PATHWAYS PRESENTATION A PARENTS GUIDE Making decisions about

PATHWAYS PRESENTATION A PARENT’S GUIDE : Making decisions about course selection for grade 8 students transitioning to secondary school

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD Requirements) 18 Compulsories 12 Electives 40 Hours of Community Service Successfully complete the Grade 10 Literacy Test

Understanding Course Codes Each course code has 3 significant components Course Title Prefix Year of Study Type of Course ENG 2 D 16 different beginnings that identify the subject 1= 2= 3= 4= grade 9 grade 10 grade 11 grade 12 D= Academic L= Locally Developed O= Open P=Applied The 6 th digit of the code may vary and is an identifier specific to the school board

Grade 9 Compulsory Courses Grade 9 Elective Courses Ø Art, Music or Drama Ø English Ø French Ø Family Studies Ø Geography Ø Latin Ø Mathematics Ø Learning Strategies Ø Science Ø Business Ø Physical Education Ø ESL Ø Technology: Hairstyling, Communications, Construction/ Manufacturing, Transportation

What type of course should we choose? How are they different? Compulsory courses are offered as: Ø Academic Ø Applied Ø Locally Developed Elective Courses are typically ‘Open’ allowing students to experience an area of interest.

Locally Developed Pathway most essential concepts of a subject skills are developed through concrete practical tasks real-life applications of content For students who… have gaps in their learning benefit from greater teacher direction, more one-on-one support, and smaller classes have difficulty meeting grade 8 expectations or are working on modified expectations

Applied Pathway explores essential concepts of a subject knowledge and skills are developed through practical applications real-life and some theoretical applications of content For students who… benefit from moderate pacing with teacher direction Prefer a moderate workload (some homework completion is required) Are working on grade 8 expectations with achievement below the provincial standard

Academic Level learning essential concepts of a subject and exploring related materials and ideas emphasis on theory and abstract thinking as a basis for future inquiry and problem solving For students who… enjoy thinking, problem solving, researching and reflecting benefit from pacing that is faster regularly complete homework are self motivated learners meet or exceed grade 8 expectations

Open Content and programming… Designed to prepare students for further study in particular subject areas Enrich student’s educational experience Expectations are designed, differentiated and appropriate for all students Allows for entry into grade 10 areas of interest without previous experience (eg. a student does not need to have the grade 9 course to be able to explore the grade 10)

Choosing Courses for Student Successful course selection is a match between the expectations of high school and the current abilities of the student Consult your student’s grade 8 teacher about your child’s abilities and learning style! They are the current ‘expert’

Different Pathways for Different Courses Not all courses are required to be the same pathway. Eg: A student may take academic English and applied mathematics based on their personal strengths and learning styles. Post-secondary pathways are not what they used to be!

Math Pathways MPM 1 D Principles of Mathematics Grade 9 Academic MPM 2 D Principles of Mathematics Grade 10 Academic 2 week transfer course MPM 1 DH (0. 5 cr. ) offered at summer school MFM 1 P Foundations of Mathematics Grade 9 Applied MAT 1 L Mathematics Grade 9 LDCC MFM 2 P Foundations of Mathematics Grade 10 Applied MAT 2 L Mathematics Grade 10 LDCC MCV 4 U Calculus and Vectors Grade 12 University MCR 3 U Functions Grade 11 University MCF 3 M Functions & Applications Grade 11 U/C MBF 3 C Foundations for College Mathematics Grade 11 College MEL 3 E Mathematics for Work and Everyday Life Grade 11 Workplace MHF 4 U Advanced Functions Grade 12 University MDM 4 U Mathematics of Data Management Grade 12 University MCT 4 C Mathematics for College Technology Grade 12 College MAP 4 C Foundations for College Mathematics Grade 12 College MEL 4 E Mathematics for Work and Everyday Life Grade 12 Workplace

Helping Students with Course Selection There are many supports along the way, including: Ø Ø Ø Guidance / Special Education Student Success Grade 8 Teacher my. Blueprint. ca for pathway investigation BNC Course Calendar available on the BNC Website

Ready to Choose Courses? • Use the Early Success at North hand-out for course descriptions. • Complete the paper Option Sheet and submit it to the Grade 8 Teacher by January 17 th. • Input your courses online by January 30 th (to be done at school). • We encourage students to make their choices based on the current information available. If circumstances change before September, we will do our best to change their course selection, whether it be a specific course or a pathway change. We are here to help!

Guidance Counsellors @ BNC The Guidance Counsellors at Barrie North organize their students by alphabet. If you need assistance, please contact the appropriate guidance counsellor attached to your last name. Katie Kirkpatrick (Alphabet A-F): kkirkpatrick@scdsb. on. ca or via phone extension 41175 Kelly Duncan (Alphabet G-N): kmduncan@scdsb. on. ca or via phone extension 41173 Peter Ritchie (Alphabet O-Z): pritchie@scdsb. on. ca or via phone extension 41171 General Questions can be directed to our Guidance Secretary, Ashley Jordan-Melvin: ajordanmelvin@scdsb. on. ca or via phone extension 41170

Special Education @ BNC If you have an IEP, you will be given at SERT (Special Education Resource Teacher) at Barrie North that will assist you with your program and pathway planning. Please contact the appropriate SERT that is connected with your school: Scott Laurin: selaurin@scdsb. on. ca or via phone extension 41002 Andrew Hunter West Bayfield Codrington Minesing Amy Reesor: areesor@scdsb. on. ca or via phone extension 41002 All Gifted Students Emma King Andrea Alexander: aalexander@scdsb. on. ca or via phone extension 41002 Oakley Park Maple Grove Cundles Heights