We are in the midst of high school planning and over the next couple of months; students will be required to make some important choices for grade 9. This is a very exciting and important time for our grade 8 students. The purpose of this newsletter is to keep you informed of some of the procedures and important deadlines for course selections.
Grade 9 Course Selections
We will begin course selections the week of Jan 18th 2016. All students will complete a course selection sheet for their HOME High School (whether this is through gifted, extended French or regular program). Understanding that some students will still be waiting to hear from various specialized programs, all students will be required to complete a course selection for one of their home schools.
The Ministry of Education has developed three types of core courses in Grade 9: Academic, Applied and Locally Developed Compulsory credits. Mathematics, English and science, French and geography are offered at both the Academic and Applied levels. Locally Developed Compulsory Credit courses are only offered in mathematics, English and science. Other courses, such as the arts, physical education and business, which have one set of expectations for all learners are offered as Open courses.
Applied courses cover the essential concepts of a subject and focus more on using learned knowledge in real-life situations. These courses are designed for students who likely have content gaps in the specific subject area. Applied courses meet OSSD requirements.
Academic courses cover the essential concepts of a subject and draw heavily on theory and abstract examples/problems. These courses are designed for the independent learner who has limited to no gaps in subject area content. Academic courses meet OSSD requirements.
Locally Developed Compulsory credit courses try to meet students’ needs not met by the existing Provincial Curriculum. These courses are for students with gaps in knowledge and skills in the specific subject area. Locally Developed Compulsory credit courses meet OSSD requirements.
Grade 9 course decisions should be based on ensuring that your son/daughter achieves success. Obtaining “16 credits by the age of 16” at the end of their Grade 10 school year is a very important step in your child being successful in obtaining their OSSD.
With this in mind, we realize that there may be some confusion when deciding whether to choose Academic, Applied or Locally Developed Compulsory courses. Important questions to ask are: “Which would best suit my child’s learning style?”, “How has my son/daughter faired over the years in this subject?” and “Where would my child be successful?” Also, please take into consideration the teacher’s suggestions when deciding on course level for your child.
Parents/ guardians are expected to verify and sign the course selection sheets and return them to school by the week of February 22nd.
Important Dates
If you have any questions or concerns regarding course selections or any of the information above, please do not hesitate to contact us
Thank you,
Grade 9 Course Selections
We will begin course selections the week of Jan 18th 2016. All students will complete a course selection sheet for their HOME High School (whether this is through gifted, extended French or regular program). Understanding that some students will still be waiting to hear from various specialized programs, all students will be required to complete a course selection for one of their home schools.
The Ministry of Education has developed three types of core courses in Grade 9: Academic, Applied and Locally Developed Compulsory credits. Mathematics, English and science, French and geography are offered at both the Academic and Applied levels. Locally Developed Compulsory Credit courses are only offered in mathematics, English and science. Other courses, such as the arts, physical education and business, which have one set of expectations for all learners are offered as Open courses.
Applied courses cover the essential concepts of a subject and focus more on using learned knowledge in real-life situations. These courses are designed for students who likely have content gaps in the specific subject area. Applied courses meet OSSD requirements.
Academic courses cover the essential concepts of a subject and draw heavily on theory and abstract examples/problems. These courses are designed for the independent learner who has limited to no gaps in subject area content. Academic courses meet OSSD requirements.
Locally Developed Compulsory credit courses try to meet students’ needs not met by the existing Provincial Curriculum. These courses are for students with gaps in knowledge and skills in the specific subject area. Locally Developed Compulsory credit courses meet OSSD requirements.
Grade 9 course decisions should be based on ensuring that your son/daughter achieves success. Obtaining “16 credits by the age of 16” at the end of their Grade 10 school year is a very important step in your child being successful in obtaining their OSSD.
With this in mind, we realize that there may be some confusion when deciding whether to choose Academic, Applied or Locally Developed Compulsory courses. Important questions to ask are: “Which would best suit my child’s learning style?”, “How has my son/daughter faired over the years in this subject?” and “Where would my child be successful?” Also, please take into consideration the teacher’s suggestions when deciding on course level for your child.
Parents/ guardians are expected to verify and sign the course selection sheets and return them to school by the week of February 22nd.
Important Dates
- Week of January 11th – Elementary schools will be notified of which high schools are open for Optional Attendance. (Optional Attendance Forms are available at the school office)
- January 29th – Optional Attendance forms are due to high schools (delivered by parents/guardians).
- Week of February 8th –Students are informed of their acceptance to Specialized Programs and Optional Attendance schools.
- Week of February 16th- 19th Complete course selection sheets on MyBlueprint and Submit
- Week of February 22nd – Completed course selections are verified and signed by parents/guardians and returned to classroom teachers.
- February 25th and 26th – All course selection sheets are collected and delivered to high schools by Ms. Lambers and Ms Clarke.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding course selections or any of the information above, please do not hesitate to contact us
Thank you,