One of the most exciting things about entering Junior High is OPTIONS! Students have the opportunity to choose from a list of options!
- Students will choose three full year options plus Phys Ed (unless you choose Sports For Life or Soccer Academy to count for PE).
- Options run throughout the entire school day so that students have the best chance possible getting their chosen options.
- We have a 2 day cycle, with 6 periods per day. Meaning, you will have your four core classes, plus 2 options per day.
- Foods 8 & 9 and Industrial Arts 8 & 9 may be offered full year or as a combo (enrollment dependent).
- The number of options offered in any given year are enrollment dependent and subject to change.
Courses
Fee: $25
Art is a course designed to give students a broad exposure to the medium of art. The students will experience how to express themselves in visual forms. The areas of art to be covered include: design, drawing with pencil, oil pastels, chalks, charcoal, ink and other media, painting (using different paint media such as water colours, poster paint and acrylics), sculpture (soap stone carving, paper mache, plasticine, recycled goods, etc.), cartooning, claymation and printmaking. Art 7 is designed to expose students to various art forms. The students will learn the principles of drawing, painting and sculpting while developing a portfolio. Art 8 highlights include brain drawings, clay sculpture and a gallery walk through downtown Edmonton. Art 9 prepares students for more sophisticated artistic ventures in high school and to foster an appreciation for the visual arts outside of the school environment.
Computers & Technology 7 (Introductory)
Fee: $20
Computer Science is designed to appeal to students who seek knowledge, skill and enrichment beyond regular classroom work. The course will focus specifically on computers, computational thinking, coding, as well as interactive and innovative technologies.
Computers & Technology 8 (Intermediate)
Fee: $20
The course will focus specifically on computer skills, computational thinking, coding, as well as interactive and innovative technologies. No prior experience is required.
Computers & Technology 9 (Advanced)
Fee: $20
The course will focus specifically on computer skills, computational thinking, coding, as well as interactive and innovative technologies. No prior experience is required.
Concert Band 7
Instrument rental fee: $50 (full year) * Fee is waived if student has their own instrument
Students will experience the trials and triumphs that go along with learning to play a musical instrument. Instrument choices include flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba, bass guitar and percussion. The students will perform in several concerts throughout the year including a Christmas Concert and a Spring Concert. The students will be invited to take part in a music tour, which can range from two to five days with destinations in Alberta or British Columbia. Tour events have included concerts, workshops and/or festival performances as well as recreational activities
Concert Band 8
Instrument rental fee: $50 (full year) * Fee is waived if student has their own instrument
Band 8 serves as a natural step-up and progression from Band 7. Students will hone their fundamental theory and playing skills while tackling more diverse musical compositions developed to showcase their performance skills at several concerts performed at the Arden Theatre and in various venues around town. In addition, opportunities for tours, workshops and performances in Alberta and British Columbia have proven to be very enjoyable for the students in past years. Tours include performance and festival work while still leaving time for recreational activities. Approval of the band teacher or the prerequisite of Band 7 is needed for eligibility into Band 8.
Concert Band 9
Instrument rental fee: $50 (full year) * Fee is waived if student has their own instrument
This is a continuation of Band 8. Students will continue to develop their skills and perform several concerts throughout the year including a Christmas concert and spring concert at the Arden Theatre. The students will be invited to take part in a music tour, which can range from two to five days with destinations in Alberta or British Columbia. Tour activities can include concerts, workshops and/or festival performances and will include many recreational activities. Band 8 is a pre-requisite for the course; however, students without the prerequisite may take the course with approval from the band teacher.
Digital Photography and Photo Manipulation 9
Fee: $20
This course is designed to train students to capture, create, and alter digital images to demonstrate a clear knowledge of the fundamentals of photography including composition and storytelling while exposing them to various editing “apps” and the appropriate use of social media outlets for photo sharing. Students must have access to their own mobile device for this option.
Drama 7
Fee: optional field trip fees
This course is aimed at introducing the basic concepts of drama including character, voice, movement, blocking, set design, props, and costume. Students will also have an opportunity to write and perform scripts. This high energy course is designed to help students build skills and demonstrate confidence in performing.
Drama 8
Fee: optional field trip fees
This course is an introduction to more advanced theatre skills. By participating in short solo and group scenes, students will build a better understanding in acting, directing, and playwriting. They will also learn about set design, lighting, and stage management. Self-confidence is an asset for students who enjoy performing in front of an audience, and building it is also a goal of the course. If these activities and ideas meet your interests and curiosity, then Drama 8 is the right option for you!
Drama 9
Fee: optional field trip fees
This course is designed to further develop all of the concepts learned in previous drama classes and apply them to larger productions with the intent of giving public performances. It will give students experience in the major areas of production and playwriting, preparing students for the high school drama and theatre arts courses.
Fee: $50
This course is offered to students who would like to try Sewing, Textile Crafts and embroidery. Students will learn about proper layout for fabric, how to properly pin and cut out patterns, and tips and techniques for sewing a professional looking finished garment. In this class you will learn how to operate and work a sewing machine. For Textile crafts, students will make a felt banner, decorative accessories, sachets with aromatherapy, fabric journal and book cover and learn about cross stitch and embroidery stitches.
