David Suzuki Secondary School

AGENDA 1. Student Life 2. Diploma Requirements 3. Course Types 4. Next Steps

David Suzuki Secondary School Our feeder schools consist of: Beatty-Fleming Senior Public School Royal Orchard Middle School Springbrook Public School McClure Public School Roberta Bondar Public School (ESL)

WHY COME TO SUZUKI? Specialist High Skills Major in SPORTS Specialist High Skills Major in HOSPITALITY Explore High Skills in SPORTS Newer Building Outdoor classroom Cutting edge technology-Mac Labs Platinum Status Eco schools-Highest recognition for environmental stewardship

Football turf Excellent leadership opportunities Broad range of course types e.g., Hospitality, Construction, Auto, Computer Science, Media Arts, Dance, Writer’s Craft, Sports Marketing, Environmental Science, Black History, Social Justice and Equity, etc., Staff dedicated to Student Success Wide range of clubs, activities and sports

David Suzuki Secondary School How is secondary school ? Student population-approximately 1600 School year divided in 2 semesters per year Semester 1-September -January Semester 2-February - June At the end of each semester there are final evaluations School day 8:35 am to 3:04 pm You will take 8 courses, 4 each semester Day 1/Day 2 cycle

Suzuki Secondary School How is a day in high school ? 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 and earn a credit There are two lunch periods, each 75 minutes long Students don’t choose their lunch period

STUDENT LIFE Clubs Athletics Student Leadership Arts: (Drama, Dance, Music, Visual Art) Environment GET INVOLVED IN SCHOOL AND PARTICIPATE!

David Suzuki Secondary School Diploma Requirements

1. 30 Credits to Graduate 18 Compulsory Credits 12 Optional Credits

Diploma Requirements continued…. 2. 40 Hours of Community Service Student responsibility Non-profit organizations Eligible to start in the summer they graduate from Grade 8 Tracking forms available online or at Student Services

Diploma Requirements continued…… 3. Successful Completion of Literacy Test (OSSLT) or Equivalent Written in their grade 10 year in March/April Evaluates reading and writing skills

What subjects will students be taking in Grade 9? 6 Compulsory 2 Optional subjects subjects

Six COMPULSORY COURSES English Math Science French Geography Health and Physical Education

TWO OPTIONAL COURSES FROM: Dance Drama Visual Arts Music – Beginner or Experienced Learning Strategies Exploring Technologies Business - Information and Communication Technology

English Language Learner and Special Education Students Possible additional supports are: Support Classes Monitor Teachers Accommodations For example: extended time to complete assessments, access to technology and/or access to alternative settings

OPEN COURSES E.g., AVI 1O0 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

LOCALLY DEVELOPED E.g. ENG 1L0 Must be RECOMMENDED by teachers Focuses on essential skills using hands on activities Lead to workplace courses in grade 11 & 12 Lead to workplace, apprenticeship or college pathway Offered in Math, English and Science

ACADEMIC E.g. ENG1D0 Abstract and theoretical based Faster pace More independent learning More homework Leads to university, university/college, or college courses in Grade 11 and 12 Lead to College or University Pathway. English, Math, Science, Geography & French Aim 70% and above to continue in this level

English, Math, Science, Geography & French APPLIED E.g., ENG1P0 Focuses on practical applications Slower pace More hands on and teacher guided Lead to college or University/College courses in grade 11 & 12 Lead students to College or University Pathway. English, Math, Science, Geography & French

Applied or Academic? English, Math, Science, Geography & French Are compulsory courses but you do have a choice on whether you want to take them in APPLIED or ACADEMIC or LOCALLY DEVELOPED* in some cases. How do you decide?

Applied or Academic? Cont…. 1. Learning Skills & Academic Achievement Review your Grade 7 Final Report Card If above the average, consider academic. If below the average, consider applied 2. Consult with your grade 8 teachers 3. Consult with your parents/guardians 4. Consider your strengths & interests 5. Consider your post-secondary plans

Importance of Making the Best Decision for YOU! Student Success! Difficult to change courses during the semester. Why? Timetable is built based on your choices We don’t change courses during the semester

COURSE SELECTION from Grade 8 to 9 DSSS Counsellors Visit Gr 8 Classes- November Course Selection on myBlueprint Opens: November 11th Closes: December 3rd Explore High Skills Applications: Opens: November 11at 8:30 am Closes: November 25 at 3:00 pm

David Suzuki Secondary School What is the next step……..?

Coming from a Catholic School? If you are in our boundary and are currently attending a Catholic School but planning on attending DSSS then pick up a Registration Package and return to Guidance at DSSS. You and your child will be invited in January /February to register and select courses. *** JUNE 30th – DEADLINE for CHANGING BOARDS

If David Suzuki SS is NOT your home school You MUST select courses with your home school and then fill out a FLEXIBLE BOUNDARY FORM and submit to Guidance. Flexible Boundary Form needs to be signed by your Home School Principal. Often Decisions may not be made till late August-early September.

RESOURCES myBlueprint www.makingmyway.ca www.peelschools.org David Suzuki SS Website Student Services

Jump start your future with Explore High Skills (youtube)

What is Explore High Skills? A specialized program for grade 9 & 10 that helps engage students in their transition to Secondary School The program exposes students to aspects of the Specialist High Skills Major program that they can join in grade 11 & 12

Components Focussed Learning Activities Community Involvement Certification and Training Experiential Learning Individual Pathway Plan

EXPLORE HIGH SKILLS (EHS) Peel Board and Out of Board Application Opens: November 11at 8:30 am Application Closes: November 25 at 3:00 pm EHS offers sent out: February 11 EHS offer MUST be accepted by: February 19 at 3 pm

EXPLORE HIGH SKILLS (EHS)