Waterloo-Oxford
District Secondary
School
1206 Snyder’s Rd. West
Baden ON N3A 1A4
Phone: (519) 634-5441
Toll free: (800) 267-1755
Fax: (519) 634-5108
Grade 9 Course Flyer
2014-2015
Guiding you to a successful future
Principal:
Ms. B. Bodkin
Vice-Principals:
Mr. P. Fulcher
Mr. D. Morton
Head of Guidance:
Head of Special Education:
Mr. M. Harvey
Ms. M. Dawson
Website: http://wod.wrdsb.ca
Grade 9
Course Descriptions
2014 – 2015
GRADE 9 COMPULSORY COURSES
Subject
English
Math
Science
Geography
French
Academic
ENG1DI
MPM1DI
SNC1DI
CGC1DI
FSF1DI
Applied
ENG1PI
MFM1PI
SNC1PI
CGC1PI
FSF1PI
Essential
ENG1LI
MAT1LI
SNC1LI
CGC1PB
******
ENG1DI
English, Academic
This course emphasizes the analytical reading, writing, oral
communication and thinking skills that students need for success in
secondary school academic programs and their daily lives. Students
will study and interpret texts from contemporary and historical
periods, including short stories, poems, and short essays, and will
investigate and create media works. An important focus will be the
correct and effective use of spoken and written language.
ENG1PI
English, Applied
This course emphasizes key reading, writing, oral communication, and
thinking skills that students need for success in secondary school and
their daily lives. Students will study plays, short stories, and
newspaper and magazine articles, and will describe and create media
works. An important focus will be the correct use of spoken and
written language
ENG1LI
English, Essential
This course provides foundational literacy and communication skills
to prepare students for success in their daily lives, in the workplace,
and in the English Grade 11 Workplace Preparation course. The
course is organized by strands that develop listening and talking skills,
reading and viewing skills, and writing skills. In all strands, the focus
is on developing foundational literacy skills and in using language
clearly and accurately in a variety of authentic contexts. Students
develop strategies and put into practice the processes involved in
talking, listening, reading, viewing, writing, and thinking, and reflect
regularly upon their growth in these areas.
MPM1DI
Math, Academic
This course enables students to develop generalizations of
mathematical ideas through exploration of applications, the effective
use of technology and abstract reasoning. Students will investigate
relationships to develop equations of straight lines in analytic
geometry, explore relationships between volume and surface area of
objects in measurement and apply extended algebraic skills in
problem solving. Students will engage in abstract extensions of core
learning that will deepen their mathematical knowledge and enrich
their understanding.
MFM1PI
Math, Applied
This course enables students to develop mathematical ideas and
abstract reasoning through explorations of applications, the effective
use of technology and extended experiences with hands on activities.
Students will investigate relationships of straight lines in analytic
geometry, solve problems involving the measurement of 3dimensional objects and 2-dimensional figures, and apply key numeric
and algebraic skills in problem solving. Students will also have
opportunities to consolidate core skills and deepen their understanding
of key mathematical concepts.
MAT1LI
Math, Essential
This course emphasizes further development of mathematical
knowledge and skills to prepare students for success in their everyday
lives, in the workplace, in the Grade 10 LDCC course, and in the
Mathematics Grade 11 and Grade 12 Workplace Preparation courses.
The course is organized by three strands related to money sense,
measurement, and proportional reasoning. In all strands, the focus is
on developing and consolidating key foundational mathematical
concepts and skills by solving authentic, everyday problems. Students
have opportunities to further develop their mathematical literacy and
problem-solving skills and to continue developing their skills in
reading, writing, and oral language through relevant and practical
math activities.
SNC1DI
Science, Academic
This course enables students to understand essential concepts in
biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics; to develop
skills in the processes of scientific inquiry; and to relate science
knowledge to technological, social, and environmental knowledge.
Students will learn about scientific theories and pursue inquiries
related to cell division and reproduction, atomic and molecular
structures, properties of elements and compounds, the universe and
space exploration, and static and current electricity.
SNC1PI
Science, Applied
This course enables students to understand essential concepts in
biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics; to develop
practical skills in scientific investigation; and to apply their
knowledge of science to everyday situations. Students will design and
conduct investigations into practical problems and issues related to
cell division and reproduction, the structure and properties of elements
and compounds, astronomy and space exploration, and static and
current electricity.
SNC1LI
Science, Essential
This course emphasizes reinforcing and strengthening science-related
knowledge and skills, including scientific inquiry, critical thinking
and the relationship between science, society, and the environment, to
prepare students for success in everyday life, in the workplace and in
the Science Grade 11 Workplace Preparation course. Students explore
a range of topics including science in daily life, properties of common
materials, life-sustaining processes in simple and complex organisms,
and electrical circuits. Students have the opportunity to extend
mathematical and scientific process skills and to continue developing
their skills in reading, writing, and oral language through relevant and
practical science activities.
CGC1DI
Geography of Canada, Academic
This course uses a variety of frameworks including eco-zones and
principles of physical, human and economic geography, to explore the
distinct and evolving character of Canada’s geography. Students will
investigate the inter-connections between the environment and human
activities in Canadian eco-zones in order to understand Canada’s
diversity and role in the world.
CGC1PI
Geography of Canada, Applied
This course draws upon the students’ everyday experiences and uses a
variety of frameworks including eco-zones, to help students learn
about the geography of Canada and the country’s place in the global
community. Students will investigate the inter-connections among the
country’s landforms, climate, soils, plants, animals and human
activities in order to understand Canada’s physical character and
diversity and various kinds of interactions.
