COURSE SELECTION – CAREER CRUISING
GRADE 9 ELECTIVES
INFORMATION
Tips from the St. Robert Guidance Department
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The entire course calendar is available in the Guidance link of our school website: http://stro.ycdsb.ca
Both of the Instrumental Music courses (AMU1O2 and AMU103) are non-semestered. It runs all year,
alternating with Religion (HRE1O2 or HRE1O3).
Students wishing to take Music during high school should begin in grade 9.
Students wishing to take Drama or Visual Arts in grade 11 must also take those courses in grade 9 or 10.
Students wishing to take Photography in grade 11 must take Visual Arts in grade 9 or 10.
ESL tips:
 There is no ESL Religion with Music. ESL students will take regular Religion if they choose Music.
 ESL students must take courses as recommended by appropriate school and board staff.
 Students, without 600 hours of French instruction, are eligible for a substitution. To take the place of
French on your course selection sheet, choose a 3rd elective or 2 levels of ESL
(Example: ESLBO1 in semester 1 and ESLCO1 in semester 2).
 ESL core subject courses - academic curriculum delivered to ESL students.
What level should I take?
 Applied level courses involve a real-life, hands on approach with some theory.
 Academic level courses are theoretical in approach and utilize abstract thinking.
 Essential or Locally Developed courses are intended for students whose educational needs are not met
by the provincial courses in English, Mathematics and Science.
 Open level courses provide an opportunity to explore an area of interest for all students.
 If you successfully complete an APPLIED level course in grade 9, it is possible for you to choose the
grade 10 ACADEMIC level course in the same subject.
Math is the only subject that requires you to complete a summer transfer course between grade 9 and 10.
 When choosing levels, take the advice of gr.7/8 teacher(s).
 If in doubt strategy: Choose APPLIED in February, knowing that you can change to ACADEMIC in April if
your grades and confidence improve.
 You can still attend university if you choose some/all applied level courses in grade 9.
 You will not be able to change courses after the verification period in April.
 You will receive a draft timetable during the summer. There will be an opportunity to request timetable
balancing in late August.
COURSE SELECTION – DESCRIPTION OF OPTIONS
Choose 2 of these electives
Plus an Alternate from this list
DRAMATIC ARTS – OPEN ADA1O1
The course provides opportunities for students to explore dramatic forms and techniques, using material from a wide range of sources and
cultures. Students will use the elements of drama to examine situations and issues that are relevant to their lives. Students will create,
perform, discuss, and analyze drama, and then reflect on the experiences to develop an understanding of themselves, the art form, and the
world around them. This course will help students address the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectation that they become reflective and
creative thinkers who adopt a holistic approach to life by integrating learning from various subject areas and experience .
DRAMATIC ARTS – ESL ADA1OS
This course emphasizes the active exploration of dramatic forms and techniques, using material from a wide range of authors, genres, and
cultures. Students will construct, discuss, perform, and analyze drama, and then reflect on the experiences to develop an understanding of
themselves, the art form, and the world around them.
MUSIC: INSTRUMENTAL for BEGINNERS – OPEN AMU1O3
(MUST ALSO CHOOSE HRE1O3)
This course emphasizes the performance of music at an introductory level that strikes a balance between challenge and skill and is aimed at
developing technique, sensitivity, and imagination. Students will participate in creative activities that teach them to listen with understanding.
They will also learn correct musical terminology and its appropriate use. This course helps students to meet Ontario Catholic Graduate
Expectations by enabling each person to become an effective communicator who uses and integrates the Catholic faith tradition in the critical
analysis of the arts, media, technology, and information systems to enhance the quality of life.
MUSIC: INSTRUMENTAL for EXPERIENCED – OPEN AMU1O2 (MUST ALSO CHOOSE HRE1O2)
This course emphasizes the performance of music at a level that strikes a balance between challenge and skill and is aimed at developing
technique, sensitivity, and imagination. Students will participate in creative activities that teach them to listen with understanding. They will
also learn correct musical terminology and its appropriate use. This course helps students to meet Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations
by enabling each person to become an effective communicator who uses and integrates the Catholic faith tradition in the critical analysis of
the arts, media, technology, and information systems to enhance the quality of life.
MUSIC VOCAL - OPEN AMV1O1
This course emphasizes the performance of music at a level that strikes a balance between challenge and skill and is aimed at developing
technique, sensitivity and imagination. Students will participate in creative activities that teach them to listen with understanding. They will
also learn correct musical terminology and its appropriate use. This introductory vocal course is for students interested in singing. This
course helps students to meet Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations by enabling each person to become an effective communicator who
uses and integrates the Catholic faith tradition in the critical analysis of the arts, media, technology, and information systems to enhance the
quality of life.
VISUAL ARTS – OPEN AVI1O1
This course is exploratory in nature, offering an overview of visual arts as a foundation for further study. Students will become familiar with
the elements and principles of design and the expressive qualities of various materials by using a range of media, processes, techniques,
and styles. Students will use the creative and critical analysis processes and will interpret art within a personal, contemporary, and historical
context. This course will help students address the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectation that they become effective communicators who
read, understand and use written materials effectively.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY IN BUSINESS-OPEN BTT1O1
This course introduces students to information and communication technology in a business environment and builds a foundation of digital
literacy skills necessary for success in a technologically driven society. Students will develop word processing, spreadsheet, database,
desktop publishing, presentation software, and website design skills. Throughout the course, there is an emphasis on digital literacy,
effective electronic research and communication skills, and current issues related to the impact of information and communication
technology. This course helps students to meet Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations by enabling each person to become a responsible
citizen who witnesses Catholic social teaching by promoting equality, democracy, and solidarity for a just, peaceful and compassionate
society.
LEARNING STRATEGIES-OPEN GLE1O1
This program has been designed for the needs of exceptional learners. Students will be using assistive technology and will have access to
laptops. This program focuses on learning strategies which include literacy and numeracy skills, personal management skills, and
interpersonal and teamwork skills. Students will use laptops to discover how assistive technology can support the learning process. Students
will build confidence and motivation, which will help them to pursue opportunities for success in secondary school and beyond.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION - OPEN PPL1OF (FEMALE), PPL1OM (MALE)
Students will learn movement skills and principles, ways to improve personal fitness, physical competence and safety/injury prevention. They
will investigate issues related to healthy sexuality, and drug abuse including tobacco and alcohol, presented in a manner which is consistent
with our mission as a Catholic community. They will participate in activities designed to develop goal setting, community, and social skills.
This course emphasizes students’ daily participation in a variety of enjoyable physical activities that promote lifelong healthy active living and
encourages respect for the dignity and welfare of self and others and promotes the living of gospel values. Course Fee $55.00 for CPR and
Self Defense.
EXPLORING TECHNOLOGIES, GRADE 9, OPEN TIJ1O1
This course enables students to further explore and develop technological knowledge and skills introduced in the elementary science and
technology program. Students will be given the opportunity to design and create products and/or provide services related to the various
technological areas or industries, working with a variety of tools, equipment, and software commonly used in industry. Students will develop
an awareness of environmental and societal issues, and will begin to explore secondary and postsecondary education and training pathways
leading to careers in technology-related fields. This course will help students address the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectation that
they become self directed, responsible, life-long learners who set appropriate goals and priorities in school, work and personal life.