GRADE 9 RESOURCE GUIDE FOR PARENTS GRADE 9 YEAR Students entering the Senior School will find a welcoming environment with many new challenges meant to engage and inspire them. A well-rounded academic program is enriched by the arts, athletics, leadership opportunities, community service, clubs and recreational activities, as well as a strong support system -- all designed to prepare students to be resilient young adults equipped to adapt in our changing world. Grade 9 Focus »
Middle School transition
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Leadership development
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Identifying strengths and interests
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Addressing volunteer requirements
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Academic counselling and support
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Tutorial programming
*STEM-related course group »
business studies
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computer studies
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cooperative education
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mathematics (in addition to the 3 compulsory credits currently required)
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science (in addition to the 2 compulsory credits currently required)
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technological education (in addition to the 1 compulsory credit required)
Additional Requirements »
Starting in September 2025, you must earn a new financial literacy graduation requirement as part of your compulsory Grade 10 mathematics course. (70% or higher to pass this new requirement)
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Successful completion of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
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40 hours of community involvement activities (volunteering). You can start collecting volunteer hours in the summer before Grade 09.
Credit Requirements Compulsory credits (For Students Starting in September 2024) You need the following 17 compulsory credits to get your OSSD:
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Advice for Grade 9s
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4 credits in English
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3 credits in mathematics
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2 credits in science
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1 credit in technological education
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1 credit in Canadian history
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1 credit in Canadian geography
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1 credit in the arts
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1 credit in health and physical education
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1 credit in French as a second language
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0.5 credit in career studies
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0.5 credit in civics and citizenship
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1 credit from the STEM-related course group* Grade 9 Resource Guide
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Updated February 2025
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Use this year to become the learner you want to be. Discover the where, when and how of studying that works for you. Prioritize sleep.
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Ask questions -- early and often.
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Get involved (service groups, clubs, athletics, arts, community)
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Reach out to new friends. Empathy goes a long way.
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Practice autonomy and grow resilience.
Hillfield Strathallan College