STUDENT FRIENDLY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS – GRADE 9 COMPULSORY
COURSES
ENGLISH
ENG 1D (Grade 9 Academic English)
The Grade 9 Academic English course considers how individuals face adversity and overcome
difficulties to grow and develop personally. Our Grade 9's will read a variety of fiction and nonfiction to better understand how meaning is constructed through the text. In the Grade 9
Academic English class you may study a core novel such as, The Curious Incident of the Dog in
the Night-Time or Eleanor and Park. We also study the Shakespearean play, A Midsummer
Night's Dream. Students are also introduced to the key concepts of media studies through an
introduction to the advertising unit. In this unit, students will analyze media products as well as
create their own public service announcement. Students will, throughout the course, work on
developing academic writing skills and will be introduced to the fundamentals of essay writing.
Students will also review the components of the Literacy Test. An important focus in this course
will be on the use of strategies that contribute to effective communication. The course is
intended to prepare students for the Grade 10 Academic English course, which leads to
university or college preparation courses in Grades 11 and 12.
Prerequisite: None
ENG 1P (Grade 9 Applied English)
The Grade 9 Applied English program allows students the opportunity to see how language,
literature, and media are a part of our everyday lives. They will learn a variety of reading
strategies to help them gain a deeper understanding of various text forms they encounter across
the curriculum and in their personal lives. This course asks students to improve their
communication and analytical skills by examining a variety of texts, including the novels The
First Stone or Stones, short stories, play(s) and media-related content. Students will also work on
organizing their writing, as well as writing for various audiences in order to be more clear and
concise. This course will also reinforce the skills students need to be successful when writing
the Literacy Test (OSSLT) in grade 10. The final evaluation will be done over several days to
allow students ample time to demonstrate what they have learned during the semester.
Prerequisite: None
ENG 1L (Grade 9 Locally Developed English)
The Grade 9 Locally Developed English course asks students to consider their place in society as
well as to know more about global issues and Canada’s past. Students refine their reading
strategies through the study of a variety of texts such as short stories, blogs and online
news, and either The Boy in Striped Pajamas or Freak the Mighty. Reading and writing skills
necessary for the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test are also emphasized. Writing a
variety of paragraphs such as summary and supported opinion allows students to write for
different purposes and audiences. Studies of media texts in both print and film forms are also
included in the course.
Prerequisite: None
FRENCH
FSF 1D (Grade 9 Academic French)
This academic French course emphasizes the further development of oral communication, reading,
and writing skills that students have learned during their formative years in French. Students will
build on and apply their knowledge of French while exploring a variety of themes such as; personal
interests, culture within our communities, travel within Canada, types of new media, personal
creativity, individuality and cultural backgrounds. This course will also have a focus on
francophone culture in Asia and Africa. Thematic readings, which include a selection of short
stories, articles, and poems, will serve as stepping stones to oral and written activities.
Prerequisite: None
FSF 1P (Grade 9 Applied French)
In this French course students will continue to develop the listening, reading, writing and speaking
skills they learned during their formative years in French. They will demonstrate the knowledge
and skills they learn about everyday situations by doing a variety of tasks such as dialogues,
presentations, reading and short writing activities. They will also learn about many French
speaking communities in Canada and around the world, gaining a deeper understanding of the
importance of a second language as part of a well-rounded education.
Prerequisite: None
GEOGRAPHY
CGC 1D (Grade 9 Academic Geography)
Is Canada the greatest country to live in? This inquiry question forms the base for this course,
which challenges students to think critically about Canada and its place in the world. Throughout
this course we explore the evolution of Canada’s people, environment, and economy through
investigating topics such as: the changing face of immigration, future population challenges,
landform formation and our interaction with our environment, balancing resource extraction and
the conservation of our environment, and making our cities more sustainable in the future.
Skills that will be developed include:
 Critical thinking skills related to the evaluation of sources, statistics, and other
geographic information (maps, graphs, infographics, etc.)
 Writing supported opinion pieces and creating engaging presentations
 Effective use of technology (Geographic Information Systems, Web 2.0 tools, Apps etc.)
to facilitate both student learning and the sharing of student learning
Projects include:
 Presentations using various media (podcasts, videos, and traditional presentations)
 Research reports and blogs using digital technology and traditional methods
 Website and social media campaign focused on urban planning
 Structured debate on the future of the Oil Sands
Prerequisite: None
CGC 1P (Grade 9 Applied Geography)
Is Canada the greatest country to live in? This inquiry question forms the base for this course,
which challenges students to think critically about Canada and its place in the world. Throughout
this course we explore the evolution of Canada’s people, environment, and economy through
investigating topics such as: the changing face of immigration, future population challenges,
landform formation and our interaction with our environment, balancing resource extraction and
the conservation of our environment, and making our cities more sustainable in the future.
