Grade 9 Overview
Students build core foundational skills in Science, Math, English, and the Arts while developing a sense of self-awareness. Abilities are monitored so the student can focus on results in academic courses while exploring electives. Grade 9 demands focus to master core concepts and progress personal achievements.
Courses We Offer
Online curriculum, progressive course options, and a personalized learning plan allows our teachers to focus on a student-centered teaching style. By offering all resources digitally, students have 24/7 access to their educational content.
See Graduation Requirements
Coding 9
Prerequisite: Coding 8
Do you find yourself wondering how your favorite apps, websites, and games were made? Maybe you want to try building your own. Well, now you can! In Coding 9, you will learn all about the technology you use in your day-to-day life as well as explore how the internet functions. Get an introduction to the basics of computer science and discover how to create and build your very own website using HTML and CSS. You’ll also become familiar with programming languages like JavaScript and Python Programming. You will leave the course with your very own portfolio of work that will showcase your skills and all that you’ve created.
Course Highlights
- explore how coding can solve problems and bring people together
- investigate the connections between coding and virtual reality
- unlock the secrets of coding to create your very own programs
- learn the language of programming and master complex algorithms
English 9
Prerequisite: English 8
A strong understanding of the English language allows us to communicate better and understand one another with more precision, clarity, and creativity. This course exposes students to literature, language, and social culture. Throughout the course, students will complete various grammar and writing skills exercises to develop composition skills using the following topics:
- literary devices
- reading strategies
- elements of style
- writing processes
Mathematics 9
Prerequisite: Math 8
The more math you take, the more money you make. This old saying often rings true because a strong foundation in mathematics prepares students for careers in science, technology, and engineering among other important professions. This course covers concepts of algebra, geometry, and the following key mathematical concepts:
- financial literacy
- statistics
- comparative measurement (e.g., linear, mass, capacity)
- single attributes of 2D shapes and 3D objects
- concrete or pictorial graphs as a visual tool
Public Speaking 9
Gain more confidence speaking in front of people. In this course, you will learn techniques from famous speakers throughout history while learning what it takes to make a great speech. Develop skills that will serve you throughout your career and personal life.
Social Studies 9
Prerequisite: Social Studies 8
Understanding where we came from provides us with perspective on how far society has progressed and the political systems we have developed over time. This course is intended to help students understand the progress of civilization through the ages starting in the year 1750 to 1919. Topics in the course include the following:
- political, social, economic, and technological revolutions
- imperialism and colonialism, and their continuing effects on indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world
- global demographic shifts, including patterns of migration and population growth
- nationalism and the development of modern nation-states, including Canada
- local, regional, and global conflicts
- discriminatory injustices such as the Head Tax, the Komagata Maru, residential schools, and World War I internment
- physiographic features and natural resources in Canada
Digital Art and Design 9
There are so many different types of art in this world fine art, classical art, visual art but the impact of digital art and design is all around us, often in ways that you probably aren’t even aware of! After taking Digital Art and Design, you’ll enjoy a deeper understanding and appreciation for all things digital as you explore this special genre of art found in everything from advertising to animation to photography and beyond. In this course, you’ll learn about the evolution of art, the basic principles of art and design, and the role of art in politics and society. Additionally, you will actually create your own digital art and make it come alive. Give your creative side a boost with this Digital Art and Design course!
Course Highlights
- explore digital art career paths
- create your own digital art
- learn how digital art evolved into what it is today
- appreciate how technology influences the arts
Game Design 9
Prerequisite: Game Design 8
Building upon the prior prerequisite course, students will further advance their knowledge of game design by taking this course. Delving into the development process, students will create details and add component pieces in a game while learning to prototype, troubleshoot, and test. Additionally, exploring how to critique a game and advertise it will strengthen the student’s ability to create a fully functioning game from start to finish.
Course Highlights
- plan your game by making a checklist of tasks you need to do
- learn how to give your game elements some style
- add sound effects to make your game more immersive
- get people talking about your game
Physical and Health Education 9
Prerequisite: Physical and Health Education 8
An appreciation for physical activity will better allow students to understand the connection between the body and mind. PE can enhance our connection to one another through sports and other shared activities. This course emcompasses topics in healthy choices influencing physical and emotional wellbeing. There are required hours of physical activity that need to be logged and monitored in order to receive credits for this course. Some topics included in this course include the following:
- proper technique for movement skills
- ways to monitor and adjust physical exertion levels
- effects of different types of physical activity on the body
- healthy sexual decision making
- marketing and advertising tactics aimed at children and youth, including those involving food and supplements
- basic principles for responding to emergencies
- consequences of bullying, stereotyping, and discrimination
- media and social influences related to psychoactive substance use and potentially addictive behaviours
- signs and symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression
- influences of physical, emotional, and social changes on identities and relationships
Science 9
Prerequisite: Science 8
An understanding of scientific principles and theories allows students to better understand our position in the world and our understanding of life. This course provides students with a foundational knowledge in science and scientific methods. Some topics in this course include the following:
- sexual and asexual reproduction
- periodic table
- electricity
- sustainability of systems
- first peoples principles of interconnectedness
Visual Art 9
Close your eyes and imagine you’re standing in an art studio the smell of paint, the heat of the kiln, and the infinite creative possibilities that linger in the air. This is where art is born, and in Visual Art 9, you’ll learn how to bring your art visions to life. Whatever medium you prefer painting, drawing, photography this course will teach you the design elements and principles needed to create a work of art, explore your artistic inspirations, travel back in time to look at art in different cultures, and gain insight about the art of critiquing. If you’ve ever dreamed about making a living as an artist, this course will give you the tools and background that you need to turn those dreams into a reality!
