COURSE SELECTION
We look forward to welcoming you into our OSDSS Wolf Pack. Our Guidance Department and Administration hosted an Open House for our future wolves and their families on December 5th. If you were unable to join us or want to learn more about all of the amazing opportunities our school has to offer, please view the video below.
Grade 8 students currently attending Bluewater schools will receive options cards at school.
Completed option cards must be handed into Grade 8 teachers by January 10th, 2024.
For students who are not living in the catchment area of OSDSS,
please have your parent/guardian complete the Out-of-Boundary form below. This must be signed by the principal of the high school that you are to attend and OSDSS where you hope to attend.
If you are unsure, please ask your current teacher and/or principal.
Course selection sheets are accessible here.
Completed option cards must be handed into Grade 8 teachers by January 10th, 2024.
For students who are not living in the catchment area of OSDSS,
please have your parent/guardian complete the Out-of-Boundary form below. This must be signed by the principal of the high school that you are to attend and OSDSS where you hope to attend.
If you are unsure, please ask your current teacher and/or principal.
Course selection sheets are accessible here.
For Course Selection Sheets for students entering Grade 10, 11, or 12 in fall 2022, please visit the school's main website at https://osdss.bwdsb.on.ca
GRADE NINE COMPULSORY COURSES
(choose one level in each subject)
ENGLISH
ENG1LI: (Grade 9, Locally-Developed) ENGLISH
This course provides foundational literacy and communication skills to prepare students for success in their daily lives, in the workplace, and in the English Grade 11 Workplace Preparation course. 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.
ENG1DI: (Grade 9, Academic/De-streamed) ENGLISH
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 provides foundational literacy and communication skills to prepare students for success in their daily lives, in the workplace, and in the English Grade 11 Workplace Preparation course. 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.
ENG1DI: (Grade 9, Academic/De-streamed) ENGLISH
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.
CANADIAN & WORLD STUDIES
CGC1WI or CGC1WL: (Grade 9, Academic/De-streamed) EXPLORING CANADIAN GEOGRAPHY
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.
Note: CGC1WL – Equivalent course for French Immersion students
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.
Note: CGC1WL – Equivalent course for French Immersion students
FRENCH
FSF1DI: (Grade 9, Academic/De-streamed) CORE FRENCH
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 continue to develop language knowledge and skills 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 the skills necessary to become lifelong language learners.
FIF1DI: (Grade 9, Academic/De-streamed) FRENCH IMMERSION
This course provides opportunities for students to speak and interact in French independently in a variety of real life and personally relevant contexts. Students will develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well their ability to communicate in French with confidence, by using language learning strategies introduced in the elementary French Immersion program. Students will enhance their knowledge of the French language through the study of French Canadian literature. They will also increase their understanding and appreciation of diverse French-speaking communities, and will develop skills necessary for lifelong language learning.
Prerequisite: Minimum of 3800 hours of French instruction, or equivalent.
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 continue to develop language knowledge and skills 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 the skills necessary to become lifelong language learners.
FIF1DI: (Grade 9, Academic/De-streamed) FRENCH IMMERSION
This course provides opportunities for students to speak and interact in French independently in a variety of real life and personally relevant contexts. Students will develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well their ability to communicate in French with confidence, by using language learning strategies introduced in the elementary French Immersion program. Students will enhance their knowledge of the French language through the study of French Canadian literature. They will also increase their understanding and appreciation of diverse French-speaking communities, and will develop skills necessary for lifelong language learning.
Prerequisite: Minimum of 3800 hours of French instruction, or equivalent.
MATHEMATICS
MTH1WI: (Grade 9, Destreamed) MATHEMATICS
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.
MAT1LI: (Grade 9, Locally-Developed) MATHEMATICS
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 Essential 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.
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.
MAT1LI: (Grade 9, Locally-Developed) MATHEMATICS
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 Essential 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.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
PPL1OF or PPL1OL: (Grade 9, Open) HEALTHY ACTIVE LIVING (FEMALE)
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.
Note: PPL1OL – Equivalent course for French Immersion students
PPL1OM or PPL1OL: (Grade 9, Open) HEALTHY ACTIVE LIVING (MALE)
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.
Note: PPL1OL – Equivalent course for French Immersion students
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.
Note: PPL1OL – Equivalent course for French Immersion students
PPL1OM or PPL1OL: (Grade 9, Open) HEALTHY ACTIVE LIVING (MALE)
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.
Note: PPL1OL – Equivalent course for French Immersion students
SCIENCE
SNC1WI: (Grade 9, Destreamed) SCIENCE
This course enables students to develop their understanding of 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 and refine their STEM skills as they use scientific research, scientific experimentation, and engineering design processes to investigate concepts and apply their knowledge in situations that are relevant to their lives and communities. Students will continue to develop transferable skills as their become scientifically literate global citizens.
