Welcome to City School

Course Descriptions

11 English (ENG3U) – Tom

Modern coming of age novels, city inspired creative writing, native studies, multicultural literature, modern and classic drama, a study of a popular film genre and the launching of a grassroots campaign to promote ecofriendly policies in our neighbourhood provide a framework for learning how to communicate better for all  purposes. 

11 Geography of the Americas (CGD3M) - Whitney

11/12 Dramatic Arts (ADA3M/4M) – Barb
This course is focused around the creation of a theatre troupe – examining all roles involved in the production of theatre (writer, actor, director, producer, technician, etc).  The troupe will be charged with putting on a production by the end of the semester, from inception to presentation.  The course will also offer regular seminars on various acting techniques.

11/12 Movement/Phys Ed. (PAF3O/4O) - Whitney

11/12 Visual Arts - (AVI3M/4M) - Tom

12 Advanced Functions (MHF4U) – Dan

This course extends students’ experience with functions.  Students will investigate the properties of polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; develop techniques for combining functions; broaden their understanding of rates of change; and develop facility in applying these concepts and skills.  They will also refine their use of the mathematical processes necessary for success in senior mathematics.

12 Biology (SBI4U) – Di
Senior Biology students will look at population dynamics, evolution, and sustainability as well as metabolism, molecular genetics, and the “balance” within and between organisms.  The course is enriched with many up-to-date articles to help students gain useful understanding of where humans fit in the scheme of living things...and to gain insights into how they can influence the coming impacts of biotechnology.

12 Body Fuel (HFA-4M) - Dan

This course examines various nutritional, psychological, social, cultural, and global factors that influence people’s food choices and customs.  Students will learn about current Canadian and worldwide issues related to food and water, and frameworks for making appropriate dietary healthy-eating choices.  This course also refines students’ skills used in researching and investigating issues related to food and nutrition.

12 Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U) – Dan

This course builds on students’ previous experience with functions and their developing understanding of rates of change.  Students will solve problems involving geometric and algebraic representations of vectors and representations of lines and planes in 3-dimensional space; broaden their understanding of rates of change to include the derivatives of polynomial, sinusoidal, exponential, rational and radical functions; and apply these concepts and skills to the modeling of real-world relationships.

12 Canadian Law (CLN4U) - Barb
This course or Politics (CPW4U) will be offered according to student demand.

12 Chemistry (SCH4U) – Di

An advanced chemistry course and a prerequisite for university science. Units include chemical bonding, chemical reactions, reaction kinetics, chemical equilibrium, solubility, and nuclear and electrochemistry.  Projects deal with the application of chemistry to “reality”.  The depth of the “lab” component will be dictated by TDSB budgetary constraints.

12 English/Literary Studies (ENG4U/ETS4U-01) – Peter 

Teen Wildlife This course looks at the many ways teenagers make their way through life.  An examination of various teen movies, the novels White Oleander and Londonstani, the play Buried Child, and lots of other literature and media will lead to a greater understanding of how important the teen years are in making the adult that follows.  

12 English/Literary Studies (ENG4U/ETS4U -02) - Peter

Big Ideas This course will look at a variety of big ideas, option philosophical, psychological and political - that have made their way into great literature.  Readings will include a number of the following books:  Nineteen Eighty-Four, Heart of Darkness, Tom Stoppard's Jumpers and a Doris Lessing novel.

Environmental Studies (CGR4M – 01) – Marc

This course emphasizes experiential learning and students taking informed action on current green issues.  Several field studies are set up, including trips to:  Toronto Islands, High Park and Crawford Lake.  We’ll be tree planting, visiting the Toronto Wind Turbine and the Green Roof at Mountain Equipment Coop.  Guest speakers will help us explore the topics of alternative energy, climate change and the role of environmental organizations in our fair city.  If you have an area of related expertise you would like to share with the class, please give us a call.

12 Life Strategies (IDC4U) - Di  

Life Strategies, designed by Di and approved by the TDSB, helps young adults “master their own destiny”.  We look at priorities and decision making, time and money management, career paths and business design, self-care (nutrition, fitness, etc.) and risk management, communication and relationships in various contexts.  A highly practical course and hopefully fun.

12 Philosophy (HZT4U) – Barb

This course introduces the student to many of the major philosophers and philosophical themes of both the east and the west.  Among the philosophers to be studied are Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Descartes, Hume, Berkerley, Shankaracharya, Buddha, and Patanjali.  Some of the topics are theories of knowledge, reality, ethics and the Good Life.  Material is taught through readings (including original writings), discussions, videos, thought exercises, class trips, etc.  A major focus in this course is the development of critical thinking.

12 Politics (CPW4U)  - Barb
This course or Law will be offered depending on student demand. 

12 West and the World - Tom