Transitioning to Secondary School Information Where should YOU

Transitioning to Secondary School Information

? Where should YOU go ? 90 % of our students will be heading to their home schools for this area, Harold M. Brathwaite and Louise Arbour Secondary Schools. Peel has recognized that some students need different stimuli and experiences to ensure they are successful. Subsequently, Peel has developed programs for students in the following areas: Arts, Business and Technology, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, Science and Technology, Flexography, Truck and Coach Program, Enhanced, Strings Orchestral, ISSP of varying needs, and Vocational/Life skills. For more information, go to www. peelschools. org

Harold M. Brathwaite or Louise Arbour S. S. will be the home school for most of our students, dependent on their home address; unless they have special needs or are interested in a Regional or Specialty program. Therefore, upon the completion of grade 8, Lougheed’s grade 8 students will be automatically accepted into the grade 9 programs at HB or LA. Harold M. Brathwaite and Louise Arbour provide excellent facilities with a variety of diverse and exciting opportunities.

-Lougheed’s home schools -offer a full range of courses in math, science, technology, English, languages, Arts, business, social science, ESL, physical education, and more -prepare you for university, college, apprenticeships, and/or the world of work -offer access to up-to-date technology -offer a wide variety of extra curricular activities including sports/teams, music, art, drama, clubs, student leadership and community/volunteer activities -ELL and Special Education programs available

Features of O. S. S. D. q Ontario Secondary School Diploma -30 credits (18 compulsory, 12 optional) -40 hours Community Involvement -Successful completion of the OSSLT (Literacy Test)

Students prepare to move to post-secondary destinations -Workplace/ Apprenticeship -College -University q A recent Alan King study predicts that approximately 1/3 of students will proceed to each destination

q q in q q q q 4 English (1 per grade) 3 Math (at least 1 credit Gr. 11 or 12) 2 Science 1 Arts 1 Canadian Geography 1 Canadian History. 5 Career Studies (Gr. 10). 5 Civics (Grade 10) 1 French 1 Health and Phys. Ed. q. Plus 1 additional credit from each of the following categories: q 1 credit in one of Arts, Business or H. & P. E. or Co op q 1 credit in one of Canadian & World Studies, English, Social Science, Third Language or Co op q 1 credit in science (Gr. 11/12), or Technological Education(Gr. 912) or Co op • 30 credits, 110 hours each (18 compulsory and 12 optional credits) • 40 hours of community involvement • Successful Completion of OSSLT (Literacy Test)

40 Hours Community Involvement q students’ responsibility to arrange q students are encouraged to complete this diploma requirement early; they may now begin earning these hours during the summer following grade 8 q school provides information regarding requirements and procedures q parental support and monitoring required q more information available at www. peel. edu. on. ca - go to “Student Stuff”

Grade 10 Literacy Test q Administered in March of Grade 10 q Evaluates reading and writing skills q Designed and marked by EQAO q Test may be attempted twice, then OLC 4 O 0 Course if not successful

STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO SELECT TWO OPTIONAL COURSES: (choices are specific to each school) Example choices : q Information Technology in Business q Integrated Technologies q Food and Nutrition q Music q Visual Arts q Drama q Physical Education (differs at LA and HB)

Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics q Is written by students in Grade 9 in Applied and Academic Math courses q Is worth a percentage of the grade 9 math course final grade q Is administered towards the end of the course

Grade 9 and 10 courses q. Four course types: -Applied -Academic -Open -Locally Developed q The choice of applied, locally developed, open or academic courses in grade 9 depends on your skill level. Grade 8 teachers will recommend suitable level placement for grade 9.

