David Suzuki Secondary School

2. David Suzuki Secondary School

3. AGENDA 1. Student Life 2. Diploma Requirements 3. Course Types 4. Course Selection for Grade 9

4. David Suzuki Secondary School You belong to one of our many feeder schools: Beatty-Fleming Senior Public School Huttonville Public School Royal Orchard Middle School Roberta Bondar Public School You will have opportunities to meet students from other schools during orientation activities and make new friends!

5. David Suzuki Secondary School How is secondary school different? • A lot more students-approximately 1850 • School year divided in 2 semesters per year Semester 1-September -January Semester 2-February - June • At the end of each semester there are exams • School day starts 8:35 am and ends at 3:04 pm • You will take 8 courses, 4 each semester • Day 1/Day 2 cycle

6. Suzuki Secondary School How is my school day different? • Each class is approximately 75 minutes long • Curriculum is covered at a faster pace • Different timetable than your friends • 50% or above is required to pass a course • There are two lunch periods, each 75 minutes long (you don’t decide your lunch period)

7. STUDENT LIFE Extra – Curricular Activities • Clubs • Athletics • Student Leadership • Arts: (Drama, Dance, Music, Visual Art) • Environment GET INVOLVED IN SCHOOL AND PARTICIPATE!

8. Extra-Curricular Cheerleading DECA Club Jazz Band

9. Clubs Art Club Cricket Club Outdoor Club Tennis Club

10. Football

11. Soccer

12. Track and Field

13. Volleyball

14. Basketball

15. Badminton

16. ECO

17. David Suzuki Secondary School Diploma Requirements

18. 1.30 Credits to Graduate 18 Compulsory Credits 12 Optional Credits

19. Diploma Requirements continued…. 2. 40 Hours of Community Service • Student responsibility • Eligible to start this summer • Tracking forms available online or at Student Services

20. Diploma Requirements continued…… 3. Successful Completion of Literacy Test (OSSLT) or Equivalent • Written in grade 10 in March/April • Evaluates reading and writing skills

21. What subjects will you be taking in Grade 9? 8 SUBJECTS 7 Compulsory1 Optional subjectssubject

22. SEVEN COMPULSORY COURSES • English • Math • Science • French • Geography • Learning Strategies • Health and Physical Education

23. Exceptions! ELL students and Special Education Students will be directed by their teachers/guidance counsellor on the courses they must select.

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

25. Sample Timetable

26. Even calendar day Odd calendar day Period Class time Course Code Teacher’s name Location/room number

29. OPEN COURSESE.g., AVI 1O0 • Suitable for all students and not specific to any particular post-secondary destination • Examples: • All Grade 9 Optional Subjects • Grade 9 Health and Physical Education

30. LOCALLY DEVELOPEDE.g. ENG 1L0 • Must be RECOMMENDED by teachers • Focuses on essential skills using hands on activities • Offered in Math, English and Science • Lead to workplace courses in grade 11 & 12

31. ACADEMICE.g., ENG1D0 • Abstract and theoretical based • Faster pace • More independent learning • More homework • English, Math, Science, Geography & French • Aim 70% and above to continue in this level • Leads to university, university/college, or college courses in Grade 11 and 12

32. APPLIEDE.g., ENG1P0 • Focuses on practical applications • Slower pace • More hands on and teacher guided • English, Math, Science, Geography & French • Lead to college courses in grade 11 & 12

33. Applied or Academic? English, Math, Science, Geography & French Are compulsory courses but do you have a choice on whether you want to take them in ACADEMIC or APPLIED. How do you decide?

34. Applied or Academic? Cont…. 1. Learning Skills and Academic Achievement Look at class averages: If you are above consider academic. If you are below consider applied 2. Grade 8 Teacher’s Recommendation 3. Post-secondary Plans Take a mix palette! They don’t ALL have to be Academic or Applied

35. Importance of Making the Best Decision for YOU! • Student Success! • Difficult to change courses during the semester. Why? • Timetable is built based on your choices • We don’t change timetable during the semester

36. Academic SupportsThere are numerous programs to support you! • Your Teachers • Drop-in lunch help in Science and Math • Contact Program River Room • School Success: Project Complete • Student Services • Counting On You • •

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

38. David Suzuki Secondary School Course Selection Process You will: • Receive Course Selection Sheets in your school. • Receive recommendations from your Grade 8 teachers regarding whether to take academic or applied (pay attention to these) • Take the sheet home and work with your parents to complete course selection sheet. • Submit the sheet to your school. FINAL STEP: Enter courses online at your school with the help of your teachers/guidance counsellor

39. CATHOLIC SCHOOL • Are you thinking about attending a Catholic School? • You CANNOT have a timetable at a Catholic School and David Suzuki at the same time: therefore you must make your decision! • DO NOT PICK COURSES ON OPTION SHEET!

40. REGIONAL PROGRAM • Are you considering attending a REGIONAL PROGRAM? • Select courses for DSSS but check the box at the bottom of the page indicating that you have applied for a regional program. • Let your school know if you get into the REGIONAL PROGRAM and are no longer considering Suzuki!

41. Transitioning to DSSS! • Teacher Perspective Ms. Stokes • Student Perspective Video

42. www.dsssonline.com www.peelschools.org http://myblueprint.ca/ Making My Way