The Woodlands School Welcomes you!
3225 Erindale Station Road
Mississauga, Ontario
L5C 1Y5
905-279-0575
Our Mission:
Inspiring all students in an inclusive, caring, and supportive community to
reach their potential as successful and responsible global citizens
Welcome to The Woodlands School
This transition booklet has been created to help you determine the most appropriate course
type for each of your Grade 9 core subjects, and to explain the optional courses that you
may study. The staff of The Woodlands wishes you a smooth transition to secondary school
and hopes that this information will be helpful to you.
Grade 9 students must take 6 core compulsory courses and 2 optional courses for a total of
8 courses.
Core compulsory courses: English, Math, Science, Geography and French. These courses are
offered at either academic or applied levels. (See pages 6-11) All Grade 9 students also take
Health and Physical Education. Optional Courses are open level courses available to all
students. (See pages 12-13 for a description of optional courses.)
When selecting the correct course pathway, students and parents should consider:
 Grade 8 teacher recommendations
 Achievement in Grade 8
 Learning skills
 Post – secondary plans
Graduation Requirements
18 Compulsory credits are required for achievement of the
Ontario Secondary School Diploma:
4
3
2
1
1
1
1
1
.5
.5
3
Credits in English
Credits in Mathematics
Credits in Science
Credit in Canadian History
Credit in Geography
Credit in French as a Second Language
Credit in Health and Physical Education
Credit in the Arts
Credit in Civics
Credit in Career Studies
Additional credits in specific subject areas
In addition to the compulsory courses, students must complete:
12
40
Level 3
Optional credits (See pages 12-13)
Hours of community involvement
Provincial Literacy diploma requirement (OSSLT)
2
Academic or Applied?
To help you decide, complete the following.....
Achievement in Grade 8:
Use your final Gr. 8 report card to fill in below:
Subject
English
Math
Science
Geography
French
Highest Mark
Lowest Mark

Achievement of Level 4 (range of 80% - 100%) usually indicates an
academic course is appropriate in that subject.

Achievement of Level 3 (range of 70% - 79%) may indicate that an
academic course is appropriate in that subject.

Achievement of Level 2 (range of 60% - 69%) may indicate either
academic or applied is appropriate in that subject and both your learning
skills and post-secondary plans should be considered