FSF1DI
French, Academic
This course emphasizes the further development of oral
communication, reading, and writing skills. Students will build on
and apply their knowledge of French while exploring a variety of
themes, such as relationships, trends, and careers. Thematic readings,
which include a selection of short stories, articles, and poems, will
serve as stepping-stones to oral and written activities.
FSF1PI
French, Applied
This course emphasizes the further development of oral
communication skills, using the theme of media; the development of
oral communication skills will be integrated with the development of
reading and writing skills. Students will expand their ability to
understand and speak French through conversations, discussions, and
presentations. They will read media-related short stories, articles,
poems and songs and write brief descriptions, letters, dialogues, and
invitations.
GRADE 9 ELECTIVE COURSES
Subject
Dramatic Arts
Music - Instrumental
Music - Instrumental
Music – Vocal
Visual Arts
Information Technology
Info Tech (Essential)
Food & Nutrition
Healthy Active Living
Healthy Active Living
Exploring Technologies
Open
ADA1OI
AMI1OI (with experience)
AMI1OX (beginners)
AMV1OI
AVI1OI
BTT1OI
BTT1OB
HFN1OI
PPL1OX (female)
PPL1OY (male)
TIJ1OI
ADA1OI
Dramatic Arts, Open
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.
AMI1OI
Music Instrumental, Open - with experience
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 is intended for students who have experience with a
band instrument.
AMI1OX
Music Instrumental, Open - beginners
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 is intended as an introductory course for students who
have never played a band instrument.
AMV1OI
Music Vocal, Open
This course emphasizes the performance of music at a level that strikes
a balance between challenge and skills 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.
AVI1OI
Visual Arts, Open
This course offers 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 through
working with a range of materials, processes, techniques, and styles.
They will learn and use methods of analysis and criticism and will
study the characteristics of particular historical art periods and a
selection of Canadian art and the art of other cultures.
BTT1OI
Information and Communication Technology in Business, Open
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 is the same course as BTT2OI. Students can take this course
in either grade 9 or grade 10 but not both.
HFN1OI
Food and Nutrition, Open
This course explores the factors that affect attitudes and decisions about
food, and examines current issues of body image and food marketing.
Students will learn how to make wise food choices and to prepare
foods, and will investigate our Canadian food heritage and food
industries, as well as global food issues. The course also introduces
students to research skills related to food and nutrition.
PPL1OX* Females
PPL1OY* Males
Healthy Active Living Education, Open
This course emphasizes regular participation in a variety of enjoyable
physical activities that promote lifelong healthy active living. Students
will learn movement skills and principles, ways to improve personal
fitness and physical competence, and safety and injury prevention They
will investigate issues related to healthy sexuality and the use and abuse
of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs and will participate in activities
designed to develop goal-setting, communication, and social skills.
TIJ1OI
Exploring Technologies, Grade 9, Open
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.
* highly recommended to be taken in grade 9
TYPES OF COURSES
Grade Nine is a foundation year upon which all other years are
built. We have found that students who feel successful in their
grade nine program are better equipped to meet the varied
challenges and demands of high school. Therefore, it is very
important that students and their parents, in consultation with the
elementary school staff, select the appropriate type of courses.
Although we do our best to accommodate requests for program
changes during the school year, it may not be possible to make a
change due to timetabling and staffing constraints. We have also
found that making program changes during the school year often
creates other unforeseen difficulties and challenges for students.
Students entering Grade 9 may choose from three types of courses
in the core subjects:
Academic courses emphasize theory and abstract problems. These
types of courses serve as prerequisites for senior courses offered in
the university stream.
Applied courses focus on practical applications and concrete
examples. These types of courses serve as prerequisites for senior
courses offered in the college stream.
Essential courses are locally developed courses that meet
educational needs not met by provincial curriculum documents.
Three courses are available: English, Math and Science. Each of
these may be counted as a compulsory credit in that discipline.
These types of courses serve as prerequisites for senior courses
offered in the workplace stream.
Elective subjects are offered as Open streamed courses and are
available to all students.
See the WRDSB Common Course Calendar for Prerequisite
Flowcharts for each subject area.
www.wrdsb.ca
ONTARIO SECONDARY SCHOOL
DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS
Students entering Grade 9 will be eligible to receive the
OSSD upon the successful completion of 30 credits
including 18 compulsory credits, 12 electives credits
and 2 additional requirements.
Compulsory Credits
4 - English (one per grade)
3 - mathematics (at least one in Grade 11 or 12)
2 - science
1 - French as a second language
1 - Canadian geography
1 - Canadian history
1 - arts
1 - health and physical education
.5 - civics
.5 - career studies
1 - Group 1: additional English, or French as a second
language, or a Native Language, or a classical or
an international language, or, social
sciences and the humanities, or Canadian and world
studies, or guidance & career education, or co-op
1 - Group 2: additional credit in health and physical
education, or the arts or business studies or French
as a second language, or co-op
1 - Group 3: additional credit in science (Grade 11 or
12), or technological education, or French as a
second language, or computer studies, or co-op
Additional Requirements:
 12 optional credits
 40 hours of community involvement activities
 Successful completion of either the
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test or the
Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course
Important Dates
Grade 8 Night- Wednesday, January 15, 2014, 6:45PM
Course Selections due to W-O - Friday, February 21, 2014
Pep Rally- Tuesday, May 6, 2014, 9:00 – 11:00 AM