2017 - 2018 SECONDARY SCHOOLS COURSE SELECTION & PLANNING GUIDE .on.ca 2017-2018 Our Mission is to enable all students to reach high levels of achievement and to acquire the knowledge, skills and values they need to become responsible members of a democratic society. We Value Each and every student A strong public education system A partnership of students, schools, family and community The uniqueness and diversity of our students and our community The commitment and skills of our sta Equity, innovation, accountability and accessibility Learning environments that are safe, nurturing, positive and respectful Strategic Directions Make every school an eective school Build leadership within a culture of adaptability, openness and resilience Form strong and eective relationships and partnerships Build environmentally sustainable schools that inspire teaching and learning Identify disadvantage and intervene eectively .on.ca ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Project Manager: Choices 2017-2018 Special thanks to: Design and Layout: Claudine Tyrell Peter Gazzezcone TDSB Marketing & Design Program Coordinator Elementary Itinerant Counsellor Communications & Public Affairs Guidance, Career & Adolescent Development CHOICES© Toronto District School Board January, 2016 Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that all information in this guide is as accurate as possible as of time of publishing. Introduction Dear Student, High school is an exciting time in your educational career, as you explore new opportunities, begin planning for your future and prepare to graduate. Completing your Ontario Secondary School Diploma is an important milestone in your life and will prepare you for success as you move forward along whatever post-secondary path you choose. Throughout your time in high school, your parents/guardians, teachers and guidance counsellors are all here to help and to provide you with the information and tools you need to make informed decisions and achieve success. This Choices guide is full of comprehensive information about the variety of learning opportunities available to you at the TDSB and includes an outline of the step-by-step course selection process. Please use this resource for assistance as you research and determine your path forward in high school and beyond. I wish you great success for the future. John Malloy Director of Education Table of Contents PAGE PAGE Getting Started ................................................................................ 5 The Arts ...............................................................................................40 Creating Pathways to Success .................................................. 6 Creating/Exploring the Arts & Integrated Arts .............40 Building Character ........................................................................ 9 Dance ...........................................................................................40 Build Your Future ............................................................................10 Dramatic Arts ............................................................................40 Media Arts ..................................................................................40 Policies & Practice ..........................................................................11 Music ............................................................................................40 Special Education ...........................................................................12 Visual Arts ...................................................................................41 Assessment & Evaluation of Student Achievement ......13 Business Studies .............................................................................41 Reporting ...........................................................................................14 Canadian and World Studies .....................................................41 Alternative Learning Opportunities .....................................15 Classical Studies and International Languages ...............43 Re-Engagement Opportunities ...............................................19 Computer Studies ...........................................................................43 Specialized Programs ...................................................................22 English .................................................................................................42 Specialized Skills Programs .......................................................24 English as a Second Language and English Literacy Development ................................................42 Other Programs ...............................................................................25 First Nations, Métis and Inuit Studies ...................................42 Specific Program Information ..................................................26 French as a Second Language ..................................................42 Apprenticeship (OYAP) ...........................................................27 Guidance and Career Education ..............................................42 Technology .................................................................................28 Health and Physical Education ................................................45 Secondary School Locations .....................................................30 Interdisciplinary Studies .............................................................45 Diploma & Certificate Requirements ....................................34 Mathematics .....................................................................................44 Native Languages ...........................................................................44 Understanding Course Codes and Descriptors ................36 Science .................................................................................................43 Course Types .....................................................................................37 Social Sciences and the Humanities ......................................43 Course Descriptors & List of Course Codes ................39 Technological Education .............................................................45 Alternative (Non-Credit) Courses ..............................................39 Communications Technology .............................................45 Community and World Exploration ..................................39 Computer Technology ...........................................................45 Computers Skills ......................................................................39 Construction Technology ......................................................45 Creative Arts ..............................................................................39 Exploring Technologies (Grade 9) ......................................46 Language Development .......................................................39 Green Industries .......................................................................46 Money Management and Personal Banking .................39 Hairstyling and Aesthetics ...................................................46 Numeracy and Numbers ......................................................39 Health Care ................................................................................46 Personal Life Skills ....................................................................39 Hospitality and Tourism ........................................................46 Personal Health and Fitness .................................................39 Manufacturing Technology ..................................................46 Technological Design .............................................................46 Social Skills Development ....................................................39 Transportation Technology ..................................................47 Translations .......................................................................................48 4 Choices 2017–2018 Getting Started Choices: Secondary Schools Course Selection & Planning Guide is published annually to encourage parents/guardians* and students to keep themselves informed about the opportunities available to them, both in and beyond secondary school. It is the goal of this publication to provide information that will help with the decision-making process that must occur around the course selection process. Planning Guide Ontario Guidance Program At the centre of this book, there is a course selection planning Ontario Schools, Kindergarten to Grade 12: Policy and Program guide to assist students and their parents/guardians with Requirements, 2016 (often referred to as OS), describes the the course selection process. Students are encouraged to three areas of learning that constitute the Ontario guidance use this guide and keep it, where possible, in their career/life and career education program, as follows: portfolio. Also visit www.myBlueprint.ca/tdsb. • Student development – the development of habits and skills necessary for learning. Course Selection Process • Interpersonal development – the development of the Course selection for students under the age of 18 must be knowledge and skills needed in getting along with made with parental approval. Therefore, keeping in touch others. with the school’s guidance counsellor is of great importance. • Career development – the development of the Consideration of the student’s achievement for the past knowledge and skills