Course Offerings

We are currently offering the following curriculum courses for 2008/2009:

This course emphasises the analytical reading, writing, oral communication, and thinking skills that students need for success in secondary school academic programs and their daily lives. Students will study and interpret texts from contemporary and historical periods, including short stories, poems, and short essays, and will investigate and create media works. An important focus will be the correct and effective use of spoken and written language.

This course emphasises the concurrent development of oral communication, reading, and writing skills using a broad-based theme such as the media. Students will enhance their ability to understand and speak French through conversations, discussions, and presentations. They will also read short stories, articles, poems, and songs and write brief descriptions, letters, dialogues, and invitations.

This course uses a variety of frameworks, such as the ecozones framework, and principles of physical, human, and economic geography, to explore Canada’s distinct and evolving character. Students will investigate the interconnections among the land forms, climate, soils, plants, animals, and human activities in Canadian ecozones to develop geographic knowledge and skills that contribute to an understanding of Canada’s diversity and role in the world.

This course enables students to develop generalizations of mathematical ideas and methods through exploration of applications, the effective use of technology, and abstract reasoning. Students will investigate relationships to develop equations of straight lines in analytic geometry, explore relationships between volume and surface area of objects in measurement, and apply extended algebraic skills in problem solving. Students will engage in abstract extensions of core learning that will deepen their mathematical knowledge and enrich their understanding.

This course enables students to understand essential concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics; to develop skills in the processes of scientific inquiry; and to relate science to technology, society, and the environment. Students will learn scientific theories and conduct investigations related to cell division and reproduction; atomic and molecular structures and the properties of elements and compounds; the universe and space exploration, and the principles of electricity.

This course extends the range of analytic, reading, writing, oral communication, and thinking skills that students need for success in secondary school academic programs. Students will study and interpret challenging texts from contemporary and historical periods, including novels, poems, plays, and opinion pieces, and will analyse and create effective media works. An important focus will be the thoughtful use of spoken and written language.

Prerequisite: English Grade 9, Academic or Applied

This course enables students to broaden their understanding of relations, extend their skills in multi–step problem solving, and continue to develop their abilities in abstract reasoning. Students will pursue investigations of quadratic functions and their applications; solve and apply linear systems; solve multi–step problems in analytic geometry to verify properties of geometric figures; investigate the trigonometry of right and acute triangles; and develop supporting algebraic skills.

Prerequisite: Mathematics Grade 9, Academic or Applied

This course enables students to develop a deeper understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics; to develop further their skills in scientific inquiry; and to understand the interrelationships among science, technology, and the environment. Students will conduct investigations and understand scientific theories related to: ecology and the maintenance of ecosystems; chemical reactions, with particular attention to acid–base reactions; factors that influence weather systems; and motion.

Prerequisite: Science Grade 9, Academic or Applied

Grade 10, Civics (Open) CHV20

This course explores what it means to be an informed, participating citizen in a democratic society. Students will learn about the elements of democracy in local, national, and global contexts, about political reactions to social change, and about political decision-making processes in Canada. They will explore their own and others’ ideas about civics questions and learn how to think critically about public issues and react responsibly to them

Prerequisite: None

Grade 10, Careers (Open) GLC20

This course teaches students how to develop and achieve personal goals for future learning, work, and community involvement. Students will assess their interests, skills, and characteristics and investigate current economic and workplace trends, work opportunities, and ways to search for work. The course explores postsecondary learning and career options, prepares students for managing work and life transitions, and helps students focus on their goals through the development of a career plan.

Prerequisite: None

This course introduces the mathematical concept of the function by extending students’
experiences with linear and quadratic relations. Students will investigate properties of discrete
and continuous functions, including trigonometric and exponential functions; represent
functions numerically, algebraically, and graphically; solve problems involving applications
of functions; investigate inverse functions; and develop facility in determining equivalent
algebraic expressions. Students will reason mathematically and communicate their thinking
as they solve multi-step problems.

Prerequisite: Mathematics Grade 10, Academic

Grade 11, Functions and Applications, University/College MCF3M

This course introduces basic features of the function by extending students’ experiences with quadratic relations. It focuses on quadratic, trigonometric, and exponential functions and their use in modelling real-world situations. Students will represent functions numerically, graphically, and algebraically; simplify expressions; solve equations; and solve problems relating to applications. Students will reason mathematically and communicate their thinking as they solve multi-step problems.

Prerequisite: Mathematics Grade 10, Academic or Applied

Grade 11, English (College) ENG3C

This course emphasizes the development of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. Students will study the content, form, and style of a variety of informational and graphic texts, as well as literary texts from Canada and other countries, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms for practical and academic purposes. An important focus will be on using language with precision and clarity. The course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 12 college preparation course.

Prerequisite: English Grade 10, Academic

Grade 11, Biology, (University) SBI3U

This course furthers students’ understanding of the processes involved in biological systems. Students will study cellular functions, genetic continuity, internal systems and regulation, the diversity of living things, and the anatomy, growth, and functions of plants. The course focuses on the theoretical aspects of the topics under study, and helps students refine skills related to scientific investigation.