Skills that will be developed include:
 Critical thinking skills related to the evaluation of sources, statistics, and other
geographic information (maps, graphs, infographics, etc.)
 Writing supported opinion pieces and creating engaging presentations
 Effective use of technology (Geographic Information Systems, Web 2.0 tools, Apps etc.)
to facilitate both student learning and the sharing of student learning
Projects include:
 Presentations using various media (podcasts, videos, and traditional presentations)
 Supported opinion reports and blogs using digital technology and traditional methods
 Mapping and graphing of statistical data, interpretation of data
Prerequisite: None
HEALTH AND PHYSCIAL EDUCATION
PPL 1OF/PPL1OM (Grade 9 Healthy Active Living Education - Open)
In the grade nine course an emphasis is put on regular participation, having fun, and promoting a
lifelong healthy active lifestyle. This is a sport focused course but includes a strong fitness
component as well. A wide variety of games and activities are taught including basketball,
volleyball, soccer, flag football, badminton, self-defense, low organizational games, weight
training, floor hockey, softball, and fitness. The health portion of the course involves looking at a
variety of issues that affect our everyday lives. Topics include fitness theory and goal setting,
healthy growth and sexuality, personal safety/CPR training (ACT), and positive relationships.
Students taking this course should have an interest in playing sports and improving their
individual fitness level. Students will be required to participate vigorously in daily activities in
order to be successful. Final assessments include fitness testing and practical exam of the
student's knowledge of the concepts discussed in the course. There is also the potential for guest
speakers, in school events, and out of school field trips which may require a fee.
Prerequisite: None
MATH
MPM 1D (Grade 9 Academic Math)
In this course students will:
• learn about Number Sense and Algebra, Linear Relationships, Analytical Geometry, and
Measurement.
• learn how to collect, analyze and represent data and recognize relations specifically linear
relations, in either an algebraic or visual/graphical context.
• learn how to explore relationships that emerge from measurement of 2D and 3D objects
Prerequisite: None
MFM 1P (grade 9 Applied Math)
This course will expose students to a variety of mathematical processes and their applications.
Students will:
• learn about Number Sense, Linear Relationships, Measurement and Geometry
• develop an understanding of mathematical concepts related to introductory algebra,
proportional reasoning, and measurement and geometry through investigation, the
effective use of technology, and hands-on activities
Prerequisite: None
Locally Developed Compulsory Course, Grade 9
MAT 1L (Grade 9 Locally Developed Math)
• In this course, students learn the math they need to survive in the adult world. Students
will also learn:
practical applications of money, for example, calculating taxes, discounts, and tips
• estimating and measuring using the metric and imperial systems
• fractions, rates, and ratios through the themes of cooking, sports and leisure and
construction
• drawing 3-D shapes and finding the volumes
Prerequisite: None
SCIENCE
SNC 1D (Grade 9 Academic Science)
This course enables students to understand basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space
science, and physics; to develop skills in the processes of scientific inquiry; and to relate science
to technology, society, and the environment. Students will learn scientific theories and conduct
investigations related to ecology and ecosystems; atomic and molecular structures and the
properties of elements and compounds; the universe and space exploration; and the principles of
electricity.
Prerequisite: None
SNC 1P (Grade 9 Applied Science)
This course enables students to understand basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space
science, and physics; to develop skills in the processes of scientific inquiry; and to apply their
knowledge of science to everyday situations. Students will design and conduct investigations
into real-world problems and issues related to ecology and ecosystems; atomic and molecular
structures and the properties of elements and compounds; the universe and space exploration;
and the principles of static and current electricity.
Prerequisite: None
SNC 1L (Grade 9 Locally Developed Science)
The focus of this course is the development of transferrable scientific skills, e.g. observation,
inference, recording and reporting, through problem-solving and experimentation. Topics may
include, though are not limited to: Nature of Science, Space/Our Solar System, Chemicals and
Their Properties, The Human Body/Nutrition. Students will design and conduct investigations to
test a product claim of their choosing. They will also build and present a model of a habitat used
for space exploration.
Prerequisite: None