Halifax West High School Class of 2017 Parents Halifax West High School Class of 2017 Parents

Counsellors Leah Ann Cameron ………A-F Gareth Luke....G-M Lori Welsh……….....N-Z Secretary…………Cathy Fitzgerald

HWHS Guidance Website

Career Cruising User name……halifax Password……..west

WHAT IS A CREDIT? EVERY COURSE TAKEN AT HWHS COUNTS AS ONE CREDIT (except math 10). Attendance is taken each period and monitored by vice-principals. If you miss 16 classes you can lose the credit. If you lose two credits you can lose the semester. Exemptions – opt out of final exam; based on attendance, some exceptions (math & English)

THE SEMESTERED SYSTEM TWO SEMESTERS PER YEAR (Sept-Jan, Feb- June) Exams at end of each semester. FOUR COURSES PER SEMESTER (except Music Band/English, Resource/English and Math 10 which run full year) FIVE 1 HOUR PERIODS PER DAY Up to 8 CREDITS PER YEAR (guaranteed 8/7/6)

HWHS Timetable (Rotating Fridays) 9:10- 10:10 ABCDA 9:10- 10:25 10:17- 11:17 BADCB 10:32- 11:47 11:24- 12:24 ABCD 12:24- 1:08 lunch Lunch 11:47- 12:38 1:13- 2:13 CDABC 12:43- 1:58 2:20- 3:20 DCBAD 2:05- 3:20

TECHNOLOGY COURSES for 10’s Exploring Technology 10 Foods/International Foods 10 Business Technology 11 Communication Technology 11 Electrotechnologies 11 Applied Network Tech 11 Construction 10 Design 11

Math Essentials 10 Basic math skills with a very practical approach For students struggling significantly with Math 9 One-semester course with no formal exam

Math at Work 10 More challenging math concepts, but practical For students meeting outcomes of Math 9 but who have difficulty with abstract concepts such as algebra Students will need to keep up with classwork, however there is minimal homework assigned One-semester course with a Provincial Exam worth 20% of the final grade

Math 10 Abstract math concepts; algebraic For students with a solid understanding of concepts in Math 9, good number sense and algebra skills NOT a one-semester course that is stretched over the entire year … concepts are studied in depth with a significant amount of classwork and homework Full-year course with a Provincial Exam worth 20% of the final grade

Math 10 Pre-IB Abstract math concepts; highly theoretical For students who excel in Math 9 with a very strong understanding of abstract concepts Very rigorous course covering all topics in Math 10 in addition to the more advanced topics necessary for IB math; Students will have approximately minutes of math homework every night. Full-year course with a Provincial Exam worth 20% of the final grade

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS TOTAL OF 18 CREDITS 3 ENGLISH 10,11, and 12 2 MATH 2 SCIENCES(Sci10, Bio11, Phy 11or Chem 11 + one other) 2 OTHER (Math, Science, Tech) 1 CANADIAN STUDIES (Mkq10, Acs11, Chs11) 1 GLOBAL STUDIES (GGS12, HGS12) 1 FINE ARTS (Art, Music or Drama) 1 PAL or PHE No more than 7 grade 10 credits towards 18 mandatory Minimum 5 grade 12 credits

Course Selection Process Students are given course descriptions and selection sheet. Students should consult with their teachers/parents/Junior High Counsellor Hand sheets in to Junior High Counsellors by date set HWHS Course Selection Guide online

Grade 10 Course Selection 5 MANDATORY 1. English Math (Math10, Math at Work 10, Math 10Essentials, Math 10IPP) 3. Science (Sci 10 or Sci 10m) 4. Fine Arts 10- Art/Band/Drama /Exploring Music 5. Physically Active Lifestyles (PAL11) 6. Social Studies (Mi’kmaq10*) *Meets Canadian History requirement 7. Elective (math elective for Math 10 students) 8. Elective Plus**2 ALTERNATE COURSES (choose these carefully!)

Course Changes Course changes WILL NOT BE MADE AFTER YOUR REGISTRATION SHEET IS SUBMITTED!!!! If you fail a course first semester, you cannot repeat it in the second semester. Students are choosing courses for the year and they do not have a choice of the semester in which the course falls.

Power School: Parent Portal Timetable/schedule Attendance Teacher / contact Academic Progress ( Sign-up information will be available at …………….

O 2 …. A high school program that Offers students more hands-on learning experiences with a career focus. Designed to prepare students for successful transitions from high school to work, a career path, or a post-secondary program.

Describing the O 2 Student … Someone who requires re-engagement with their learning and with school Someone who may need support in achieving their academic potential Someone needing direction and support in developing career/life pathway Someone who is prepared to commit to a new approach to their learning.

Provides multiple opportunities where students learn in community and workplace settings, link their in-school learning to the workplace, and enhance their employability skills. O 2 ….

1. Applications – student and parent 2. Interviews Students will be accepted with potential for reserved seat at NSCC … the PROCESS

FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAM MUST COMPLETE 9 FRENCH IMMERSION CREDITS FOR FI CERTIFICATE DELF – French Language Proficiency Tests MINIMUM OF 2 FI CREDITS PER YEAR INCLUDING FRENCH (FRA). At least 4 FI credits in grade 10 year. THE FRENCH IMMERSION CERTIFICATE IS NOT A BILINGUAL CERTIFICATE

French Immersion Mission Statement : In a consistent French only environment, students will flourish in the French language in all 4 skill areas: speaking, reading, writing and listening.

Overview of French Immersion Expectation French Immersion students will speak french at all times in all FI classes. Consequences 1. 3 warnings 2. Call home 3. Lose credit and/or asked to leave program

French Immersion Courses fra 10Ifra 11Ifra 12I sci 10Ibio 11Ibio 12I his 10Ihis 11Ihep 12I(Global History) adr 10I *Students leaving French Immersion in Junior High cannot take French 10, only Fra 10I.

Grade 10 FI sample Required 1. English Sciences 10I 3. Fra 10I 4. Bio 11I 5. His 10I or ADR 10I 6/7. Math (1 or 2 semesters) Suggested PAL 11 1 or 2 Electives (i.e. the other of ADR 10I or His 10I) Two alternate courses

HWHS Activities Community Involvement Table Tennis Weight Room Chess Anime Debating Snowboarding Student Government Tech Crew Robotics Rug Hooking Tutoring Intramurals Musical Reach for the Top Rotary Math Club Model Parliament Multicultural Club Curling Athletic Teams A & B Knitting Breakfast Club Student Government

Transition Events HWHS Counsellor Visits to Junior Highs: (January 27 th -31 st ) Grade 9 Orientation at HWHS: March 18 th & 20 th

The Pre-IB and IB Diploma Programs at Halifax West The Grade 10 Pre-IB and Grade 11 &12 IB Diploma are different programs Grade 9 students are only choosing whether or not to enter the grade 10 year Pre-IB program If there is a chance you might take the IB Diploma program in Grades 11 you need to take the Grade 10 Pre-IB program

What is the International Baccalaureate Programme? A challenging two year program for students in grades 11 and 12 It is very well known at universities in Canada and around the world Focus on research, writing, critical thinking