COURSE SELECTION PROCESS FOR GRADE 9 STUDENTS

ENTERING HIGH SCHOOL

​

https://sites.google.com/gnspes.ca/cpaschoolcounselling/0

C.P. ALLEN HIGH SCHOOL

WELCOME TO

WELCOME TO CPA

Orientation Video

�

Presentation Outline

1. High School Basics
2. Programs Available At High School
3. Graduation Requirements
4. Academic Planning
5. Choosing Your Courses
6. Timeline

Your Team in High School

​

​

Stephanie Bird, Principal

​

Richard Barry, Vice Principal A-D

Lori Dawn Swimm, School Counsellor A-D

​

Scott Craig, Vice Principal E-La

Riccardo Cordi, School Counsellor E-La

​

​

​

Tara Arseneau, Vice Principal Le-P

Shawna Shiers, School Counsellor Le-P

​

Jamie Taylor, Vice Principal Q-Z

Tara Aucoin, School Counsellor Q-Z

​

How High School Works

CLASSES

You will attend 4 courses every day!

​

Every class will have a different set of students. Don’t pick courses because your friends are in them (you probably won’t be in the same classes since there are many sections of the same class).

​

SEMESTERS

All grade 10 students must take 8 courses (4 per semester, although some may alternate all year):

�1^st Semester: Sept. to January

�2^nd Semester: Feb. to June

​

Each semester ends with a final assessment or exam for each course.

Student Schedule

How High School Works

Credit based system

• Grade 10 students must enroll in eight courses (credits). Students must achieve a grade of 50% to achieve course credit.
• All students need to meet the Nova Scotia Graduation Requirements in order to graduate (this will be explained later).

​

These requirements do not necessarily reflect the post-secondary requirements for the university/college you choose.

​

Student Support

• School Counsellors are educators and trained mental health professionals.
• They are responsible for personal, social, educational, and career needs, placing priority on the best interest of students.
• They can offer individual and group counseling.
• They connect students with community supports and resources. (doctors, IWK, therapists, Social Workers etc.).

​

Student Support cont…

• Youth Health Centre: Public Health Nurse available for mental and physical health support.
• African Nova Scotia Student Support Worker: Supporting the academic/social/emotional needs of African Nova Scotian students.
• Mi’kmaw Indigenous Student Support Worker: Supporting the academic/social/ emotional needs of our Indigenous Nova Scotian student.
• School Social Worker: Supporting students and families with social/emotional/financial needs, as well as links to supports in community. School social workers are trained mental health professionals.

​

Academic Support

C.P. Allen offers support for students having requiring academic support for success in high school

• Resource / Learning Centre: This service is provided to students who require academic support and currently have adaptations to meet course outcomes or require a program plan with individualized outcomes.

​

• EAL: English as an Additional Language support is provided to students who require significant support in English language acquisition.

​

Specialized Programs

The following special programs are available at C.P. Allen:

• International Baccalaureate
• Options and Opportunities
• French Immersion

​

Grade 10 CPA Pre-IB Program

The Grade 10 CPA Pre-IB program prepares students planning to move into the International Baccalaureate program. The IB program creates literate, articulate, and confident learners that have an understanding of global issues.

​

The IB program develops students who are:

• critical thinkers / open-minded / reflective
• willing to take on challenges
• communicators who interact readily and effectively
• committed, motivated and organized

Grade 10 CPA Pre-IB Program

As part of the Pre-IB program students will complete courses that align with the IB Diploma Program 6 Groups:

​

• Group 1 - First Language (Language and Literature 10 / English 10 Mu)
• Group 2 - Second Language (Core French 10, French Immersion 10)
• Group 3 - Humanities (History 10, Histoire 10)
• Group 4 - Experimental Science (Science 10, Sciences 10 FI)
• Group 5 - Mathematics (Math 10 Pre-IB, Math 10 FI Pre-IB, Math 10, Math 10 FI)
• Group 6 - Fine Arts (Visual Arts 10/Drama 10/Art Dramatique 10/Music10)
• + 1 - Must be from the Physical Education Category

​

​

Experience. Learning. Success.