• Applied Courses • focus on the essential concepts of the discipline • develop students’ knowledge and skills by emphasizing practical, concrete applications of the concepts and incorporating theoretical applications • Focus on practical applications and concrete examples

Academic Courses • focus on the essential concepts of the discipline and explore related concepts • develop students’ knowledge and skills by emphasizing theoretical, abstract applications of the essential concepts and incorporating practical applications

Open Courses • are offered in all subjects other than those offered as academic, applied or locally developed compulsory • comprised of expectations suitable for all students at a grade level • prepare students for further study in certain subjects • enrich students’ education generally

Locally Developed Courses • focus on essential skills • use relevant and practical activities that provide opportunities for students to develop their literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, decision-making and communication skills • prepare students for future studies in grade 11 and 12 workplace preparation courses

Consider the following: q Focus should be on you being successful in Grade 9 courses q Consider your learning style, learning strengths, interests and areas for growth q Consider recommendation of your middle school teachers q Similar skill sets will be achieved in all course types q You may take Applied courses in some subjects and Academic courses in others, etc.

Moving from one grade 9 level to another in Grade 10 q level changes are possible upon successful completion of the Grade 9 course q may be recommended by the school For example, a student may move from grade 9 applied English to grade 10 academic English with teacher recommendation (achieved 75% or higher)

Thinking Long Term… In Grades 9 and 10, there are 4 types of courses: academic, applied, locally developed and open. In Grades 11 and 12, there are five types of courses: university preparation, university/college preparation, workplace preparation, and open. Think of Grade 11 and 12 courses as pathways to post-secondary destinations.

Students with Special Needs Special Education Students who participate in special education programs and services in Grade 8, can continue to do so in high school. As in elementary school, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be developed and maintained, based on a thorough assessment of a student’s strengths, needs, and interests. ELL Students ELL courses are offered in a variety of subject areas including Math, Geography, Business, English, Science, and more.

Cooperative Education Courses q Students earn cooperative education credits by integrating class work with learning experiences in the community q Allows students to develop job-related skills and explore possible career destinations q Some students will earn up to 12 cooperative education credits in Grade 11 and/or Grade 12

SPECIALIZED HIGH SKILLS MAJOR (SHSM) • An SHSM is a ministry-approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements to graduate from secondary school. It also assists in their transition after graduation to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace • • In the 2011 -2012 school year, some of the SHSMs available were in the following sectors: Sports Agriculture Justice, Community Safety, and Emergency Services Arts and Culture Forestry Aviation/Aerospace Health and Wellness Business Horticulture and Landscaping Construction Information and Communications Technology For more information go the course calendar available on the peel board website

Course Selection for Harold M. Brathwaite and Louise Arbour Will take place online in January 2013 in Lougheed’s computer lab

ORIENTATION VISITS • On December 4 th, 2012, all grade 8 students will be visiting their home high schools to learn about grade 9 course selection. • In December 2012, we are having Skills Ontario come in to speak to our students about careers. • In May Harold Brathwaite and Louise Arbour will have a second orientation session with our grade 8’s

MAYFIELD SECONDARY SCHOOL Parent Information Night – was held November 6 th, 2012 Applications now available online or at Mayfield RAP office ØTHE REGIONAL ARTS PROGRAM at Mayfield Secondary offers a package of specialized courses to artistically talented students interested in Dance, Drama, Music or Visual Arts. Ø Entrance is based on quality of application and audition ØAcademic achievement and performance are both considered before positions are granted ØAn audition, for only one of the four arts programs, is required ØThere are strict application deadlines. (12 noon on Dec. 7) ØAuditions held Jan. 24, 25, and 28 Øbussing is available at a cost through the parents’ group or students use public transit For more info: www. mayfieldss. org

North Park Secondary School Parent Information Night – Wednesday, November 21, 2012 at 7: 00 -8: 00 p. m. • INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM (IBT) where there is an emphasis on developing strong communication skills through experiential leaning and real-life business applications • Entrance is by competition with interest and enthusiasm being a consideration • You apply online and provide a written composition. • Interview may be required • program requires each student to have a laptop, with required specifications Visit the website at: http: //northparkvikings. ca

