MDHS Course Calendar 2018

Message from Mrs. Goetz, Principal

Mitchell District High School in an incredibly welcoming school where the staff and students actively create a positive climate where everyone is accepted and valued for their individuality and the qualities they bring to our school community. Our talented and highly qualified staff is committed to the well-being and academic success of every student. You will be challenged and well supported as you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive once you move beyond our school community.

The Avon Maitland District School Board is committed to ensuring students have the opportunity to graduate from secondary school in four years and to ensuring a variety of course offerings for our students. In order to achieve both goals efficiently, you will need to be registered full time in a minimum of three courses in each semester. As you review the courses offered in this year’s calendar, remember to plan ahead. Some of our courses are offered in alternating years so make a 2-3 year plan to ensure you can take all of your courses of interest. In addition, consider your course choices carefully as your requests will have a direct impact on which courses we run and the number of qualified staff available to meet your needs. Assuming you can just change your mind later may lead to disappointment if the course is no longer offered because too few students selected the course. Research careers of interest, meet with our Student Services counsellor, and review your course selections carefully, ensuring they meet the requirements for graduation and for your post-secondary plans.

Good luck in the coming year and remember that we are here to support you in any way we can.

MDHS Vision Statement

Community and school must continue to maintain a close relationship in order to provide opportunities for all students to realize their diverse potential and to become productive citizens both locally and globally.

MDHS Mission Statement

Our purpose is to develop in our students those academic skills necessary for them to become enthusiastic, independent, life-long learners and to encourage them to achieve their fullest potential as responsible, productive members of society. By providing a positive learning environment, we are committed to instill in our students such values as self-worth, co-operation, and respect for others so that they will be able to cope successfully with the challenges of the future.

MDHS Student Code of Behaviour

Mitchell District High School has rules or guidelines for appropriate behaviour. These guidelines, which were established by staff, students, parents and our Safe School Committee, reflect the school’s philosophy of openness and mutual respect. They are intended to ensure the well-being and security of everyone at Mitchell District High School while in school, on out-of-school activities and while traveling on a school bus.

Be Punctual and Regular in Attendance

Punctuality is a good habit that will be expected of you on the job and in your personal relationships. You are expected to be on time for every class. You are expected to attend school regularly and to attend all your classes in order to be successful.

Be Prepared, Attentive and Hard-working

You are expected to be prepared for each class, to pay close attention to all classroom activities, and to work to the best of your ability, for the duration of each period. The better prepared, more attentive and harder-working you are, the greater the contribution you will make to the learning of all involved, most importantly, your own. No coats, backpacks or carry bags are to be brought into a classroom; they are to be left in your locker.

Be Respectful of and Cooperative with Others

You are expected to be courteous, co-operative and accepting in your dealings with others. It is understood that you will not harass others either verbally, physically or emotionally. Courteous, co-operative and accepting behaviour creates a positive environment both in school and in the workplace. Inappropriate behaviour used to intimidate others who are perceived to be different or have individual opinions will not be tolerated. Maturity in dealing with relationships is expected in school as well as in the workplace.

Be Respectful of Other People’s Property

You are expected to treat the school grounds, the school property, and the personal property of others with respect. This concern for respect extends to our neighbours. Textbooks, library books, lockers, and other school property are on loan to students for use during the school year and must be maintained in good order.

Support Services, Resources and Special Programs

Guidance and Career Education Program

The Guidance and Career Education Program at MDHS provides the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for students to know and appreciate themselves, to relate effectively to others, to develop individual interviews and classroom instruction. Student Services is your liaison with community resources, post-secondary educational institutions, the world of work and with the home.

Special Education

All exceptional students are monitored regularly. Throughout the school year, the student’s teachers may be asked to make a written report on the student’s progress to date. This allows a direct contact with the Resource Teacher, who provides one-on-one support for the student including help with homework, organization, etc. and provides the student opportunities to develop learning strategies. Exceptional students may also choose to include GLE1O in their course selections. This course provides opportunities to refine learning skills.

Resource Centre/Cross-Curricular Computer Lab

The Resource Centre at MDHS provides students with traditional library services: access to books, e-books on a Kindle e-reader, encyclopedias, magazines and newspapers and the librarian and the TRA provide information literacy and teach research skills. In addition, the Resource Centre has a computer lab that may be accessed by students during class time and the lunch hour. There are two additional cross-curricular computer labs available for class and student use. The Resource Centre houses video cameras, Apple computers, portable laptop labs and iPads which are available for video production, editing and other uses.