Achievement of Level 1 (50% - 59%) may indicate that an applied course is
appropriate in that subject.
3
Learning Skills:
Check one answer to help determine which course type (academic or applied)
best matches your learning skills and preferences.
Yes
No
Do you work independently?
Do you complete all assigned homework to the best
of your ability?
Do you complete assignments and hand them in on
time?
Do you enjoy problem solving questions?
Do you enjoy reading and writing?
Do you work well within groups?
Are your notebooks complete and organized?
Do you set goals and work hard to achieve them?
When learning new things, do you challenge yourself
to learn?
When your teacher assigns work, do you start on it
right away?
Total number of checkmarks
If you have 6-10 checks in the “Yes” column, academic courses may be
appropriate for you.
If you checked mostly “No,” applied courses may be appropriate for you.
4
Possible Pathways
Joint or Collaborative
College/University
programme
College
Workplace / Career
Applied Courses
Apprenticeship
Workplace / Career
Workplace / Career
5
Joint or Collaborative
College/University
programme
College
Workplace / Career
Academic Courses
University
Workplace / Career
Workplace / Career
Considerations for Courses and Pathway Planning
The Ontario Secondary School Diploma is a 4 year programme. Depending on the individual
student’s needs, a student may return for a 5th year to complete some requirements to a
maximum of 34 successful credits. The goal of the staff at The Woodlands School is to
ensure student success and choosing the appropriate pathway will allow students to
successfully achieve the curriculum requirements.
Learning Skills are important when considering your pathway choices. If you checked “yes”
0-5 times when assessing your learning skills, you may not have the independent work
habits necessary to be successful at the Academic level. If you checked “yes” 6-10 times,
academic classes may be more appropriate. Academic classes involve a greater degree of
independent study, stronger organizational skills and the ability to work well both in groups
and independently. Applied classes provide more support and structure when learning new
concepts.
Based on the information in this booklet, you should consider course selections carefully to
ensure that the correct type of course is taken. If you are unsuccessful (achievement of less
than 50%) in a Secondary School credit, you will need to repeat it in order to earn the credit,
possibly delaying your graduation date.
For more information on Course choices, refer to www.peelschools.org and Chart Your
Course, the common course calendar available at your child’s school.
6
Core Courses:
English:
Could you complete this work? At which level? When
choosing English courses, consider your Grade 8 marks, your postsecondary plans and your learning skills. Remember, you must take 4
English courses, at either the applied or academic level, including 2
senior courses, in order to graduate from Secondary School
Academic English (ENG 1D)
If you take this course you can anticipate:
 One or more novel(s)
 One Shakespearean play
 Frequent writing activities
 Independent reading and assignments
 Collaborative work
 Group projects/presentations
 Individual presentations
 Media Studies
Below is a sample of the type of
questions/assignments a Grade 9 Academic
student can expect on the literature studied on
the course.
Based on the short story “Future Tense” by
Robert Lipsyte
The story “Future Tense” is about a young boy
named Gary who is stressing about a writing
assignment.
Applied English (ENG 1P)
If you take this course you can anticipate:
 At least one novel study
 One play
 A variety of writing activities
 A variety of reading activities
 Cooperative work
 Media studies
Below is a sample of the type of
questions/assignments a Grade 9 Applied
student can expect on the literature studied on
the course.
Based on the short story “The Moose and the
Sparrow” by Hugh Garner
The story is about bullying and the actions that
the victim takes against the bully.
1.
Describe three practical jokes that Moose
7
1.
The story begins with details that at first
seem inconsequential but later can be
seen as examples of foreshadowing.
Identify and explain each of these
examples of foreshadowing.
Examine all of the information about Mr.
Smith that we are given throughout the
story. Why is it so ironic?
Identify and explain at least two different
types of conflict present in the story.
2.
3.
4.
The story’s ending is a surprise. How
does the author build suspense
throughout the story?
Essay
In a five-paragraph essay, analyze the
character of Gary. Be sure to refer to specific
examples/quotes from the story to prove your
character analysis.
2.
3.
4.
5.
plays on Cecil. Explain which joke, in your
opinion, is the worst one and why?
Describe Cecil, the protagonist (his
appearance, experience as a lumberjack,
and his personality).
Describe Moose Madden, the antagonist
(his appearance, experience as a
lumberjack, and personality).
What is the significance of the
wristwatch strap which Cecil makes for
Mr. Anderson?
How does this story show that
“appearances can be deceiving”?
Writing Assignment
Write a well-developed supported opinion
paragraph on whether you think the actions that
Cecil took against Moose were right or wrong.
Mathematics:
Try these questions. How did you do? If these
questions are difficult for you to answer, applied Math may be a better
choice. If these questions are straightforward for you to answer, academic
Math may be an appropriate choice. Also, refer to your Grade 8 Mathematics
marks, your learning skills and think about your post-secondary plans.
Remember you need 3 Math credits, including 1 senior credit to graduate
from high school.
1. Evaluate each of the following
2 1
5 10

[a] 
[b]
3 6
12 9
[c]
1 1 1
 
4 12 3
2. A woodworker makes a picture frame. It costs him $18 in materials to make the
frame. If he sells it for 25% more than the cost of the materials, what was the price he
charged for the frame?
3. When x = -5 and y = 3, what would be the value of the expression 2x – xy + 7 ?
4. Determine the perimeter of the figure drawn
4cm
2cm
3.5cm
5cm
3cm
8
7.5cm
5. If 2m + 7 = 15, what is the value of m?
(See answers on page 14)
Academic Mathematics (MPM1D)





If you take this course you can
anticipate:
Learning Mathematical
concepts through abstract
reasoning
Developing an understanding
of mathematical concepts by
exploring, investigating,
problem solving
Using technology with
minimal instruction
Nightly homework
Applied Mathematics (MFM 1P)



