January 2019
Dear Parent/Guardian,
The Transition from Grade 8 to Grade 9 is an exciting time for students and their families. Grade 9 program selection for September 2019 will be made in January and February. Final course selection will take place via myBlueprint at school with their Elementary Guidance Counsellor. Courses offered at secondary school will be listed on myBlueprint and on the course selection sheet. Student course selection is a process finalized by students, parents/guardians in consultation with classroom teachers and Elementary Counsellors. Parents/guardians in collaboration with their child make the final decision when choosing course types by signing the myBlueprint verification sheet.
The Ministry of Education has developed three primary types of core courses in Grade 9 and 10: Academic, Applied, and Locally Developed Compulsory Credits. Mathematics, English, Science, French and Geography may be offered at both the Applied and Academic course type. Locally Developed courses are offered in Mathematics, English and Science. Courses such as Physical Education, and Business, which have a set of expectations appropriate for all students and are not designed with the specific requirements of university, college or the workplace in mind, are offered as Open Courses.
Academic courses develop students’ knowledge and skills through the study of theory and abstract problems. These courses focus on the essential concepts of a subject and explore related concepts as well. They incorporate practical applications as appropriate (Ontario Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12: Policy and Program Requirements, 2016 (OS), Section 7.2.1).
Applied courses focus on the essential concepts of a subject and develop students’ knowledge and skills through practical applications and concrete examples. Familiar situations are used to illustrate ideas, and students are given opportunities to experience hands-on applications of the concepts and theories studied. (OS, Section 7.2.1)
Locally Developed Compulsory Credit (LDCC) courses have been developed to meet students’ education needs not met by the existing provincial curriculum. Courses currently available in Grade 9 include: English, Mathematics and Science. (OS, Section 7.3.1)
Students are entitled to select the course type they wish. Academic programming will ensure that all post-secondary course options are available in Grade 11 and 12. As part of the TDSB Multi Year Strategic Plan, we believe that every student can succeed, and over the next three years we will work to support the majority of Grade 9 and 10 students to study academic-level courses.
Visit the Guidance Blog at: http://eastregionguidance.blogspot.com and scroll down to watch a video from a student perspective about course types. Families are also encouraged to visit the Beyond 8 Interactive Guide for students, parents & guardians online at: http://www.tdsb.on.ca/High-School/Going-to-High-School/Beyond-8 to find very important information about high school and to assist students and families with the course selection process.
Please note that the timelines for the 2019 Course Selection are as follows:
Feb. 1, 2019: Application for Optional Attendance forms due at secondary school(s) no later than 4pm
Feb. 15, 2019: Deadline for families to be informed of the status of their Application for Optional Attendance
Feb. 22, 2019: Signed Course Selection Sheets due at all elementary schools
*Applications and due dates for Specialized Programs are shared at the High School Information evenings and are determined by the Individual Secondary School. Please contact the high school Guidance Department if you have any questions or for additional information.
