Grade 8s

WELCOME, students and parents/guardians of the Class of 2028! Please continue to visit this subsite for information related to your transition from Grade 8 to secondary school.

Dear Parents/Guardians of Grade 8 students:

We are very excited to welcome you and your child to Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School!

If you are new to DSBN, or new to the SWC boundary, and not yet registered at SWC, please click here to access the SWC Registration link.

Dear Grade 8 students:

We are looking forward to your joining our school as a new Bulldog! You might be wondering, "What courses will I be studying in Gr. 9? How do I select my course requests?"

Gr. 8s who are new to DSBN complete a Course Request form which is emailed out by our Guidance department after all registration papers (including a most recent transcript/report card) have been submitted to, and approved by, our administrators.

In December, after Open House week , current Grade 8 DSBN students work with their classroom teachers to complete their Course Plans for the 2024-2025 school year, through the DSBN online "Xello” website.

Summer School 2024

SWC does NOT facilitate summer school registration for elementary students. Please contact your elementary school administration for the registration process.

If a Gr. 8 student completes TIJ1O1 or GLS1O1 over the summer, and also requested this course as one of their electives for SWC 2024/2025, it will be removed and an alternate course added. These 2 courses are the only ones that are also part of the Gr. 9 course options at SWC.

Rev-MaketheMove-PowerPoint-2023-24.pdf

Gr. 8 Welcome Video - Courses & more!

*Starting with students entering Grade 9 in September 2024, all students will now be required to earn a Grade 9 or 10 Technological Education credit as part of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma, thus earning 19 compulsory credits, and 11 optional/elective credits.” Ministry of Education

The ART and PHYS ED and TECH credits DO NOT have to be selected and scheduled in the student's Gr. 9 year; the only MUST is that they must be completed before graduation! It's a GREAT idea to get as many compulsory credits completed in Gr. 9 & 10, and then select courses of interest, and/or prerequisite courses for post-secondary programs in the senior years.

The courses listed below will meet the 3 grad requirements of 1 Art, 1 Health & Phys. Ed., and 1 Gr. 9/10 Technology credit.

red = students may select this course on their Gr. 9 Course Plan for 2024-2025.

ART: Drama ADA1O1, ADA2O1 Music AMI1O1, AMI2O1, AMV2O1 Visual Art AVI1O1, AVI2O1, AWA3O1

HEALTH & PHYS. ED: Group Gym (co-ed) PPL1O1, PPL2O1,PPL3O1, PPL4O1 Fitness Girls PAF2OF, PAF3OF, PAF4OF Boys PAF3OM, PAF4OM Volleyball PAL2O1, PAL3O1 W.A.L.K.(Wellness, Activity, Lifestyle, Knowledge) PAI3O1

TECHNOLOGY: Technology and the Skilled Trades TAS1O1, TGJ2O1 Technological Design TDJ1O1, TDJ2O1

SWC GR. 9 COURSES for 2024-2025

Grade 8 students are scheduled into 5 compulsory subjects for their Gr. 9 year:

CGC1D1/CGC1DF (Geography, English or French Immersion)

ENL1W1 (English)

FSF1D1/FIF1D1 (Core French or French Immersion)

MTH1W1 (Math)

SNC1W1/SNC1WF (Science, English or French Immersion).

Grade 8 students are scheduled into 3 elective/optional subjects for their Gr. 9 year.

In Xello, Grade 8 students request 3 electives and 2 alternates from the list below. If an elective cannot be scheduled, Guidance will try to add one of the alternate electives provided by the student. Choose once, choose wisely!

COMPULSORY COURSES

CGC1W1…ISSUES IN CANADIAN GEOGRAPHY

This course examines interrelationships within and between Canada’s natural and human systems and how these systems interconnect with those in other parts of the world. Students will explore environmental, economic, and social geographic issues relating to topics such as transportation options, energy choices, and urban development. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process, including spatial technologies, to investigate various geographic issues and to develop possible approaches for making Canada a more sustainable place in which to live.

CGC1WF…ISSUES IN CANADIAN GEOGRAPHY (French Immersion)

This course is for students in the French Immersion program. Students in Gr. 9 French Immersion must select CGC1DF (Geography), FIF1D1 (French), and SNC1DF (Science). This course counts towards one of the ten French language credits required in order to achieve the FI certificate upon graduation.

