Grade 9 Courses

GRADE 9: TRANSITION YEAR

Students entering Grade 9 will enroll in a program that is organized by course types (Destreamed, Locally Developed, or Open). Thus, students and their parents will be required to make choices regarding these types. Choices must also be made regarding the elective courses grade 9 students will be taking. Listed below are key counselling tips for a student beginning her/his secondary school career.

• The common curriculum for all grade 9 students is composed of eight (8) courses which include a core program of six (6) courses and an elective program of two (2) courses.
• Students are required to take one Art credit and one Technological Education credit in either Grade 9 or 10, along with one Health & Physical Education credit at any time during high school.  Technological Education credits are listed under Grade 10 Courses. 
• Students who study French for 30-45 minutes per day in grade 8 will take core French, designated as FSF IDC - Destreamed or FSF 1OC - Open. Early immersion students and those from French schools will take FIF 1DC ­Immersion - Destreamed. Students who choose FIF 1DC - Immersion French are to take the rest of the immersion package with CGC 1DF - Geography, HRE 1OF - Religious Studies and/or AV1 1OF - Art and/or PPL1OF - Healthy and Active Living Education 

COURSES FOR GRADE 9 

Destreamed Courses

Schools in Ontario will no longer stream students into Academic and Applied courses in Grade 9.  

The Locally Developed Program

These courses are designed for students whose academic achievement indicates the student is working on grade 5-7 expectations from the Ontario Curriculum in English and/or Science and/or Mathematics.

In Grade 9 and 10, students in the Locally Developed Program will take special courses for compulsory credits in English and/or Science and/or Mathematics.  Upon successful completion of the grade 9 Locally Developed Program, students will be prepared to study workplace preparation courses in grades 11 and 12. Students in the Locally Developed Program may work to successfully complete the required 30 credits to earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

Open Courses

In disciplines such as the Arts, Business Studies, Health and Physical Education, and Religious Studies, all students will take the same type of course.

GRADE 9 COMPULSORY COURSES 

GRADE 9 ELECTIVE COURSES

 

GRADE 9 COMPULSORY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

HRE 1OR

Religious Education: Discipleship and Culture - Open

This course engages students in the examination of the Christian narrative as revealed in Sacred Scripture. Students are invited to a deeper understanding of both the joy and the demands of living out the call to discipleship as it is described in the Scriptures. Students explore discipleship as encountered in the Sacred Tradition of the Church (Sacraments, Liturgical Year and Church Teaching and Law), as part of their ongoing personal growth and faith understanding. Students explore Catholic rituals, teaching, practice, morals and values, and virtues to facilitate a healthy and covenantal relationship with self, God and with others. Using theological reflection, they are challenged to explore the connections and disconnections of ethical concepts (euthanasia, abortion, sexuality, etc.) between the Church and contemporary culture. The course focuses on encouraging students to know and love by following in the footsteps of Jesus. As they learn of his words and deeds, they discover the importance of prayerfully serving the community to bring about the Reign of God.

HRE 1OF

Religious Education French Immersion - Open

This course is an introduction to recognizing God’s Self-Revelation in Scripture and Church Tradition in order to be able to apply the learned values to a teenager’s personal life. This course also helps students develop attitudes and a value founded on Catholic social teaching and promotes social responsibility and human solidarity. The language of instruction in this course is French. Students are expected to express themselves in French at all times, both orally and in writing. 

ENL 1WC

English- Destreamed 

This course enables students to continue to develop and consolidate the foundational knowledge and skills that they need for reading, writing, and oral and visual communication. Throughout the course, students will continue to enhance their media literacy and

critical literacy skills, and to develop and apply transferable skills, including digital literacy. Students will also make connections to their lived experiences and to society and increase their understanding of the importance of language and literacy across the curriculum.

ENG 1LC

English- Locally Developed

This course provides foundational literacy and communication skills to prepare students for success in secondary school, in the workplace and in their daily lives. In particular, the program works toward preparing students to enter the Grade 10 Locally Developed course in English, and for the Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. 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. This course helps students to meet Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations by preparing each student to be a more effective communicator who listens actively and critically to understand in the light of Gospel values; reads, understands, and uses written materials effectively; and presents information and ideas honestly and with sensitivity to others. 

