Welcome to Markham District High School TAKE YOUR GRADE 8’s TO HIGH SCHOOL November 4,

Schedule for the day… 10:00 -10:35am  Assembly 10:45 -11:40am  Tour Electives 11:40 -12:25pm  LUNCH!!!! 12:35 -1:50pm  Tour Electives 1:50 …  Return to your school

Diploma Requirements (O.S.S.D.) 18 Compulsory Credits + 12 Optional Credits_____ = 30 Total Credits (110 hours per course) + Successful Completion of Grade 10 Test of Reading and Writing (EQAO) + 40 Hours of Community Involvement

Secondary School Diplomas & Certificates O. S. S. D. The Ontario Secondary School Diploma Students who earn 30 credits; 40 hours of community service and pass the literacy test (O.S.S.C.) The Ontario Secondary School Certificate Students who leave school before earning the O.S.S.D.; must earn at least 14 credits The Certificate of Accomplishment Students who leave school before earning the O.S.S.D. or the O.S.S.C.

18 Compulsory Credits + 12 Optional Credits 4 credits in English 1 credit in French 3 credits in Math 2 credits in Science 1 credit in Can. History 1 credit in Can. Geography 1 credit in Arts (music, art, drama) 1 credit in P hysical Education.5 credit in Civics & Careers Plus a credit in Group 1, 2, & 3 categories ‘Electives’ Optional credits allow students to build an educational program that suits their individual interests and meets college, university, apprenticeship or workplace requirements.

Course Selection In order to meet diploma graduation requirements, it is strongly recommended that students take the following 6 subjects in grade 9: 1. English - Applied, Academic, or Locally Developed 2. Mathematics - Applied, Academic, or Locally Developed 3. Science - Applied, Academic, or Locally Developed 4. Geography - Applied, Academic, or Locally Developed 5. French - Applied or Academic 6. Health & Physical Education – Open All other Grade 9 elective courses will be taken at the open level : Drama, Visual Art, Business, Technology, Music, Learning Strategies (by recommendation only), Family & Society, Latin, Talented Athlete program (based on qualifications)

Destinations … Four Pathways to Opportunity Apprenticeship - Prepare for skilled training College - Hands-on training & theory University - Theory and reasoning Workplace - Prepare for work WHEN THINKING ABOUT YOUR FUTURE, ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS: How do you learn best? What are the admission requirements for College, Apprenticeships and University entrance? What courses do you need to prepare for the workforce?

Today you will visit classrooms showcasing the ELECTIVE subject areas … Elective Areas for Gr.9 –Business –Classics/Latin –Drama –Family Studies –Music –Technological Studies –Visual Arts To get a feel for the knowledge and skills covered in these courses. To help you to make more informed decisions on which elective courses may be right for you!!

In core subject areas, such as English, Math, Science, Geography and French … Which level is right for me … Academic or Applied???

English Department Academic courses develop students’ knowledge and skills through the study of theory and abstract problems. These courses focus on the essential concepts of a subject and explore related concepts as well. They incorporate practical applications as appropriate. Applied courses focus on the essential concepts of a subject, and develop students’ knowledge and skills through practical applications and concrete examples. Familiar situations are used to illustrate ideas, and students are given more opportunities to experience hands-on applications of the concepts and theories they study. The Ontario Curriculum Grades 9 & 10

What does this mean? Academic English - ENG 1D1 1. Students in Academic English feel comfortable exploring both abstract and concrete ideas 2. Students in Academic English feel comfortable making connections between key ideas and related ideas 3. Students in Academic English have a good skill base to build upon Overall: Academic English takes both a theoretical and concrete approach to materials Applied English - ENG 1P1 1. Students in Applied English feel comfortable focusing on key ideas and developing skills in practical ways 2. Students in Applied English feel comfortable make connections between their learning and everyday life situations 3. Students in Applied English need to strengthen their basic English skills Overall: Applied English takes a more hands-on practical approach to materials

Some examples... Academic English – ENG1D1 Specific Expectation: Reading for Meaning  Students will read student and teacher-selected texts from diverse cultures and historical periods, identifying specific purposes for reading Example: Compare the portrayal of adolescent issues in two short stories from different cultures Write an essay on the theme of love in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream Argue a clear position in a formal debate Applied English – ENG1P1 Specific Expectation: Reading for Meaning  Students will read a few different short, contemporary, student and teacher-selected texts from diverse cultures, identifying purposes for reading Example: Compare short animal myths from different cultures Write a personal reflection on the influence of the media Dramatize two sides of an issue for the class

Essential English – ENG1L1 Students taking Essential English will be recommended by their Gr. 8 teacher Students taking Essential English feel comfortable taking a very hands-on approach to course materials Students taking Essential English are interested in building upon their basic literacy skills

Which Gr.9 Math Course should I take? Grade 9 Essentials (MAT1L1) I need to review mathematical skills from previous grades My grade 8 teacher recommended me for this course Grade 9 Applied (MFM1P1) I learn Math best when it is hands-on and in context I prefer to be in a smaller class I need more practice with algebra and problem solving skills Grade 9 Academic (MPM1D1) I do well in Math and I am comfortable exploring mathematical ideas with both a hands-on approach and an abstract approach I have a good understanding of integers, fractions, and proportional reasoning

Comparing strands between Academic and Applied Math Grade 9 Applied (MFM1P1) Number Sense and Algebra Linear Relations Measurement and Geometry Grade 9 Academic (MPM1D1) Number Sense and Algebra Linear Relations Analytic Geometry Measurement and Geometry

Comparison of the course content GRADE 9 ACADEMIC EQAO GRADE 9 APPLIED EQAO

Guidance Services Website  For links to more information on high school programming, YRDSB course calendar, post- secondary options and career exploration,  please visit the MDHS website or … The MDHS Guidance Counsellors will be visiting your schools in the last week of January to deliver presentations on course selections.

Formation of Groups for Tours Students: Find your group number and leader Grade 8 Teachers: Proceed to the Library