Grade 9 Program Overview

Grade 9 Program Overview

Academic Courses

In an academic course, students will learn the essential concepts of a subject and explore related material as well. Although knowledge and skills in the subject area 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

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.  In Applied courses, familiar, real-life situations will be used to illustrate ideas.  Students will be given more opportunities to experience hands-on applications of the concept of study.

Locally Developed Courses

Locally developed courses will be offered in Math, Science and English in Grade 9.  These courses are designed for students who may be behind a grade level with significant gaps in knowledge, concept understanding and skills.  A conference with the Parents/Guardians, Special Education department, Grade 8 teacher and Education Resource Teacher may be required.

Open Courses

Open courses have a multi-tiered set of explanations for the subject, appropriate for students in all pathways in a given grade.

Community Involvement Activities

All students must complete a minimum of 40 hours of unpaid community involvement activities before graduating from high school. This requirement is additional to the 30 credits needed for a high school diploma.  Students will be able to choose their own community involvement activities, within guidelines that will be provided by the school.  Students will be responsible for fulfilling this requirement on their own time, and for keeping a record of their activities on a form supplied by the school.

P3 Homework and Study Centre

The P3 Homework and Study Centre is designed to assist students after school who require extra help with their school work in any grade or subject area but with an emphasis on English, Science and Math.  Students will have access to the computers in the Information Centre at Saint Paul Catholic.

A Sample 4 year Program Plan @ Saint Paul Catholic…

Elective Course Descriptions

Introduction to Drama: 

Students who take ADA1O will have the opportunity to explore many different areas in drama including tableau, mime, ritual, dance drama, improvisation, and script work.  Student will have the opportunity to gain useful skills such as teamwork, organization, public speaking and performing.  The Drama class is a relaxed setting where performance and participation are the key to success.  As such, most assignments and projects are done in class and there are many opportunities for students to demonstrate their dramatic skills.

Visual Arts:

Students will learn the elements and principles of design and use them to complete projects in areas such as drawing, painting and sculpture.  A variety of material will be used including: pencil, crayon, pastel, water colour, ink and charcoal. This is an exciting and dynamic course. Saint Paul has its own gallery, Arts Council and ties to a 400 acre sculpture and nature preserve which makes the arts program very unique.

Instrumental Music:

AMI1O offers students an introduction to first year performance skills through a variety of repertoire, technical exercises and ensemble performances using brass, woodwind, percussion and string instruments.  Students will demonstrate an understanding of musical notation, musical terms and the elements of music. They will create, perform, discuss and analyze music from a variety of genres to develop a better understanding of themselves, the art form and the world around them.

Expressing Aboriginal Culture:

This course examines Aboriginal cultures in Canada through an exploration of art forms like painting, sculptures, story-telling, dance and music – created by Aboriginal artists. Students will learn to identify Aboriginal art forms and describe relationships between the art forms and Aboriginal tradition, philosophy and culture.

Exploring Technologies:

This course enables students to further explore and develop technological knowledge and skills introduced in the elementary science and technology program. Students will be given the opportunity to design and create products and/or provide services related to the various technological areas or industries, working with a variety of tools, equipment, and software commonly used in industry.

Introduction to Business: This course introduces students to the world of business. Students will develop an understanding of the functions of business, including accounting, marketing, information and communication technology, human resources, and production, and of the importance of ethics and social responsibility.

Physical Education – PPL1OM (male) and PPL1OF (female)

This course equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy choices now and lead healthy, active lives in the future.  Through participation in a wide range of physical activities, students develop knowledge and skills related to movement competence and personal fitness that provide a foundation for active living.

Healthy Living: Rhythm and Movement Activities – PAR1OF (females)

This course is designed to develop an appreciation and understanding of the importance of physical fitness and a healthy active lifestyle.  Students are given the opportunity to work at their own fitness level to obtain their fitness goals through Hi/Low Aerobics, Zumba, Spinning, Step Box, Yoga, Circuit Training, Pilates and Fit Walks.

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