David Suzuki Secondary School

1. Curriculum Information Night December 2013 David Suzuki Secondary School

2. WELCOME THE HOME OF THE GRIZZLIES AGENDA 1. Student Life 2. Course Selections for Grade 9 - Compulsory Courses - Optional Courses 3. Self Directed Tours

3. David Suzuki Secondary School Principal – Ms. Gray Vice Principals – Ms. Fox, Mr. Lompart, Ms. Whyte

4. David Suzuki Secondary School Community Feeder Schools Beatty-Fleming Senior Public School Huttonville Public School Royal Orchard Middle School Roberta Bondar Public School * *English Language Learners Only

5. David Suzuki Secondary School How is secondary school different? • Student population (Sept. 2014- approx.1850) • School day starts 8:35a.m. and ends at 3:04p.m • 2 semesters per year , exams • Each grade 9 student to take 8 courses, 4 each semester • 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 • We have 12 portables located at the North West corner of our property that are completely WiFi , like the rest of the school.

6. STUDENT LIFE Extra – Curricular Activities • Sports • Student Leadership • Drama and Dance • Music • Technology • Environment and more..

7. Extra-Curricular Spirit Squad DECA Club Jazz Band 7

8. Clubs Art Club Cricket Club Outdoor Club Tennis Club 8

9. Soccer 9

10. Cross Country and Track & Field 10

11. Volleyball 11

12. Badminton 12

13. ECO 13

14. Football Field and Track

15. David Suzuki Secondary School Diploma Requirements For Students Entering Grade 9 in September 2014

16. Ontario Secondary School Diploma Requirements: 1.30 Credits to Graduate 18 Compulsory Credits 12 Optional Credits

17. Diploma Requirements continued.. • 40 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

18. Diploma Requirements continued • 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)

19. What subjects will your student be taking in Grade 9? 8 SUBJECTS 7 Compulsory1 Optional subjectssubject

20. SEVEN COMPULSORY COURSES • English / English as a Second Language • Math • Science • French • Geography • Learning Strategies • Health and Physical Education

21. ONE OPTIONAL COURSE FROM: Dance Drama Visual Arts Music – Beginner or Experienced Exploring Technologies Business - Information and Communication Technology

22. 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 • Special Education Students • Eligible to take Learning Strategies for Exceptional Students (GLE not GLS) • Eligible to select two optional credits • Do not have to take French

24. OPEN COURSESE.g., AVI 1O0 • Suitable for all students • Essential concepts (knowledge and skills) • 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 28

25. LOCALLY DEVELOPEDE.g. ENG 1L0 • Must be RECOMMENDED by the feeder school • 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

26. ACADEMICE.g., ENG1D0 • Abstract approaches to learning and theoretical applications • Faster pace (Max. Class Size 29) • Greater opportunities for independent learning • English, Math, Science, Geography & French • Leads to university, university/college, or college courses in Grade 11 and 12

27. APPLIEDE.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

28. Applied or Academic? • English, Math, Science, Geography & French • Consider: 1. Current Learning Skills and Academic Achievement 2. Grade 8 Teacher’s Recommendation 3. Post-secondary Plans

29. 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)

30. Changing Pathways is it possible?Locally Applied Academic Developed • • Individual basis • 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!

31. Academic Supports • Academic Supports Learning Strategies compulsory course Contact Program River Room / Rapids Room School Success Program – Project Complete Student Services- Peer Tutoring Subject specific Tutoring (lunch hour/after school) Special Education/ ESL Monitoring Counting On You Programs • Behaviour Supports Contact Program Rapids Room Internal and External Referrals 31

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

33. David Suzuki Secondary School Course Selection Process Students will: • Review/complete the Option Sheet with their grade 8 teacher and /or guidance counselor • Submit the signed Option Sheet to their current school • Enter their courses online as a class in January using myblueprint

34. www.dsssonline.com Student Services Grade 8 Feeder School www.myblueprint.ca/peel www.peelschools.org Making My Way