UNDERSTANDING SECONDARY COURSE LEVELS

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 2024.  Incoming students in our regular program will no longer be required to choose between academic or applied level as grade 9 is now fully destreamed/single stream.  Grade 10 is also single stream academic level (starting in September 2024) to provide all regular stream students with the opportunity to pursue their desired senior level pathway in grade 11.

REGULAR GRADE 9 PROGRAM:

  • English – ENL1WI (destreamed)
  • Math – MTH1WI (destreamed)
  • Science – SNC1WI (destreamed)
  • Canadian Geography – CGC1WI (destreamed)
  • French:
    • FSF1DI (academic) – NOTE students coming from French immersion programs are encouraged to select FSF2DI (grade 10 core French) in grade 9
    • FSF1OI (open level – for students with limited French background in elementary)
  • Plus 3 Elective Courses

FAST FORWARD PROGRAM (Magnet – Application Required):

  • English – ENG1LB (essential)
  • Math – MAT1LB (essential)
  • Science – SNC1LB (essential)
  • Geography – CGC1WB (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)
    • TAS1OB (Exploring Technology)
    • BEM1OB (Intro to Business Technology)

HOW DO CORE SUBJECT LEVELS DIFFER?

ACADEMIC LEVEL COURSES (SINGLE STREAM GRADE 10)

  • Grade 9 and 10 academic courses can lead to University/Mixed level courses in gr. 11/12 (ex. NBE3UI – English or MBF3CI – College Math)
  • 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

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