Academic or Applied? Science
I like applying knowledge to practical tasks
or
or
I like assistance to learn new science terms and concepts
I like models and/or
or
assistance to organize and complete work
I like applying
knowledge to theoretical concepts I like learning new science terms and concepts independently I like organizing and completing work with little assistance
Math
I like solving problems best with practical, familiar examples
or
I like solving problems that are purely theoretical
I like assistance with word problems
or
I usually understand word problems without assistance
English
I understand the story by like assistance to see some of the themes and idea in a work
I like assistance to meet timelines
or
I can see themes and idea in a work as well as the story
or
I can meet timelines with little assistance
Geography
I can model and graph geographic knowledge
or
I can bring geographic information together to make conclusions
I can propose solutions to a problem using one or two concepts
or
I can propose solutions to problems using many concepts
French
I learn French best when it is practical
ou
I learn French best from books and conversation
I can read simple French with assistance
ou
I can read simple French without assistance
If you checked more boxes on the left, you are a practical, applied learner. If you checked more boxes on the right, you are a theoretical, academic learner.
Academic or Applied? or
I like to learn practical uses for knowledge
I like to learn theories and think about how they work
I like my assignments broken down into pieces
or
I like my assignments to have several parts
I like the teacher to direct the classroom
or
I like to do independent learning and learn with other students
I like short examples that use things I’m familiar with
or
I like larger examples that bring in new concepts
I like to use my new knowledge by making or doing things
or
I like to learn new idea without necessarily applying them
I like to learn new skills
or
I like to apply new skills to new situations
I like having help to complete tasks
or
I like to complete tasks on my own
Francis Libermann Catholic High School A Guide for Choosing Course Types
If you checked more boxes on the left, you are a practical, applied learner. If you checked more boxes on the right, you are a theoretical, academic learner.
Notes Principal: Mr. B.Hunt Director: Mr. B. Rodrigues Superintendent: Mr. A. Petitti Local Trustee: Mr. T. Enverga
Introduction to Grade 9 4640 Finch Avenue East Scarborough, Ontario M1S 4G2
Telephone: Main Office: (416) 393- 5524 Student Services: (416) 393- 5708 Website: www.libermann.typepad.com
In order to ease the tension and smooth the transition for students to high school, the Student Services Department at Francis Libermann Catholic High School has compiled into this brochure key facts and information that will help one choose the right course levels to successfully begin their high school career. What are the Choices? A student entering Grade 9 is required to choose between Applied and Academic courses in the following core subjects: English, French, Geography, Mathematics and Science. Remember a student may choose a combination of academic and applied courses. For example, a student may choose academic Math and applied English. Students who are studying at the locally developed level and the enrichment level will do so with the recommendation of their Grade 8 teacher.
The Course Levels Academic (D) Students will learn the essential concepts of subject and explore materials related to the subject matter. The emphasis will be on theory and abstract thinking as the basis of future learning. This level requires significant independent work and homework completion. Students who are successful at the academic level usually have the following profile: •
A 70% average on their Grade 8 report card in the specific subject (i.e. in a regular program without accommodations or modifications)
•
Grade 6 EQAO levels of 3 or 4
•
Are a strong reader and have the ability to summarize and explain the material they have read
•
Are able to infer, elaborate upon, and apply concepts
•
Are able to work independently
•
Are able to cover large amount of material at a fast pace
Applied (P) Students will learn the essential concepts of a subject. The emphasis will be on the practical and hands-on applications of the concepts. The homework requirement in these courses is not as significant as classroom work completion. Students who are best suited for the applied level usually have the following profile: -
Are consistently working at level 1+, 2- or 2 in grade 8
-
Are more dependent learners and require teacher direction and instruction more frequently
Locally Developed (L) Locally developed courses have been developed to meet students’ educational needs not met by the existing provincial curriculum. Two courses are available in grade 9: one in English and one in Mathematics. Each of these may be counted as a compulsory credit in that discipline. Additionally locally developed courses may be approved by schools in the future.
Moving Between Levels If a student decides to switch from one type of course in Grade 9 to a different type in Grade 10, one will be strongly encouraged to complete cross-over work of up to 30 hours of study to ensure readiness to move to the different type of course. In addition to applied and academic courses, schools may offer locally developed courses in Grade 9 Mathematics, Science and English; their primary focus is on the achievement of expectations from the Grade 6, 7 and 8 curriculums. Please Note: • Statistically, if a student fails a credit course in Grade 9, he/she has a 15% increase in the likelihood of dropping out of school. • It is rarely possible to change from Academic to Applied during semester due to timetable issues • Class sizes are smaller at the applied level and locally developed level and some have EA (Educational Assistant) support to provide students with extra help • Students who fail (<50%) a course in Grade 9 attend Summer School for the month of July or repeat the course the following year.