*Please note that students in the Locally Developed Pathway will not take Science in Grade 9. Instead, these students will take Grade 10 - SNC2LI, in their Grade 10 year.
This course enables students to develop their understanding of 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 and refine their STEM skills as they use scientific research, scientific experimentation, and engineering design processes to investigate concepts and apply their knowledge in situations that are relevant to their lives and communities. Students will continue to develop transferable skills as their become scientifically literate global citizens.
*Please note that students in the Locally Developed Pathway will not take Science in Grade 9. Instead, these students will take Grade 10 - SNC2LI, in their Grade 10 year.
GRADE NINE ELECTIVE COURSES
Academic/Destreamed students, please choose two elective courses.
Locally developed students, please choose three elective courses, as per note above regarding Science.
Locally developed students, please choose three elective courses, as per note above regarding Science.
ARTS
ADA1OI: (Grade 9, Open) DRAMA
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.
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.
AMU1OI: (Grade 9, Open) INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
This course emphasizes the creation and performance of 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.
This course emphasizes the creation and performance of 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.
ATC1OI: (Grade 9, Open) DANCE
This course gives students the opportunity to explore their technical and compositional skills by applying the elements of dance and the tools of composition in a variety of performance situations. Students will generate movement through structured and unstructured improvisation, demonstrate an understanding of safe practices with regard to themselves and others in the dance environment, and identify the function and significance of dance within the global community.
This course gives students the opportunity to explore their technical and compositional skills by applying the elements of dance and the tools of composition in a variety of performance situations. Students will generate movement through structured and unstructured improvisation, demonstrate an understanding of safe practices with regard to themselves and others in the dance environment, and identify the function and significance of dance within the global community.
NAC1OI: (Grade 9, Open) EXPRESSING FIRST NATIONS, METIS and INUIT CULTURES (Visual Arts)
This course examines Aboriginal cultures in Canada through an exploration of art forms - painting, sculpture, storytelling, dance, and music - created by Aboriginal artists. Students will learn to identify Aboriginal art forms and describe relationships between the art forms and Aboriginal traditions, philosophy, and culture. Students will also create their own art forms to express their understanding of Aboriginal identity, relationships, and sovereignty.
This course examines Aboriginal cultures in Canada through an exploration of art forms - painting, sculpture, storytelling, dance, and music - created by Aboriginal artists. Students will learn to identify Aboriginal art forms and describe relationships between the art forms and Aboriginal traditions, philosophy, and culture. Students will also create their own art forms to express their understanding of Aboriginal identity, relationships, and sovereignty.
BUSINESS
BEM1OI: (Grade 9, Open) BUILDING THE ENTRENEURIAL MINDSET
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.
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.
LEARNING STRATEGIES
GLE1OI: (Grade 9, Open) LEARNING STRATEGIES: SKILLS FOR SUCCESS IN SECONDARY SCHOOL
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.
Prerequisite: Recommendation of Learning Resource Teacher or Principal. Student should have an IEP or IPRC.
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.
Prerequisite: Recommendation of Learning Resource Teacher or Principal. Student should have an IEP or IPRC.
TECHNOLOGY
TAS1OI: (Grade 9, Open) TECHNOLOGY AND THE SKILLED TRADES
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
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
TDJ1OI: (Grade 9, Open) EXPLORING TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN
This exploratory course introduces students to concepts and skills related to technological design, which involves the development of solutions to various design challenges and the fabrication of models or prototypes of those solutions. 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.
Note: This course is taught in a computer lab and will focus on the use of computerized tools including CAD/CAM, graphic design, animation, and programming.
TFJ1OI: (Grade 10, Open) HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM AND THE SKILLED TRADES
This course provides students with opportunities to explore different areas of hospitality and tourism, as reflected in the various sectors of the tourism industry, with an emphasis on food service. Students will study culinary techniques of food handling and preparation, health and safety standards, the use of tools and equipment, the origins of foods, and event planning, and will learn about tourism attractions across Ontario. Students will develop an awareness of related environmental and societal issues, and will explore secondary and postsecondary pathways leading to careers in the tourism industry.
This course provides students with opportunities to explore different areas of hospitality and tourism, as reflected in the various sectors of the tourism industry, with an emphasis on food service. Students will study culinary techniques of food handling and preparation, health and safety standards, the use of tools and equipment, the origins of foods, and event planning, and will learn about tourism attractions across Ontario. Students will develop an awareness of related environmental and societal issues, and will explore secondary and postsecondary pathways leading to careers in the tourism industry.
The Course Selection Process
- For videos about many of our Grade Nine Programs, please visit the Wolf Pack Videos page or go to OSDSS Wolf Pack Productions on Youtube at: OSDSS Wolf Pack Productions - YouTube
- Students can access MyBluePrint at https://myblueprint.ca. Your teacher can help you with your login if you have forgotten it.
- Course selection sheets can be accessed above.