English as a Second Language

The Avon Maitland District School Board recognizes that secondary ESL students face unique challenges as they pursue their secondary diploma and make the transition to full fluency in English. Students in the early stages of English acquisition may monitor courses or work for partial credits if they are not able to meet the curriculum expectations for a course. Adapted programming helps students achieve credits in courses even if their communication skills are not sufficiently developed to demonstrate their learning. ESL students may also be provided with tutoring to enable them to expand their language skills more rapidly. While students may need more than 4 years to complete their diploma, Avon Maitland District School Board students who take ESL are given the assistance they need to fulfill their long term goals. The Avon Maitland District School Board recognizes that secondary ESL students face unique challenges as they pursue their secondary diploma and make the transition to full fluency in English. Students in the early stages of English acquisition may monitor courses or work for partial credits if they are not able to meet the curriculum expectations for a course. Adapted programming helps students achieve credits in courses even if their communication skills are not sufficiently developed to demonstrate their learning. ESL students may also be provided with tutoring to enable them to expand their language skills more rapidly. While students may need more than 4 years to complete their diploma, Avon Maitland District School Board students who take ESL are given the assistance they need to fulfill their long term goals.

Advanced Placement Program

Advanced Placement courses offer enrichment to senior high school students as a way of connecting them to greater success and wider opportunities when they enter university. At certain universities, a student who has successfully complete AP in a subject area may be permitted to bypass the first year university course in that subject and directly enter a second year courses, or in some cases, students may be granted a first year credit in the subject. Research has indicated that AP students are more likely to succeed in their first year of university and beyond because of increased independence and self-motivation.

Course Selection

All students have the opportunity to select their courses of study within certain guidelines. With this comes the responsibility to choose wisely, having regard for present interests and abilities and future vocational or educational plans. This responsibility rests on the student and his / her parents after consultation with teachers and guidance personnel. Some courses require previously gained knowledge and skills. The student must complete courses identified as being a prerequisite course successfully before he/she can attempt any course demanding that prerequisite. It is the policy of MDHS that students who have accumulated fewer than 16 credits must enroll in a full eight-credit timetable. Exceptions to this rule may be considered on an individual basis. In all cases, students must be enrolled in a minimum of three courses each semester.

Course Changes

Students wanting to make a course change to their existing timetables should discuss the situation with a Student Services’ Counsellor. A course change form will be given to the student. The form begins a process that will involve parents, teachers and the principal. Students must continue to attend the courses in their timetable until written permission is granted by the principal.

Courses in this calendar will be offered where there is sufficient enrolment. All courses are worth one credit unless otherwise noted.

Courses Offered in Alternating Years

2018-2019

CGG3O - Travel and Tourism
CGW4U - World Issues
CLU3M - Understanding Canadian Law
CLN4U - Canadian and International Law
EWC4U - The Writer’s Craft
SVN3E - Environmental Science

2019-2020

CHT3O - World History since 1900
CHY4U - World History since the15th Century
CIE3M - The Individual and the Economy
CIA4U - Analysing Current Economic Issues
PSK4U - Introduction to Kinesiology

2020-2021

CGG3O - Travel and Tourism
CGW4U - World Issues
CLU3M - Understanding Canadian Law
CLN4U - Canadian and International Law
EWC4U - The Writer’s Craft
SVN3E - Environmental Science

2021-2022

CHT3O - World History since 1900
CHY4U - World History since the15th Century
CIE3M - The Individual and the Economy
CIA4U - Analysing Current Economic Issues
PSK4U - Introduction to Kinesiology

Experiential Learning

Schools are offering more opportunities to customize your high school experience and build on your strengths and interests through a variety of new and enhanced learning options including Experiential Learning. Experiential Learning programs such as Co-op, Dual Credits, Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) enhance your academic background and provide you with opportunities to gain valuable experiences in our community.

No matter what your post-secondary pathway may be, experiential learning can assist you in making career decisions and help you develop the knowledge, skills and habits required in the workplace. All forms of experiential learning are a valuable complement to your post-secondary preparation and future employment.