FIF 1DC

Immersion - Destreamed 

Prerequisite: Minimum of 3800 hours of instruction in elementary French Immersion, or equivalent

This course provides opportunities for students to speak and interact in French independently in a variety of real-life and personally relevant contexts. Students will develop their ability to communicate in French with confidence by using language-learning strategies introduced in the elementary French Immersion program. Students will enhance their knowledge of the language through the study of media texts, short stories and other authentic texts and learning opportunities. They will also continue to increase their understanding and appreciation of diverse French-speaking communities and to develop the skills necessary to become life-long language learners. This course also allows students to listen actively and critically in order to understand and learn in the light of gospel values. 

FSF 1DC

Core French – Destreamed 

Prerequisite: Minimum of 600 hours of instruction in elementary Core French, or equivalent

This course provides opportunities for students to communicate and interact in French with increasing independence, with a focus on familiar topics related to their daily lives. Students will continue to develop language knowledge and skills by using language-learning strategies introduced in the elementary Core French program, and will apply creative and critical thinking skills in various ways. They will also enhance their understanding and appreciation of diverse French-speaking communities, and will develop the skills necessary to become life-long language learners. This course helps students to meet Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations by enabling each person to become an effective communicator who writes and speaks fluently one or both of Canada’s official languages. 

LNOAOC - Native Languages: Level 1

This course is open to the entire student body and will allow students who have no prior Native language experience to develop an appreciation for a Native language and culture, to explore and experience a unique world view, and to learn to speak a Native language. Students will use the language being studied for greetings and daily routines, become familiar with its writing and sound system, and practise basic vocabulary and phrases. Students will also use information technology during course-related activities.  

CGC 1WC

Issues in Canadian Geography – Destreamed            

This course examines interrelationships within and between Canada’s natural and human systems and how these systems interconnect with those in other parts of the world. Students will explore environmental, economic, and social geographic issues relating to topics such as transportation options, energy choices, and urban development. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process, including spatial technologies, to investigate various geographic issues and to develop possible approaches for making Canada a more sustainable place to live. The concept of stewarding of God’s creation will be examined throughout the course.  

CGC 1DF

Geography of Canada - Destreamed French Immersion

This course draws on a variety of frameworks, such as the ecozone framework, and principles of physical, human, and economic geography, to explore Canada’s distinct and evolving character. Students will investigate the interconnections among the landforms, climate, soils, plants, animals, and human activities in Canadian ecozones to develop geographic knowledge and skills that contribute to an understanding of Canada’s diversity and its role in the world. The concept of stewarding of God’s creation will be examined throughout the course. The language of instruction in this course is French. Students are expected to express themselves in French at all times, both orally and in writing. 

MTH 1WC

Mathematics - Destreamed 

This course enables students to consolidate, and continue to develop, an understanding of mathematical concepts related to number sense and operations, algebra, measurement, geometry, data, probability, and financial literacy. Students will use mathematical processes, mathematical modelling, and coding to make sense of the mathematics they are learning and to apply their understanding to culturally responsive and relevant real-world situations. Students will continue to enhance their mathematical reasoning skills, including proportional reasoning, spatial reasoning, and algebraic reasoning, as they solve problems and communicate their thinking.

MAT 1LC

Mathematics - Locally Developed 

This course provides students who have experienced significant difficulties in previous mathematics courses an opportunity to obtain sufficient background and skill development to prepare them for Grade 11 and 12 Workplace Preparation courses. Whenever possible, ideas will be presented in a real-life context, providing students with the opportunity to explore, organize, interpret and use mathematical models to solve problems. Technology and manipulative materials will be used wherever appropriate. Assessment and evaluation will be done using a wide variety of strategies. This course helps students continue their journeys to become self-directed, responsible, life-long learners by providing opportunities to develop and effectively apply communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and time and resource management skills.

SNC 1DC

Science - Destreamed 

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 the principles of static and current electricity.  Students will reflect on their own faith journey and the teachings of Christ in exploring scientific issues and problems; and relate science knowledge to technological, social and environmental knowledge. 

