What’s different about Grade 10 from Grade 9?
The biggest difference from Grade 9 is that you have an individual schedule instead of travelling as a class. This is how it will be in Grades 11 and 12 too.
The other difference is that you get to make two requests.
1. Specialties
Grade 10 students request one 90 hour specialty and two 45 hour specialties. The specialties are Health & Phys Ed 10, Music 10, and Visual Arts 10 or Broad Based Technology 10.
2. Electives
Grade 10 students are allowed to request one elective at the Grade 11 level. There are a few things to remember when requesting a course.
· Students who want to be able to take AP Calculus 120 in Grade 12 have to choose Foundations in Math 110 as their elective (FI students take FI Foundations 110). This option should only be for students who are strong in math.
· Grade 11 and 12 courses go on your transcript, which is your permanent academic record that is sent to universities and colleges.
· Elective courses have a three digit number indicating how academically challenging the
course is. For example, Biology 112 is a “Level 2” course which is the regular college prep level. “Biology 111” is a “Level 1” course, which meets the same outcomes as a “Level 2” course but moves at a quicker pace, goes into greater depth, and is intended for students with a strong aptitude and ability in the subject area. Biology 113 is a “Level 3” course, which means is it not a college prep course but rather is intended for students who plan to go directly into the workforce after graduation or perhaps into certain one year college programs. A “Zero Level” course, like Introduction to Electronics 110, simply indicates that the course is only offered at one academic level.
· Biology 112 (or FI Biology 112 for FI students) is a popular elective for Grade 10 students, as it satisfies their science graduation requirement.
It’s important to remember that these are requests. Although every effort will be made to get students into the specialties and electives they requested, it’s not always possible.
What do I take in Grade 10?
The Grade 10 program of study is very much like Grade 9. You take the following:
· English Language Arts 10
o This is the only course that runs all year.
· Geometry, Measurement, & Finance 10
o FI students take FI Geometry, Measurement, & Finance.
o This course is a graduation requirement.
· Numbers, Relations, & Functions 10
o FI students take FI Numbers, Relations, & Functions 10.
o This course is a graduation requirement.
· Social Studies 10
o FI students take FI Social Studies 10.
o This course is about ancient and medieval history.
· Post-Intensive French 10
o FI students take FI Language Arts 10 (either Early or Late).
· Specialties
o You take a total of 180 hours of specialties over the year.
o The students take a combination of Broad Based Technology, Health & Phys Ed, Music, and Visual Arts. The exact combination is dependent on your requests and the availability of the courses.
· One Elective at the Grade 11 level
o If you want to take AP Calculus in Grade 12 must take Foundations in Math 110.
o This is a credit course and will be on your final transcript.
What if I have questions?
The first and best resource for you is your advisory teacher. He or she can direct you to other teachers or guidance counsellors if necessary, or find out answers and get back to you.
When do I get my schedule for Grade 10?
You’ll get your schedule in June with your report card. It will have been checked by a vice principal or a guidance counsellor, but if there is an error in it you should contact your guidance counsellor at that time to get it corrected. Mrs. Morrison sees students with last names A-K and Mrs. Walsh see students last names L-Z.