Frequently Asked Questions for Level I Course Selections

Language Arts

  1. What is the difference between English 1201 and 1202 courses?

The academic course is English 1201 while the general course 1202 is designed for students with some difficulties in reading, writing, speaking and/or listening. Graduation with an academic diploma prepares students for university and highly technical diploma programs. Graduation with a general diploma prepares students for various college and trade programs or to enter the work force directly from high school.

2.Why should students complete Literacy 1204 and English 1202 together?

Two reasons: Since eight credits in Language Arts are needed for graduation, general students are able to complete four of these credits in Level 1. Doing both courses also provides students with double the number of English classes, thus enabling students to gain a firm Language Arts foundation before advancing to second level English.

3.Can a student begin in the English general stream and then transfer to academic?

This is a very rare occurrence; it is most preferable that students attempt the academic program in Level I.

4.What courses can satisfy the ‘Optional’ Language Art requirements?

Literacy 1204, Drama 2206, Writing 2203, or any high school French course will satisfy this requirement.

Please note: In some cases, a particular course may be listed as satisfying more than one graduation requirement. Therefore, if credit is received for such a course, the credit can be used to satisfy either of the two graduation requirements, but not both. For example, Drama 2206 may satisfy either the Optional Language Arts or the Fine Arts requirements but not both.

Math

1.What happens to students who go to summer school for Math at the end of Grade 9?

If you are successful with summer school? Go into Math 1201 or Math 1202

If you are not successful with summer school? A team decision will be made with by the school about appropriate recommendations.

2.Is there a cut off average to distinguish 1201(academic course) vs 1202 (general course)?

Please discuss your choice with your Math teacher and school guidance counselor. Consideration and discussion will include such factors as your work ethic, attendance, plans for post-secondary, etc. Math 1202 is intended for those students who despite their best efforts and strong attendance are still not successful with Academic Math. It is not intended for students who are not working to their potential.

  1. What program needs to be taken for admission into MUN? CNA? Etc?

The ‘academic’ or ‘advanced’ math courses are required for university and some 2 or 3 year college programs require academic or advanced math courses. However, there are courses in the trades and the applied arts that only require high school graduation and general Math is acceptable. The Grade 9 handbook gives further details on this.

  1. What is the difference between Semesterized Math 1201/Math2201 and Semesterized Math

1201/2200?

All students on the academic or advanced stream must take Math 1201 before going onto do any other math courses. Students can choose to also do academic Math 2201 in the second semester or advanced math 2200 in the second semester. Students must have their Grade 9 math teacher initial their choices.

  1. Is there a cut off average for students wishing to take Semesterized Math 1201 and 2200?

Due to the difficulty of the work, students wishing to take semesterized Math 1201 and 2200 in Level 1 should have 90% or above in Grade 9 Math and have the recommendation of their teacher.

6. Howwill students make a choice about moving into the advanced stream of Math after Level 1? Withtherecommendation of their level 1 Math teacher after reviewing their Level 1 math results, students will be able to register for Advanced Math for Level 2.

Frequently Asked Questions for Level I Course Selections

Social Studies

  1. For which course should a student on a general stream register --Canadian Geography or Canadian History?

This student should take Canadian Geography. This option is better suited to a student wishing to take World Geography 3200 (a non-public course needed for graduation) in Level 2.

  1. Between Canadian Geography & Canadian History, which is the more advanced course?

Usually students who take Canadian History proceed to World History as their World Studies credit. Strong reading and writing skills are preferable in both of the history courses.

  1. What is the major change in graduation requirements related to Social Studies?

For the last few years, a course in Newfoundland Studies fulfills the Canadian Studies or Fine Arts requirements.

4.How should my child plan long-term for the social studies program?

Using the three year planner at the end of your Grade 9 Handbook, a student considering taking World Geography in Level 2 will obtain some prior knowledge in geography by taking Canadian Geography in level I. Similarly, a student who desires to complete World History in Level 2 should take Canadian History in Level 1.

5.At which level should a student take World Studies? (ie. World Geography & World History)

At Holy Spirit, we recommend that all students take their World Studies course in Level II.

Sciences

  1. Can I do any 2000 academic level science courses other than Biology 2201 in Level I?

Yes. Biology 2201 does not have pre-requisite knowledge in Science 1206, thus students with strong achievement in Grade 9 Science can concurrently complete Biology 2201 and Science 1206.

However, students who have excelled in Grade 9 Science also have the opportunity to take either semesterized Science 1206 then Chemistry 2202; semesterized Science 1206 followed by Physics 2204; or semesterized Science 1206 followed by Biology 2201. All these options require the recommendation of your child’s science teacher.

FINAL NOTE: We will be semesterizing the majority of classes next year at Holy Spirit. Please note that your child will most likely be in semesterized courses, even if they did not choose to do an additional math or science course next year.

Be sure to check out the Grade 9 Student Handbook for additional advice on course registration: