In the upcoming weeks, a course selection sheet for your child's home high school will be coming home for you to review , complete and sign.
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 suggestions when deciding on course level for your child.
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 25th, 2016. 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 29th, 2016. 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.