Turner Fenton Secondary School Parent Information Night – November 22, 2012 at 7: 00 p. m. in the North Building Gyms • NOT a “gifted” program • Strong emphasis on international understanding and responsible citizenship • Ideal candidates for the program are students who: : • are dedicated, self-motivated and accepting of challenges • have earned 80% in grade 7 English, Mathematics and Science • have Learning Skills of G or E Applications must be downloaded from the school website after Nov. 23 For more info go to: www. turnerfentonib. com

ADVANCED PLACEMENT Central Peel Secondary School Information Night - was held November 1 st, 2012 • • • Offers university level content to students in high school and the opportunity for students to earn university credits through the successful completion of AP examinations AP courses study topics in greater depth, enhancing intellectual development AP program is recognized by universities across Canada, the United States, and throughout the world Designed for students who are motivated, curious, hard working and eager for accelerated learning experiences Application includes a numeracy and literacy assessment on January 12, 2013 at Central Peel S. S. Application will be online beginning November 24 th, 2012 at www. centralpeel. org

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM Chinguacousy Secondary School Parent Information Night - November 27, 2012 presentations at 6: 30 – 7: 15 – 8: 00 p. m. (followed by tours of the school) The SCI TECH program offers: • • • A focus on Science and Technology Four-year program which integrates science and technology with other aspects of the curriculum wherever possible Has a “hands-on, minds-on” philosophy Available to academic or applied course students Leads to a variety of pathways such as the world of work, apprenticeships, college or university For more information go to: www. chinguacousyss. peelschools. com

CENTRAL PEEL SECONDARY SCHOOL Parent Information Night – was held November 1 st, 2012 ØTHE STRINGS PROGRAM at Central Peel Secondary offers a program where students explore the many facets of string playing through: ØBeginner Strings ØIntermediate and Advanced Strings ØSolo and Small Ensemble Playing How to apply: Complete an application package available online in November www. centralpeel. org

TRUCK AND COACH PROGRAM Bramalea Secondary School Parent Information Night: was held November 8, 2012 • Courses focus on various aspects of the transportation industry • Classes take place in a facility built specifically for the program • Hands on classes, field trips • Preparing students for entry to post-secondary programs or a career in the transportation industry For more information contact the school at: 905 -793 -2400 or at www. centralpeel. org

FLEXOGRAPHY Gordon Graydon Secondary School 1490 Ogden Avenue, Mississauga Information Night: November 21, 2011 at 6 p. m. • • Flexography is a package print technology and a growing segment of the printing industry. Students learn to design and manufacture industry-standard packaging products. Prepares students for entry into post-secondary programs, or a career in the printing industry upon graduation. Students may apply to begin in grades 9, 10 or 11 For more information, contact the school at: 905 -274 -2391 or http: //schools. peelschools. org/sec/gordongraydon/

Judith Nyman Secondary School Your child’s Special Education Teacher will contact you with information concerning dates of tours and open house Vocational Program for qualifying students living north of 401 • This setting is reserved for students who would benefit from a more hands-on and entrepreneurial approach to learning, with an emphasis on further developing their life skills. • Only students who qualify and are identified through the ISRC process will be accepted. Go to judithnymanss. peelschools. org

Heart Lake Secondary School Parent Information Night - November 23, 2011 at 7 p. m. • Available to students who have been designated “Exceptional Intellectual Gifted” in Peel For more information go to: www. heartlakess. peelschools. org

Considerations q When considering a high school, take into account the distance (i. e. regional programs do not provide bussing) q Students would benefit from keeping a portfolio in order to be well prepared in advance for an audition

For More Information q Consult the following web-sites v www. peel. edu. on. ca v www. edu. gov. on. ca v see Lougheed’s website for more information beginning next week q See Ms. Fortier-Khatib, Guidance Counsellor; or your child’s homeroom teacher

As parents of a grade 8 student, you and your child now have some very important decisions to make about the future. These decisions should be based on your child’s strengths and needs, interests and future goals. An informed decision is a wise decision for all BE INFORMED !