Dual Credit Offerings at Conestoga, Fanshawe and Lambton Colleges

What is a Dual Credit Program

Dual credit programs allow senior high school students the opportunity to earn high school and college credits at the same time. Students typically attend Conestoga, Fanshawe or Lambton College’s campuses once a week for a fifteen week period. This unique arrangement allows you, the student, the chance to experience life and learning in a college environment and allows you to fast track towards your post-secondary goals.

Examples of dual credit offerings include:

Digital Photography
Basic Plumbing
Basic Electrical
Intro to Early Childhood Education
Baking & Pastry Arts
Basic Welding Process and Fabricating
Health and Wellness Fundamentals
Recreation and Leisure

Program availability is subject to change. A maximum of 4 college-delivered dual credits can be counted as optional credits towards the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Dual Credits cannot be used as substitutions for compulsory credit requirements.

What does it cost?

You pay nothing. All books, transportation and tuition are paid for through grants from the School College Work Initiative (SCWI). SCWI is a collaborative partnership between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development.

What makes a student eligible?

Dual credit programs are intended to assist secondary school students in the completion of their OSSD and provide a successful transition to college and apprenticeship programs. As well, students in Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs and the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs (OYAP) are eligible to enroll. Enrolment in half or full day Co-op allows greater flexibility to participate.

How do I apply?

You MUST be referred to the program through your School Student Success Team. Avon Maitland College partners will not accept applications directly.

To find out what dual credit offerings are available and to take advantage of this great opportunity, contact your Guidance Counselor, Student Success teacher or Co-op teacher for an up-to-date listing of course offerings and to obtain an application form. More information can be found at successforlife.ca/dual-credit

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

Are you a hands on learner?
Do you like to solve problems?
Are you good at fixing things?
Do you find it difficult to sit in a classroom all day?

If you answered yes to any of the above, the apprenticeship pathway may be for you!

Get started on your apprenticeship while in high school. The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) allows you to be considered an OYAP Participant and earn cooperative education credits for work experience in an apprenticeable trade. You may or may not be formally registered as an apprentice while attending secondary school. To participate in OYAP you must: be at least 16 years of age, have completed a minimum of 16 credits, be a full-time student working towards completion of your diploma and complete the OYAP participant form.

A student who participates in OYAP must have a Personalized Placement Learning Plan (PPLP) that is based on the on-the-job training requirements outlined in the government approved training standard for that trade. Training Standard competency booklets can be found at INSERT: the Ontario College of Trades website. The OYAP program is funded by the Government of Ontario, Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development.

Fast track through an apprenticeship now and take advantage of Dual Credit and Specialist High Skills Major opportunities. See your Guidance Counsellor or Coop teacher to apply. For more information, visit successforlife.ca/oyap and oyap.com.

Specialist High Skills Majors

The SHSM is a specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and assist in their transition from secondary school to apprenticeship training, college, university, or the workplace. SHSM allow students to focus on a career path that matches their skills and interests. Visit www.successforlife.ca to view the SHSM sectors available at this school.

Every SHSM must include the following five components:

A bundle of 8-10 Grade 11 and 12 courses in the selected field that includes 2 cooperative education credits
Sector-recognized certifications and/or training courses
Experiential learning activities within the sector
Reach Ahead experiences connected with the student’s chosen post-secondary pathway
Development of key Essential Skills and Work Habits required for the sector; and the use of the Ontario Skills Passport (OSP) for purposes of documentation

Benefits to students enrolled in a SHSM program:

Customize their secondary school education to suit their interests and talents.
Develop specialized knowledge and skills.
Earn credits that post-secondary educational institutions and the sector recognize.
Gain sector-recognized certification and career-relevant training.
Develop essential skills and work habits documented through the Ontario Skills Passport.
Identify, explore and refine career goals and make informed decisions about their future.
Remain flexible, with the option to shift between pathways, should their goals and plans change.

Coop Course Notes:

Summer school co-op is an option for students enrolled in a Specialist High Skills Major
SHSM candidates may use up to 4 co-op credits towards their bundle of SHSM requirements.
2 co-op credits are required in the SHSM Credit Bundle. Co-op tie-in must be within the approved bundle of credits (GLC2O is also available to be used).
1 additional co-op credit can be substituted for one Major credit. Co-op tie-in must be within the approved bundle of credits.
1 additional co-op credit can be substituted for one Other required credit. Co-op tie-in must be within the approved bundle of credits.

