The following document provides a list of the grade nine courses at PCHS. Some students may choose to reach ahead in their elective courses to include a grade ten focus course .
Drama - ADA 1O - Open
This course provides opportunities for students to explore dramatic forms and techniques, using material from a wide range of sources and cultures. Students will use the elements of drama to examine situations and issues that are relevant to their lives. Students will create, perform, discuss, and analyse drama, and then reflect on the experiences to develop an understanding of themselves, the art form, and the world around them.
Music - Instrumental (Band) - AMI 1O - Open
This course emphasizes the creation and performance of music at a level consistent with previous experience and is aimed at developing technique, sensitivity, and imagination. Students will develop musical literacy skills by using the creative and critical analysis processes in composition, performance, and a range of reflective and analytical activities. Students will develop an understanding of the conventions and elements of music and of safe practices related to music, and will develop a variety of skills transferable to other areas of their life.
Dance - ATC 1O - Open
This course gives students the opportunity to explore their technical and compositional skills by applying the elements of dance and the tools of composition in a variety of performance situations. Students will generate movement through structured and unstructured improvisation, demonstrate an understanding of safe practices with regard to themselves and others in the dance environment, and identify the function and significance of dance within the global community.
Visual Arts - AVI 1O - Open
This course is exploratory in nature, offering an overview of visual arts as a foundation for further study. Students will become familiar with the elements and principles of design and the expressive qualities of various materials by using a range of media, processes, techniques, and styles. Students will use the creative and critical analysis processes and will interpret art within a personal, contemporary, and historical context.
Issues in Canadian Geography - CGC 1D - De-streamed
This course examines interrelationships within and between Canada’s natural and human systems and how these systems interconnect with those in other parts of the world. Students will explore environmental, economic, and social geographic issues relating to topics such as transportation options, energy choices, and urban development. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process, including spatial technologies, to investigate various geographic issues and to develop possible approaches for making Canada a more sustainable place in which to live.
English - ENG 1D - De-streamed
This course is designed to develop the oral communication, reading, writing, and media literacy skills that students need for success in their secondary school academic programs and in their daily lives. Students will analyze literary texts from contemporary and historical periods, interpret informational and graphic texts, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms. An important focus will be on the use of strategies that contribute to effective communication. The course is intended to prepare students for the Grade 10 academic English course, which leads to university or college preparation courses in Grades 11 and 12.
English - ENG 1L - Locally Developed
This course emphasizes the key reading, writing, oral communication and thinking skills students need for success in secondary school and in their daily lives. In particular, the program works toward preparing students to enter the Grade 11 course in English-Workplace Preparation and to complete the literacy test successfully. Students read a variety of narrative and expository forms, poetry, and drama and practise the skills necessary for clear and accurate spoken and written language. In particular, course activities will help develop confidence and self-esteem and provide motivation to succeed in school and life.
Core French - FSF 1D - De-streamed
This course provides opportunities for students to communicate and interact in French with increasing independence, with a focus on familiar topics related to their daily lives. Students will develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing by using language learning strategies introduced in the elementary Core French program, and will apply creative and critical thinking skills in various ways. They will also enhance their understanding and appreciation of diverse French-speaking communities, and will develop skills necessary for lifelong language learning.
Learning Strategies 1: Skills for Success in Secondary School - GLE / GLS 1O - Open
This course focuses on learning strategies to help students become better, more independent learners. Students will learn how to develop and apply literacy and numeracy skills, personal management skills, and interpersonal and teamwork skills to improve their learning and achievement in school, the workplace, and the community. The course helps students build confidence and motivation to pursue opportunities for success in secondary school and beyond.
Principles of Mathematics - MTH 1W - De-streamed
This course enables students to develop an understanding of mathematical concepts related to algebra, analytic geometry, and measurement and geometry through investigation, the effective use of technology, and abstract reasoning. Students will investigate relationships, which they will then generalize as equations of lines, and will determine the connections between different representations of a linear relation. They will also explore relationships that emerge from the measurement of three-dimensional figures and two-dimensional shapes. Students will reason mathematically and communicate their thinking as they solve multi-step problems.
Mathematics - MAT 1L - Locally developed
This course emphasizes further development of mathematical knowledge and skills to prepare students for success in their everyday lives,in the workplace and in further math studies. The course is organized in three strands related to financial literacy, measurement, and proportional reasoning. In all strands, the focus is on developing and consolidating key foundational mathematical concepts and skills by solving authentic, everyday problems. Technology and manipulative materials will be used wherever appropriate. Assessment and evaluation will be done using a wide variety of strategies. Students have opportunities to further develop their mathematical literacy and problem-solving skills and to continue developing their skills in reading, writing, and oral language through relevant and practical math activities.
Healthy Active Living Education - PPL 1O - Open
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. Students also acquire an understanding of the factors and skills that contribute to healthy development and learn how their own well-being is affected by, and affects, the world around them. Students build their sense of self, learn to interact positively with others, and develop their ability to think critically and creatively.
Science - SNC 1W - De-streamed
This course enables students to develop their understanding of concepts related to biology, chemistry, physics, and earth and space science, and to relate science to technology, society, and the environment. Throughout the course, students will develop and refine their STEM skills as they use scientific research, scientific experimentation, and engineering design processes to investigate concepts and apply their knowledge in situations that are relevant to their lives and communities. Students will continue to develop transferable skills as they become scientifically literate global citizens.
Science - SNC 1L - Locally Developed
This course emphasizes reinforcing and strengthening science-related knowledge and skills, including scientific inquiry, critical thinking and the relationship between science, society, and the environment, to prepare students for success in everyday life, in the workplace and in the Grade 11 Science Workplace Preparation course. Students explore a range of topics including science in daily life, properties of common materials, life-sustaining processes in simple and complex organisms, and electrical circuits. Students have the opportunity to extend mathematical and scientific process skills and to continue developing their skills in reading, writing, and oral language through relevant and practical science activities.
Exploring Hospitality and Tourism - TFJ 1O - Open
This exploratory course introduces students to concepts and skills related to hospitality and tourism, focusing on the areas of food handling, food preparation, the origins of foods, event planning, and local tourism. Students will develop an awareness of related environmental and societal issues, and will begin to explore secondary and postsecondary pathways leading to careers in the field
Exploring Technologies - TIJ 1O - Open
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. Students will develop an awareness of environmental and societal issues, and will begin to explore secondary and post-secondary education and training pathways leading to careers in technology-related fields.
Dance: ATC 2O1
Communications Technology: TGJ2O1
Construction: TCJ2O1
Manufacturing: TMJ2O1
Transportation: TTJ2O1
Hairstyling and Aesthetics: TXJ2O1