INTRODUCTION TO MILLWOOD HIGH AND THE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM for With Guidance Counsellors Mrs.Bowes and Mr.Gosney

From this presentation you will receive: Information about High School Overview of Course Selection and Registration Tips for Selecting the Right Courses to Promote Success Program Options

About High School Millwood High Credits Graduation Requirements Semestering Timetable

VISIT MILLWOOD’S WEBSITE Please visit these websites. They are filled with easily accessed information. Home page: Guidance:

SUBJECTS AT HIGH SCHOOL Some have the same names as in Junior High, such as: English, Math, and French Some are subdivisions of Science, Social Studies, and other subjects. Examples include: Geology, Biology, and Design Others are subjects introduced at High School, such as: Accounting and Co-op Education

4 CATAGORIES OF COURSES Academic: deal with concepts and theory. Good marks in a selection of academic courses is required for advancement to university. ALL students take some of these courses Graduation: alternative level available in English, Math, and in some aspects of science and social studies. Less theory. Open Category: courses in Tech Ed, Family Studies, Personal Development and Business (skills oriented) Advanced: these courses go beyond the Academic in curriculum and expectations. This also includes “Advanced Placement”, which may yield university level credits. Which courses lead where? Check the Post Secondary Options table in the Course Selection Book, and refer to the Math Brochure.

CREDITS : What are they? In Nova Scotia, one credit is awarded, regardless of mark, as long as you get 50% or higher in a full course (usually takes one semester) The HRSB and Millwood High require you to take at least 21 courses in your three years. You take at least: 8 in the Grade 10 year, 7 in the Grade 11 year, and 6 in the Grade 12 year. There are 13 specified subject credits that you must take and pass.

13 SPECIFIC REQUIRED CREDITS: 3 ENGLISH (10, 11, 12) 1 CDN HISTORY 11 OR AFRICAN CDN STUDIES 11 2 MATHEMATICS1 GLOBAL STUDIES 12 2 SCIENCE1 FINE ARTS 1 PHYSICAL EDUCATION2 Math/Science/Technology The other courses and credits you take are called electives. In these you might include additional courses in subject areas shown above, or in other ones.

More on requirements: You can only count a maximum of 7 Grade 10 credits SO, everyone in Grade 10 MUST take at least one Grade 11 course. You can take more. Also, you must pass at least 5 Grade 12 courses in order to graduate.

KEEPING TRACK OF CREDITS Keep track of your credits!!!!!!!!!!! What credits do you have? What do you still need? Students and parents should always know the credit status. It is your responsibility!!!! BUT the Guidance Counsellors help you to keep on track for graduation when you meet with them to choose courses each year.

About Semestering Up to eight courses per year; four each semester Allows students a maximum of four courses at the same time = maximum four sets of homework. Classes are 1hour and 15 minutes Fewer subjects daily, but more done in each subject per day. More missed if absent.

Semester System The year is divided into two halves, with different courses in each half. Semester 1Semester 2 September to end of January February to end of June Four courses, ending with examinations in January Four different courses, ending with examinations in June

Daily Schedule Your timetable will follow four, 1 hour and 15 minute periods in a day Blocks are titled (P1, P2, P3, and P4) Days are called A, B, C, D P1 and P2 blocks are always together, so are P3 and P4 The order is different every day within one week Friday has a rotating schedule

Sample Timetable Day ADay BDay CDay D History10 P1 Science 10 P4 English 10 P2 Mathematics 10 P3 English 10 P2 Mathematics 10 P3 History10 P1 Science 10 P4 Mathematics 10 P3 History10 P1 Science 10 P4 English 10 P2 Science 10 P4 English 10 P2 Mathematics 10 P3 History10 P1

PASSING IN HIGH SCHOOL Students pass individual courses, not grades. For example, in Junior High, a student moves from grade 7 to grade 8. In High School, each course has its own grade level. If a student fails a necessary course, he or she can repeat it in the following school year, not in the following semester.

STUDENT SUPPORT Extra help from teachers Resource support and peer tutoring Help with personal difficulties from Guidance, Youth Health Centre coordinator, teachers, and from the School Administration Help with course choices, post-secondary plans and careers from Guidance Support from School Psychologist and other specialists.

About Extra-Curricular Student council and related groups and clubs such as dance committee, yearbook, etc. These are in place every year. Sports…… Varsity (interscholastic) volleyball, hockey, basketball and others have been very successful. Intramurals played every day at noon. Interest clubs of several kinds… these come and go according to the interests of students and parental support. Grade 10’s can get involved with all of these.

Overview of Course Selection and Registration Registration Process Course Selection

GRADE NINE REGISTRATION AND ORIENTATION After you receive your course selection book (in print or online), Grade 9’s choose courses with help of Junior High Counsellor, teachers, and parents. You will fill out a practice course selection sheet Mrs. McNeil will review your selections with you to ensure your choices are the best ones Scheduling conflicts are resolved using alternate choices. Millwood High Counsellors will return before March Break to help with your online course selection using PowerSchool.

The Grade Ten Year (English Program) 1 English 10 1 Mathematics 10 (full year course with 2 credits) 1 Science 10 1 Physical Education (10 or 11) Physical Education10, Dance 11, Yoga 11, Physically Active Living 11 1 Fine Arts (10 or 11) Visual Arts 10, Drama 10, Instrumental Music 10, Vocal Music 10, Music Performing Arts 10, Introduction to Music 10, Dance11 A 6 th Course Communications Technology 11, CDV11/WHS11, Geography 10, History 10, Business 10 1 Elective See Course Selection Book. Please note: at least one selection must be a grade 11 course *Instrumental Music is attended off the schedule two mornings per week Students entering grade 10 are required to select 8 courses from the following:

The Grade Ten French Immersion Year 1 English 10 1 Mathematics 10 1 Mathematics 10 (full year course with 2 credits) 1 Sciences Sciences 10 1 Fine Arts 10 Art Dramatique 10 Histoire 10 Français 10 1 Elective Recommend a Physical Education or Technology Course (Physical Education10, Dance 11, Yoga 11, Physically Active Living 11, Communications Technology 11) Students entering grade 10 are required to select 8 courses from the following:

COURSE SELECTION BOOKLET In the coming days, your counsellor will give you the course selection booklet, and course selection form. It will also be available on the Millwood Guidance website There is a selection sheet, with instructions, in the booklet for you to complete to help you when you make your choices. Please read the complete booklet and share it with your parents. It will restate most of what we have covered today, but does add some helpful details. This booklet will be available on the web at the on-line Guidance Office. (Millwood High website)

THE CHOOSING AND PLANNING BEGINS Complete, sign, include parental signature, and return to your selection sheet to your homeroom teacher ASAP! You will use this form to help you make your online selection in March Your Junior High Guidance Counsellor can help you But don’t forget to ask your subject teachers for their advice, especially about Math The choice of courses will be a joint decision between students and parents, with assistance from junior high staff. Again, Millwood Counsellors will return prior to March Break to help with online selections using PowerSchool

Warning!!! – Course Changes Be sure to take your time and make your selections carefully Its okay to contact us before the end of this school year to make a course change Courses cannot be changed once the scheduling process is completed and the school year has started.

Warning!!! – Course Changes Course changes can only be made if: A student failed a course and needs the course as a prerequisite to a course he or she is presently enrolled in. A student needs a Math or English level change (with parent permission and consultation with the Department Head). A student needs a course for graduation and it is not on his/her schedule. A student was placed in a course that he or she did not choose on the course selection sheet. (Students may have been placed in an elective choice that was not a first choice; therefore, cannot make changes).

Tips for Selecting the Right Courses to Promote Success Suggestions About Mathematics

Suggestions to Help You Select Courses Play to your strengths and abilities Play to your interests Try something new Have realistic long term goals in mind Refer to the table in the math brochure and in the course selection book on Post-Secondary Options Try the career matchmaker quiz at (Username: Millwood; Password: High)

About Choosing Math Courses… General guideline: Take the highest level you can reasonably expect to do well in. Your math teacher will recommend you for one of the following. This will be your selection. If you’re parents indicate they would like you to take a different math course your parent/guardian should contact Millwood High Guidance

Math Course Options Academic Mathematics 10 This is a full year course that earns two credits. It is recommended if you have done well in the standard Grade 9 math program and are seeking future programs requiring academic mathematics. Required for further Academic or Advanced Mathematics courses in high school. Students who require very basic math skills should take Mathematics Essentials 10. Anyone who fails Grade 9 Math must take this course. This program can provide students with mathematical knowledge and skills leading to direct entry into the workforce or for entry in programs of study that do not require Academic Mathematics. (Students taking essentials will also take Science 10 S). Mathematics At Work recommended if your Grade nine Math marks are low, but you passed. You still have the right to take Academic Math. This course is designed to provide students with mathematical knowledge and skills for direct entry into the workforce or for entry in programs of study that do not require Academic Mathematics. (Students taking essentials will also take Science 10 S).

Program Options Fine Arts French Immersion Options and Opportunities Advanced Placement

Art You don’t have to know how to draw or sculpt in order to take Art 10 or be an expert to pass, but you must attend and try! Just like Art, this is a place to learn, and you will have to take part. For some it is challenging at first, but then you get used to it, and then fun is the name of the game! Drama Music Courses in Instrumental Music (mornings), Vocal Music, Introduction to Music and Music Performing Arts are options as well.

FRENCH IMMERSION Open to students continuing on from the Junior High program or who are Francophone Those who successfully complete the program receive a special certificate along with the regular graduation diploma The requirement for the certificate is the completion of at least 9 credits in French, including 3 credits in French Language Arts (Français). Français and at least one other course must be taken each year.

Typical Immersion Credits Here are the 9 credits mandatory for FI students entering Millwood High School in September 2014: Grade 10 YearFrançais 10, Art Dramatique 10, Sciences 10, Histoire 10 Grade 11 Year Français 11, Histoire du Canada 11, one elective via NSVS (online) Grade 12 YearFrançais 12, Histoire Planétaire 12

WHY FRENCH IMMERSION? If you were successful in your academic subjects in Junior High and you are comfortable learning in French, you should continue into Grade 10 French Immersion and then decide, annually, after that about continuing. Can make it easier to get into careers in government, in tourism, business and in travel industries.

Options and Opportunities (O2 Program) A special program with increased connections to the community Different graduation requirements. Will be introduced later to those in Grade 9 who are most likely to find it useful.

Advanced Placement Advanced Placement allows students to complete advanced level High School work in a grade 12 Course with the potential of earning University level credits and/ or recognition Currently available in Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, English, and Physics. Students prepare for this by taking Advanced level courses in Grades 10 and 11. You do not sign up for this coming into Grade 10, but keep it in mind!

In Conclusion Use our website Your Junior High Guidance Counsellor will help you with course selection Make appropriate course selections Consider Program Options (FI, O2, AP) Read the course selection book thoroughly and complete the course selection sheet right away.

See you again in March!!