1. Lorne Park Secondary School
Grade 9
Information

2. Welcome to Lorne Park S.S.
For most students, high school is a wonderful experience
You are given more independence but with freedom comes responsibility!
You need to make good decisions and choices for yourself
Selecting the right courses and level of programming is crucial for you to experience success!!

3. A new world………high school !
Larger school (over 1100 students)
You are on your own individual timetable
Students work on a credit system in order to achieve their diploma
You will need to repeat courses if you are unsuccessful in a compulsory area
Personal selection of courses
Different course levels are offered

4. The Ontario Secondary School Diploma
O.S.S.D. Diploma Requirements
30 Credits 18 Compulsory
12 Optional
40 Hours of Community Involvement
Successful Grade 10 Literacy Test

5. Compulsory Credit Requirements
4 English
3 Math
2 Science
1 Arts
1 Canadian Geography
1 Canadian History
1/2 Career Studies
1/2 Civics
1 French
1 Health and Phys. Ed.
An additional credit in: Art, Business, Phys.Ed, A Second Language or Co-op
An additional credit in: Canadian & World Studies, English, Social Science, A Second Language, Guidance, or Co-op
An additional credit in: Science (grade 11/12), Technological Education, Computer Studies, French or Co-op

6. The Grade 9 Program Eight Courses including: Six Compulsory Courses
English
Mathematics
Science
Geography
French
Physical Education

7. The Grade 9 Program Optional Courses Choice of two: Business Drama
Visual Arts
Music for Experienced Players
Music for Beginners
Music Vocal
Exploring Technologies
Creative Technologies

8. Grade 9 Courses Three types Applied Academic Open
Applied and Academic courses:
English, Mathematics, Science,
Geography and French.
Open level courses are:
Drama, Phys. Ed., Visual Arts, Business,
Music and Technological Studies

9. Applied and Academic Courses
Both set high expectations for all students
Both focus on essential concepts of the subject area
Both prepare students for the grade 10 Literacy Test
Both can lead to either Applied or Academic stream in grade 10
A Transfer Course is required to change from applied mathematics in grade 9 to academic mathematics in grade 10

10. Applied and Academic Academic Courses Applied Courses
Emphasize theoretical, abstract applications of the essential concepts
Have greater opportunities for independent learning
Pathways to University, College and Workplace
Applied Courses
Emphasize practical, concrete applications of concepts
Are more teacher-directed
Pathways to College and Workplace
Smaller class size

11. Applied or Academic? Your focus should be on success!!
Consider your learning style, learning strengths, and areas for growth
Differences between courses include emphasis and pace
You may take applied courses in some subjects and academic courses in other subject areas

12. Pathways to University and College
Students who plan to go on to university should take the majority of their courses at the academic level.
However, students who plan to go to university may take some of their courses at the applied level. e.g. Students who take applied level math may go on to university into a program that does not require math as a prerequisite.
Students who plan to go on to college should take the majority of their courses at either the applied level or academic level.

13. Open Courses Offered in many subject areas
Based on expectations suitable for all students
Combine theory and application
Prepare students for further study in grade 10, 11, and 12 courses

14. Choose Wisely
If you select inappropriate classes you may be frustrated, unhappy and unsuccessful!!
Due to availability we may not be able to make course changes at a later date
Access all available resources:
"Chart your Course" booklets will be given to you, which include course descriptions
Discuss and ask questions of your teachers, parents and guidance counsellor
Please consider the recommendations of your teachers!!

15. 40 Hours Community Involvement
You are encouraged to complete this diploma requirement early
Students may start any time after completing grade 8 (July 1, 2014).
School provides information regarding requirements and procedures
Parental support and monitoring are required

16. Grade 10 Literacy Test Administered in April of Grade 10
Evaluates your reading and writing skills
to the end of Grade 9
Results are reported only as “complete” or “incomplete”
Test may be rewritten the following year if unsuccessful
Students failing the test twice are eligible to take a literacy course

17. Grade 9 Mathematics Assessment
NOT a diploma requirement
Evaluates achievement of your grade 9 math skills
Administered near the end of your grade 9 mathematics course

18. Extended French Program
Students in an Extended French Program in both grade 7 and 8 are eligible for the Extended French program at Lorne Park S.S.
Students in French Immersion continue at Clarkson S.S. for the French Immersion Program.
French Immersion students living inside the Lorne Park boundary may attend Lorne Park to take the regular English Program. Written requests for admission in to our Extended French Program will be considered, based on availability.
French Immersion students living outside of the Lorne Park boundary may apply on a Flex Boundary application to attend Lorne Park for the regular English Program.

19. Enhanced Program
Only students who have been identified by an I.P.R.C. as Gifted are eligible for the Enhanced Program at Lorne Park S.S.
Students in the Enhanced Program must take all 4 of their core subjects at the enhanced level: English, Math, Science and Geography
All other subjects are taken at the academic, applied or open level.

20. Easing the move to High School
Class visit to Lorne Park S.S. (December)
Our Mentors talk to you about the school, answer questions and take you on a tour. They discuss:
Extra curricular programs at Lorne Park
A typical schedule of a Lorne Park student
Give an overview of our Mentor program
Grade 9 Orientation Day (the week before school)
You pay your student fee,
You receive your schedule, agenda and student card
You have your picture taken for the yearbook
You go on a tour of the school

21. Mentors
Mentor Day - First week of school we run interactive and fun activities for grade 9's.
You will meet the Mentors assigned to your homeform class
Mentor Program – The Mentors assigned to your class will assist you, if needed and do activities with your class throughout the year

22. Course Planning

23. Online Course Selection

24. Select 6 compulsory and 2 elective courses and submit selections

25. Confirmation of your courses

26. See you in September !
If you have any questions please contact the Guidance Office at Lorne Park
Grade 8 Parents Night is on January 8 at 6:45
Option sheets due January 17