O₂ is…

• a 3-year program that prepares students for life after high school�
• actively participating in and positively contributing to the student’s community�
• a link to the workplace and post-secondary education

Why O₂ ?

• Develop employability skills�
• Field trips, guest speakers, safety training�
• Smaller class sizes�
• Explore multiple careers - contacts!�
• Assured seating at NSCC (university: 2 + 2 Program)

What does O₂ look like?

• Same as any other high school student

​

• However, in Grade 10, O₂ students must take Career Development & Community Based Learning

​

• In Grades 11 & 12, O₂ students must complete 3 co-operative work placements

​

• All other courses are up to the student

Field Trips

Placements

Other Placements

• Nova Scotia Health Authority�
• Halifax Regional Police�
• DRS Pivotal Power�
• Halifax Regional Centre for Education�
• High Button Sports �
• Welding, Electrical, Plumbing, Auto, Carpentry

The Road Ahead

• ?????: West Bedford Grade 9 Class Presentations

​

• Jan 29: Rocky Lake Grade 9 Class Presentations

​

• Feb 13: Deadline for Applications

​

• Feb 24: Rocky Lake Student Interviews�
• Feb 25: West Bedford Student Interviews

��

Mr. Lucas - lucass@hrce.ca

Mr. Piccott - cpiccott@hrce.ca

​

Experience. Learning. Success.

French Immersion

• Students must complete at least 9 French Immersion (FI) credits (courses) upon graduation in order to receive a Nova Scotia French Immersion Diploma.

​

• French Immersion courses are also available for the pre-IB program and IB Program.

• Students in FI must complete the following courses in each of the following years:
• Français Immersion 10 + min. of 3 other FI credits
• Français Immersion 11 + min. of 1 other FI credit
• Français Immersion 12 + min. of 1 other FI credit

Course Selection Process

• Create a My Blueprint account (available through your google ensuite). This will support you in aligning course selection to career goals.

​

• You should discuss course selection with home and with your current school counsellor and teachers.�
• Consider your academic ability (strengths and challenges) when electing courses. Ask your subject teachers for his/her input.

​

• Consider your career goals - university, college, etc.

​

​

Course Selection Process (continued)

Parents/Guardians should review the course selection booklet with their children. A copy of the course selection book specific to students entering grade 10 can be found at the following link:

​

https://sites.google.com/gnspes.ca/cpaschoolcounselling/0/course-selection

​

Students will be given a course selection form to complete, specific to their program. Their current school counsellors can assist in the process.

​

​

​

NS Graduation Requirements

18 credits are required to graduate from High School

• 13 are compulsory credits -NS graduation Requirements
• 5 additional credits
• 90 % of our students graduate with 21 credits

​

A maximum of 7 credits that are coded grade 10

• Ex: History 10, Math 10

A minimum of 5 credits that are coded grade 12

• Ex: Chemistry 12, Law 12

How Courses Are Coded

• Graduation – These courses meet the NS High School Diploma requirements. �
• Open – These courses meet the NS High School Diploma requirements. They may or may not be accepted by post-secondary institutions.

​

• Academic/Advanced – These are university preparatory courses that meet Nova Scotia High School Diploma requirements.

​

Students who plan to attend university must have the required number of academic/advanced credits for admission. It is normal for students to have some open or graduation level courses on their transcript in addition to their academic ones.

​

13 Compulsory Courses

• 3 English Courses – one in grade 10/11/12
• 3 Math Courses – one in grade 10 / 11 / 12
• 2 Science Courses - one from Science 10 or Biology 11 and another approved science course
• 1 Other - (from either technology / math / or science)
• 1 Fine Arts Course - (chosen in grade 10)
• 1 Physical Education - (chosen in grade 10)
• 1 Canadian Studies - (chosen in grade 11)
• 1 Global Studies - (chosen in grade 12)

You will be selecting 5 compulsory credits in grade 10

Compulsory Credits: English

3 credits: 1 required selection in grade 10

​

Courses available for grade 10 students:

