David Suzuki Secondary School

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1. Student Life2. Diploma Requirements3. Course Types4. Course Selection for Grade 9

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AGENDA

You belong to one of our many feeder schools:

Beatty-Fleming Senior Public SchoolHuttonville Public School

Royal Orchard Middle SchoolRoberta Bondar Public School

You will have opportunities to meet students from other schools during orientation activities and make new friends!

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David Suzuki Secondary School

How is secondary school different?

A lot more students-approximately 1850 School year divided in 2 semesters per year

Semester 1-September -JanuarySemester 2-February - June

At the end of each semester there are exams School day starts 8:35 am and ends at 3:04

pm You will take 8 courses, 4 each semester Day 1/Day 2 cycle

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David Suzuki Secondary School

How is my school day different?

Each class is approximately 75 minutes long

Curriculum is covered at a faster pace Different timetable than your friends 50% or above is required to pass a

course There are two lunch periods, each 75

minutes long (you don’t decide your lunch period)

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Suzuki Secondary School

STUDENT LIFE Extra – Curricular Activities

Clubs Athletics Student Leadership Arts: (Drama, Dance, Music, Visual Art)

Environment

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GET INVOLVED IN SCHOOL AND PARTICIPATE!

Diploma Requirements

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David Suzuki Secondary School

1. 30 Credits to Graduate

18 Compulsory Credits

12 Optional Credits

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2. 40 Hours of Community Service

◦ Student responsibility◦ Eligible to start in the

summer◦ Tracking forms available

online or at Student Services

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Diploma Requirements continued….

3. Successful Completion of Literacy Test (OSSLT) or Equivalent

Written in grade 10 in March/April

Evaluates reading and writing skills

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Diploma Requirements continued……

8 SUBJECTS

7 Compulsory 1 Optional

subjects subject

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What subjects will you be taking in Grade 9?

1. English 2. Math 3. Science4. French 5. Geography6. Learning Strategies 7. Health and Physical Education

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SEVEN COMPULSORY COURSES

ELL students and Special Education Students will be directed by their teachers/guidance counsellor on the courses they must select.

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Exceptions!

DanceDramaVisual ArtsMusic – Beginner or ExperiencedExploring TechnologiesBusiness - Information and Communication Technology

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ONE OPTIONAL COURSE FROM:

O p en L oca llyD ev e lo ped

A pp lied A cad em ic

T yp es o f C o urses

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♦Suitable for all students and not specific to any particular post-secondary destination

♦Examples: ◦All Grade 9 Optional Subjects◦Grade 9 Health and Physical Education

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OPEN COURSESE.g., AVI 1O0

♦Must be RECOMMENDED by teachers

♦Focuses on essential skills using hands on activities

♦Offered in Math, English and Science

♦Lead to workplace courses in grade 11 & 12

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LOCALLY DEVELOPEDE.g. ENG 1L0

♦Abstract and theoretical based♦Faster pace ♦More independent learning♦More homework♦English, Math, Science, Geography &

French♦Aim 70% and above to continue in this

level♦Leads to university, university/college, or

college courses in Grade 11 and 12

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ACADEMICE.g., ENG1D0

♦Focuses on practical applications

♦Slower pace♦More hands on and teacher guided

♦English, Math, Science, Geography & French

♦Lead to college courses in grade 11 & 12

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APPLIEDE.g., ENG1P0

English, Math, Science, Geography & French

Are compulsory courses but do you have a choice on whether you want to take them in ACADEMIC or APPLIED.

How do you decide?

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Applied or Academic?

1. Learning Skills and Academic Achievement

Look at your class averages for Grade 7: If you were above consider academic. If you are below consider applied

2. Finalize your selection by discussing them with your Grade 8 Teachers.

3. Post-secondary Plans

Take a mixed palette! They don’t ALL have to be Academic orApplied

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Applied or Academic? Cont….

Student Success! Difficult to change courses during the semester. Why? Timetable is built based on your

choices We don’t change timetable during the

semester

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Importance of Making the Best Decision for YOU!

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Academic Supports There are numerous programs to support

you!

• Your Teachers

• Drop-in lunch help in all subjects

• Contact Program River Room

• School Success: Project Complete

• Student Services

• Counting On You (English, Math)

• Peer Tutoring

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What is the next step……..?

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David Suzuki Secondary School

Course Selection ProcessYou will:

1. Receive Course Selection Sheets in your school.

2. Take the sheet home and work with your parents to complete course selection sheet.

3. Submit the sheet to your school.

FINAL STEP: Enter courses online at your school with thehelp of your teachers/guidance counsellor

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David Suzuki Secondary School

Are you thinking about attending a Catholic School?

You CANNOT have a timetable at a Catholic School and David Suzuki at the same time: therefore you must make your decision!

If you will be attending a Catholic School for grade 9, be sure to log on to myblueprint and indicate your plans.

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CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Are you considering attending a REGIONAL PROGRAM?

Select courses for DSSS but check the box at the bottom of the page indicating that you have applied for a regional program.

Let your school know if you get into the REGIONAL PROGRAM and are no longer considering Suzuki!

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REGIONAL PROGRAM

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www.dsssonline.comwww.peelschools.orghttp://myblueprint.ca/

Making My Way