Grade 9 Electives

This course will meet daily for 35 minutes, and involves rehearsing and performing a wide variety of band music, providing a basis for growth in basic playing techniques:  good posture, breath control, phrasing and articulation.  You will be required to participate in all Concert Performances, including Christmas Concerts, School Assemblies, local Music Festivals, and possibly an end of year Concert Tour, as planned by the music department. Much of your mark will be determined by the perception of your in-class performance, as well as solo performance tests.

Art 10S is designed to introduce the Elements of Design. The course provides a basis for growth in artistic expression, art appreciation, and art production. The main areas of study are the Line, Shape, Color, Value, Form, Texture, and Space. The goal of grade 9 Art is to enable students to understand the art process, which includes perception, creativity, appreciation, reflection, as well as experiencing art as a personal journey.

This course involves singing choral music in many styles – from Bach to gospel to new and current music. Music theory is taught, aural skills are worked on and some small assignments are given, but most of the time is spent singing. Interest is of prime importance. Participation and individual musical growth are emphasized. The year’s activities include several concerts, and participation in the Fall concert, Christmas concert, Spring Concert and local festivals. Attendance is vital in this course as concerts are outside of the timetable. Concerts must be attended and participated in as part of the curriculum.

Grade 9 Woodworking Technology exposes students to the various mediums and processes available to them in the shop, including laser engraving, vinyl cutting, welding, and wood working in the lab. Students are expected to create small projects in the first three mediums, and include one of those processes in the design, planning, and building of a major wood project.

This half credit course is designed to build upon knowledge from previous years and expose students to new recipes and different techniques and skills that are used and needed in the kitchen. We cover topics such as kitchen basics and kitchen safety. Students are expected to create small assignments, work through labs, and have a test each unit.

The focus of this course will be on the further development of literacy for high school students. Students will discover that literacy means something slightly different in each of the core areas(ELA, Social Studies, Math/Science). Students will spend time considering the reading process and learn various strategies to use with different types of text. Helping students to consciously engage in and make sense of what they are reading is one of the main goals of the course.

Career development is about growing through life and work; about learning, experiencing, living, working and changing; about creating and discovering pathways through one’s life and work. When intentional, career development is about actively creating the life one wants to live and the work one wants to do.

The purpose of the keyboarding course is to improve students’ accuracy and speed with a keyboard, using touch-keying techniques.

Grade 9 Graphic Communications Technology gives students the opportunity to explore a variety of digital technology including graphic design, 2D animation, short films and collaborative design projects.

The goals of the course French: Communication and Culture are to give students the opportunity:
• to acquire the necessary language skills to communicate in French;
• to value the learning of French as a tool for personal, intellectual, and social growth;
• to demonstrate an appreciation of francophone cultures;
• to further develop intercultural communication skills that are essential to all global citizens.
The course focuses on authentic communication, based on students’ interests and experiences. This course has been created to develop the 4 core language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing in French. Students will build on and apply their knowledge of French while exploring a variety of themes and resources. Students will be exposed to an assortment of opportunities to discover, explore, and experience aspects of Francophone culture. They are encouraged to take safe risks, to contribute to classroom discussions and participate regularly to develop their language proficiency and make an effort to communicate mostly in French during French class.

Whether it is performing on stage, taking creative risks in the classroom, or working with classmates, Drama is the art of becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable. Much of the course will consist of skill-building activities designed to strengthen your body, mind, and voice for effective communication. As such, students must be prepared to be creative and active participants every class (think of a Phys. Ed. class without the sports or competition). The Dramatic Arts Learner will observe, respond to, and connect with theatre and performances while developing and creating their own works.

The goals of the course French: Communication and Culture are to give students the opportunity:
• to acquire the necessary language skills to communicate in French;
• to value the learning of French as a tool for personal, intellectual, and social growth;
• to demonstrate an appreciation of francophone cultures;
• to further develop intercultural communication skills that are essential to all global citizens.
The course focuses on authentic communication, based on students’ interests and experiences. This course has been created to develop the 4 core language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing in French. Students will build on and apply their knowledge of French while exploring a variety of themes and resources. Students will be exposed to an assortment of opportunities to discover, explore, and experience aspects of Francophone culture. They are encouraged to take safe risks, to contribute to classroom discussions and participate regularly to develop their language proficiency and make an effort to communicate mostly in French during French class.

Family studies courses offer a preventative, proactive, and practical approach that is intended to strengthen individuals and families. Students acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes to make informed choices with respect to caring for themselves and others within the context of a global community. Students acquire strategies to manage the challenges of life in an effective and responsible way that enhances their life journey. Grade 9 Family Studies explores adolescent development from the perspective of the adolescent student. Topics include building skills and knowledge in developing positive relationships to enhance personal health and wellness within the context of their own family dynamics and the community in which they live.

Business Innovations is an introductory course that allows students to sample the various strands within the applied commerce education program. The course offers students the opportunity to explore commerce-related topics, such as economics, entrepreneurship, business, marketing, technology, and finance.

Students in grades 9-12 are allowed to volunteer in a school or community organization and earn a school credit. The student must complete 110 hours of work. This can be completed in one year or over multiple years. Students must have approval from the organization and from parents to complete this credit and must have filled out and handed in a Community Service Registration form prior to being allowed to count any hours.