SNC1LC

Science – Locally Developed

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 12 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. Students will reflect on their own faith journey and the teachings of Christ in exploring scientific issues and problems; and relate science knowledge to technological, social and environmental knowledge. 

GRADE 9 ELECTIVE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

ADA 1OC

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. 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 to enhance the quality of life. 

AMU 1OC

Music- Open

This course emphasizes the creation and performance of music at a level consistent with previous experience and is aimed at developing technique, sensitivity, and imagination. Students will develop musical literacy skills by using the creative and critical analysis processes in composition, performance, and a range of reflective and analytical activities. Students will develop an understanding of the conventions and elements of music and of safe practices related to music, and will develop a variety of skills transferable to other areas of their life. This course helps students to meet the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations by enabling each person to become and effective communicator who uses and integrates the Catholic Faith Tradition, in the critical analysis of the arts, media, and technology and information systems to enhance the quality of life. 

ATC 1OC

Dance- Open

This course gives students the opportunity to explore their technical and compositional skills by applying the elements of dance and the tools of composition in a variety of performance situations. Students will generate movement through structured and unstructured improvisation, demonstrate an understanding of safe practices with regard to themselves and others in the dance environment, and identify the function of significance of dance within the global community.  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. 

AVI 1OC

Visual Arts – Open

This course is exploratory in nature offering and overview of visual arts as a foundation of further study. Students will be­come familiar with the elements and principles of design and the expressive qualities or various materials through working with a range of mediums, processes, techniques and styles. They will learn and use methods of analysis and criticism and will study characteristics of particular historical art periods with an emphasis on a selection of Canadian art including First Nations art. 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. 

 AVI 1OF

Visual Arts - Open - French

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. This course enables each person to become a collaborative contributor who develops one’s God-given potential and makes a meaningful contribution to society. The language of instruction in this course is French. Students are expected to express themselves in French at all times, both orally and in writing. 

 NAC 1OC 

Visual Arts - Expressing Aboriginal Cultures - Open

This course will explore a variety of contemporary and traditional First Nations, Métis, and Inuit art forms such as new media, storytelling, installation and performance art. Students will examine the interrelationships between Aboriginal art forms and individual and cultural identities and values. They will create art works to express their own ideas and understanding of Aboriginal identity, relationships, and sovereignty by using a range of media, processes, techniques, and styles.  This course allows students to further their growth as a discerning believer by respecting the faith traditions, world religions and the life-journeys of all people of good will. 

Note: This course is open to all students. This course meets the requirement for the compulsory art credit.

PPL 10X

Healthy Active Living Education Male and Female – Open

This course emphasizes students’ daily participation in a variety of physical activities that promote lifelong health active living. Students will learn bio-mechanics, safety, and physical competence strategies. They will investigate many issues related to tobacco, alcohol substance use and abuse. They will be given the opportunity to be trained and receive their C.P.R. certification if a mark of 80% is attained. This course helps students to write, speak, listen honestly, and respond in light of the gospel values. 

PPL1OY

Healthy Active Living Education Male and Female – Open

This course emphasizes students’ daily participation in a variety of physical activities that promote lifelong health active living. Students will learn bio-mechanics, safety, and physical competence strategies. They will investigate many issues related to tobacco, alcohol substance use and abuse. They will be given the opportunity to be trained and receive their C.P.R. certification if a mark of 80% is attained. This course helps students to write, speak, listen honestly, and respond in light of the gospel values. 

PPL1OF (French Immersion)

Healthy Active Living Education Coed – Open

This course emphasizes students’ daily participation in a variety of physical activities that promote lifelong health active living. Students will learn bio-mechanics, safety, and physical competence strategies. They will investigate many issues related to tobacco, alcohol substance use and abuse. They will be given the opportunity to be trained and receive their C.P.R. certification if a mark of 80% is attained. This course helps students to write, speak, listen honestly, and respond in light of the gospel values. The language of instruction in this course is French. Students are expected to express themselves in French at all times, both orally and in writing.