PSG - Grade 9 Courses

English 9 students will explore a range of works of literary merit, including the novel, Animal Farm and a Shakespeare play. Over the summer, they also read a text by an Indigenous writer which becomes the first unit of study for the year. Teachers supplement personalized inquiry units stemming from curricular ‘big ideas’ and essential questions with  a range of literary forms - including poetry, short prose and nonfiction - to develop an understanding of setting, symbol, imagery, theme and character development. Students begin the study of literary analysis in earnest, constructing paragraphs which develop a comparison or establish a cause-and-effect relationship. Students are supported in the creation of longer essay formats and personal narrative compositions. This course leads to any of the English 10 options.

To ensure that students are prepared for the demands of further education and the workplace, problem solving will be addressed throughout the course. Instruction through concrete, visual and abstract means will be incorporated into all areas of the curriculum as students move between different levels of understanding. Students will focus on several key topics including prime factorization, trigonometry, solving polynomial equations, factoring, relations and

functions, financial math, and systems of linear relations. Students must purchase a Texas Instruments TI-30XIIS calculator or use Desmos Test Mode on phones. This course is required for graduation and is the final common math course including both foundation and pre-calculus aspects of mathematics. In the Spring report card (March), students will be advised on enrolling in either of Foundations of Mathematics 11 or Pre-Calculus 11 based on their achievement. Generally, a minimum of Proficient in all three learning standards should be consistently achieved in end of unit and cumulative tests by the end of the year to be successful in Pre-Calculus 11. Please review the prerequisites of each course carefully and discuss with the Dept Head Mr. Ito for more advice. Please consult our university counsellors regarding your post-secondary criteria with respect to your math courses.

Instructions are given mostly in French. The students will be provided with a range of language-learning strategies to assist in comprehension and expression. Through listening, speaking, interacting, reading and writing activities, students will expand their usage of vocabulary and grammatical structures. The focus is on communication. It is expected that students will be motivated to acquire information from French resources to complete a task and transfer the information through oral and written language. This course leads to French 10.

Instructions are given almost exclusively in French and the focus is on communication. The students will be provided with a range of language-learning strategies to assist in comprehension and expression. Through listening, speaking, interacting, reading and writing activities, students will expand their usage of vocabulary and grammatical structures. It is expected that students will be motivated to acquire information from French resources to complete tasks and transfer the information through oral and written language. As this is an Honours  course, students will be exposed to a greater variety of materials and activities, within the scope of the Ministry Curriculum, at the DELF A2 or B1 level. This is the recommended course for students aiming to take AP French in grade 12. This course leads to French 10 Honours .

This course explores several key mathematical concepts, including rational numbers, exponent laws, algebraic equations, linear relations, scale factors, financial literacy, statistical analysis, and probability. To prepare students for the demands of future coursework and the workplace, problem solving is integrated throughout the course. Instruction incorporates numerical, graphical, analytical, and verbal approaches across all areas of the new Math 9 curriculum.

Admission criteria for the Math 9/10 Honours course in 2026/2027 will be based on the following: · Completion of enrichment packages submitted to Mr. Ito after spring break. · Participation in the Pascal math competition on February 2026, and Gauss math competition on May 2026 · Recommendation from your current Math 8 teacher based on your learning initiative, time management, and resilience. · A placement assessment will be scheduled in April 2026. · Final cumulative grade of at least High Proficient in allthree Learning Standards in the Math 8 course and Math 8 Final Assessment is required to confirm placement. The instruction will be accelerated to complete both Mathematics 9 and Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10 topics in one year. Students will have been exposed to some of the Mathematics 9 content via the enrichment packages in Grade 8. A firm commitment is required to ensure success in this fast-paced course. Students enrolled will be expected to have great interest in participating in math contests. See the course descriptions for Mathematics 9 and Foundations and Pre-Calculus 10 for content. Students with grades below Low Proficient in the first month will be counselled to transfer out to Math 9. This course will have a final assessment. Upon completion of this course, students will be enrolled in Pre-Calculus 11 unless achievement is below Low Proficient, then a recommendation will be made to complete a summer Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10 course. Finally, this course is contingent on there being at least ten students meeting the admission criteria.

Physical education focuses on the development of physical literacy, personal awareness and responsibility, and health literacy. Students can expect to participate in a variety of individual and team activities with a focus on both traditional and non-traditional games. Some of these activities may take place off campus. Students will receive health education classes that focus on the development of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and beliefs related to health literacy and encompasses a number of important health and safety topics, including nutrition, prevention of illness and injury, decision-making skills, healthy relationship skills, mental well-being, sexual health and substance use.

Note: students wishing to compete on the WPGA swim team in the fall term, will indicate this by choosing the “Swim Team” version of PHE 9.

This course has been designed with a competency-driven approach to focus on enhancing students’ conceptual and procedural understanding and scientific skills. t Learning takes place during a 4-unit journey on the astronomical origins of the Universe, genetics, chemical and nuclear reactions, and energy transformations. The interplay of science and its role in society is  woven into each of the units. Assessment will be informed by evidence gathered from a written assessments,group discussions, presentations, and laboratory investigations in individual and group contexts. Formal reporting of summative assessments, using standards-based grading, is communicated on the following three learning standards: designing and conducting research, analytical thinking, and communicating.

Social Studies 9 explores the growth of democracy, and development of Canadian identity during the time period of 1750 CE to 1920 CE. The course is based on the following “big ideas”: 1. Power balances alter relationships between people and society 2. Emerging ideas influence society 3. Identity is constructed and changes over time 4. Physical and cultural environment influences the nature of change. Social Studies 9 further exposes students to global competencies introduced in grade 8. In order to meet these competencies, the course links events and developments in the past with modern day issues in order to illustrate the connection between past and present. Social Studies 9 focuses on the core competencies of communication, thinking, and personal and social development through activities such as research writing, developing informed opinions for debate, and discussion of current events.

