Grade 7-9 Curriculum Night RHSS Mission: To prepare all the learners in our building to be thinking, caring, flexible individuals who can meet the challenges of the 21st century ‘Be the best you can be’ -Rick Hansen

Agenda Why RHSS Life at RHSS Diploma requirements Course offerings Course selections Self directed tours

Community Feeder Schools Fairwind Senior Public School Hazel McCallion Senior Public School Fallingbrook Middle School Bristol Road Middle School We also have ESL students coming from a larger boundary area + an international student program

Why Rick Hansen? EHS and SHSMs Hospitality and Tourism Manufacturing Health Care program Robotics Co-op Education Positive and inclusive school environment

Why Rick Hansen? Focus on literacy and numeracy Commitments to student success – supports in place such as extra help sessions, Peer Tutoring, Counting on You (literacy and numeracy), Student Success (Link, Lighthouse, and Legacy), transition planning, high success rate Lots of opportunities for growth and involvement – leadership, athletics, the arts, technology, business, and more…

Fun Facts 2017-2018 school year: 94% of gr. 9 students earned all 8 credits June 2018 - June 2018: 88% of grads accepted to post-secondary programs 2018 School Year: Student population – approx. 1670

Secondary School Overview 2 semesters Semester 1: September to end of January Semester 2: February to end of June 8:30-3:05 All grade 9 students take 8 courses (4 each semester) 75 minute classes Individualized timetables Exams at the end of each semester

Three Diploma Requirements for Students Entering Grade 9 30 credits to graduate* 18 compulsory 12 optional *students must earn a mark of 50% or higher to earn a credit* Completion of 40 hours of community services Successful completion of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) or equivalent

Your Child's Grade 9 Program 8 SUBJECTS 6 Compulsory Subjects English Math Science Geography French Health and Physical Education 2 Optional Subjects 1 from the Arts Visual Arts (AVI 1O) Drama (ADA 1O) Instrumental Music (AMI 1O) Vocal Music (AMV 1O) Guitar (AMG 1O) Dance (ATC 1O) 1 from Business or Technology Information and Communication Technology (BTT 1O) Hospitality (TFJ 1O) Exploring Technologies (TIJ 1O)

Exceptions English as a Second Language (ESL) Learners Eligible to take two ESL/English courses Potentially, other ESL supported compulsory courses (i.e. Science, Drama Geography, Learning Strategies) Special Education Students Eligible to take Learning Strategies (GLE 1O) Do not have to take French

Your Child's Grade 9 ESL Program 8 SUBJECTS 7 Compulsory Subjects ESL (two core courses) Math Science Geography *French Health and Physical Education 1 Optional Subject 1 from the Arts, Business or Technology Visual Arts (AVI 1O) Drama (ADA 1O) Instrumental Music (AMI 1O) Vocal Music (AMV 1O) Guitar (AMG 1O) Dance (ATC 1O) Information and Communication Technology (BTT 1O) Hospitality (TFJ 1O) Exploring Technologies (TIJ 1O) *Possible exemption in gr.9!

Your Child's Grade 9 IEP Program 8 SUBJECTS 6 Compulsory Subjects English Math Science Geography Health and Physical Education Learning Strategies 2 Optional Subjects 1 from the Arts Visual Arts (AVI 1O) Drama (ADA 1O) Instrumental Music (AMI 1O) Vocal Music (AMV 1O) Guitar (AMG 1O) Dance (ATC 1O) 1 from Business or Technology Information and Communication Technology (BTT 1O) Hospitality (TFJ 1O) Exploring Technologies (TIJ 1O)

Course Types Open Locally Developed Applied Academic

Open Courses (i.e. AVI 1OO) Suitable for all students and not specific to any particular post secondary destination Same curriculum expectations for all students, regardless of destination Examples All grade 9 optional subjects Grade 9 Health and Physical Education

Locally Developed Courses (i.e. ENG 1L0) For students who are on modified courses below age appropriate grade Focus on essential skills using relevant and practical (hands on) activities For students who are visual and/or concrete Offered in Math, English, and Science

Applied (i.e. ENG 1P0) Concrete approaches to learning and practical applications More demonstration and less writing/research Slower pace More teacher guided All compulsory courses Generally a student will be working consistently at a Level 1 or 2 (between 50-69%)

Academic (i.e. ENG 1D0) at a Level 3 or higher (70% or higher) Abstract approaches to learning and theoretical applications Faster pace Greater opportunities for independent learning All compulsory courses at a Level 3 or higher (70% or higher)

Academic or Applied? Consider: Current learning skills and academic achievement Grade 8 teacher’s recommendation Speak with compulsory subject teachers Can take a mixed palette

Importance of Making the Best Decision Student success Difficult to change a course during the semester because: The timetable is built based on student choices. There may not be any spaces in the class Complex timetable. Changes could impact all courses being taken

Changing Pathways - is it possible? Locally Applied Academic Developed Student achievement In consultation with parents, teacher, and student On successful completion of a grade 9 course (not likely to occur during the semester)

Explore High Skills Specialized programs in Hospitality and Manufacturing offering unique learning opportunities connect their learning to potential pathway plans and potential future workplace; Sector related skill development 20 volunteer hours At least one sector-specific industry certification recognized by the Ministry of Education Experiential learning activity Apply on line (Nov. 5th – Nov. 21st @ 3pm) http://peelschools.org/students/makingmyway/explo rehighskills/Pages/default.aspx

Course Selection Process Completed through grade 8 HOME SCHOOL Nov. 12th – 28th (at gr. 8 school using myBlueprint) Other board/non-RHSS feeder schools – record name at guidance table. We will contact you after March 1st

Student Success Tips Be the best student you can be Choose the most appropriate course type Attend all classes Be on time Be engaged Complete your course work Ask for help Maintain a balanced lifestyle

Get Involved!!! Activities Teams Clubs Student Council Peer Mentors Athletics Council Arts Council Band Drama Fashion Show Math Contests Model UN and more…. Teams Badminton Baseball Basketball Cricket Flag Football Soccer Swimming Volleyball Wrestling and more… Clubs Robotics Chess Weight Room DECA Muslim Students Association Christian Fellowship Hansen 4 Humanity and more….

Online Resources www.myblueprint.ca/peel www.peelschools.org (making my way) Rick Hansen Secondary School website www.rickhansenss.peelschools.org/ (student services tab)

Questions?