Course Type Selection Help Sheet For Grade 9 De-Streamed Students
Which one do I choose? Academic, Applied or Locally Developed
In Grade 9, you will be asked to select a course type for Grade 10 compulsory courses (English, History, Math and Science). Choosing which pathway to follow should be based not only on marks but also on your learning skills and study habits. Read the following information to get a better idea of which course type is best for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
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Things Parents/Guardians Should Consider:
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Q - Can I change course types?
A – Yes. You can change course types if you go back and take the required prerequisite courses.
Q - Do all the courses I select have to be the same type i.e. Academic, Applied or Locally Developed?
A – No. You are encouraged to take the type of course that best suits your interests, goals and/or learning style. You can select a variety of courses but must be mindful of University prerequisites.
Q - Is there someone I can go to for help if I have questions about course selection?
A – Yes. Your Grade 9 teachers and report comments are valuable resources you can refer to regarding your course selections. You can also arrange an appointment to see your Guidance Counsellor for information/advice. Your parents/guardians can also be helpful in providing advice and assisting you with your planning.
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1. What destination is my child considering after high school?
2. What comments do my child’s report card indicate would be a wise choice?
3. How does my child best learn?
4. How much teacher assistance does my child require?
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Course Type Characteristics:
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Locally Developed
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Applied
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Academic
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Post-Secondary Destination
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World of Work
Military
Apprenticeships
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College
World of Work
Military
Apprenticeships
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University
College
World of Work
Military
Apprenticeships
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Typical Report Card Comments
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requires much support
limited understanding
with assistance
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communicates with some clarity
some support required
some comprehension
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communicates clearly
works independently
always completes work
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Learning Focus
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The focus is on practical knowledge and life skills with hands on experiences
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The focus is on practical applications but some theory is covered
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Capable of abstract thinking, understanding theory and making practical applications
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Educational Support
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A lot of teacher assistance
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Needs some teacher assistance
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Little, or no teacher assistance needed
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Note: Open courses comprise of a set of expectations that are appropriate for all students. Many of the elective courses are ‘open’ and are designed to meet student interests.
Note: Students that have been scheduled into Locally Developed courses in grade 9 typically continue in the same level in grade 10 unless they take the grade 9 De-Streamed prerequisite courses.
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Course Type Characteristics:
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Locally Developed
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Applied
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Academic
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Summary
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Emphasizes essential skills
Focuses on real life situations and very practical applications
Based on concrete, hands-on applications of what they are learning
Focus on literacy and numeracy skills
Further develop problem solving skills
Benefits from step by step instructions and examples that can be referred to
Kinaesthetic learners
Work is completed within the class
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Emphasizes practice
Focus on practical applications, concrete examples and personal experiences that are relevant to student
More opportunities to experience hands-on applications of what they are learning
Focus on mastering the basics
Recognize relationships exist, observe results and describe specific situations
Benefits from step by step instructions and examples
Kinaesthetic learners
Most of the work is completed within the class
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Emphasizes theory
Focuses on global perspectives and abstract thinking
Work independently
Focus goes beyond the basics into more in depth learning
Explain complex relationships, analyse results, make predictions and extrapolations
Understands a process and can anticipates what comes next
Visual – Auditory learners
Work is completed both in class and with nightly homework
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Samples Expectations
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In English:
Read a passage and write a five sentence paragraph on the setting of the story.
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In English:
Read a teacher selected short story and write a three paragraph essay on a main character.
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In English:
Read Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet and write a five paragraph essay on a major theme in the play.
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Typical Teacher Observations
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Student already on a modified program and is working below grade level expectations/reduced grade level expectations
Student is successful when working directly with teacher
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Student requires more time before moving on to next concept
Student struggles to complete homework independently
Student excels when working in a small group with direct teacher support
More time is usually needed when completing assignments or assessments
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Good retention of concepts learned
Make connections across strands
Completes all homework thoroughly
Takes initiate to get caught up on missed work
Uses appropriate strategies to stay organized ready to be engaged in activity
Motivated to do well
Seeks assistance when needed
Takes risks when collaborating
Perseveres on challenging tasks on his/ her own accord
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