ACADEMIC PATHWAYS IN ONTARIO HIGH SCHOOLS

As you begin to consider which courses to choose for grade 9, we are pleased to announce a broad, simplified de-streamed grade 9 program for September 2022.  Incoming students in our regular program will no longer be required to choose between academic or applied level in most core/compulsory subject areas – see details below:

REGULAR GRADE 9 PROGRAM:

  • English – ENG1DI (academic)
  • Math – MTH1WI (destreamed)
  • Science – SNC1WI (destreamed – NEW FOR 2022, academic & applied level no longer offered)
  • Canadian Geography – CGC1DI (academic)
  • French:
    • FSF1DI (academic)
    • FSF1DX (academic/enriched – for former French Immersion students)
  • Plus 3 Elective Courses

FAST FORWARD PROGRAM (Magnet – Application Required):

  • English – ENG1LB (essential)
  • Math – MAT1LB (essential)
  • Science – SNC1LB (essential)
  • Geography – CGC1DB (academic/Fast Forward)
  • NOTE – French is not required as part of the Fast Forward program
  • 4 Elective Courses:
    • PPL1OB (Boys Phys-Ed) or PPL1OG (Girls Phys-Ed)
    • ALC1OB (Integrated Arts)
    • TIJ1OB (Exploring Technology)
    • BTT1OB (Intro to Business Technology)

HOW DO CORE SUBJECT LEVELS DIFFER?

ACADEMIC LEVEL COURSES (BEYOND GRADE 9)

  • Grade 9 and 10 academic courses can lead to University/Mixed level courses in gr. 11/12
  • Pathway to University or College as possible post-secondary destinations with these courses as a foundation
  • These courses are designed for the learner who:
    • Is self-motivated
    • Enjoys reading
    • Perseveres when challenged
    • Benefits from independence
    • Likes to explore beyond related learning
    • Recognizes the need for daily homework and review
    • Good time management skills

PRE-AP/ADVANCED PLACEMENT (MATH & SCIENCE)

  • MATH (MPM2DW) – may begin in grade 10 (MPM2DW), pending Ministry announcements regarding further destreaming beyond grade 9
  • SCIENCE (SCH3UW/SPH3UW) – will commence in grade 11 for Physics and Chemistry
  • Advanced Placement (AP) program offers students the opportunity to pursue university-level studies while still in high school.
  • Students can earn credits for many universities and colleges in Canada and the USA.
  • Enrolling in Pre-AP courses prepares students for success in senior (grade 12) Advanced Placement courses (Calculus, Chemistry & Physics)
  • Pre-AP extends the current curriculum and enriches specific learning outcomes.
  • NOTE – LHSS also offers Enriched French in grade 9-12 for students coming from French Immersion programs.
  • Although Pre-AP extends the curriculum, evaluation is based on the regular academic Ontario curriculum.
  • Visit our Pre-AP/AP page for more information.

APPLIED LEVEL (ex. ENG2PI)

  • Applied level courses are no longer offered at the grade 9 level for September 2022 (retired)
  • Applied level may be offered for students in grade 10 (September 2023) pending Ministry of Education decisions
  • Grade 10 applied level typically leads to College/Mixed level courses in gr. 11/12
  • Pathway to College diploma as possible post-secondary destination
  • These courses are for the learner who:
    • Enjoys learning by doing
    • Likes to learn and master essential skills and knowledge
    • Benefits from more structure, smaller class sizes
    • Reads for a specific purpose
    • Completes tasks in a directed environment

ESSENTIAL LEVEL – FAST FORWARD (ex. ENG1LB)

  • Can lead to Workplace level courses in gr. 11/12
  • Pathway designed to prepare students to directly enter the world of work
  • These courses are for the learner who:
    • Benefit from more structure and reinforcement of concepts
    • Benefits from a variety of different activities to learn and master essential skills and knowledge
    • Enjoys learning by doing
    • Smaller class sizes & in-class support

OPEN LEVEL (ex. AVI1OI)

  • “O” level courses offered in grades 9 and 10
  • Elective courses (ex. Phys-ed, Art, Business, Tech)
  • Appropriate for all students, regardless of level
  • Electives become College or Mixed level in grades 11/12