a Second Language 3Credits in Mathematics (at least 1 in Gr. 11 or 12) 2Credits in Science 1Credit in Canadian History 1Credit in Canadian Geography 1Credit in the Arts 1Credit in Health and Physical Education.5Credit in Civics &.5 Credit in Career Studies (grade 10) Plus………..

Compulsory Credits (cont’d) Plus: Group 1: 1 additional credit in English, or French as a Second Language, or a Native Language/Studies, or a Classical or an International Language, or Social Sciences and the Humanities, or Canadian and World Studies, or Guidance and Career Education (including Learning Strategies), or Cooperative Education*

Group 2: 1 additional credit in Health and Physical Education, or Business Studies, or the Arts (music, art, drama), or French as a Second Language or Cooperative Education* Group 3: 1 additional credit in science (grade 11 or 12) or technological education (grades 9-12), or French as a Second Language or Computer Studies or Cooperative Education*

The Grade 10 Literacy Test A Diploma requirement. Administered in March of the grade 10 year A test based on language and communication (reading and writing) expectations of curricula up to and including grade 9 Accommodations, deferrals and exemptions may be appropriate for some students If standard not met in first attempt, schools will provide remedial support; test is re-administered until student successfully completes the test or the Grade 12 Literacy Course

Community Involvement A diploma requirement Encourages civic responsibility, promotes community values and reinforces importance of volunteerism Complete 40 hours before graduation Can start in summer of grade 8 Student responsibility to keep record of activities Guidelines and forms will be provided to help track community involvement A good way to explore career interests

COURSE PATHWAY TYPES IN Gr. 9 & 10 APPLIEDACADEMICOPEN LOCALLY DEVELOPED

PATHWAYABILITYAPPROACH APPLIEDWorking at or above grade level Step by step approach to learning using theory and practical examples. ACADEMICWorking at or above grade level Theoretical and independent approach to learning with a focus on critical thinking skills ESSENTIAL/ LOCALLY DEVELOPED Working below grade level in Math, English and Science Guided approach to learning using practical examples and concrete objects. OPENAvailable to students working at all levels An opportunity to explore an area of interest for all students GIFTEDWorking at or above grade level (Formal Identification through IPRC process required) Theoretical and independent approach to learning with a focus on critical thinking skills. Enrichment opportunities provided through differentiation of breadth, depth, pace and kind

Course Types English Math Science French History Geography Applied, Academic or Gifted English Math Science History Locally Developed Physical Education is the same for all students. Classes are divided by Male and Female.

OPTIONAL COURSES FOR GRADE 9 STUDENTS Technological Studies Broad Based Technology Computer Studies Business Studies The Arts Visual Drama Music Learning Strategies Family Studies

Choosing Courses for Grade 9  Parents and students will select courses in collaboration with elementary school teachers, guidance counselors, student success/support teachers and administrators  It is important that students do an honest self-assessment, matching their ability with their interests and aptitudes  Students often choose a combination of course types to support different learning interests and styles  Remember that initial decisions made in grade 8 are not “final” decisions. There are many pathways to initial post- secondary destinations

Secondary School Planning  How students learn best  Student interests  Diploma requirements to graduate  Prerequisites for courses  How to plan for experiential learning opportunities  Admission requirements for post-secondary opportunities (college, apprenticeship, university, workplace)  Preparing for school-work Important to know :

GIFTED COURSES  Students must be identified as ‘gifted’ prior to arrival at Thornhill S.S.  Students must choose at least 4 gifted courses to stay in program.  Available in gr. 9 & 10 (Engl., Math, Geog., Hist., Science & French) ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES  Senior courses (Gr. 11 & 12)  Academically challenging  Courses offered in Math, Biology, English, Chemistry, Economics and Computer Science  Recognized for advanced placement in universities

Student Success Collaborative Team Ongoing Monitoring Caring Adult Emotional and Academic Support Choosing Appropriate Pathways

School Timetable PERIODTIMES 1 8:50-10:05 (75 min.) Homeroom10:05-10:10 210:15-11:30 (75 min.) 3(A) or LUNCH11:30-12:10 (40 min.) 3(B) or LUNCH12:10-12:50 (40 min.) 3(C) or LUNCH12:50 - 1:30 (40 min.) 4 1:30 - 2:45 (75 min.) After School Programs (optional participation) 2:45 - 4:00 (75 min.)

SCHOOLS ZONED FOR TSS ARE... Baythorn E.J. Sands Glen Shields Henderson Thornhill P.S. York Hill  We will be visiting you at the end of January for registration and course selection at TSS.

For More Information… Course selection for September 2015 will be done online through Career Cruising. Visit our school website and click on “Guidance” at York Region District School Board For policies programs and curriculum documents:

QUESTIONS?