NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL Course Selection Guide

2015

Grade 10

2016

Grade 11

Grade 12 1|Page

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Page 3

Specialized Programs Offered At NDHS

Page 4

Digitally-Enhanced Courses at NDHS

Page 5

Registration Requirements for Grade 10

Page 6

Alberta High School Diploma Requirements

Page 7

Religious Studies

Page 9

CALM

Page 10

English Language Arts

Page 10

Social Studies

Page 13

Mathematics

Page 16

Sciences

Page 18

International Languages

Page 22

Social Sciences

Page 23

Fine Arts

Page 23

Career & Technology Studies (CTS)

Page 27

Physical Education

Page 34

Learning Strategies

Page 34

Work Experience

Page 35

RAP

Page 35

Alexander Rutherford Scholarship Info

Page 35

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INTRODUCTION The purpose of this handbook is to provide students, parents and teacher advisors with an outline of the courses and programs offered at Notre Dame High School. The decisions that students make in consultation with their teacher advisors, counsellors and parents while planning their high school program will have a great impact on their future. Therefore, it is critical that they choose their courses wisely. We will endeavour to assist students with these decisions wherever we can. Students are advised to plan their academic pathway by taking into consideration:

•

past school marks

•

requirements for a high school diploma

•

the requirements for any possible post secondary education plans

Please remember that according to District guidelines, every student has 3 years to complete their high school program at their home high school.

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SPECIALIZED PROGRAMS OFFERED AT NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL Honours Program and Advanced Placement In today’s highly competitive world, it is becoming apparent that students are seeking more and more ways to enrich their learning experience in high school. The Advanced Placement program at Notre Dame High School is an enrichment program that will offer students an unparalleled challenge with sophisticated material that goes deeper than conventional courses. At Notre Dame High School, Grade 9 students interested in pursuing the Advanced Placement program, may register in any of the honours classes in Grade 10. It is encouraged to begin AP in grade 10 (through the honours program), however, a student can choose to start in Grade 11 or 12. Hockey Sports Performance Students interested in pursuing a hockey sports performance program will take the 5 credit Hockey Sports Performance class that will focus on skill development, training principles, nutrition, education for athletes, sports psychology and leadership. Students MAY NOT register for both Hockey Sports Performance 10 (5 credits) and Sports Performance 10 (5 credits). Registration forms from students who live outside of Notre Dame High School’s regular boundaries are due on February 25th. Fashion Centre of Excellence Notre Dame High School has been designated as a Centre of Excellence for Fashion for our District. Our Centre of Excellence will provide students in Grade 11 and Grade 12 the opportunity to choose a credentialed pathway, which will allow students to challenge the Costume Sewing Assessment Level 1 and Level 11 exams through the International Alliance Theatrical Stage Employees Local 212. Students who successfully challenge these exams will have the prospect of becoming a stitcher for their wardrobe department. Culinary Arts/Red Seal Kitchen Centre of Excellence Cooking first year apprentice is the opportunity for a student to participate in the daily operation of a commercial kitchen. With the completion of three semesters in the program and 25 modules, a student can write the first year apprenticeship test and will be accredited first year professional hours.

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Digitally-Enhanced Courses at NDHS Digitally-Enhanced Courses - Students will have the option to enroll in digitallyenhanced courses for select subjects. These courses will cover the same content and curriculum as a traditional “textbook & pencil” course, however all students will be expected to arrive to class with their own eligible laptop or tablet (see below for recommended devices). At the discretion of teachers, students will use their device in class to enhance delivery of course content, lessons, activities and examinations throughout the semester.

A device is deemed eligible if it can perform and operate according to all points in the list below. This ensures that a student will be able to keep up with all of the course demands and not be held back. Cell phones for example have been shown to both easily distract students and prove difficult with which to write an essay or examination. Cell phones (or smart phones) are therefore NOT eligible devices. For a device to be eligible it must: •

Connect to Wi-Fi

•

Record and play back video

•

Hold a charge for several hours (AC access is not guaranteed in classrooms)

•

Have a web browser compatible with HTML5 web applications (eg. Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer)

•

Students must be comfortable writing an extended essay on the device

Recommended Devices: •

Most iOS, Android, and Windows tablets

•

Most Windows and Mac laptops

•

Google Chromebooks

If you have any questions about these courses or recommended devices, please email [email protected]. 5|Page

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADE 10 Pre-requisites for Honours Core Course Selection: Students who wish to pursue honours courses in Grade 10 must achieve a minimum of 75% in their Grade 9 course. Recommendations for Core Course Selection: 65%+ in Grade 9 English Language Arts