If you take this course you can
anticipate:
Learning practical applications
of math concepts
Developing an understanding
of mathematical concepts
using a variety of methods,
including hands-on activities
and problem solving
Science:
Read the questions in each of the academic and applied
Science quizzes below. You don't have to know the answers; think about
how the questions are similar and how they are different. If you enjoy linking
concepts and considering how our world works in a big picture way,
academic Science might be for you. If you enjoy learning the specifics about
how things work, applied Science might be the best option for you. Also
consider your Science marks from Grade 8, learning skills and your postsecondary plans. Remember, you need 2 Science credits to graduate
from high school.
The following quiz on chemistry is an example of the questions students in Academic Science can
expect to answer:
1. Describe how the Periodic Table is organized.
2. Consider P, Ca, N, K, O, Si
a) Choose 2 elements from this list that would likely form an ionic compound.
b) Choose 2 elements from this list that would likely form a molecular compound.
3. Simulate chemical changes through various lab experiments.
4. Draw the Bohr-Rutherford diagram for Potassium - indicate the number of protons,
and neutrons.
The following quiz on chemistry is an example of the questions students in Applied Science can
expect to answer:
9
1. List the groups and families in the periodic table.
2. Consider the following elements;
Phosphorous, Calcium, Nitrogen, Potassium, Oxygen and Silicon
a) Classify each as a metal, non-metal or metalloid
3. List the characteristics of a chemical change.
4. Fill in the diagram to show the correct number of electrons for Potassium.
Academic Science, Grade 9 (SNC 1D)
Applied Science, Grade 9 (SNC 1P)
If you take this course you can anticipate:
 Learning abstract science concepts as
well as some concrete applications
 Learning through inquiry-based problem
solving
 Applying math knowledge and skills with
minimal instruction
 Taking notes independently
 Performing laboratory investigations
If you take this course you can anticipate:
 Learning practical applications of science
concepts as well as some abstract
concepts
 Learning through inquiry-based guided
problem solving
 Learning how to apply math knowledge
and skills to science
 Taking structured notes
 Performing laboratory investigations
Geography:
Try these questions. If these questions are
challenging for you, you may find that applied Geography is the best option.
If these questions are straightforward, academic Geography might be a
better choice. Also consider your Geography marks from Grade 8, learning
skills and your post-secondary plans. Remember, you need 1 Geography
credit to graduate from Secondary School.
(You will study History in Grade 10)
Academic Geography, Grade 9 (CGC 1DO)
Applied Geography, Grade 9 (CGC 1PO)
If you take this course you can anticipate:
 Abstract concepts will be emphasized
 One or more major projects
 Independent research and writing
assignments
 Applying math knowledge and skills with
minimal instruction
 Independently reading the textbook and
other graphic texts
If you take this course you can anticipate:
 Concrete concepts will be emphasised
 At least one major project
 A variety of writing activities
 learning to apply math knowledge and
skills to geography
 A variety of reading activities and texts
Try the questions below based on the map.
1.
How far is it from Tavernelle to
Castellina?
10
a)
b)
c)
d)
17 km
50 km
100 km
200 miles
2.
What direction will you travel
Between Poggibonsi and Firenze?
a) Northwest and then northeast
b) Northeast and then northwest
c) southeast
d) south southeast
3.
Which city is the largest?
a) Poggibonsi
b) Tavernelle
c) San Donato
d) Castellina
4.
Which route would take the most
time to travel?
a) Tavernelle to San Donato
b) Poggibonsi to Tavernelle
c) Poggibonsi to Castellina
d) Poggibonsi to San Donato
(See Answers on Page 14)
French:
Look at these writing assignments. Is the academic
sample challenging to read? Would you have to look up more than 5 words? If
so, applied French may be a better choice for you. If you found this passage
easy to understand, academic French may be the best choice. You should also
consider your Grade 8 French marks, learning skills and your post-secondary
plans. Remember, you need 1 French credit to graduate from Secondary School.
Academic French (FSF 1D)
Applied French (FSF 1P)
In this course you will build on and apply your skills
in oral communication, reading and writing in
French.
Below is a sample of the type of writing assignment
a Grade 9 Academic student can expect to complete
in this course.
Journal intime : Un voyage en tempomobile
If you take this course you will develop your
skills in oral communication, reading and
writing in French.
Below is a sample of the type of writing
assignment a Grade 9 Applied student can
expect to complete in this course.
Entrevue avec un suspect :
Londres, le 28 avril 2011
Le détective questionne le premier suspect :
Madeleine
Ma journée en Angleterre avec mon amie a été
amusante, comique et aventureuse. Dans la classe
d’histoire nous avons appris au sujet de La Famille
Royale en Angleterre. Le mariage de Prince William
et de Kate Middleton est demain. Hier soir, Linda a
Détective : Qu’est-ce que tu as fait de 7 heures
à 9 heures?
Madeleine : J’ai cherché le garçon.
