The Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School Information and Course Selection Process for Grade 8 Students and Families
General Information • Grades 9 -12 • 8:20 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. • Five period day (75 minutes each) • Semester program for all grades • Exam Weeks in January and June
Facilities at Williams 2 Mac labs Visual arts studio Media arts lab Sound editing suites Green screen studio Cooking Studio Large gym, small gym Weight Room Biology Lab Chemistry Lab Physics Lab Wood Shop Auto Shop Music Rooms Learning Commons/Library Student Success Centre Multiple Computer Labs Drama Room/Stage 3 Playing fields
Specialized Programming • Gifted Program for Grades 9 & 10 • Enriched Math Program for Grades 9 & 10 • Community Classes for students with special needs • International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme • Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM): • Business • Arts & Culture • Transportation • Health & Wellness • HPA - High Performance Athlete Program • Dual Credit and Apprenticeship Programs
Athletics Badminton Baseball Basketball Cross Country Ski Cross Country Running Curling Field Hockey Fitness Club Flag Football Golf Ice Hockey Rugby Ski Team Soccer Tennis Track & Field Ultimate Frisbee Volleyball These are sample activities that are commonly offered.
Clubs & Activities Math Club DECA Music Council Peer Mentors Eco Club Science Club Equity Council Student Council Yearbook Arts Council Athletic Council Aviation Club Band and Choir Chess and Games Club Cinema Club Debate Club HOSA International Trips Student Conferences Mental Health and Well Being Baking Club Creative Writing Club These are sample activities that are commonly offered.
DiplomaRequirements (OSSD)
Course Selection - Compulsory Credits • English • Mathematics • Science • Geography • French • Healthy Active Living (Open) Course types will be Academic, Applied and/or Locally Developed.
COURSE TYPE APPROACH Academic Theoretical and independent approach to learning with a focus on critical thinking. Applied Step-by-step approach to learning using theory and practical examples. Locally Developed Guided approach to learning using practical examples and concrete objects. Open An opportunity to explore an area of interest for all students.
Choosing Courses for Grade 9 • Parents and students will select courses in collaboration with elementary school teachers, guidance counselors, student success/support teachers and administrators. • It is important that students do an honest self-assessment, considering achievement, interests and aptitudes. • Students can choose a combination of course types to support different learning interests and styles. • There are many pathways to post-secondary destinations. Students can work with their Guidance Counsellor to explore opportunities.
Elective Courses • Visual Arts • Dramatic Arts • Instrumental Music • Introduction to Instrumental Music • Vocal Music • Introduction to Business • Food & Nutrition • Integrated Technologies (Construction and Auto) • Communications Technology
Semester 1: Sept. to Jan. Semester 2: Feb. to June PERIOD 1 SNC 1P1 MFM 1P1 8:20 – 9:40 Science Math PERIOD 2 HFN 1O1 CGC 1D1 9:45 – 11:00 Family Studies Geography PERIOD 3 LUNCH LUNCH 11:05 – 12:20 PERIOD 4 ENG 1D1 AVI 1O1 12:25 – 1:40 English Visual Arts PERIOD 5 PPL 1O8 FSF 1P1 1:45 – 3:00 Physical Education French
YRDSB Course Selection Tool
YRDSB High School Planner
Grade 10 Literacy Test • A Diploma requirement. Administered in Spring of the Grade 10 year . • A test based on language and communication (reading and writing) expectations of curriculums up to and including Grade 9. • If the standard is not met in the first attempt, schools will provide support; test is re-administered until the student successfully completes the test or the Grade 12 Literacy Course.
Community Involvement • Students are required to complete 40 hours before graduation. • Encourages civic responsibility, promotes community values and reinforces importance of volunteerism - a great way to explore career interests. • Students can start in summer after their Grade 8 year. • Students should obtain approval from our Guidance Department before starting involvement. Guidelines and forms will be provided. • It is the student’s responsibility to track and submit a record of their activities.
Administration Student Classroom Success Teachers Teacher Student Success Literacy Guidance Teacher Team Personalized Student Alternative Support Cooperative Education Services Education
For More Information More information is available from the following: Our school’s course calendar and website http://drgwwilliams.ss.yrdsb.ca York Region District School Board website – www.yrdsb.ca York Region District School Board Guidance Services Website - www.yrdsb.ca/guidance.services
Upcoming Dates and Events • Throughout November/December 2019 - Guidance Visits to Elementary Schools • Registration Forms are due at the end of January. • Course selection is due mid-February. • Please submit both a paper and electronic copy. • See your elementary school for specific dates.
Upcoming Dates and Events Cont’d … • If you are currently a YRDSB student and Williams is not your “home school”, hand in your registration paperwork with a transfer form to your Grade 8 teacher. • If YRDSB is not your school board, set up a registration appointment with a VP at Williams. • Tuesday, September 8, 2020 - First Day of School for Grade 9 Students.
7:00-7:45 pm Grade 8 Information and Course Selection Presentation Cafetorium Speakers: Sue Durbacz, Head of Guidance Mark Fuller, Guidance Counsellor Debbie Wilmshurst, Guidance Counsellor Christopher Hilmer, Principal Williams’ Student Council OPEN 7:45 – 8:30 pm Open House – Meet Our Teachers Please visit our classrooms and speak with teacher representatives. HOUSE 8:00 – 8:20 Special Education Presentation Room 246 ▪ Ms. Oprea
Thank you!
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