Welcome to the 2007-08 School Year. The Grade 9 Social Studies course, Atlantic Canada in the Global Community, enables students to examine and reflect on the major issues that affect them as individuals, Atlantic Canadians, and global citizens. Students will explore and appreciate the unique physical features of this region; the diverse cultural, ethnic, and historical backgrounds that exists in Atlantic Canada; the economic issues and challenges they face in the context of global trends; the role of technology in the past, present, and future for Atlantic Canada; and the importance of world view for effective citizenship.

The first classes of the year have been an introduction to the course. Due to the provincial election which will be held on October 9, 2007, we will be covering the Culture and Politics (Chapter 9) topic which is in the culture unit. In addition to the material in the text we will be closely following the candidates and issues in the provincial election. Students have completed a couple of worksheets this week; one dealt with familiarizing them with some of the basic concepts of democracy found in the chapter while the second asked them to look at results from recent federal elections. We will work on these worksheets during Thursday's class and begin closely analysing the current provincial election which has been now formally been called.

Evaluation for the year will involve the following;
Class participation 5%
Homework 20%
Assignments/Class Work 25%
Major Projects 25%
Final Exam 25%
Total 100%

Students are reminded to stay on task and complete all work on time. I am available for assistance with adequate notice. I can also be reached by e-mail at davidhamlyn@ncsd.ca.

Students should have Chapter 9 read this week for homework.

Have a good year!!!