Simcoe Composite School
Grade 9
Course Descriptions
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ARTS |
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Dramatic Arts |
Drama ADA1O
This course provides opportunities for students to explore dramatic forms and techniques, using material from a wide range of sources and cultures. Students will use the elements of drama to examine situations and issues that are relevant to their lives. Students will create, perform, discuss, and analyse drama, and then reflect on the experiences to develop an understanding of themselves, the art form, and the world around them.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Open GRADE: 9
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Instrumental Music |
Instrumental Music-Band AMI1O
This course is for students who have not played a band instrument or wish to switch band instruments from the one played in Grade 8. No previous experience is required in music. The course covers the fundamentals of playing technique, tone and music reading skills. Basic theory and musical terms are also introduced.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Open GRADE: 9
Music – (Instrumental Band – Advanced) AMU1O **
This course emphasizes the creation and performance of instrumental 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.
**COURSE NOTE: Students selecting this course should have previous music experience and some knowledge of reading music.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Open GRADE: 9
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Visual Arts |
Visual Arts AVI1O
This course is exploratory in nature, offering 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 by using a range of media, processes, techniques, and styles. Students will use the creative and critical analysis processes and will interpret art within a personal, contemporary, and historical context.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Open GRADE: 9
First Nations, Metis and Inuit Studies
Expressing Aboriginal Cultures NAC1O
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. NAC1O can count as a compulsory Art credit.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Open GRADE: 9
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BUSINESS AND COMPUTER STUDIES |
Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset BEM1O
In this course, students will learn what makes an entrepreneur thrive and the skills required to succeed in today’s business environment. Students will begin to develop their own entrepreneurial mindset, and learn why it’s important to take initiative, adapt to change, find creative solutions, and understand the financial considerations of entrepreneurship. This hands-on course will use business software and applications to help students plan and develop their entrepreneurial ideas and learn how to present them to a target audience. Throughout the course, students will enhance their communications skills as well as develop and refine their project management skills, including goal setting, time management, and networking.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Open GRADE: 9
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CANADIAN AND WORLD STUDIES |
Issues in Canadian Geography CGC1W
This course builds on learning in Grades 7 and 8 in geography. Students will explore relationships within and between Canada’s natural and human systems and how they interconnect with other parts of the world. Students will also examine environmental and economic issues, and their impact related to topics such as natural resources and industries, careers, land use and responsible development, and sustainability. In addition, students will understand the connections that diverse communities and individuals have with the physical environment and each other throughout Canada, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives. Students will apply geographic thinking, use the geographic inquiry process, and use geospatial technologies throughout their investigations.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: De-streamed GRADE: 9
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GUIDANCE AND CAREER EDUCATION AND CIVICS |
Learning Strategies 1: Skills for Success in Secondary School GLS1O**
This course focuses on learning strategies to help students become better, more independent learners. Students will learn how to develop and apply literacy and numeracy skills, personal management skills, and interpersonal and teamwork skills to improve their learning and achievement in school, the workplace, and the community. The course helps students build confidence and motivation to pursue opportunities for success in secondary school and beyond.
**Students should select this course only after consultation with Grade 8 teacher or SERT
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Open GRADE: 9
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ENGLISH |
English ENL1W
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.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: De-streamed GRADE: 9
English ENG1L
This course provides foundational literacy and communication skills to prepare students for success in their daily lives and in the workplace. The course is organized by strands that develop listening and talking skills, reading and viewing skills, and writing skills. In all strands, the focus is on developing foundational literacy skills and in using language clearly and accurately in a variety of authentic contexts. 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 is intended to prepare students for the grade 10 essentials English course which leads to workplace courses in grades 11 & 12.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Locally Developed GRADE: 9
Core French FSF1D
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 develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing 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 skills necessary for lifelong language learning.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: De-streamed GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: Minimum of 600 hours of elementary Core French instruction, or equivalent.
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EXTENDED FRENCH |
Extended French, Grade 9 FEF1D
This course provides opportunities for students to speak and interact in French in a variety of real-life and personally relevant contexts. Students will develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing by using language learning strategies introduced in the elementary Extended French program. They will develop their creative and critical thinking skills through independently responding to and interacting with a variety of oral and written texts. They will also enhance their understanding and appreciation of diverse French-speaking communities and will develop skills necessary for lifelong language learning.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: De-streamed GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: Minimum of 1260 hours of French instruction, or equivalent.
Issues in Canadian Geography – Extended French CGC1WF
This course builds on learning in Grades 7 and 8 in geography. Students will explore relationships within and between Canada’s natural and human systems and how they interconnect with other parts of the world. Students will also examine environmental and economic issues, and their impact related to topics such as natural resources and industries, careers, land use and responsible development, and sustainability. In addition, students will understand the connections that diverse communities and individuals have with the physical environment and each other throughout Canada, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives. Students will apply geographic thinking, use the geographic inquiry process, and use geospatial technologies throughout their investigations.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: De-streamed GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: Minimum of 1260 hours of French instruction, or equivalent.
