Grade 9 Courses

Limestone Learning Foundation

The Ministry of Education is committed to education system changes to ensure equity of access and outcomes for all students. These changes are in response to the historic over-representation in applied courses of Indigenous, Black, and other racialized students, students who live in low-income households, and those with disabilities and other special education needs.

One of the most significant changes is the de-streaming of Grade 9 courses in September 2022 to provide opportunities for students to make decisions about their future, while keeping their options open. De-streaming (or destreaming) means that students will no longer be placed into applied or academic courses, a practice that has disadvantaged some students.

Students entering Grade 9 will take English, Math, Science, Geography, French, Health and Physical Education and Technology plus one elective courses (Art and Business). Students who choose to take Technology in Grade 10 will have two elective courses in Grade 9. 

Grade 9 Graduation Requirements:

Compulsory

English (ENL1W) & Mathematics (MTH1W) – introduced September 2022

Science (SNC1W)  introduced September 2023

Geography (CGC1W) New – September 2024

Technology (TAS10) New – September 2024

*Students who choose to take technology in Grade 10 will have two elective courses in Grade 9

French, Health and Physical Education

Electives

One Elective Course (Art and Business)

 

Grade 9 is a continuation of learning from Grade 8, and will allow students to transition to high school before making a decision about their preferred pathway (apprenticeship, college, workplace or university) for the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my student be prepared for Grade 10?

Yes. The Grade 9 courses are a prerequisites for both Grade 10 academic and Grade 10 applied courses.

What will de-streamed class sizes look like?

Class sizes vary depending on the course, but Grade 9 classes will have class sizes consistent with previous years. 

What does Grade 10 look like based on student marks in Grade 9?

There is no mark minimum for Grade 10 courses. Students will choose Grade 10 pathways that align with their future goals and pathways.

Will my student still have their accommodations?

Yes. Accommodations within Individual Education Plans remain in place. 

Will there be additional supports for my student?

Student support options will remain in place for students entering Grade 9.  Students should speak to their teacher about options for additional support. 

Will it be too challenging for my student? Will my student be bored?

Staff will use high yield teaching strategies to meet the needs of students in their classes - to fill gaps where needed, and to challenge all students. 

Are courses Destreamed after Grade 9? How will my student choose a course type?

In Grade 10, three types of courses are offered: academic, applied and locally developed. Courses in Grades 11 and 12 are designed to prepare students for post-secondary destinations – that is, for university, university/college, college, workplace and open level.


Students learn best when they are challenged and when they believe they can be successful. Teachers in all course types will adjust their instruction to deliver the appropriate level of challenge for their students and provide support to help all students be successful. It is important for students to have conversations with their parents about their career aspirations and decide which courses are required to follow that pathway choice. Students should consider their learning skills and preferred pathway when choosing course types.

Students are encouraged to reach out to the Guidance and Success Teams in their schools if they have any questions. Guidance and Success Teams will provide valuable insight into the course programs and supports that fit the student needs and aspirations for the future.

Additional resources:

The Limestone District School Board is situated on traditional territories of the Anishinaabe & Haudenosaunee.