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

2. 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

3. Requirements to Graduate
40 hours of community service -You can start these hours on July 1st, 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

4. 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 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

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

6. Accessing your School’s Guidance Website
Go to your school’s website:
Preston Jacob Hespeler
Glenview Park SS
Eastwood
Galt Collegiate Institute:

7. Click on the “Guidance” tab along the top menu bar
Click on the “Guidance” tab along the top menu bar

10. 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 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. Being Aware of Prerequisites

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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

19. ELECTIVE

20. 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)

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

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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.

25. Questions about high school planning?
Check the Wm G Davis Website
Check High School Website
Ask Mrs. Falco