Welcome to Emily Carr Secondary School.
We invite you to learn more about our school, departments and programs, and how we support students in their transition to secondary school and throughout their secondary school years.
Supporting the Transition to Grade 9
Students Working All Together (SWAT)
SWAT is a mentorship program built on the belief that students can help other students succeed. At ECSS, we have almost 100 grade 11 and 12 mentors.
Each Grade 9 student will be assigned a mentor when they arrive at ECSS to support their transition to high school.
Transition Activities
We want the transition to Grade 9 to be a positive experience for students and families that sets students up for success. Incoming Grade 9 students can expect:
- Visits with elementary schools in our area
- Only Grade 9 students attend school on the first day of school.
- Camp Coyote - a camp day for Grade 9 students with orientation activities
- Clubs and teams fairs to ensure students know about the many opportunities to get involved at ECSS.
How Can Students Prepare Now
- Focus on learning skills and work habits
- Build homework routines
- Perseverance
- Try new strategies
Grade 9 Course Selection
Students select courses in February for the following school year.
Learn more about secondary school graduation requirements, including compulsory and optional course credits.
Compulsory Courses:
Course | Destreamed (W) | Locally Developed (L) | Open (O) |
|---|---|---|---|
English | ENL1W1 | ENG1L1 | ESLAO, ELSBO, ESLCO, ELSDO, DSLEO |
Mathematics | MTH1W1 | MAT1L1 | |
Science | SNC1W1 | SNC1L1 | |
Geography | CGC1W | ||
Technological Education | n/a | E.g. TAS1O or TAS2O | |
Arts | n/a | E.g. ADA1O1 AMI1O1, AVI101 | |
Health and Physical Education | n/a | E.g. PPL1O, PAI10 | |
French | FSF1D1 | FSF1O1 |
Courses
Learn more about some of these courses or read the Ontario curriculum.
Learn more about Courses using the drop-down menus below.
The vision of the French program in Ontario is that students will communicate and interact with growing confidence in French. French is one Canada’s official languages and a compulsory subject from Grade 4-9.
Grade 9 Core French Academic (FSF1D1)
This course is for students who have been enrolled in Core French since Grade 4 and have the prerequisite of 600 hours or equivalent of French instruction.
Grade 9 Core French Open (FSF1O)
This is an introductory course recommended for students who have limited experience with French, or who have not accumulated the minimum 600 hours or equivalent of elementary Core French instruction.
Of the 17 compulsory credits, you must complete one from the following group:
- Business Studies
- Computer Studies
- Cooperative Education
- Mathematics (in addition to the three compulsory credits currently required)
- Science (in addition to the two compulsory credits currently required)
- Technological Education (in addition to the one compulsory credit required).
- Exploring Family Studies (H1F101)
- Business Studies:
- Building the Entrepreneurial Mindset, Grade 9, Open (BEM1O)
- Launching and Leading a Business, Grade 10, Open (BEP20)
Learning Strategies GLE1O1 is a course recommended for many students who have been identified with an exceptionality to support a smooth transition to high school. The course focuses on transitions, wellness and literacy. Learn more about our Student Services department.
There are three options for Grade 9 students:
| Course Code | Course Summary |
|---|---|
| PPL108 (Girls) | A unique environment as students have only experience mixed physical education in elementary school. Course includes a mix of sports and fitness activities and health. |
PPL109 (Boys) | A unique environment as students have only experience mixed physical education in elementary school. Course includes a mix of sports and fitness activities and health. |
| PPL101 (All) | A mixed class with a recreational focus and less competitive environment. Course includes a mix of sports and fitness activities and health. |
Planning Ahead
- Most secondary schools have a prerequisite for courses.
- Plan for experiential learning opportunities and job skills programs, including:
- Cooperative Education/ Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
- Dual Credits
- Specialist High Skills Majors
- Admission requirements for post-secondary opportunities (apprenticeship, college, university, workplace)
- Pathways are flexible. As your interests, skills and aptitudes change, students can transfer between pathways.
Visit Experience YRDSB to explore pathway programs and opportunities by industry sectors/areas that align with your interests, strengths and skills.