The Dr. G. W. Williams Secondary School Information and Course - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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

• pportunities.

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 8:20 – 9:40 SNC 1P1 Science MFM 1P1 Math PERIOD 2 9:45 – 11:00 HFN 1O1 Family Studies CGC 1D1 Geography PERIOD 3 11:05 – 12:20 LUNCH LUNCH PERIOD 4 12:25 – 1:40 ENG 1D1 English AVI 1O1 Visual Arts PERIOD 5 1:45 – 3:00 PPL 1O8 Physical Education FSF 1P1 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.

Student Success Team

Administration Student Success Teacher Guidance Student Support Services Cooperative Education Personalized Alternative Education Literacy Teacher Classroom Teachers

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.

OPEN HOUSE

7:00-7:45 pm Cafetorium Grade 8 Information and Course Selection Presentation Speakers: Sue Durbacz, Head of Guidance Mark Fuller, Guidance Counsellor Debbie Wilmshurst, Guidance Counsellor Christopher Hilmer, Principal Williams’ Student Council 7:45 – 8:30 pm Open House – Meet Our Teachers Please visit our classrooms and speak with teacher representatives. 8:00 – 8:20 Special Education Presentation Room 246 ▪

• Ms. Oprea

Thank you!