Welcome to Markham District High School TAKE YOUR GRADE 8’s TO HIGH SCHOOL November 4,

Schedule for the day… 10:00 -10:35am  Assembly 10:45 -11:40am  Tour Electives 11:40 -12:25pm  LUNCH!!!! 12:35 -1:50pm  Tour Electives 1:50 …  Return to your school

Diploma Requirements (O.S.S.D.) 18 Compulsory Credits + 12 Optional Credits_____ = 30 Total Credits (110 hours per course) + Successful Completion of Grade 10 Test of Reading and Writing (EQAO) + 40 Hours of Community Involvement

Secondary School Diplomas & Certificates O. S. S. D. The Ontario Secondary School Diploma Students who earn 30 credits; 40 hours of community service and pass the literacy test (O.S.S.C.) The Ontario Secondary School Certificate Students who leave school before earning the O.S.S.D.; must earn at least 14 credits The Certificate of Accomplishment Students who leave school before earning the O.S.S.D. or the O.S.S.C.

18 Compulsory Credits + 12 Optional Credits 4 credits in English 1 credit in French 3 credits in Math 2 credits in Science 1 credit in Can. History 1 credit in Can. Geography 1 credit in Arts (music, art, drama) 1 credit in P hysical Education.5 credit in Civics & Careers Plus a credit in Group 1, 2, & 3 categories ‘Electives’ Optional credits allow students to build an educational program that suits their individual interests and meets college, university, apprenticeship or workplace requirements.

Course Selection In order to meet diploma graduation requirements, it is strongly recommended that students take the following 6 subjects in grade 9: 1. English - Applied, Academic, or Locally Developed 2. Mathematics - Applied, Academic, or Locally Developed 3. Science - Applied, Academic, or Locally Developed 4. Geography - Applied, Academic, or Locally Developed 5. French - Applied or Academic 6. Health & Physical Education – Open All other Grade 9 elective courses will be taken at the open level : Drama, Visual Art, Business, Technology, Music, Learning Strategies (by recommendation only), Family & Society, Latin, Talented Athlete program (based on qualifications)

Destinations … Four Pathways to Opportunity Apprenticeship - Prepare for skilled training College - Hands-on training & theory University - Theory and reasoning Workplace - Prepare for work WHEN THINKING ABOUT YOUR FUTURE, ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: How do you learn best? What are the admission requirements for College, Apprenticeships and University entrance? What courses do you need to prepare for the workforce?

Today you will visit classrooms showcasing the ELECTIVE subject areas … Elective Areas for Gr.9 –Business –Classics/Latin –Drama –Family Studies –Music –Technological Studies –Visual Arts To get a feel for the knowledge and skills covered in these courses. To help you to make more informed decisions on which elective courses may be right for you!!

MDHS Pauline Webb Gifted Coordinator Core Gifted Program

Core Gifted Program Grade 9 Gifted Courses are built on expectations at the Academic level Placement in Core Gifted is through the YRDSB IPRC process English ENG1DG Geography CGC1DG Math MPM1DG Science SNC1DG plus 4 other courses in integrated settings

Core Program Grade 10 Courses are built on expectations at the academic level Placement in Core Gifted through the IPRC process English ENG2DG History CHC2DG MathMPM2DG ScienceSNC2DG plus 4 other courses offered in integrated settings

Beyond Grade 10…. Grade 11 Enriched courses in some core subjects including Math, English, Science Grade 12 Enriched/Advanced Placement courses offered in some subjects

Core Gifted Curriculum Based on Ministry “academic” expectations Opportunities for integrated study, compacting / expansion of concepts as appropriate Learning Strategies and Character Trait emphasis throughout core classes Thinking skills emphasis ( critical and creative)

Differentiating for Gifted Learners …. Provide Content that …. is advanced beyond current knowledge and skills is complex and abstract connects across disciplines relates to people in the field, famous people, human situations and problems relates to how things work, methods that are used in the field

Create Work Products that…. are real world are presented to experts or a live audience represent transformations of what has been learned into visual, dramatic, or other useful form

The Integrated Summative Activities Involves the demonstration of … Critical and Creative Thinking Skills Communication Skills Skills of Inquiry Social Skills Conflict Management Skills Time Management Skills Problem Solving Skills Ability to apply Knowledge

Grade Integrated Unit Theme: Transformation

The Four Core Subjects work together in the study of the theme of Transformation Subject –specific Activities based on Theme Cross-subject Activities based on Theme Culminating Day including a Presentation of Work to an Audience of Students, Parents, Teachers, Administrators

Transforming Interactions.. A Scientist shares about… Sickle Cell Anemia April 14, 2008 Melanie Kirby-Allen, MD The Hospital for Sick Children Staff Haematologist Haematology/Oncology University of Toronto Assistant Professor Paediatrics Haematology/Oncology

Transforming Interactions… Scientists conduct a workshop on DNA and Gel Electrophoresis April 28, 2008 Peter & Kruppa Ph.D candidates University of Toronto

Presentation day fun…

Guidance Services Website  For links to more information on high school programming, YRDSB course calendar, post- secondary options and career exploration,  please visit the MDHS website or … The MDHS Guidance Counsellors will be visiting your schools in the last week of January to deliver presentations on course selections.

Formation of Groups for Tours Students: Return to the Gym through East Foyer doors and find your group number and leader Grade 8 Teachers: After groups form, please proceed to the Library