Grade 9 students have 6 required courses:
- ENGLISH 9
- SOCIAL STUDIES 9
- MATHEMATICS 9
- SCIENCE 9
- PHYSICAL EDUCATION 9*
- FRENCH 9
*Grade 9 students may also opt in to Softball academy–this counts towards 1 elective, and Physical Education 9:
Grade 9 students can then selection 2 elective courses; 1 applied skill and 1 fine art.
Course Descriptions: Elective Choice
FINE ARTS (SELECT 1 PRIMARY, 1 ALTERNATIVE)
Visual Arts 9 – This course is focused on developing the foundation skills in the core areas, with emphasis on individuality of thought and expression, use of imagination, observation skills, artistic judgment/art criticism, and appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts. Students will develop skills in the following areas: drawing (techniques in pencil, ink, pastel, charcoal), painting (skills in watercolour, gouache, and acrylics), printmaking (relief [lino] printmaking), pottery (hand built), graphic designs (computer art and animation [optional]), and textiles (batik, stitchery, weaving, and fabric painting).
Dance 9 – In this course, students will explore elements of dance such as body awareness, use of space and time, performance dynamics, movement relationships and form through various choreographic challenges. Through the creative process, you will learn how to effectively perform, to express yourself as an artist, and to connect with others via your artistry. This is an excellent course to build creativity and self-confidence. Please note: all dance and drama classes participate in annual Showcases where students prepare and present work to a live audience.
Drama 9 –In this course, students will continue to build upon foundational skills learned in grade 8, such as focus, communication, team-work and time management. The year will begin with trust and community building exercises, followed by movement and vocal activities aimed at creating character, understanding plot development, and dramatic elements such as costume, props, and blocking. Drama prepares you for real life situations and relies heavily upon individual effort and enthusiasm. Please note: all dance and drama classes participate in annual Showcases where students prepare and present work to a live audience.
Concert Band 9 – Prerequisite: 1-2 years playing experience
Concert Choir 9 – This class is designed to provide students an opportunity to learn proper vocal technique in a group setting. This is a practical course in choral singing and performing. Emphasis is placed on the development of individual vocal technique, the ability to sing in parts, as well as the ability to sing in concerts. Some other areas of study will include: ear training, sight singing, learning to read music, basic piano skills and the study of various vocal artists. Students with or without vocal experience will be able to expand their abilities through the use of exercises and music designed to improve range, tone quality, diction, breath control, and interpretation. Although a wide variety of choral music and styles are studied, the emphasis is on modern music. Evaluation will be based on daily participation, singing & written work. All students will be required to participate in group performances as part of the course.
Guitar 9 – This course expands on the skills introduced in the guitar portion of Fine Arts 8
APPLIED SKILLS (SELECT 1 PRIMARY, 1 ALTERNATIVE)
Coding 9 –This course is for students that are interested in careers relating to Coding and Digital Media. It combines content from the areas of Coding and Digital Media. It also provides a solid core of knowledge for students that are not intending to pursue these areas but want a better understanding of these key subjects. This course is a study of coding: using programming languages such as Rust, HTML, & Java with Command Line and Greenfoot, 2d & 3d Animation, Minecraft, Cloud Computing (Virtual Desktops), VR using the Oculus Rift, using Game Engines such as Unity to make 3d games. Students wishing to pursue further coding or digital media courses should consider this class. Evaluation will be based on assignments, projects, and participation.
Robotics 9 – In this course, we will focus on engineering, coding, electronics, and physics, then use those skills to solve problems. We will work in teams to build robots of all shapes and sizes with tools to perform tasks on command and autonomously. Other skills we will develop: cooperation, visualization, and organization. You will learn to fall many times, and always get back up and build it better. It will be tough, but lots of fun.