​

• English 10 Music (runs every second day for a full year with music)
• English 10
• Language and Literature 10 (for Pre-IB students)

​

Compulsory Credits: Physical Education

1 required credit selected in grade 10:

• Dance 11 - introductory level course (no experience required)
• Physical Education 10 – you want to continue to develop athletic skills
• Physically Active Living 11 – focus on healthy lifestyles and being active (Also available in French for Immersion students - Mode de Vie Actif)
• Yoga 11 - introductory level course (no experience required)

Compulsory Credits: Mathematics

3 required Math credits

• One in grade 10 / One in grade 11 / One in grade 12

​

Courses available for grade 10 students

• Math Essentials 10 (Graduation)
• Math at Work 10 (Graduation)
• Math 10/ Mathematiques 10 FI (Academic)
• Math 10 Pre-IB / Pre-IB Math 10 FI (Academic)

2026/2027 Grade 10 Math Courses

** Students who enroll in Mathematics 10 and CPA Pre-IB Math 10 will write a final exam provided by the NS Department of Education.

You Must Pick 1 Math

• Math Essentials 10 –Mathematics Essentials 10 is an introductory, graduation credit type high school mathematics course designed for students who do not intend to pursue post-secondary study in areas requiring math. It is recommended that students proceed to Mathematics Essentials 11 upon completion of Mathematics Essentials 10.

​

• Math at Work 10 –Mathematics at Work 10 is a graduation credit type high school mathematics course. It is recommended that students proceed to Mathematics at Work 11 upon completion of Mathematics at Work 10. In some cases students may choose a course other than Mathematics at Work 11

​

You Must Pick 1 Math (con’t)

• Math 10 / Mathematiques 10 Imm - Mathematics 10 is an academic credit. Upon successful completion students will receive 2 academic credits; one in Mathematics 10 and another in math, science or technology. It is recommended that students proceed to Mathematics 11 or Mathematics Extended 11 upon successful completion of Mathematics 10.

​

• CPA Pre-IB Math 10/Mathematiques 10 Imm – This course is an enriched Mathematics 10 course designed for an academically-driven student who demonstrates a strong work ethic and a keen interest in the study of mathematics. Students in this course should have had success in previous math courses.

Senior High Mathematics: Common Pathways

Routes through High School Math

If you want to obtain a High School diploma and then:

• Enter the workforce or an apprenticeship program
• Apply to Community or Private College (most programs)
• Apply to a Bachelor of Arts program at most universities

​

Your Pathway through High School Math may be:

• Math Essentials 10 / Math Essentials 11 / Math Essentials 12
• Math at Work 10 / Math at Work 11 / Math at Work 12

​

Routes through High School Math

If you want to obtain a High School diploma and then:

• Apply to Community or private College (some programs

      that require academic math)

• Apply to University for a Bachelor of Commerce,

      Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Health Sciences, Bachelor

      of Kinesiology, or Bachelor of Science (few select universities).

​

Your Pathway through High School Math will be:

• Math 10, Math 11, and Math 12

Routes through High School Math

If you want to obtain a High School diploma and then:

Apply to University for a Bachelor of Science

     (Select Universities), Bachelor of Engineering,

     Bachelor of Computing Science, Bachelor of

     Commerce (outside of Atlantic Canada)

​

Your Pathway through High School Math can be:

• Math 10, Math 11, Pre-Calculus Math 11, and Pre-Calculus 12
• Calculus 12 is an optional math course taken in grade 12.

Compulsory Credits: Science

2 required credits

• 1 required credit selected in grade 10:

Science 10

Sciences 10 Imm

• 1 other science course (at the grade 11/ 12 level)

​

You can pick a 2^nd science in grade 10

• Biology 11/Biologie 11 FI. Please be advised that this is a grade 11 science course, thus, workload covered will be more in depth than grade 10 courses. It is advised you discuss with your current science teacher. It is possible that Science 10 and Biology 11 end up in the same semester.

