Information
for Incoming Grade 9 Students
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At C.S.S. we strive to provide a safe and caring environment in
which learning can take place. We understand that the transition from Elementary
to Secondary School is an exciting and sometimes a stressful time in a student’s
life. C.S.S. endeavours to make that transition as smooth as possible. Students
will receive a visit from members of our Guidance Department to introduce
them to our grade 9 programme. As well, parents and students will receive
an invitation
to attend an information night in February at C.S.S. At the information meeting,
students will receive information and timelines for future meetings.
Educational
goals can best be achieved by school, parents, and students working together.
Our staff will help students academically and will help to prepare students
to lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. In this way students can become
contributing citizens in the world of work, as family members, and as
residents of their communities, both local and global. The Administration
and staff look forward to meeting you and working with you over the next
four years.
Cayuga Secondary School is one of the high schools operated by the Grand Erie District School Board. It is a composite school providing a variety of educational programs to suit the needs of all students in the communities it serves. The school program is available to all area students whose primary residence is in the Cayuga Secondary School boundary area.
The educational objectives of Cayuga Secondary School are consistent with those of the Ontario Ministry of Education, the Grand Erie District School Board, and parents of the students. Specifically, our objectives are:
1. To provide support services for all students to assist them in setting and achieving their educational goals.
2. To provide a relevant and challenging educational experience for all students who come within our care.
3. To provide opportunities for students to develop their physical, mental and social potential.
4. To ensure that graduates from all programs are well prepared to meet their
goals, whether they involve further
education or employment.
1. Review the information in this book with your parents, your
Grade eight teachers and your guidance counsellor.
2. Eight courses must be completed in grade 9.
3. Six of the eight courses are mandatory core subjects and they include English,
Mathematics, Science, Geography,
Physical Education and French or Native Language.
4. Two optional courses must be chosen. Some of the optional courses qualify
as a compulsory credits for
graduation. (See page 4)
5. Plan your high school course choices based on your interests, abilities and
work habits.
Academic, Applied, and Open Courses
As you prepare for Grade 9, you will have some interesting choices to make. You
will have the opportunity to explore your interests and think about your future
goals while keeping as many options
as possible open for the future. All Grade
9 courses build on grade 8 curriculum and will require you to meet rigorous standards
as they prepare you for senior grades.
In core subjects, English, mathematics, science, geography, and French, students
may choose between two different types of courses ACADEMIC and APPLIED.
Academic Courses
Academic courses draw more heavily on theory and abstract examples
and problems. In an academic course, you will learn the essential concepts
of a subject and explore related materials as well. Although your knowledge
and skill in the subject will be developed through both theory and practical
applications, the emphasis will be on theory and abstract thinking as a basis for future learning and problem solving.
Applied Courses
Applied courses focus more on practical applications and concrete examples.
An applied course covers the essential concepts of a subject. Knowledge and skills will be developed through both
theory and practical applications, but the
focus will be on practical applications. Familiar, real-life situations will
be used to illustrate ideas and you will be given more opportunities to experience hands-on applications of the concepts you
study.
Open Courses
In the subjects healthy active living education, computer applications, integrated
technologies, visual arts, instrumental music, dramatic arts and foods and nutrition all students will take the same
type of course an OPEN COURSE.
Students shall take a total of eight courses for eight credits
1. All students will take the following:
2. Students will select two of the following:
In circumstances where a student has experienced significant difficulties in learning in previous grades, the principal may admit him/her to the limited enrolment Learning Strategies course. This is usually done through the I.P.R.C. process.
Brief course outlines for both compulsory and optional courses
are listed in this booklet. Please consider them carefully.