Entrepreneurship and Marketing 9 – This course is for students that are interested in careers relating to Business. This course uses technology, which prepares the students to enter the workforce through official, recognized certification. This certification can be used on resumes, job applications and is recognized on LinkedIn. It also provides a solid core of knowledge for students that are not intending to pursue these areas but want a better understanding of these key topics. This course is a study of digital communication (including various social media), business start-up (entrepreneurship), human resources, and finance. Students wishing to pursue further business or digital media courses should consider this class.
Food Studies 9 – It’s time you learned your way around the kitchen! This is a theory course with practical application. Principles of basic food preparation are introduced and applied with an emphasis on nutrition and time management. Students will have opportunity to see how food breaks down into nutrients and how the body uses these.
Textiles 9 – students will learn to design, alter and recycle patterns and clothing. They will learn how to use and care for natural and manufactured fabrics. They will learn techniques to hand or machine manufacture textiles items. Some design items include: pajama outfits, carrier bags, zippered skirt or pants and a recycled clothing item.
Woodwork 9 – This course is designed to be an introduction to the wood shop for students with or without previous basic experience. It will provide in depth knowledge of employability skills for industry jobs, an understanding of safe shop practices, basic woodworking operations such as hand tools, miter saw, band saw, scroll saw, and basic layout and design skills. Woodwork 10 does not require previous wood working experience to be successful. There will be a focus on safe and proper use of tools, equipment, and shop space. Students will be expected to complete two mandatory projects and one project of their choice.
Metalwork 9 – This course does not require previous metal working experience to be successful. There will be a focus on safe and proper use of tools, equipment, and shop space. Students will be expected to complete two mandatory projects and one project of their choice.
Other: (Can select instead of either applied skill or fine art)
Guided Inquiry 9 –This course will be team taught by IB Diploma Programme teachers from different disciplines to prepare students with the skills necessary to be successful in IB. This could provides a strong academic foundation in preparation for taking IB Diploma courses in grades 11 and 12, develops critical, creative and reflective thinking skills, teaches media literacy, research and experimental design skills and explores a wide range of cross-curricular issues and ideas of significance locally, nationally and globally.
Outside the Timetable:
Jazz Band 9 – These groups are for musicians who are in their 2nd to 5th year of playing. Classes take place outside the regular timetable Students are also allowed to learn a 2nd instrument in the Jr. Jazz group if they wish. The focus will be playing rock, swing, blues, Latin, funk, and ballad styles and learning to improvise. As new concepts come up, they will be explained, discussed, and reinforced throughout the year. The pace of learning is therefore dictated by the progress of the group as a whole. The music teacher will make the decision of whether they should be in the Junior or Senior level based on ability.
Choral Music 9: Vocal Jazz – This course will meet outside of regular school hours (usually Tuesdays after school and one FLEX a week) and is designed for those who want to learn to sing or improve their singing. The focus will be singing rock, swing, blues, Latin, funk, and ballad styles.
INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTS ACADEMY PROGRAM
This is an off-timetable program. Our current season runs September through December.
Please check the following page for information about our Interdisciplinary Arts Academy: https://gss.sd42.libguides.com/c.php?g=715781&p=5103636
IA Theatre Production*
In this course, students learn area specific techniques and vocabulary while gaining ‘on the job experience’ for production departments such as lighting, sound, stage management, hair & makeup, running crew, set construction, and front of house.
IA Theatre Company*
In this course, students develop ensemble building, organization, time management, problem solving and communication skills through practical experience of producing a live show.
IA Musical Theatre*
In this course, students go through the process of auditions, rehearsals, tech week, dress rehearsal, and shows. Throughout this creative process, students develop vocabulary and techniques of putting on a musical theatre production.
IA Choreography*
In this course, students develop kinaesthetic and spatial awareness as they learn how to effectively study, rehearse, notate, and perform various styles and techniques of musical theatre choreography.
IA Contemporary Music*
In this course, students study musical elements, vocal techniques, and get practical experience of performing musical theatre songs.
*Successful interview/audition required to register in any IA courses. Auditions will be held in April.
