David Suzuki Secondary School Curriculum Information Night October The Home of the Grizzlies! David Suzuki Secondary School Principal Ms. Grant Vice Principals Mrs. Grant, Ms. Fox/ Mr. Keenleyside, Mr. Lompart 2 Why David Suzuki? Be the Change Environmental focus 21 st Century learning State of the are computer facilities Literacy Numeracy Pathway planning partnerships with colleges and soon to be universities, work placements, and more Wide range of extracurricular activities in athletics, the arts, leadership, environment, technology and more. Specialized High Skills Major program in Sports Real life experience opportunities Commitment to Student Success- supports in place such as Project Complete, extra help sessions on the lunch, tutoring etc. 3 AGENDA 1. Life at DSSS 2. Course Selections for Grade 9 Compulsory Courses Optional Courses 3. Self Directed Tours 4 Community Feeder Schools Beatty-Fleming Senior Public School Huttonville Public School Royal Orchard Middle School Also we have English Language Learners coming from a larger boundary area 5 Student population (Sept approx.1800) School year divided into 2 semesters Semester One- September to January Semester Two- February to June At the end of each semester there are exams Each grade 9 student will take 8 courses, 4 each semester We have 12 portables located at the North West corner of our property that are completely WiFi like the rest of the school. 6 How is secondary school different? How is the school day different? School day starts at 8:35a.m. and ends at 3:04p.m Each class is approximately 75 minutes long 50% or above is required to pass a course The school day includes 4 classes and a lunch We do have a cafeteria with full services There are two different lunch periods, each 75 minutes in length. You may not have the same lunch 7 David Suzuki Secondary School Diploma Requirements For Students Entering Grade 9 8 Ontario Secondary School Diploma Requirements Credits to Graduate 18 Compulsory Credits 12 Optional Credits 9 Diploma Requirements continued Hours of Community Service Student responsibility Parental/family support and monitoring is required Eligible to start the summer prior to grade 9 year Tracking forms available online or at Student Services 10 Diploma Requirements continued 3. Successful Completion of Literacy Test (OSSLT) or Equivalent Taken in grade 10 (March / April) Evaluates reading and writing skills Designed and graded by EQAO Ontario Literacy Course (equivalent) 11 What subjects will your student be taking in Grade 9? 8 SUBJECTS 7 Compulsory 1 Optional subjects subject 12 SEVEN COMPULSORY COURSES 1. English / English as a Second Language 2. Math 3. Science 4. French 5. Geography 6. Learning Strategies 7. Health and Physical Education 13 ONE OPTIONAL COURSE Dance Drama Visual Arts Music Beginner or Experienced Exploring Technologies Business - Information and Communication Technology 14 Exception: English as a Second Language Learners Eligible to take two ESL/ English courses Do not have to take French Potentially, other ESL supported compulsory courses i.e., math Special Education Students Eligible to take Learning Strategies for Exceptional Students (GLE not GLS) Do not have to take French and are eligible to select two optional credits 15 16 OPEN COURSES E.g., AVI 1O0 Suitable for all students and not specific to any particular post-secondary destination Same curriculum expectations for all students, regardless of destination Examples: All Grade 9 Optional Subjects Grade 9 Health and Physical Education Learning Strategies Maximum class size DSSS Staff from Optional Subjects are available on the FIRST FLOOR to answer any of your questions! LOCALLY DEVELOPED E.g. ENG 1L0 Must be RECOMMENDED by the feeder school staff Focus on essential skills using relevant and practical activities (hands on) For students who are visual and/or concrete Offered in Math, English and Science Lead to workplace courses in grade 11 & 12 Maximum class size 17 18 APPLIED E.g., ENG1P0 Concrete approaches to learning and practical applications Slower pace More teacher guided English, Math, Science, Geography & French Lead to college courses in grade 11 & 12 Maximum class size 22 19 ACADEMIC E.g., ENG1D0 Abstract approaches to learning and theoretical applications Faster pace Greater opportunities for independent learning English, Math, Science, Geography & French Leads to university, university/college, or college courses in Grade 11 and 12 Maximum class size 29 20 Applied or Academic? English, Math, Geography Science& French Consider: 1. Current Learning Skills and Academic Achievement 2. Grade 8 Teachers Recommendation 3. Post-secondary Plans 21 DSSS Staff from each of these subject areas can be found on the second floor. Importance of Making the Best Decision for YOU ! Student Success! Difficult to change during the semester Why? Build our timetable based on student choices, therefore there may not be any spaces in the class Complex timetable (hence if a change happens it will NOT likely be during the semester) 22 Changing Pathways is it possible? Changing Pathways is it possible? Locally Applied Academic Developed 23 Student achievement In consultation with parents, teacher and student On successful completion of a Grade 9 course (not likely to occur during the semester). Takes time! David Suzuki Secondary School What is the next step..? 24 Course Selection Process For Current PEEL Students: 1. Review/complete the Option Sheet 2. Submit the signed Option Sheet to their current school 3. Enter their courses online as a class using myblueprint Important: An opportunity for revisions will take place in January /February to factor in teacher level recommendations. For Non PEEL Students: Visit the Student Services booth to pick up a Registration Package. 25 26Student Services Grade 8 Feeder School Making My Way