ENL1W1…ENGLISH

This course enables students to continue to develop and consolidate the foundational knowledge and skills that they need for reading, writing, and oral and visual communication. Throughout the course, students will continue to enhance their media literacy and critical literacy skills, and to develop and apply transferable skills, including digital literacy. Students will also make connections to their lived experiences and to society and increase their understanding of the importance of language and literacy across the curriculum.

FSF1D1…CORE FRENCH

This course provides opportunities for students to communicate and interact in French with increasing independence, with a focus on familiar topics related to their daily lives. Students will continue to develop language knowledge and skills by using language-learning strategies introduced in the elementary Core French program, and they will apply creative and critical thinking skills in various ways. They will also enhance their understanding and appreciation of diverse French-speaking communities, and they will develop the skills necessary to become lifelong language learners.

FIF1D1…FRENCH IMMERSION (French Immersion)

This course provides opportunities for students to speak and interact in French independently in a variety of real-life and personally relevant contexts. Students will develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as their ability to communicate in French with confidence, by using language learning strategies introduced in the elementary French Immersion program. Students will enhance their knowledge of the French language through the study of French-Canadian literature. They will also increase their understanding and appreciation of diverse French-speaking communities and will develop skills necessary for lifelong language learning.

MTH1W1…MATHEMATICS

This course enables students to consolidate, and continue to develop, an understanding of mathematical concepts related to number sense and operations, algebra, measurement, geometry, data, probability, and financial literacy. Students will use mathematical processes, mathematical modelling, and coding to make sense of the mathematics they are learning and to apply their understanding to culturally responsive and relevant real-world situations. Students will continue to enhance their mathematical reasoning skills, including proportional reasoning, spatial reasoning, and algebraic reasoning, as they solve problems and communicate their thinking.

SNC1W1…SCIENCE

This course enables students to develop their understanding of concepts related to biology, chemistry, physics, and earth and space science, and to relate science to technology, society, and the environment. Throughout the course, students will develop and refine their STEM skills as they use scientific research, scientific experimentation, and engineering design processes to investigate concepts and apply their knowledge in situations that are relevant to their lives and communities. Students will continue to develop transferable skills as they become scientifically literate global citizens.

SNC1WF…SCIENCE (French Immersion)

ELECTIVE COURSES

ADA1O1…DRAMA

This introductory course provides opportunities for students to explore dramatic forms and techniques, using materials from a wide range of sources and cultures. Students will use the elements of drama to examine situations and issues that are relevant to their lives. Students will create, perform, discuss, and analyze drama, and then reflect on the experiences to develop an understanding of themselves, the art form, and the world around them.

AMI1O1…BAND: Instrumental Music

They call it “playing” music for a reason. This course is destined for students who enjoy music but don’t necessarily have previous musical experience. Come and experience what it is like to take on the challenge of learning to play an instrument while supported by members of the same instrument family progressing alongside you. Discover that, as we band together with each of the instrument families, we are part of a large-scale group where each of you is instrumental in playing your part. Discover, firsthand, that commitment to daily practice, focus on the task at hand and perseverance in the face of challenge are some of the skills developed through music. Available instruments to select from are as follows: Flute, clarinet, alto sax, trumpet, trombone, baritone, bass, and percussion.

AVI1O1…VISUAL ARTS

This course is exploratory in nature, offering an overview of Visual Arts as a foundation for further study. Students will become familiar with the elements and principles of design and the expressive qualities of various materials by using a range of media, processes, techniques, and styles. Students will use the creative and critical analysis processes and will interpret art within a personal, contemporary, and historical context. Designed to address the needs of inexperienced students while providing creative challenges for the skillful artists, this course includes studio work and art appreciation.

BEM1O1…Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset (formerly BTT1O1)

In this course, students will learn what makes an entrepreneur thrive and the skills required to succeed in today’s business environment. Students will begin to develop their own entrepreneurial mindset, and learn why it’s important to take initiative, adapt to change, find creative solutions, and understand the financial considerations of entrepreneurship. This hands-on course will use business software and applications to help students plan and develop their entrepreneurial ideas and learn how to present them to a target audience. Throughout the course, students will enhance their communications skills as well as develop and refine their project management skills, including goal setting, time management, and networking.

GLS1O1…"WELCOME TO HIGH SCHOOL 1O1": Learning Strategies & Skills for Success in Secondary School

Are you looking forward to Gr. 9 (of course you are!), and do you want to ensure that you're prepared for the learning, the independence, and the responsibility that is required of high school students? Do you want to fine-tune your study skills and your organizational practices? This Semester 1 course could be perfect for you!