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MATHEMATICS |
Mathematics MTH1W
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.
Successful completion of this course prepares students for Principles of Mathematics – MPM2D or Foundations of Mathematics – MFM2P.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: De-streamed GRADE: 9
Mathematics MAT1L
This course emphasizes further development of mathematical knowledge and skills to prepare students for success in their everyday lives, in the workplace, in the Grade 10 LDCC course, and in the Mathematics Grade 11 and Grade 12 Workplace Preparation courses. The course is organized by three strands related to money sense, measurement, and proportional reasoning. In all strands, the focus is on developing and consolidating key foundational mathematical concepts and skills by solving authentic, everyday problems. Students have opportunities to further develop their mathematical literacy and problem-solving skills and to continue developing their skills in reading, writing and oral language through relevant and practical math activities.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Locally Developed GRADE: 9
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HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION |
Healthy Active Living Education - Male PPL1OB
This course equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy choices now and lead healthy, active lives in the future. Through participation in a wide range of physical activities, students develop knowledge and skills related to movement competence and personal fitness that provide a foundation for active living. Students also acquire an understanding of the factors and skills that contribute to healthy development and learn how their own well-being is affected by, and affects, the world around them. Students build their sense of self, learn to interact positively with others, and develop their ability to think critically and creatively.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Open GRADE: 9
Healthy Active Living Education - Female PPL1OG
This course equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy choices now and lead healthy, active lives in the future. Through participation in a wide range of physical activities, students develop knowledge and skills related to movement competence and personal fitness that provide a foundation for active living. Students also acquire an understanding of the factors and skills that contribute to healthy development and learn how their own well-being is affected by, and affects, the world around them. Students build their sense of self, learn to interact positively with others, and develop their ability to think critically and creatively.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Open GRADE: 9
Healthy Living and Large-Group Activities (Basketball Course) PAL1O
This course equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy choices now and lead healthy, active lives in the future. Through participation in a wide range of physical activities, students develop knowledge and skills related to movement competence and personal fitness that provide a foundation for active living. Students also acquire an understanding of the factors and skills that contribute to healthy development and learn how their own well-being is affected by, and affects, the world around them. Students build their sense of self, learn to interact positively with others, and develop their ability to think critically and creatively. The emphasis of this course is on basketball skill development. Areas of focus include strategies and tactics, coaching styles, historical evolution of the game, training concepts, and safety issues inherent to the sport.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Open GRADE: 9
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SCIENCE |
Science SNC1W
This course enables students to develop their understanding of basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and to relate science to technology, society, and the environment. Throughout the course, students will develop their skills in the processes of scientific investigation. Students will acquire an understanding of scientific theories and conduct investigations related to sustainable ecosystems; atomic and molecular structures and the properties of elements and compounds; the study of the universe and its properties and components; and the principles of electricity.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: De-streamed GRADE: 9
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SOCIAL SCIENCES AND THE HUMANITIES |
Exploring Family Studies HIF1O
This course explores, within the context of families, some of the fundamental challenges people face: how to meet basic needs, how to relate to others, how to manage resources, and how to become responsible members of society. Students will explore adolescent development and will have opportunities to develop interpersonal, decision-making, and practical skills related to daily life. They will learn about the diverse ways in which families’ function in Canada and will use research skills as they explore topics related to individual and family needs and resources. This survey course is an excellent introduction to the range of courses offered at the senior level of Family Studies. Units centered on Food and Nutrition, Clothing, Parenting and the Social Sciences provide students with the unique opportunity to explore all areas of the Family Studies curriculum.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Open GRADE: 9
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TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION |
** COURSE NOTE: In some courses there may be additional costs to the student for upgrades or additional materials.
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Exploring Technologies |
Technology and the Skilled Trades TAS1O
This hands-on course enables students to further explore the engineering design process and develop other technological knowledge and skills introduced in earlier grades. Students will design and safely create prototypes, products, and/or services, working with tools and technologies from various industries. As students develop their projects to address real-life problems, they will apply technological concepts such as precision measurement, as well as health and safety standards. Students will begin to explore job skills programs and education and training pathways, including skilled trades, that can lead to a variety of careers.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Open GRADE: 9
PREREQUISITE: None
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Green Industries |
Green Industries THJ10**
This exploratory course introduces students to concepts and skills related to the green industries, agriculture, forestry, horticulture, and landscaping. Students will develop an awareness of related environmental and societal issues and will begin to explore secondary and postsecondary pathways leading to careers in the field.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Open GRADE: 9
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Hairstyling and Aesthetics |
Hairstyling and Aesthetics TXJ1O**
This exploratory course introduces students to concepts and skills related to hairstyling and aesthetics, including hair, nail, and skin care applications. Students will develop an awareness of related environmental and societal issues and will begin to explore secondary and postsecondary pathways leading to careers in the field.
CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Open GRADE: 10