Prerequisite: Science Grade 10, Academic

Grade 11, Biology, (College) SBI3C

This course focuses on the processes involved in biological systems. Students will learn concepts and theories as they conduct investigations in the areas of cellular biology, microbiology, animal anatomy and physiology, plant structure and physiology, and environmental science. Emphasis will be placed on the practical application of concepts, and on the skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields.

Prerequisite: Science Grade 10, Academic or Applied

Grade 11, Chemistry, (University) SCH3U

This course focuses on the concepts and theories that form the basis of modern chemistry. Students will study the behaviours of solids, liquids, gases, and solutions; investigate changes and relationships in chemical systems; and explore how chemistry is used in developing new products and processes that affect our lives and our environment. Emphasis will also be placed on the importance of chemistry in other branches of science.

Prerequisite: Science Grade 10, Academic

Grade 12 Advanced Functions (University) MHF4U

This course extends students’ experience with functions. Students will investigate the properties of polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; develop techniques for combining functions; broaden their understanding of rates of change; and develop facility in applying these concepts and skills. Students will also refine their use of the mathematical processes necessary for success in senior mathematics. This course is intended both for students taking the Calculus and Vectors course as a prerequisite for a university program and for those wishing to consolidate their understanding of mathematics before proceeding to any one of a variety of university programs.
Prerequisite: Functions, Grade 11, University Preparation

Grade 12 Calculus and Vectors, (University) MCV4U

This course builds on students’ previous experience with functions and their developing understanding of rates of change. Students will solve problems involving geometric and algebraic representations of vectors and representations of lines and planes in three-dimensional space; broaden their understanding of rates of change to include the derivatives of polynomial, sinusoidal, exponential, rational, and radical functions; and apply these concepts and skills to the modelling of real-world relationships. Students will also refine their use of the mathematical processes necessary for success in senior mathematics. This course is intended for students who choose to pursue careers in fields such as science, engineering, economics, and some areas of business, including those students who will be required to take a university-level calculus, linear algebra, or physics course.
Note: The new Advanced Functions course (MHF4U) must be taken prior to or concurrently with Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U).

Grade 12, Physics, (College) SPH4C

This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore these concepts as they relate to mechanical, electrical, fluid (hydraulic and pneumatic), and communications systems, as well as to the operation of commonly used tools and equipment. They will develop scientific-inquiry skills as they verify accepted laws of physics and solve both assigned problems and those emerging from their investigations. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.

Prerequisite: Science Grade 10, Academic or Applied

This course enables students to deepen their understanding of the concepts and theories of physics. Students will explore further the laws of dynamics and energy transformations, and will investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields; electromagnetic radiation; and the interface between energy and matter. They will further develop inquiry skills, learning, for example, how the interpretation of experimental data can provide indirect evidence to support the development of a scientific model. Students will also consider the impact on society and the environment of technological applications of physics.

Prerequisite: Physics Grade 11, University

This course introduces students to the concepts that form the basis of modern chemistry. Students will study qualitative analysis, quantitative relationships in chemical reactions, organic chemistry and electrochemistry, and chemistry as it relates to the quality of the environment. Students will employ a variety of laboratory techniques, develop skills in data collection and scientific analysis, and communicate scientific information using appropriate terminology. Emphasis will be placed on the role of chemistry in daily life and in the development of new technologies and products

Prerequisite: Science Grade 10, Academic or Applied

This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of organic chemistry, energy changes and rates of reaction, chemical systems and equilibrium, electrochemistry, and atomic and molecular structure. Students will further develop problem-solving and laboratory skills as they investigate chemical processes, at the same time refining their ability to communicate scientific information. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of chemistry in daily life, and on evaluating the impact of chemical technology on the environment.

Prerequisite: Chemistry Grade 11, University

This course provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of the concepts and processes associated with biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, evolution, and population dynamics. Emphasis will be placed on achievement of the detailed knowledge and refined skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields

Prerequisite: Biology Grade 11, University

This course examines the global challenges of creating a sustainable and equitable future, focusing on current issues that illustrate these challenges. Students will investigate a range of topics, including cultural, economic, and geopolitical relationships, regional disparities in the ability to meet basic human needs, and protection of the natural environment. Students will use geotechnologies and skills of geographic inquiry and analysis to develop and communicate balanced opinions about the complex issues facing Canada and a world that is interdependent and constantly changing.
Prerequisite: Any university or university/college preparation course in Canadian and world
studies, English, or social sciences and humanities

This course focuses on the Earth as a planet, and on the basic concepts and theories of Earth science and their relevance to everyday life. Students will examine the Earth’s place in the solar system and, after a general introduction to Earth science, will explore in more detail the materials of the Earth, its internal and surficial processes, and its history. The course draws on astronomy, biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics in its consideration of geological processes that can be observed directly or inferred from other evidence.