1. Grade 8 Parent Information Session Donald A. Wilson Secondary School Soon you will be a GATOR… Welcome to the SWAMP!

2. Learning Goal By the end of this presentation you will… weyour their …have an idea of what Grade 9 will consist of for your child and learn how we can support your student to achieve their goals.

3. Secondary School Environment 8:402:40  8:40 am – 2:40 pm  Homeroom each semester 75  75 minute periods 5  5 minutes between each class 40  40 minute lunch 60%  60% of school rides a bus  Late Bus: Mon – Thurs

4. Week 1 and Week 2 Period 1Period 2LUNCHPeriod 3Period 4 Week 1: WEEK 2: Period 2Period 1LUNCHPeriod 4Period 3

5. What is secondary school all about? = 1  Courses = 1 CREDIT each 4  4 credits/semester  Full credit semester system Semester 1: Sept to Jan. Semester 2: Feb to June

6. Ontario Secondary School Diploma 30  30 Credits to graduate 18 Compulsory  18 Compulsory 12 Optional  12 Optional 40  40 Hours of Community Involvement the summer of grade 9 year  Start the summer of grade 9 year…more information to follow in the spring  Provincial Literacy Requirement  must pass to graduate – LOTS of support and prep! Students take 8 of these in their grade 9 year.

7. Outline of Credits 18 Compulsory Credits 4 CreditsEnglish (1 credit per grade) 1 CreditFrench as a second language (unless you are french exempt) 3 CreditsMathematics (at least 1 credit in Grade 11 or 12) 2 CreditsScience 1 CreditCanadian History 1 CreditCanadian Geography 1 CreditArts 1 CreditPhysical and Health Education 0.5 CreditCivics 0.5 CreditCareer Education

8. Outline of Credits Compulsory – Optional Category 1 additional credit selected from.. 1 additional credit selected from…  The Arts (art, drama, music)  Business Studies  Physical and Health Education  Co-op Education  Canadian and World Studies  English  Social Science  3 rd Language  Co-op Education  Science – Grade 11 or 12  Technological Education 9 – 12  Co-op Education

9. Choosing the Right LEVEL!  Consult with teachers (report card), SERT, Guidance…  Difference between lack of understanding and lack of effort  Suggested Ranges  Failing current courses – locally developed  50 – 60% - applied  70% - academic  Between 60% and 70% is a grey area  NOT ALL COURSES HAVE TO BE AT THE SAME LEVEL

10. fills in the GAPS missing from Grade 8fills in the GAPS missing from Grade 8 develops knowledge and skilldevelops knowledge and skill potential option to upgrade to appliedpotential option to upgrade to applied Locally Developed

11. Applied covers the essential concepts of a subjectcovers the essential concepts of a subject focus more on knowledge in real- life situationsfocus more on knowledge in real- life situations designed for students who likely have gaps in subject specific subject areadesigned for students who likely have gaps in subject specific subject area

12. Academic covers the essential concepts of a subjectcovers the essential concepts of a subject draws heavily on theory and abstract examples/problemsdraws heavily on theory and abstract examples/problems designed to meet the needs of the independent learner who has limited to no gaps in subject area contentdesigned to meet the needs of the independent learner who has limited to no gaps in subject area content

13. Academic vs. Applied: Math Academic Math Applied Math The equation H = 300 – 60t represents the height of a balloon that is initially at 300m and is descending at a constant rate of 60m/min. Determine algebraically and graphically how long the balloon will take to reach a height of 160 m. Construct a table of values and a graph to represent a monthly cell phone plan that costs $25, plus $0.10 per minute of air time. Integers – 1 day!Integers – 8 days!

14. Academic vs. Applied: English AcademicApplied Select one character from one of the major pieces of literature we studied this semester. You will create an All About Me scrapbook album for that character. Each written piece must be approximately 250 words in length. All pieces will be assembled into an album that you will create. Each page will be enhanced with graphics and art work that reflect the personality of the character you have chosen and the content of the written pieces. You are to imagine that a character from the novel Crabbe and a character from one of the short stories have become close friends. They have decided to create a time capsule together to mark their friendship. Choose two characters which you believe have something in common. All pieces of writing must be approximately one paragraph (6 – 8 sentences). Each piece of writing should have its own page clearly marked with its title. For more information speak to Mr. Beggs, English Department Head For more information speak to Mr. Beggs, English Department Head

15. Grade 9 Compulsory Subjects Grade 9 Compulsory Subjects Subject Area AcademicApplied Locally Developed EnglishENG 1D1ENG 1P1ENG 1L1 FrenchFSF 1D1FSF 1P1 Canadian GeographyCGC 1D1CGC 1P1 MathematicsMPM 1D1MFM 1P1MAT 1L1 Healthy Active Living Education (Female) PPL 1O4 Healthy Active Living Education (Male) PPL 1O3 ScienceSNC 1D1SNC 1P1SNC 1L1

16. Grade 9 Optional Subjects DescriptionCode DramaADA 1O1 Instrumental MusicAMU 1O1 Vocal MusicAMV 1O1 Visual ArtsAVI 1O1 Pick one from… and one from… DescriptionCode Information Technology in BusinessBTT 1O1 Exploring TechnologiesTIJ 1O1

17. Choosing Classes CAREER CRUISING COURSE PLANNER  All course selections are done through CAREER CRUISING COURSE PLANNER  To choose classes your child has to: SELECT  SELECT classes on Course Planner SUBMIT  SUBMIT choices PRINT  PRINT a copy of your classes SIGN  Parents SIGN the sheet RETURN  RETURN the signed copy to GRADE 8 teacher These instructions are for our Family of Schools Only

19. An INCOMPLETE Course Planner This is an incomplete example of a COURSE PLANNER. Every box MUST have a selection. Electives: Choose a Tech or Business AND an Arts Course AND a Physical Education Class Alternates: Choose another Tech or Business AND another Arts Course

20. A COMPLETE Course Planner This is a COMPLETE example of a COURSE PLANNER. Every box has a selection. Electives: Every box has a selection. Alternates: Every box has an alternate selection.

21. After hitting SUBMIT, PRINT this form, SIGN it RETURN it to your child’s Grade 8 Teacher !

22. Academic Supports  Guidance Counsellors!  Subject teachers  Special Education for IEP students  Peer tutors  Grade 9 classrooms  Private Tutors for Hire  Credit Rescue  After School Help for subject specific courses need help? need help?

23. Extra Curricular Activities  Athletics – badminton, basketball, baseball, curling, football, golf, lacrosse, rugby, volleyball, soccer, swimming, track & field, hockey  Clubs – Chess, Cultural Mosaic, Environmental, GSA, Gator Gazette, Pen Strokes, Robotics, Run Club, SASS, STAR, White Pine, Ski/Snowboard, Weight Training…  Student Leadership – Relay for Life, Student Parliament, SLAM!  Music – Band, Choir, Jazz  Drama – Sears Festival, One-Act Plays  Art – Arts Preview Night, Craft Club

24. Welcome! Grade 9 ONLY Day September 3 rd Lots of Activities! JUST FOR GRADE 9s Grade 8 Parent Night February 13 th, 7:00 PM Wilson Tour May 2012 Grade 8 Class Visits January