Grade 12 Electives

This course will provide students with a basic understanding of the history, beliefs, and practices of the major religions of the world. Religions to be studied include, but are not limited to: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Mormonism. As part of the study of Christianity, students will also learn about the history and beliefs of Christianity’s major branches and denominations.

In addition to skills acquired in Band 30S, students will continue to develop an understanding of interval relationships, as well sight-reading skills.  One aim of this course is to encourage students to demonstrate and refine critical thinking skills to support their opinions of both live and recorded musical performances.  In terms of technique, students will:

•         Continue to work toward increasing control and efficient use of breath
•         Extend knowledge and use of alternate fingerings/slide positions
•         Display an increased understanding of the mechanical idiosyncrasies that affect intonation

Attendance is again required at all Concert events, and possibly an end of year Concert Tour, as planned by the music department. Prerequisite:  Band 30S

This course will introduce many introductory topics in biology. The following topics will be covered: DNA and its role in cell function, genetics, and the range of biodiversity on our planet. This course demands daily study and memorization of many new terms and diagrams.  There is a lab exam and a written exam in this course.

Chemistry 40S is designed to provide a firm grounding in the concepts and processes of chemistry, an understanding of the factors which influence the application of chemical principles and an opportunity for the student to experience growth in his or her thinking ability. Such growth and development will help prepare the student to live in the world of ever increasing complexity. Topics covered are electronic structure, reaction rates, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, solubility and oxidation-reduction.

Prerequisite: Chemistry 30S

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.

This course is a continuation of Food and Nutrition 30S.

Students will continue studying the how and why of different cooking techniques. They will learn about making things from scratch such as soups, sauces, pasta, breads, and dressings. Projects will include recipe and menu development, nutrition for different needs, and developing a cooking show.  This course is very hands on and students are expected to research and learn about new topics.

French 40S has a strong emphasis on spontaneous oral communication, French culture and critical thinking, with grammar dispersed throughout. Students are expected to speak in French in class to share their thoughts and ideas about various topics. They are preparing for further study of introductory French courses at the college or university level. By the end of this course, students should be able to express themselves orally and in writing in French with accuracy and spontaneity in a variety of situations pertaining to daily life. Prerequisite: French 30S

Would you like to have a greater understanding of how the world works? This option course is designed to motivate students to make the connection between our local world and the world at large. We spend much time reviewing current events and discussing the relevant issues of the day. There are also twelve themes (e.g. global wealth and power, the media, consumerism, etc.) used to help focus our investigation.

This optional course examines the development of Western Civilization from its roots to the present. The bulk of the course concentrates on the social and political history of the past 300 years. Student input can lead to greater emphasis on areas of particular interest.

This course provides an introduction to the Canadian legal system. Students will explore the different facets of the law and become familiar with the ways law is relevant to their own lives. Criminal law, civil lawsuits, family law, and contract law will all be examined. A significant amount of time will be spent examining real-life case studies.

Physics 40S provides the students with a complete preparation for study at the post-secondary level. A variety of new topics include the behaviour of waves, optics, electric forces and fields, electric circuits, magnetism and electromagnetic induction. The topics serve as the fundamentals for a wide variety of related areas of study, including chemistry, electronics, optics, engineering, and many others.

Prerequisite: Physics 30S

Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. It uses the scientific method to discover ways of understanding the complexities of human thought and behavior, as well as differences among people. Studying psychology gives students lifelong skills such as dealing with issues proactively, solving problems, learning, and nurturing healthy relationships. It helps students understand themselves, and deal with issues in their own lives such as inner conflicts, relationships with parents and peers, and intimacy. It also helps students understand societal problems like drug dependency, aggression, and discrimination. 

The course is delivered through five themes: Introduction and Research Methods,  Biopsychology,  Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, and Variations in Individual and Group Behaviour.

This course is the natural culmination of the study undertaken in the previous courses. Students will have greater responsibility for the assignments completed, in the sense that they will decide upon the ideas they wish to study in greater depth. While students will be required to demonstrate skills, which they have learned, a heavy emphasis will be placed on originality as opposed to mere competence. The intent of the program is to see students’ progress over the three years from a teacher-directed to a student-directed program. You will develop a portfolio and resume for submission to art programs. There will be a design component and an essay. This program requires students to undertake greater depth in their exploration of an idea or creative theme. A heavy emphasis will be placed on research, analysis and synthesis skills. Maintaining an Idea Journal/Sketchbook is an integral part of the course. Gallery visitations are a requirement of the course. Prerequisite: Art 10 AND Art 20 or Art 30, or Written Permission of Instructor

This course is set up as a business where students, as a whole class, develop a product with a potential customer, taking an idea from its concept stage, through the design and development process, and on to fabrication, keeping in mind time frame, budget, materials and resources with the customer in the forefront of project. Students will also be responsible for designing, planning, and building a 20% project.

This course focuses on the study of human movement. Students will learn about the effects of physical activity on health and performance, the evolution of physical activity and sport, and the physiological, psychological, and social factors that influence an individual’s participation in physical activity and sport. The course will be practical and hands on where possible.  The course prepares students for university programs in physical education and health, kinesiology, health sciences, health studies, recreation, and sports administration.  This is a grade 12 course, but it is open for grade 11s and grade 12s.  It won’t be an “easy credit”, but it shouldn’t be as hard as Chemistry, Biology, or Physics.

This course provides an opportunity for students to better understand the role music has played in shaping North American culture since World War Two. Not only will students be afforded greater appreciation of popular music but they will also examine how music has been a primary driver of change over time. Our students are constantly engaging with technology and have access to more music than any previous generation. A course like this can offer insights into the power of music as a shaping force of personal identity, pop culture, internet memes, and culture.

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