Course Selection & Pathways Presentation

For Grade 8 Students & Families

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Your Guidance Counsellors:

Mr Belman A-G

Ms Schuur H-Me

Ms Blicker Mi-Z

Mrs Shepherd – Student Success

Diploma Requirements (O.S.S.D.) for the 4 year program

O.S.S.D

18 Compulsory Credits

12 Optional Credits

Successful completion of Ontario School

Literacy Test

40 hours of Community Involvement

18 Compulsory Credits

4 Credits in English (1 credit per grade)

1 Credit in French as a Second Language

3 Credits in Mathematics (at least 1 in Gr. 11 or 12)

2 Credits in Science

1 Credit in Canadian History

1 Credit in Canadian Geography

1 Credit in the Arts

1 Credit in Health and Physical Education

.5 Credit in Civics & .5 Credit in Career Studies (grade 10)

Plus………..

Compulsory Credits (cont’d)

Plus:

Group 1: 1 additional credit in English, or French as a Second Language, or a Native Language/Studies, or a Classical or an International Language, or Social Sciences and the Humanities, or Canadian and World Studies, or Guidance and Career Education (including Learning Strategies), or Cooperative Education*

Group 2: 1 additional credit in Health and Physical Education, or Business Studies, or the Arts (music, art, drama), or French as a Second Language or Cooperative Education*

Group 3: 1 additional credit in science (grade 11 or 12) or technological education (grades 9-12), or French as a Second Language or Computer Studies or Cooperative Education*

The Grade 10 Literacy Test

• A Diploma requirement. Administered in March of the grade 10 year

• A test based on language and communication (reading and writing) expectations of curricula up to and including grade 9

• Accommodations, deferrals and exemptions may be appropriate for some students

• If standard not met in first attempt, schools will provide remedial support; test is re-administered until student successfully completes the test or the Grade 12 Literacy Course

Community Involvement

• A diploma requirement• Encourages civic responsibility, promotes

community values and reinforces importance of volunteerism

• Complete 40 hours before graduation• Can start in summer of grade 8• Student responsibility to keep record of activities• Guidelines and forms will be provided to help track

community involvement• A good way to explore career interests

COURSE PATHWAY TYPES IN Gr. 9 & 10

APPLIED ACADEMIC OPENLOCALLY

DEVELOPED

PATHWAY ABILITY APPROACHAPPLIED Working at or above

grade levelStep by step approach to learning using theory and practical examples.

ACADEMIC Working at or above grade level

Theoretical and independent approach to learning with a focus on critical thinking skills

ESSENTIAL/LOCALLY DEVELOPED

Working below grade level in Math, English and Science

Guided approach to learning using practical examples and concrete objects.

OPEN Available to students working at all levels

An opportunity to explore an area of interest for all students

GIFTED Working at or above grade level(Formal Identification through IPRC process required)

Theoretical and independent approach to learning with a focus on critical thinking skills. Enrichment opportunities provided through differentiation of breadth, depth, pace and kind

Course TypesEnglish

Math

Science

French

History

Geography

Applied,

Academic or Gifted

English

Math

Science

History

Locally Developed

Physical Education is the same for all students. Classes are divided by Male and Female.

OPTIONAL COURSES FOR GRADE 9 STUDENTS

Technological Studies

Broad Based Technology

Computer Studies

Choosing Courses for Grade 9 Parents and students will select courses in collaboration with

elementary school teachers, guidance counselors, student success/support teachers and administrators

It is important that students do an honest self-assessment, matching their ability with their interests and aptitudes

Students often choose a combination of course types to support different learning interests and styles

Remember that initial decisions made in grade 8 are not “final” decisions. There are many pathways to initial post-secondary destinations

Secondary School Planning

How students learn best Student interests Diploma requirements to graduate Prerequisites for courses How to plan for experiential learning

opportunities Admission requirements for post-secondary

opportunities (college, apprenticeship, university, workplace)

Preparing for school-work

Important to know:

GIFTED COURSES

Students must be identified as ‘gifted’ prior to arrival at Thornhill S.S.

Students must choose at least 4 gifted courses to stay in program.

Available in gr. 9 & 10 (Engl., Math, Geog., Hist., Science & French)

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES

Senior courses (Gr. 11 & 12) Academically challenging Courses offered in Math, Biology, English, Chemistry,

Economics and Computer Science Recognized for advanced placement in universities

Student Success

School Timetable

PERIOD TIMES1 8:50-10:05 (75 min.)

Homeroom 10:05-10:102 10:15-11:30 (75 min.)

3(A) or LUNCH 11:30-12:10 (40 min.)3(B) or LUNCH 12:10-12:50 (40 min.)3(C) or LUNCH 12:50 - 1:30 (40 min.)

4 1:30 - 2:45 (75 min.)After School Programs (optional participation)

2:45 - 4:00 (75 min.)

SCHOOLS ZONED FOR TSS ARE...

• Baythorn• E.J. Sands• Glen Shields• Henderson• Thornhill P.S.• York Hill

We will be visiting you at the end of January for registration and course selection at TSS.

For More Information…

Course selection for September 2015 will be done online through Career Cruising.

www.careercruising.com

Visit our school website and click on “Guidance” at www.thornhill.ss.yrdsb.edu.on.ca

York Region District School Board www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca

For policies programs and curriculum documents:www.edu.gov.on.ca

QUESTIONS?