Agriculture

High Skills Major Pathways

It is clear that agriculture plays a major role in the lives of many families connected to Mitchell District High School. As a result, students will now be given the opportunity to enroll in this specialist high skills program and learn about many different areas of agriculture while completing their regular studies.

The SHSM is a specialized, ministry-approved program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

SHSMs assist students in their transition from secondary school to apprenticeship training, college, university, or the workplace.

These program enable students to gain sector-specific skills and knowledge in engaging, career-related learning environments, and prepare in a focused way for graduation and post secondary education, training, or employment.

Students who are enrolled in the program will complete sector-recognized certifications and or training courses as well as be part of career exploration activities such as field trips and hearing from expert guest speakers.

Select this link to view the Agriculture SHSM Credits Chart

Hospitality & Tourism

High Skills Major Pathways

The Hospitality and Tourism Specialist High Skills Major at Mitchell District High School builds on the success of the culinary program. Students operate the “Twisted Carrot” café where they plan, prepare, market and serve a wide variety of meals. Through connections with local farmers and our own garden, the students gain seed-to-table understanding and learn about the importance of farmers in the food chain and environmental issues. Students also work on catering events that allow them to develop their serving and food preparation skills. Students will complete sector-recognized certifications and or training courses as well as be part of career exploration activities such as field trips and hearing from expert guest speakers.

Select this link to view the Hospitality & Tourism SHSM Credits Chart

Avon Maitland District eLearning Centre

AMDEC is a fully online secondary school within the Avon Maitland DSB, which offers courses from grade 9 to grade 12 in most subject areas. Our courses are taught by experienced AMDSB teachers who are committed to student success through a quality eLearning experience. Your success as a student is also supported by our principal, vice principal, guidance counsellor, technical help department, office staff and the home school. We believe that our program provides an excellent educational opportunity for all of our students.

AMDEC delivers semestered, as well as non-semestered continuous intake courses. With the permission of your home school, you may start AMDEC courses any time between September and mid-February, but all students must finish by early June. You have some flexible deadlines for your assignments; however, you are responsible for establishing a schedule that meets both AMDEC’s due dates and your own needs (for example, completing the course by the end of first semester or meeting postsecondary mark submission deadlines). Module completion requirements and a list of important due dates are posted in the Student Handbook and are also available on our website: www.amdec.ca.

Students wishing to take an AMDEC course must register through the guidance department of their home school. You may consider eLearning courses for a number of reasons: to take a course that is not offered at your home school; to solve a timetable conflict; and to experience eLearning before starting post-secondary education. To succeed in eLearning you need skills in: self-motivation, organization, self-direction, time management, computer proficiency, and honesty.

Mandatory Courses by Grade

Grade 9 Course

Students in Grade 9 will take the following 8 Compulsory Credits

Canadian & World Studies - CGC1D or CGC1P
English - ENG1D or ENG1L or ENG1P
French - FSF1D or FSF1P
Mathematics - MPM1D or MAT1L or MFM1P
Science - SNC1D or SNC1L or SNC1P
Healthy Living - PPL1OM or PPL1OF

Choose Two of the following:

Music - AMU1O
Visual Arts - AVI1O
Drama - ADA1O
Introduction to Business - BTT1O
Social Science - HFN1O
Exploring Technologies - TIJ1O
Exploring Hairstyling & Aesthetics - TXJ1O

Grade 10 Courses

Grade 10 will take the following 5 Compulsory Credits

Canadian & World Studies - CHC2D or CHC2L or CHC2P
Career Studies (.5 credit) - GLC2O
Civics and Citizenship (.5 credit) - CHV2O
English - ENG2D or ENG2L or ENG2P
Mathematics - MPM2D or MAT2L or MFM2P
Science - SNC2D or SNC2L or SNC2P

Choose 3 Additional Credits at the Grade 10 Level

Grade 11 Courses

Students in Grade 11 will take Compulsory English and Mathematics Credits

Students must check carefully that the requirements for the any additional compulsory credits are completed.

English - ENG3C or ENG3E or ENG3U
Mathematics - MBF3C or MEL3E or MCF3M or MCR3U

Choose Up to 6 Additional Credits:

Students in Grade 11 may select a Grade 12 course if prerequisite has been completed.

Grade 12 Courses

Grade 12 Students will choose a minimum of 6 Courses. All Students in Grade 12 must choose 1 English Course to Complete Diploma Requirements

English - ENG4C or ENG4E or ENG4U

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