Course Highlights
- discover your creative side while learning about the process behind artistic masterpieces
- identify common themes in art and the cultural impact art has had over time
- learn how to critique your own art and works created by others. Investigate the many career opportunities in the field of 2D art
Key Points to Know
Do you offer summer school courses?
iLearn’s summer school program is an expedited version (6-week) of the course with many of the same major tests and assignments. Summer courses mainly focus on the key ideas taught in the curriculum. Most courses are available in a summer school format. Head to our Summer School page for more info.
Can I enroll full-time?
Yes, grade 9 students can enroll in full-time online courses, however, grade 8 and 9 students must sign up before September 30th to avoid any additional fees. Students who wish to take full-time courses after September 30th are advised to speak with our admin staff prior to enrolling.
Will I easily adapt to high school online?
There may be a learning curve as students adapt to creating their own schedules. Courses at iLearn are a little different than other schools. Students who are driven and take ownership in their work find they excel in a digital or blended learning environment as they can learn when they are most attentive and alert.
How long does it take to complete courses?
Students complete courses at their own pace. Most students take a few months to complete a course, while some have completed their course in a little as one month.
Can I take a grade 10 course?
Yes, as long as your current grade’s requirements are being met and all prerequisites for the course have been passed, then a student can enroll in a course that is one grade-level higher.
Who is welcome to attend iLearn?
iLearn is a school for everyone. Our individualized teaching approach and added flexibility make our school a great place to get ahead, catch up, or try out a new learning style, regardless of your education needs.
Where can I find iLearn’s tuition rates?
Please see our Tuition page for the most up-to-date tuition information.
Do students need to know much about technology before enrolling?
If you’re unfamiliar with computers, typing, and web browsers, it may take some time to adjust to online courses and that’s ok. Students who need more time to adjust can slow down the pace of the course and those who find it familiar can go a little faster.
Can I take your online courses and still stay at my existing school?
Yes, students are welcome to cross-enroll with us and either take a couple courses or take all their courses with us as their homeschool.
How do I meet with my teacher?
All meetings with teachers will be held via video conferencing (Zoom and/or Google Meet). Students will be invited to class and/or drop-in sessions via Google Calendar.
Students can sign up for office hours using their teacher’s Calendly link, which can be found on their syllabus and in their teacher’s email signature. Under normal circumstances, students can meet with their teacher and attend class in person at our brick and mortar location.
Can I rewrite tests?
If students would like to improve their test grade they may write a re-test. Re-tests can be written any time before the final exam or course end date. You will receive an average of the two attempts as your final mark for the test.
When do I get my report card?
Interim report cards will be sent at the point indicated on the course syllabus. Final report cards will be sent within 10 days of course completion.
What happens if I fall behind?
Students set the pace with their teacher at the beginning of the course and check-in with their teacher each week to revise the plan as needed. Once a month, iReports will be emailed to students, parents/guardians, and/or tutors if students are failing, behind schedule, or not meeting student expectations.
When does a course show up on my transcript?
iLearn courses will appear on students’ transcripts if they continue with their course beyond the 14-day withdrawal deadline. Students’ transcripts will be updated by their home school. To answer any transcript inquiries please email [email protected].
How quickly are assignments and tests marked?
All assignments and tests are marked with feedback in under 7-10 days. In extraordinary circumstances, marking may take a couple additional days. All grades and feedback can be found on the Grades page of the student dashboard.
How to Get Started
First, we need to know if you are eligible for your courses. Eligible students will be emailed with application steps to complete. Once all steps are completed, each student will be invited to an orientation with their teacher.
Eligibility
Submit your eligibility information online.
Application
Follow steps provided in your eligibility email.
Orientation
Meet your teacher and start the course.
When I started at iLearn I was much more impulsive, anxious, and socially awkward. After iLearn, the exposure to new people and situations with proper mentorship helped me excel. I experienced a very comforting environment with supportive staff members who let students work at their own pace. I left iLearn feeling at ease about my future. By focussing on my strengths, it allowed me to shape the experience and prepare myself for the real world with confidence and a smile.
Asad
Student