2. David Suzuki Secondary School

3. AGENDA
1. Student Life 2. Diploma Requirements 3. Course Types 4. Next Steps

4. David Suzuki Secondary School
Our feeder schools consist of:
Beatty-Fleming Senior Public School
Royal Orchard Middle School
Springbrook Public School
McClure Public School
Roberta Bondar Public School (ESL)

5. WHY COME TO SUZUKI? Specialist High Skills Major in SPORTS
Specialist High Skills Major in HOSPITALITY
Explore High Skills in SPORTS
Newer Building
Outdoor classroom
Cutting edge technology-Mac Labs
Platinum Status Eco schools-Highest recognition for environmental stewardship

6. Football turf
Excellent leadership opportunities
Broad range of course types
e.g., Hospitality, Construction, Auto, Computer Science, Media Arts, Dance, Writer’s Craft, Sports Marketing, Environmental Science, Black History, Social Justice and Equity, etc.,
Staff dedicated to Student Success
Wide range of clubs, activities and sports

7. David Suzuki Secondary School
How is secondary school ?
Student population-approximately 1600
School year divided in 2 semesters per year
Semester 1-September -January
Semester 2-February - June
At the end of each semester there are final evaluations
School day 8:35 am to 3:04 pm
You will take 8 courses, 4 each semester
Day 1/Day 2 cycle

8. Suzuki Secondary School
How is a day in high school ?
Each class is approximately 75 minutes long
Curriculum is covered at a faster pace
Different timetable than your friends
50% or above is required to pass a course
and earn a credit
There are two lunch periods, each 75 minutes long
Students don’t choose their lunch period

9. STUDENT LIFE Clubs Athletics Student Leadership
Arts: (Drama, Dance, Music, Visual Art)
Environment
GET INVOLVED IN SCHOOL AND PARTICIPATE!

10. David Suzuki Secondary School
Diploma Requirements

11. 1. 30 Credits to Graduate
18 Compulsory Credits
12 Optional Credits

12. Diploma Requirements continued….
2. 40 Hours of Community Service
Student responsibility
Non-profit organizations
Eligible to start in the summer they graduate from Grade 8
Tracking forms available online or at Student Services

13. Diploma Requirements continued……
3. Successful Completion of Literacy Test (OSSLT) or Equivalent
Written in their grade 10 year in March/April
Evaluates reading and writing skills

14. What subjects will students be taking in Grade 9?
6 Compulsory Optional
subjects subjects

15. Six COMPULSORY COURSES
English
Math
Science
French
Geography
Health and Physical Education

16. TWO OPTIONAL COURSES FROM:
Dance
Drama
Visual Arts
Music – Beginner or Experienced
Learning Strategies
Exploring Technologies
Business - Information and Communication Technology

17. English Language Learner and Special Education Students
Possible additional supports are:
Support Classes
Monitor Teachers
Accommodations
For example: extended time to complete assessments, access to technology and/or access to alternative settings

19. OPEN COURSES E.g., AVI 1O0
Suitable for all students and not specific to any particular post- secondary destination
Examples:
All Grade 9 Optional Subjects
Grade 9 Health and Physical Education

20. LOCALLY DEVELOPED E.g. ENG 1L0
Must be RECOMMENDED by teachers
Focuses on essential skills using hands on activities
Lead to workplace courses in grade 11 & 12
Lead to workplace, apprenticeship or college pathway
Offered in Math, English and Science

21. ACADEMIC E.g. ENG1D0 Abstract and theoretical based Faster pace
More independent learning
More homework
Leads to university, university/college, or college courses in Grade 11 and 12
Lead to College or University Pathway. English, Math, Science, Geography & French
Aim 70% and above to continue in this level

22. English, Math, Science, Geography & French
APPLIED E.g., ENG1P0
Focuses on practical applications
Slower pace
More hands on and teacher guided
Lead to college or University/College courses in grade 11 & 12
Lead students to College or University Pathway.
English, Math, Science, Geography & French

23. Applied or Academic?
English, Math, Science, Geography & French Are compulsory courses but you do have a choice on whether you want to take them in APPLIED or ACADEMIC or LOCALLY DEVELOPED* in some cases. How do you decide?

24. Applied or Academic? Cont….
1. Learning Skills & Academic Achievement
Review your Grade 7 Final Report Card
If above the average, consider academic.
If below the average, consider applied
2. Consult with your grade 8 teachers
3. Consult with your parents/guardians
4. Consider your strengths & interests
5. Consider your post-secondary plans

25. Importance of Making the Best Decision for YOU!
Student Success!
Difficult to change courses during the semester. Why?
Timetable is built based on your choices
We don’t change courses during the semester

26. COURSE SELECTION from Grade 8 to 9
DSSS Counsellors Visit Gr 8 Classes- November
Course Selection on myBlueprint
Opens: November 11th
Closes: December 3rd
Explore High Skills Applications:
Opens: November 11at 8:30 am
Closes: November 25 at 3:00 pm

27. David Suzuki Secondary School
What is the next step……..?

28. Coming from a Catholic School?
If you are in our boundary and are currently attending a Catholic School but planning on attending DSSS then pick up a Registration Package and return to Guidance at DSSS.
You and your child will be invited in January /February to register and select courses.
*** JUNE 30th – DEADLINE for CHANGING
BOARDS

29. If David Suzuki SS is NOT your home school
You MUST select courses with your home school and then fill out a FLEXIBLE BOUNDARY FORM and submit to Guidance.
Flexible Boundary Form needs to be signed by your Home School Principal.
Often Decisions may not be made till late August-early September.

30. RESOURCES myBlueprint www.makingmyway.ca www.peelschools.org
David Suzuki SS Website
Student Services

32. Jump start your future with Explore High Skills (youtube)

33. What is Explore High Skills?
A specialized program for grade 9 & 10 that helps engage students in their transition to Secondary School
The program exposes students to aspects of the Specialist High Skills Major program that they can join in grade 11 & 12

34. Components Focussed Learning Activities Community Involvement
Certification and Training
Experiential Learning
Individual Pathway Plan

35. EXPLORE HIGH SKILLS (EHS)
Peel Board and Out of Board
Application Opens: November 11at 8:30 am
Application Closes: November 25 at 3:00 pm
EHS offers sent out: February 11
EHS offer MUST be accepted by: February 19 at 3 pm

36. EXPLORE HIGH SKILLS (EHS)