Lorne Park Secondary School Grade 9 Information 2014

Lorne Park Secondary School Grade 9 Information 2014 - 2015

Welcome to Lorne Park S. S. n n For most students, high school is a wonderful experience You are given more independence but with freedom comes responsibility! You need to make good decisions and choices for yourself Selecting the right courses and level of programming is crucial for you to experience success!!

A new world………high school ! n n n Larger school (over 1100 students) You are on your own individual timetable Students work on a credit system in order to achieve their diploma You will need to repeat courses if you are unsuccessful in a compulsory area Personal selection of courses Different course levels are offered

The Ontario Secondary School Diploma n O. S. S. D. Diploma Requirements n n n 30 Credits 18 Compulsory 12 Optional 40 Hours of Community Involvement Successful Grade 10 Literacy Test

Compulsory Credit Requirements n n n n n 4 English 3 Math 2 Science 1 Arts 1 Canadian Geography 1 Canadian History 1/2 Career Studies 1/2 Civics 1 French 1 Health and Phys. Ed. n n n An additional credit in: Art, Business, Phys. Ed, A Second Language or Co-op An additional credit in: Canadian & World Studies, English, Social Science, A Second Language, Guidance, or Co-op An additional credit in: Science (grade 11/12), Technological Education, Computer Studies, French or Co-op

The Grade 9 Program n n Eight Courses including: Six Compulsory Courses n n n English Mathematics Science Geography French Physical Education

The Grade 9 Program n n Optional Courses Choice of two: n n n n Business Drama Visual Arts Music for Experienced Players Music for Beginners Music Vocal Exploring Technologies Creative Technologies

Grade 9 Courses n n n Three types n Applied n Academic n Open Applied and Academic courses: English, Mathematics, Science, Geography and French. Open level courses are: Drama, Phys. Ed. , Visual Arts, Business, Music and Technological Studies

Applied and Academic Courses n n n Both set high expectations for all students Both focus on essential concepts of the subject area Both prepare students for the grade 10 Literacy Test Both can lead to either Applied or Academic stream in grade 10 A Transfer Course is required to change from applied mathematics in grade 9 to academic mathematics in grade 10

Applied and Academic n Applied Courses n n Emphasize practical, concrete applications of concepts Are more teacherdirected Pathways to College and Workplace Smaller class size n Academic Courses n n n Emphasize theoretical, abstract applications of the essential concepts Have greater opportunities for independent learning Pathways to University, College and Workplace

Applied or Academic? n n Your focus should be on success!! Consider your learning style, learning strengths, and areas for growth Differences between courses include emphasis and pace You may take applied courses in some subjects and academic courses in other subject areas

Pathways to University and College n n n Students who plan to go on to university should take the majority of their courses at the academic level. However, students who plan to go to university may take some of their courses at the applied level. e. g. Students who take applied level math may go on to university into a program that does not require math as a prerequisite. Students who plan to go on to college should take the majority of their courses at either the applied level or academic level.

Open Courses Offered in many subject areas n Based on expectations suitable for all students n Combine theory and application n Prepare students for further study in grade 10, 11, and 12 courses n

Choose Wisely n n n If you select inappropriate classes you may be frustrated, unhappy and unsuccessful!! Due to availability we may not be able to make course changes at a later date Access all available resources: n "Chart your Course" booklets will be given to you, which include course descriptions n Discuss and ask questions of your teachers, parents and guidance counsellor n Please consider the recommendations of your teachers!!

40 Hours Community Involvement n n You are encouraged to complete this diploma requirement early Students may start any time after completing grade 8 (July 1, 2014). School provides information regarding requirements and procedures Parental support and monitoring are required

Grade 10 Literacy Test n n n Administered in April of Grade 10 Evaluates your reading and writing skills to the end of Grade 9 Results are reported only as “complete” or “incomplete” Test may be rewritten the following year if unsuccessful Students failing the test twice are eligible to take a literacy course

Grade 9 Mathematics Assessment n n n NOT a diploma requirement Evaluates achievement of your grade 9 math skills Administered near the end of your grade 9 mathematics course

Extended French Program n n Students in an Extended French Program in both grade 7 and 8 are eligible for the Extended French program at Lorne Park S. S. Students in French Immersion continue at Clarkson S. S. for the French Immersion Program. French Immersion students living inside the Lorne Park boundary may attend Lorne Park to take the regular English Program. Written requests for admission in to our Extended French Program will be considered, based on availability. French Immersion students living outside of the Lorne Park boundary may apply on a Flex Boundary application to attend Lorne Park for the regular English Program.

Enhanced Program n n n Only students who have been identified by an I. P. R. C. as Gifted are eligible for the Enhanced Program at Lorne Park S. S. Students in the Enhanced Program must take all 4 of their core subjects at the enhanced level: English, Math, Science and Geography All other subjects are taken at the academic, applied or open level.

Easing the move to High School n Class visit to Lorne Park S. S. (December) Our Mentors talk to you about the school, answer questions and take you on a tour. They discuss: Extra curricular programs at Lorne Park A typical schedule of a Lorne Park student Give an overview of our Mentor program n Grade 9 Orientation Day (the week before school) n You pay your student fee, n You receive your schedule, agenda and student card n You have your picture taken for the yearbook n You go on a tour of the school

Mentors n n Mentor Day - First week of school we run interactive and fun activities for grade 9's. You will meet the Mentors assigned to your homeform class Mentor Program – The Mentors assigned to your class will assist you, if needed and do activities with your class throughout the year

Course Planning

Online Course Selection

Select 6 compulsory and 2 elective courses and submit selections

Confirmation of your courses

See you in September ! If you have any questions please contact the Guidance Office at Lorne Park n Grade 8 Parents Night is on January 8 at 6: 45 n Option sheets due January 17 n