Grade 8 Parent Information Session

Donald A. Wilson Secondary School

Soon you will be a GATOR… Welcome to the SWAMP!

Learning Goal

By the end of this presentation you will…

…have an idea of what Grade 9 will consist of for your child and learn how we can support your student to achieve their goals.

Secondary School Environment

8:40 am – 2:40 pm Homeroom each semester 75 minute periods

5 minutes between each class

40 minute lunch

60% of school rides a bus

Late Bus: Mon – Thurs

Week 1 and Week 2

Period 1

Period 2

LUNCH Period 3

Period 4

Week 1:

WEEK 2:Period

2Period

1LUNCH Period

4Period 3

What is secondary school all about?

Courses = 1 CREDIT each 4 credits/semester Full credit semester system

Semester 1: Sept to Jan. Semester 2: Feb to June

Ontario Secondary School Diploma

30 Credits to graduate 18 Compulsory 12 Optional

40 Hours of Community Involvement Start the summer of grade 9 year…more information to

follow in the spring Provincial Literacy Requirement

must pass to graduate – LOTS of support and prep!

Students take 8 of these in their grade 9 year.

Outline of Credits18 Compulsory Credits

4 Credits English (1 credit per grade)1 Credit French as a second language (unless you are french exempt)

3 Credits Mathematics (at least 1 credit in Grade 11 or 12)2 Credits Science1 Credit Canadian History1 Credit Canadian Geography1 Credit Arts1 Credit Physical and Health Education0.5 Credit Civics0.5 Credit Career Education

Outline of Credits

Compulsory – Optional Category1 additional credit

selected from..1 additional credit

selected from..1 additional credit

selected from… The Arts (art,

drama, music) Business Studies Physical and Health

Education Co-op Education

Canadian and World Studies

English Social Science 3rd Language Co-op Education

Science – Grade 11 or 12

Technological Education 9 – 12

Co-op Education

Choosing the Right LEVEL! Consult with teachers (report card), SERT, Guidance… Difference between lack of understanding

and lack of effort Suggested Ranges

Failing current courses – locally developed 50 – 60% - applied 70% - academic Between 60% and 70% is a grey area NOT ALL COURSES HAVE TO BE AT THE SAME LEVEL

• fills in the GAPS missing from Grade 8

• develops knowledge and skill• potential option to upgrade to

applied

Locally Developed

Applied

• covers the essential concepts of a subject

• focus more on knowledge in real-life situations

• designed for students who likely have gaps in subject specific subject area

Academic

• covers the essential concepts of a subject• draws heavily on theory and abstract

examples/problems • designed to meet the needs of the

independent learner who has limited to no gaps in subject area content

Academic vs. Applied: MathAcademic Math Applied Math

The equation H = 300 – 60t represents the height of a balloon that is initially at 300m and is descending at a constant rate of 60m/min. Determine algebraically and graphically how long the balloon will take to reach a height of 160 m.

Construct a table of values and a graph to represent a monthly cell phone plan that costs $25, plus $0.10 per minute of air time.

Integers – 1 day! Integers – 8 days!

Academic vs. Applied: EnglishAcademic Applied

Select one character from one of the major pieces of literature we studied this semester. You will create an All About Me scrapbook album for that character. Each written piece must be approximately 250 words in length. All pieces will be assembled into an album that you will create. Each page will be enhanced with graphics and art work that reflect the personality of the character you have chosen and the content of the written pieces.

You are to imagine that a character from the novel Crabbe and a character from one of the short stories have become close friends. They have decided to create a time capsule together to mark their friendship. Choose two characters which you believe have something in common. All pieces of writing must be approximately one paragraph (6 – 8 sentences). Each piece of writing should have its own page clearly marked with its title.

For more information speak to Mr. Beggs, English Department Head

Grade 9 Compulsory SubjectsSubject Area Academic Applied Locally Developed

English ENG 1D1 ENG 1P1 ENG 1L1French FSF 1D1 FSF 1P1Canadian Geography CGC 1D1 CGC 1P1Mathematics MPM 1D1 MFM 1P1 MAT 1L1Healthy Active Living Education (Female)

PPL 1O4

Healthy Active Living Education (Male)

PPL 1O3

Science SNC 1D1 SNC 1P1 SNC 1L1

Grade 9 Optional Subjects

Description CodeDrama ADA 1O1Instrumental Music AMU 1O1Vocal Music AMV 1O1Visual Arts AVI 1O1

Pick one from…

and one from…

Description CodeInformation Technology in Business BTT 1O1Exploring Technologies TIJ 1O1

Choosing Classes

All course selections are done through CAREER CRUISING COURSE PLANNER

To choose classes your child has to: SELECT classes on Course Planner SUBMIT choices PRINT a copy of your classes Parents SIGN the sheet RETURN the signed copy to GRADE 8 teacher

These instructions are for our Family of Schools

Only

An INCOMPLETE Course PlannerThis is an incomplete example of a COURSE PLANNER.

Every box MUST have a selection.

Electives: Choose a Tech or Business AND an Arts Course AND a Physical Education Class

Alternates: Choose another Tech or Business AND another Arts Course

A COMPLETE Course PlannerThis is a COMPLETE example of a COURSE PLANNER.

Every box has a selection.

Electives: Every box has a selection.

Alternates: Every box has an alternate selection.

After hitting SUBMIT, PRINT this form, SIGN it RETURN it to your child’s Grade 8 Teacher!

Academic Supports

Guidance Counsellors!

Subject teachers Special Education

for IEP students Peer tutors

Grade 9 classrooms

Private Tutors for Hire

Credit Rescue After School Help

for subject specific courses

need help?

Extra Curricular Activities Athletics – badminton,

basketball, baseball, curling, football, golf, lacrosse, rugby, volleyball, soccer, swimming, track & field, hockey

Clubs – Chess, Cultural Mosaic, Environmental, GSA, Gator Gazette, Pen Strokes, Robotics, Run Club, SASS, STAR, White Pine, Ski/Snowboard, Weight Training…

Student Leadership – Relay for Life, Student Parliament, SLAM!

Music – Band, Choir, Jazz

Drama – Sears Festival, One-Act Plays

Art – Arts Preview Night, Craft Club

Welcome!

Grade 9 ONLY DaySeptember 3rd

Lots of Activities! JUST FOR GRADE 9s

Grade 8 Parent NightFebruary 13th, 7:00 PM

Wilson TourMay 2012

Grade 8 Class VisitsJanuary