Simcoe Composite School

Grade 9

Course Descriptions

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

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.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Open GRADE: 9

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

BUSINESS AND COMPUTER STUDIES

Information and Communication Technology in Business BTT1O

This course introduces students to information and communication technology in a business environment and builds a foundation of digital literacy skills necessary for success in a technologically driven society. Students will develop word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, presentation software, and website design skills. Throughout the course, there is an emphasis on digital literacy, effective electronic research and communication skills, and current issues related to the impact of information and communication technology.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Open GRADE: 9

ENGLISH

English ENG1D

This course is designed to develop the oral communication, reading, writing, and media literacy skills that students need for success in their secondary school academic programs and in their daily lives. Students will analyse literary texts from contemporary and historical periods, interpret informational and graphic texts, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on the use of strategies that contribute to effective communication. This course is intended to prepare students for the grade 10 academic English course which leads to university courses in grades 11 & 12.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: De-streamed/Academic 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

FRENCH as a SECOND LANGUAGE

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/Academic GRADE: 9

PREREQUISITE: Minimum of 600 hours of elementary Core French instruction, or equivalent.

GEOGRAPHY

Issues in Canadian Geography CGC1D

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 in which to live.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: De-streamed/Academic GRADE: 9

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

PHYSICAL AND HEALTH 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

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Open GRADE: 9

Healthy Living and Large-Group Activities (Basketball Course) PAL1O

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Open GRADE: 9

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

Science SNC2L

This course is available for students looking to earn a science credit in year one or two.

The course covers a range of topics including chemistry, biology, astronomy, electricity and environmental science. The goal of this course is to prepare students for application of science in the workplace and society. Emphasis is placed on practical skills and applications. This course leads to a second credit in SNC4E in year three or four.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Locally Developed GRADE: 10

SOCIAL SCIENCE 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

TECHNOLOGICAL EDUCATION

Exploring Technologies TIJ1O

This course enables students to further explore and develop technological knowledge and skills introduced in the elementary science and technology program. Students will be given the opportunity to design and create products and/or provide services related to the various technological areas or industries, working with a variety of tools, equipment, and software commonly used in industry. Students will develop an awareness of environmental and societal issues and will begin to explore secondary and postsecondary education and training pathways leading to careers in technology-related fields.

CREDIT: 1 TYPE: Open GRADE: 9