Hopefully, after attending one of the
elementary school parent information evenings, you were also able to attend some of
the secondary school Parent Information Nights.
In early January, a course selection sheet for your child's home high school will be coming home for you to review , complete and sign. Classroom teachers will have had an opportunity to make recommendations as to what course types they recommend for your child:
The
Ministry of Education has developed three types of core courses in Grade 9: Academic, Applied and Locally Developed
Compulsory credits. Mathematics, English and science, French and
geography are offered at both the Academic
and Applied levels. Locally Developed Compulsory Credit courses
are only offered in mathematics, English and science. Other courses, such as the arts, physical
education and business, which have one set of expectations for all learners are
offered as Open courses.
Applied
courses cover the essential concepts of a subject and focus more on using
learned knowledge in real-life situations.
These courses are designed for students who likely have content gaps in
the specific subject area. Applied courses meet OSSD requirements.
Academic
courses cover the essential concepts of a subject and draw heavily on theory
and abstract examples/problems. These
courses are designed for the independent learner who has limited to no gaps in
subject area content. Academic courses meet OSSD requirements.
Locally
Developed Compulsory credit courses try to meet students’
needs not met by the existing Provincial Curriculum. These courses are for students with gaps in
knowledge and skills in the specific subject area. Locally Developed Compulsory credit courses
meet OSSD requirements.
Grade
9 course decisions should be based on ensuring that your son/daughter achieves success. Obtaining “16 credits by the age of
16” at the end of their Grade 10 school year is a very important step in
your child being successful in obtaining their OSSD.
With
this in mind, we realize that there may be some confusion when deciding whether
to choose Academic, Applied or Locally Developed Compulsory
courses. Important questions to ask
are: “Which would best suit my child’s
learning style?”, “How has my son/daughter faired over the years in this
subject?” and “Where would my child be successful?” Also, please take into consideration the
teacher’s recommendations when deciding on course level for your child.
We urge you to follow these teacher recommendations as much thought
has been given to the suggestions. The school team makes recommendations with
respect to the most appropriate grade 9 placement for each student. These
recommendations are based on a student's educational history, current
achievement levels, learning style, attitude, motivation and abilities. The grade 9 program and subject selection should be based on
teachers recommendations to ensure the student's success.
Appropriate placement of a student in grade nine is of vital importance
to the student's ability to succeed in secondary school.
The Home Secondary School Course Selection
Sheet that you are receiving in early January must be submitted to the homeroom teacher no later than Monday January 26th, 2015. Thanks for your prompt attention to this
important matter.
Please be reminded that Optional Attendance Applications are due at the selected school no later than January 30th, 2015. The List of Limited and Closed Schools will be publicized by the TDSB by Mid- January.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact your child's Guidance Counsellor by leaving a message at their school indicating: your name, a phone
number where you can be reached, the student’s name and they will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
Have a wonderful Holiday Season :)
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