This course focuses on learning strategies to help students become better, more independent learners. Students will learn how to develop and apply literacy and numeracy skills, personal management skills, and interpersonal and teamwork skills to improve their learning and achievement in school, the workplace, and the community.

The course helps students build confidence and motivation to pursue opportunities for success in secondary school and beyond.

This course will be scheduled into Semester 1 to best prepare students for their Gr. 9 year.

HFN1O1…FOOD AND NUTRITION

This course explores the factors that affect attitudes and decisions about food, examines current issues of body image and food marketing, and is grounded in the scientific study of nutrition. Students will learn how to make informed food choices and how to prepare foods. Students will investigate our Canadian food heritage and food industries, as well as global food issues. The course also introduces students to research skills related to food, nutrition, and the social sciences.

PPL1O1…HEALTHY ACTIVE LIVING EDUCATION (co-ed)

This course emphasizes regular participation in a wide variety of enjoyable physical activities that promote lifelong healthy active living. Students will apply movement principles and strategies to refine skills, and actively participate in sports and games to enhance their personal competence and personal fitness. They will investigate and examine issues related to healthy sexuality, nutrition, substance use and abuse, and will participate in activities designed to apply informed decision-making, conflict resolution and social skills in making personal choices.

TDJ1O1…EXPLORING TECHNOLOGICAL DESIGN: Engineering and Technological Skilled Trades

This hands-on course introduces students to the engineering model of the design process. Students will explore the vital and necessary skills required in today’s changing world. Students will develop technological knowledge and skills introduced in the elementary science program. Students will be given project challenges where they will design and build a product to meet a solution. Students will be introduced to industry standard 3D computer-aided modeling and design software. Students will also be introduced to various prototyping methods and shop equipment. Pathways will be explored that lead to various careers in engineering and technological design skilled trades.

TAS1O1…TECHNOLOGY AND THE SKILLED TRADES (formerly TIJ1O1)

This hands-on course enables students to further explore the engineering design process and develop other technological knowledge and skills introduced in earlier grades. Students will design and safely create prototypes, products, and/or services, working with tools and technologies from various industries. As students develop their projects to address real-life problems, they will apply technological concepts such as precision measurement, as well as health and safety standards. Students will begin to explore job skills programs and education and training pathways, including skilled trades, that can lead to a variety of careers.

Grade 8 F.A.Q.s about Grade 9

Do I have to take Phys. Ed. / Art / Tech course in Gr. 9?

No. Students need to have one Phys. Ed. (Group Gym or Fitness) and one Arts (Drama, Music, Visual Art) credit completed before graduation. Beginning with the Gr. 9 cohort this September 2024, students also need to have one Gr. 9 or Gr. 10 level Technology credit completed before graduation. It is recommended that these compulsory credits be completed in Gr. 9 or 10 so that the focus in the senior years can be on courses that align with post-secondary planning. Students can absolutely take more than one Phys. Ed. or Arts or Tech credit throughout their secondary schooling!

What can you tell me about summer school?

Summer school registration for Gr. 8 students is facilitated through the elementary schools. If you are a non-DSBN Gr. 8 student, you can register for SS from the DSBN website. SWC does NOT register Gr. 8 students into summer school courses.

I plan to take a Gym course in summer school, but I also have requested Gr. 9 Gym (PPL1O1); do I need to change that request?

No. The summer school gym credit (PAI1O1) is a different course, and has a different course code from the Gr. 9 Phys. Ed. courses offered at SWC (PPL1O1); both will count as separate credits. One credit will satisfy the compulsory Phys. Ed. requirement and the other course will meet a Group 2, or an elective, requirement. Keep in mind, though, that if you select PPL1O1 now, and then decide to take summer Gym, you will not be removed from the SWC Gym course. Classes are built according to course requests and there is little room for movement. If you plan to achieve the compulsory gym credit in the summer to avoid taking it during the school year, do not add it to your course plan.

What happens after Open House week - do you forget about me?

Absolutely not! SWC Student Services and Administration continues to work with your Gr. 8 Teachers and Administration to ensure that you have a smooth transition from Gr. 8 to 9! Your Gr. 8 homeroom teacher continues to be your advocate and they will communicate to us any questions or concerns that you might have about SWC and Gr. 9.

Is it true that there will be no academic or applied compulsory courses next year - just one level?