​

Compulsory Credits: Fine Arts

1 required credit selected in grade 10 (pick a 1st & 2nd choice)

• Dance 11 –(Counts as either a Phys Ed or a Fine Arts credit but not both)
• Music10 – you are currently in band or have an interest in learning vocals
• Drama 10 – feel comfortable speaking/performing in front of the class
• Dramatique, Arts 10 – same as above, but in French!
• Visual Arts 10 – you like to draw & make cool stuff

You now should have picked 5 or 6 courses

​

​

You now have to pick 2 or 3 more to make 8

Appropriate Additional Elective Courses for Grade 10 Students

• Biology 11 / Biologie 11 FI
• Business Technology 11
• Career Development 10
• Communication Technology 11
• Construction Technology 10

​

• Exploring Technology 10
• Francais Immersion 10
• French 10 - Core
• Geography 10
• History 10 / Histoire 10

​

​

Grade 10 Academic Course Selection Sheet

​

Grade 10 French Immersion Course Selection Sheet

​

​

​

Grade 10 Pre-IB Course Selection Sheet

​

​

​

Course Changes /Course Availability

• Course change requests will be made at the beginning of the year in September and in January and will reviewed by the administrative team.

​

• Courses changes may not be available depending on scheduling constraints

Timeline - Tentative

1. Parent Night @ CPA - January 21st @ 6pm in the Cafeteria

​

• CPA Counsellors Course Selection Presentation @ Rocky Lake Jan 27. Students at both Rocky Lake and West Bedford High will receive course selection materials this week.

​

• Late February - Course selections will be entered through the student’s Powerschool account. Students must have their PowerSchool login. The student’s current school will arrange this timeline and provide students with support.

​

Clubs- Subject to change each year

• Interact Club
• Cheetahs for Change
• Jack.org
• Math Club
• Debate Club
• Model UN
• Innovation and Science Club
• GSA
• Yearbook
• CPA tutoring
• https://drive.google.com/file/d/13uIRzsFi2JZMCPTTJ7DC_4p4Y8GgeT-S/view

Athletics

https://sites.google.com/gnspes.ca/cpaathletics/home?authuser=1

Why Choose The International Baccalaureate (IB) Program?

IB Coordinators

Todd Powers A–L

Ryan Thornton M-Z

IB Philosophy

​

The International Baccalaureate (IB) offers a world-class, challenging, and globally recognized education that nurtures curious, informed, and compassionate individuals who are ready to take on the world's challenges.

Different from AP, is a full program which leads to a highly recognised diploma, rather than specific courses.

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007

Learner Profile

Inquiry-Based Learning: Encourages students to ask questions and seek knowledge independently.

​

International Mindedness: Promotes global awareness and understanding of different cultures and perspectives.

​

Critical Thinking: Develops skills to analyze, evaluate, and apply knowledge in real-world contexts.

​

Holistic Development: Focuses on the intellectual, personal, emotional, and social growth of students.

​

Action and Service: Inspires students to take meaningful action in their communities through service learning.

​

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007

Curriculum

• Challenging courses delivered by experienced teachers.
• Pathways focused on Sciences and Humanities.
• Unique course offerings of IB Spanish, IB Psychology, IB Theatre, IB Visual Arts, IB Music.

​

​

Page 53

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007

Course Offerings (Grade 11/Year 1)

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007

IB Core

All Diploma Students must participate in the core elements of:

​

Extended Essay

​

Theory of Knowledge

​

CAS

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007

University Advantage

• Universities are increasingly recognizing the qualities of IB students.
• Graduates have an easier transition from high school to University.
• More likely to graduate university on time and with a higher GPA.
• Universities give credit equivalency for many IB courses.
• IB Specific Scholarships

​

Page 56

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007

Community

• School within a school
• IB students form a strong, supportive, community.
• Many of the extra curricular programs in the school are run by IB students, Better with Bees, Peer Tutoring, Yearbook, KPop.
• Special school events for IB students. (Huntsman Biology Trip, DAL/SMU Library, Spanish Lunch)

​

​

Page 57

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007

(AND THE REST OF THIS YEAR)

NEXT SCHOOL YEAR

GOOD LUCK