Détective : Qu’est-ce que tu as vu?
11
fait un tempomobile avec son frère. Alors, Claire a
pensé : si nous allons dans le futur ( demain, le 29
avril) nous pouvons assister au mariage de William
et Kate et nous pouvons visiter le pays. Avant que
nous allons en Angleterre nous avons parlé à notre
professeure de français pour dire que nous sommes
très malades. Puis, nous sommes allées dans le
tempomobile de Linda et nous avons voyagé en
Angleterre!
Premièrement, nous avons créé un plan d’action
parce que, évidemment, nous n’avons pas pu aller
au mariage sans une invitation. Alors, nous avons eu
l’idée d’aller au mariage comme David et Victoria
Beckham parce qu’ils ont eu une invitation. Le
mariage a été formidable. William et Kate ont été
très contents… et Kate Middleton a été très belle.
Tout le monde s’est bien amusé. Puis j’ai eu une
idée folle : Sans sa bague, Kate sera encore très
belle et moi, je dois avoir un souvenir de ce jour
merveilleux, n’est-ce pas. Alors, après le mariage je
lui demanderai si je peux avoir la bague…
Madeleine : J’ai vu Charles sur la terrasse –
mort!
Détective : Je n’ai plus de questions. Au revoir.
Après le détective questionne Pierre et Kyle.
Détective : J’ai quelques questions. Quel a été
votre rapport avec Charles?
Pierre : Je suis son cousin.
Kyle : Je suis le voisin et le meilleur ami.
Détective : Qu’est-ce que vous avez fait de 7
heures à 9 heures?
Kyle : J’ai regardé la télé à la maison.
Pierre : Non! J’ai vu Kyle quand je suis allé au
café.
Détectives : Et j’ai trouvé ces cheveux blonds
sur le lieu de crime.
Optional Courses
Drama – ADA 1O0
Interested in speaking more effectively in front of an
audience? Do you enjoy role-play or scene writing? Maybe
you would like to pursue a career in the performing arts?
Then the Grade 9 Dramatic Arts course is a great place to
meet some kindred spirits and learn focus and control. This
course provides the basis for any type of performance work
and the rewards will show up in all your other courses!
Music – AMI 1O3
Instrumental Band – Beginner: If you have never played a
band instrument before, this is your opportunity to learn
how to play an instrument in a group setting. You will have
many opportunities to create and perform in large and small
ensembles.
12
Music – AMI 1O5
Instrumental Band – Experienced: Further your instrumental
skills and musical abilities through performing various styles
of music, including pop and jazz. Highlights of this course
include opportunities to compose music using Finale
software, and performing music in a variety of ensembles.
Students are strongly encouraged to take AMR1O0 as this
class ensures year long playing of music in a large ensemble.
Music – AMR 1O0
Band Repertoire: Instrumentalists in this class will focus on
preparing a variety of music for performances in concerts
and for festivals. This class ensures everyone is playing and
performing at a higher level for the duration of the school
year and all students must be enrolled in AMI1O5 as a corequisite. This is a non-semestered course which runs
Wednesday and Friday mornings at 7:00 a.m. throughout the
school year.
Music – AMV 1O0
Vocal Music: Improve and refine your vocal technique
through studying and singing various styles of music.
Students will gain experience by performing both solos and
within small ensembles.
Family Studies: Individual and Family Living –
HIF1O0
This course will provide you with creative and interactive
opportunities to learn about who you are – real life issues
such as healthy lifestyles, social responsibilities, peer
interactions, conflict resolution, different types of families,
peer pressure and advertising techniques are covered, as
well as a hands-on introduction to fashion and cooking.
Visual Arts – AVI 1O0
Explore your creativity at the same time as improving your
practical skills and problem solving abilities in this
introductory visual arts course. Painting, drawing, sculpting
and design studio activities are featured.
13
Information and Communication Technology in
Business – BTT 1O0
The Grade 9 Business course is all about using computers as
a tool. Much of the course is hands-on: you will work on
proper typing technique, word processing, using
spreadsheets and creating web pages. You will also learn
some important computer-related theory; topics such as
how computer waste affects our environment, internet
safety and identity theft. The course aims to give you the
computer skills to use for both schoolwork and personal life.
Exploring Technologies – TIJ 1O0
This course is activity based and includes both computergenerated and physical projects. Major projects include a
CO2 powered dragster, posters, and working drawings.
Activities include the use of hand and power tools, manual
drawing, report writing, set-up and use of industrial
woodworking machinery, wiring electronic circuits and
generating drawings with AutoCAD. Real world engineering
at a grade 9 level!
Answers:
Mathematics:
1. [a]
[b]
2 1

3 6
4 1
 
6 6
5

6
[c]
5 10

12 9
5 9
 
12 10
1 9
 
12 2
1 3
 
4 2
3

8
2. The woodworker charged $22.50
3. Answer is 12
4. 25 cm
1 1 1
 
4 12 3
3 1 4
  
12 12 12
6

12
1

2
solution:
solution:
= –10 + 15 + 7
= 12
18 x 1.25 = 22.50
2(–5) – (–5)(3) + 7
solution:
14
4cm
2cm
3.5cm
5cm
3cm
7.5cm
Perimeter
= 25
5. m = 4
Geography:
= 4 + 2 + 3.5 + 3 + 7.5 + 5
solution:
2m + 7 = 15
2m + 7 – 7 = 15 – 7
2m = 8
2m ÷ 2 = 8 ÷ 2
m=4
1. A
2. B
3. A
4. C
15