Yes. DSBN compulsory courses follow one curriculum. English, Math, and Science follow the de-streamed curriculum (5th character in the course code is "W", ENL1W1, MTH1W1, SNC1W1, SNC1WF). Geography and French follow the academic curriculum (5th character in the course code is "D", CGC1D1, CGC1DF, FIF1D1, FSF1D1). Elective courses continue to be offered at the "O" open level . All Gr. 9 courses at SWC lead to all pathways in Gr. 10 and beyond!

When will my 8 courses (English, French, Geography, Math, Science & 3 electives; 2 semesters; 4 courses each semester) be scheduled and when will I receive a timetable?

All SWC students will receive their TT prior to the start of school in September. Students will be able to electronically access their TT in Aspen (the DSBN secondary school operating program) the week prior to the start of school. New to DSBN students who cannot access Aspen will be contacted with instructions for accessing their TT. We encourage all students to continue to check the SWC website in late August for more details.

When can I start to work on completing, and submitting, my 40 "Community Involvement Hours"?

Glad that you remembered that this is one of the 4 graduation requirements (1 = 30 credits; 2 = Literacy Test in Gr. 10; 3= 40 hours, 4= 2 online courses)! Gr. 8 students can begin collecting hours starting in the summer between Gr. 8 and Gr. 9. Students need to have graduated from elementary school and have reviewed the rules and expectations regarding the completion of these hours. SWC Guidance has posted guidelines and information on the SWC website, Guidance, "Community Involvement" click here .

Can you tell me more about students needing 2 eLearning credits in order to graduate?

Students are required to earn two online learning credits to graduate from secondary school. eLearning credits are included as part of the Course Plan selection process in February of each year.

Should a student and parent/guardian decide to not pursue 2 eLearning credits, there is an opt out form that can be completed and submitted to Guidance. It can be found on the main page of the SWC website, and paper copies are available in Guidance.

SWC does not offer Gr. 9 online learning credits.

I don't know the building! I don't know how to use a combination lock! I don't know what bus to take! HELP!

Breathe! We've got you covered!

Building = it's really 2 big squares on the first floor, and one big square on the second floor. In September we will have students and staff looking to help guide any lost students!

Locks = yes, you need to have a combination lock for your locker. We will help you figure out how to use it (and then we will promptly forget your combination - promise!). Locker numbers will be in your Aspen account in September. Numbers starting with "1" are on the main floor; "2" are upstairs. Students are not allowed to share lockers.

Busing = DSBN's busing system, "NSTS", works all summer to coordinate bus routes for all of our schools. In late August you will be able to log on to their website to get your bus route. Links will be provided through the DSBN and/or SWC websites.

I'm coming to SWC from another school board...

Welcome! Students from "away" will not have a DSBN email address, nor access to our electronic systems (like Aspen, where you get your timetable) until they are recorded present in class, and then it's a 24 hour wait. However, Mr. Wilson's emails will go to the parent/guardian email address that was provided on the registration form. We encourage you to connect with the main office the week before school starts to get all of your necessary information.

"Will there be opportunities to meet new people? How am I going to find my way around the huge school? Will I be in courses with students from my elementary school? When do I collect my timetable? How do I join sports and clubs? I'M NERVOUS!"

Don't worry, new Bulldogs, we've got your back! Our students and staff will be ready to welcome you, and to help you with the transition from elementary to secondary school, in the fall. We're already working on it! You'll be fine. You're in great hands! Let's Go, Bulldogs!

Some notes about the Xello course selection process:

I. Students start the course selection steps at their elementary school. Students access their Xello account directly through their e+Learning/D2L account.

II. At home, parents/guardians & the student view and select:

*5 Compulsory courses (English, French, Geography, Math, Science). All SWC Gr. 9 compulsory subjects are destreamed and are offered at one level only. Students in the French Immersion program study Geography and Science (and, of course, French!) in French.

*3 Elective courses from the Grade 9 Elective/Alternate Choices tab, as found in Xello. Given the depth of options, and considering that all courses can populate a compulsory credit component, Gr. 9 students are required to select their electives from this group only.

*2 Alternate courses from the Grade 9 Elective/Alternate Choices tab, in case all of the electives can’t be scheduled. REMEMBER: Click on the Alternate box, under “Course Information” select “*Gr. 9 Elective/Alternate Courses” and choose your alternates from this group only.

III. On/before a date in December as determined by the home elementary school, students and parents/guardians complete the online paperwork together and submit the selections electronically. The expectation is that, by hitting "Submit", students and parents/guardians have reviewed and approve the course requests.

Click here! to learn how to set up your Hour Republic account AND how to start submitting your Community Involvement Hours.