(Category A – Arts Education)

Prerequisite: Grade 7 strings or an equivalent level. Students unsure of their eligibility should consult Ms. Goddard.

Chamber music study involves the exploration, practice, and performance of classical music composed for small ensembles, typically featuring 2–8 students per group, with each musician playing an individual part. Often referred to as "the music of friends," chamber music originated in intimate settings such as private homes or small halls.

Chamber music is an integral component of music education for aspiring professional musicians and is cherished by amateur musicians who enjoy its intimate, interactive nature.

 

Choral Music is offered to students who want to develop their vocal skills in a performance program. Emphasis is on the development of proper vocal techniques, rhythmic and melodic music reading skills, and ensemble singing. The choir performs in school assemblies, the Winter and Spring Concerts and in local music festivals. Attendance at performances and dress rehearsals is a requirement. Music performed covers a wide range of historical periods and musical styles. Please note that this course is scheduled during X-Block (off-timetable) and will include one fixed morning rehearsal (7:00 - 8:20) and one fixed afternoon rehearsal (3:45 - 5:15) every week. Extra rehearsals may be scheduled on a necessary basis. Students scheduled in X-Block must commit to regular attendance and adjust their schedules to avoid any conflicts. 

Prerequisite: Concert Band 8 or instructor approval.

Concert Band 9 is structured to scaffold students’ musical skills and abilities in a performance concert band environment. Students are required to maintain regular practice and care of a band instrument and work toward a grade-specific standard of technical competency and improved tonal concept. Topics in musicianship include more complex rhythms and meters, the nature of intonation, elementary form, perception and execution of expressive elements, an introduction to interval and chord structure, and research on the history of individual instruments. Students develop teamwork and community skills through commitment to their role in the ensemble and performing in public. Opportunities for meaningful aesthetic experiences are provided through exposure to a variety of musical styles and textures. The course is comprehensive in nature such that elements of world music, music history and the music industry are incorporated into the daily class structure. Please note – full participation in the band program requires commitment to rehearsals on a regular basis, normally twice weekly.

Prerequisite: None.

This course builds positive critical thinking habits of mind to solve real-world problems. Students will develop their analytical skills in both written and oral activities. Through a study of global issues and themes, students will be able to construct sound and effective arguments. Using the format of organized debate, students will be expected to articulate and defend their viewpoints. Students interested in Debate and Model United Nations are encouraged to enroll in this course.

This is a study block available to students in grades 9-10 who have the potential to participate in a varsity sport that practices in-timetable. This is limited to Boys Soccer, Girls Volleyball, Boys/Girls Basketball, and (for Grade 10 only) Swimming. By selecting this study block, you will have your study block scheduled in the same block as team practices so that you are available for those practices.  The study block lasts all year, though each sport lasts only ⅓ of the year.

This course extends the basic vocabulary and sentence patterns and use of interrogative sentences. Time expressions and compound sentences are introduced. Reading and writing are used to reinforce oral skill development. Students’ use of Hanyu Pinyin is developed, and new characters are introduced. The basic Chinese geography will also be introduced in this course. This course leads to Mandarin Chinese 10.

This course for grade 9 students extends the linguistic content needed to interact in even more familiar and unfamiliar situations. Students will focus on organizing ideas, in formal and informal writing. They will also be introduced to a variety of pieces of literature and will discuss a wide range of cultural and traditional aspects. Reading and writing are used to reinforce oral skill development. This course leads to Mandarin Chinese 10 Honours .

This hands-on course uses planning and the design process to introduce a variety of tool skills in the shop. Its main units include the design and creation of hand-made jewellery and small woodworking projects. Tools and skills learned include woodworking tools (saws, drills, sanders, finishing tools, lathe) and a variety of finishing techniques (wax, oil, paint, stain, polyurethane), introductory metalwork using hand tools, metal casting and enameling. Students may also learn additional tools and skills while exploring independent projects. Students choosing this course must choose an alternate as enrollment is restricted due to workshop capacity limitations.

This course builds on the skills and content taught in Programming and Robotics 8, though students are free to take this course without any prerequisites. Students will learn additional computational thinking skills, in preparation for an increasingly technology-enabled world. Students will gain an understanding of contemporary events in the technology industry, and the numerous considerations that they need to be aware of as they build programs. These concepts will include cloud computing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things. An emphasis of this course is the articulation and presentation of students’ skills. A requirement for this course is a laptop computer capable of running a current Microsoft Windows or Apple macOS environment.

For students who love creating, designing, and building the world of the play. In this hands-on technical theatre course, students learn the essential skills behind production: lighting, sound, props, scenic design, costumes, makeup, and backstage operations. They apply design thinking, problem-solving, and technical creativity to bring performances to life. No previous experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to collaborate. This course is an excellent gateway to Theatre Production 10–12, film/media pathways, engineering, design, digital arts, and other technical or creative disciplines. This course may be integrated with Drama Performance 9 depending on enrollment as well as staffing and space constraints. Students selecting this course must select an alternate.

This hands-on course uses planning and the design process to focus on woodturning on a lathe and woodworking. Its main assignments include the design and creation of hand-turned wooden pens, spinning tops, vases, spurtles and bowls. Students will then design and construct a wooden toy using a variety of wood tools, materials and processes. Tools and skills learned include woodworking tools (lathe, saws, drills, sanders, planer, jointer, finishing tools) and a variety of finishing techniques (wax, oil, paint, stain, polyurethane). Students may also learn additional tools and skills while exploring independent projects. This course may be chosen in any grade from 10-12. Students choosing this course must choose an alternate as enrollment is restricted due to workshop capacity limitations.