ANCASTER HIGH SCHOOL
Grade Nine
Option Information
2015-2016
School Year
How do we organize your
courses?
Two Semesters
–Semester 1
4
courses Sept to Jan
–Semester 2
4
courses Feb to June
How do we organize your
courses?
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We do our best to balance your semesters
Here is a sample timetable:
Semester 1
Semester 2
English
Exploring Technologies
Phys. Ed.
French
Math
Science
Visual Art
Geography
What do you need to
graduate?
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18 compulsory credits
12 elective credits
40 hours community
involvement
Ontario Secondary
School Literacy Test
CONGRATULATIONS
Class of 2019!
How can you make sure you get
all the courses you need?
Each year students use an academic planner to make
sure they are on track.
Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
English
English
English
English
Math
Math
Math
Science
Science
Geography
History
French
Careers/Civics
Phys. Ed.
Arts
Grade 9 Compulsory Credits
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1
1
1
1
1
Canadian Geography
English
French
Mathematics
Science
Grade 9s also must select
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A Physical and Health Education course:
 Healthy Active Living (male or female)
OR
 Hockey Focused Course (co-ed)
OR
 Performance Sport Training Course (co-ed)

Students take basketball, volleyball, and soccer
Grade 9 Elective courses
Students choose 2 of the following:
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Visual Arts
Dramatic Arts
Instrumental Music
We recommend
choosing 1 Arts
course in grade 9
Business Information Technologies - computers
Exploring Technologies
Food and Nutrition
Latin
Community Involvement
Hours
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Students can begin their community
involvement hours beginning July 1st,
after grade 8
We ask that students plan to have
these finished at the end of grade 10
Make sure you know if the activity is
eligible for this diploma requirement
How do I know if the
activity is eligible?
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Is the organization community based or not
for profit?
GOOD!
Is the activity something that is usually a
paid position?
NOT ELIGILBLE!
Check out the Board’s website at
http://www.hwdsb.on.ca/students/cih
or the Ancaster High School website for
information on this.
The OSSLT – grade 10
literacy test
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Students start preparing for this in grade 9
All Ontario students will write this test in the
spring of their grade 10 year
Ancaster High School has a VERY high
success rate in passing the Literacy Test
What levels of courses will
you be selecting?
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Academic Courses
Develop knowledge and skills with
emphasis on theory and abstract
thinking
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Designed for the student who has
mastered the grade 8 curriculum
Often these students are heading to
university or college after high school
Academic course success
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Students will learn at a quick pace
Homework is an expectation each
night – at least one hour
Independent work is very important
Studying for tests is critical
The details are given a greater
importance
Enriched Courses
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Enriched courses in English, Math, and Science
Cover the same curriculum as academic
courses.
The credit granted on the final student
transcript is the regular academic credit.
Students can explore and investigate
extensions to the regular content.
Well-suited for students who have a passion for
the subject, who are identified as “gifted” ,
students who are interested in the IB Diploma.
Levels of Courses
Applied Courses
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
Develop knowledge and skills with
emphasis on practical applications
Often these students are heading to an
college, or an apprenticeship after high
school
Applied course success
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Students will be given more time to
work with concepts before moving on
to the next topic
More class time will be spent working
with concepts, less independent work
Homework is expected, but there will
be fewer hours of it
Focus is less on details and more on
understanding
Levels of Courses
Locally Developed Compulsory Courses
 These courses are for students not yet
ready for the grade 9 curriculum
 Students can move to applied levels after
they complete the Locally Developed
course
 The Elementary School Principal will
recommend students for this level
 Often these students are heading directly
to work after high school
What level do I choose?
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Success in grade 9 is important.
Select the course level that suits your
current learning style or work habits.
Students can select Applied or
Academic levels for different courses.
Changing pathways is possible once
you are in high school.
Open Courses
(electives and Phys Ed)
 These courses are designed for
all types of learners
 Provide students with a broad
educational base
 These are interest based or skill
based courses
The Grade 9 Registration Form
The Grade 9 Option Sheet
I.B. – International
Baccalaureate Diploma
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Ancaster High offers the 2 year I.B.
Diploma Programme, starting in grade
11
Students will be granted BOTH an
O.S.S.D. and an I.B. diploma when they
graduate
To prepare for this grade 11/12
program, students enroll in all three
Grade 9 Enriched courses
SHSM – Aviation and
Aerospace
 Students can begin
this program in
grade 11
 There are no special
requirements to
take this program,
but we recommend
you take
“technology”
courses in grade 9
and 10
What clubs are at
Ancaster High?
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Student Council – planning our school year
Art club – making the world more beautiful
Econinjas – a better environment for all
HOPE – helping others
Debate Club – making a point
DECA – “business” is their business
GAA and BAA – athletics and community
Homework Club – helping students improve
Games Room – lunch hour activities
And even more!
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Model UN
Band and MAA
Positive Space
SLAM Poetry
Student Voice
Video Club
Yearbook
........ and the great thing is, if there’s something
you want to start, you can!
Sports at Ancaster High
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There are girls and boys teams in
almost ALL sports going!
There are grade 9 or junior sports in
cross-country, basketball, soccer,
volleyball, football, hockey, waterpolo,
tennis, track and field...
Course Selection
Due Date
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We will be returning to input your
courses - the last week in February.
Teachers will be collecting your option
sheets and school fees in February.
Questions?
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Remember we are here to help you.
If you have any questions, please
contact Student Services at Ancaster
High and we will work to help you.
Use the Ancaster High School website
for information.