In this class, students will view a wide variety of age appropriate genres in an effort to learn how to appreciate and analyze what they are watching. They will accomplish this by learning how to do such things as: interpreting theme, understanding character development, story structure, and narrative technique through the medium of film, cinema, television series, animation and other forms of media.
Fitness & Well-Being 7, 8 & 9
Using the fitness room as a base, students will set personalized goals, create customized meal and workout plans and track their nutrition and fitness progress. Technique will be a focus, ensuring proper use of exercise equipment and safety.
Foods/Industrial Arts 7
Fee: $100
Please Note: More complex projects may incur additional costs
This CTF course is split into 2 terms. It provides students with the opportunity to spend a half-year in Foods & Fashions and a half-year in Industrial Arts. In Foods & Fashion, students will complete one module in Foods and one module in Sewing. Students will be making a variety of cookies such as the ultimate chocolate chip cookie, double butterscotch chip cookies, gingersnaps, sugar cookies, Christmas cookies, mini-donut muffins, french toast muffins, banana chocolate chip muffins, fluffy pancakes, as well as hand sewing a stuffy or pillow of your choice. The course fee covers the cost of materials for Foods. Students will be required to purchase their sewing project(s) for a nominal fee. In Industrial Arts, students will complete modules in drafting and safety, then choose from modules in woodwork, metalwork, pottery, pinhole photography, leatherwork, graphics and aeronautics. The course fee covers the cost of materials. I.A. students who wish to complete large projects or ones that require specialized materials may incur a supplemental fee for supplies.
Fee: $100
This course is offered to students who are interested in learning about and making different
types of Foods. Students will learn through theory and practical methods how to make different foods (through worksheets, lectures and labs). Students will learn about safety and sanitation and food borne illnesses, how to make personalized food choices for healthier eating, knife and cutting skills, making snacks & appetizers, the scone & biscuit method and finish the semester with making a lasagna, garlic bread and caesar salad meal. Some of the foods that you will make are: homemade pizza, pretzel bites, twice-baked potatoes, nachos, bruschetta, no-yeast cinnamon buns, cream puffs, Bannock, homemade tortillas, Red Lobster biscuits, and a variety of delicious sweet and savory scones such as chocolate chip scones.
Foods 9
Fee: $100
This CTF course is offered to students who are interested in learning about and making
different types of Foods. Students will learn through theory and practical methods how to make different foods (through worksheets, lectures and labs). One of the highlights of the Foods component in the Fall Semester is a Food Truck Module that has students design and present a Food Truck Model, including themed menu and an on-site field trip with students engaging and participating with Local Food Truck businesses. In the Winter semester students will learn about and participate in an International Cooking module where they will experience tasting different world foods. Students will learn about the creaming method, science of pastry making, how to make a choux pastry dough, how to make a roux for soup & stock, safety and sanitation and food borne illnesses, and learn about personalized food choices for healthy eating. In the rest of the course students will make Breakfast
recipes such as pancakes, egg breakfast sandwiches, French toast, and egg/ham cups, homemade pizza, fried rice, cream puffs, tortillas & salsa, Bannock, S’more Cookie cups, Potato & Corn Chowder, Minestrone & pasta soups and homemade perogies.
This option provides skills that are of value to all students. It offers students the chance to learn important skills such as organization, note taking, scheduling of projects and learning to prioritize as well as test taking and study skills. They will develop a better understanding of their learning styles which can lead to an increase in academic performance and self-confidence. Students will also be given the tools to manage stress and anxiety and recognize when they need to ask for help.
Fee: $20
This option is a continuation of the Guitar 8 option, however, new students are welcome. Students will form their own music groups and spend class time preparing for a variety of performances including an outdoor concert at the end of the year. Students are given the opportunity in Pop and Rock to explore vocals and additional instruments such as piano, drums, and bass guitar. Students who work hard and develop their skills will be given the opportunity to audition for the spring music tour. Guitar students are expected to provide their own guitar for the course. Please be aware that bus students will not be allowed to take their guitars on the bus. Some guitars are available for use at the school.
Guitar 7
Fee: $20
Learn to play the guitar! This is an introductory course designed to teach young musicians to play this popular instrument. There is no experience required. Students will learn basic note reading and rhythm skills, learn to read tab notation, and perform a wide variety of chords. Students will be allowed to choose their own songs as well as pick their own groups to perform with. Concerts take place several times throughout the year. Students are encouraged to provide their own acoustic guitar for the course. Please be aware that bus students will not be allowed to take their guitars on the bus. Please see Mr. Shmyr if this presents a problem. Some guitars are available for use at the school.
Guitar 8
Fee: $20
Learn to play the guitar! This course is a continuation of Grade 7 guitar, however, new students are welcome. Students will form their own music groups and spend class time preparing for a variety of performances including an outdoor concert at the end of the year. Students are encouraged to add vocals to their performance pieces. In addition, they will learn to read music, play melodies and learn a variety of chords. Students who work hard and develop their skills will be given the opportunity to audition for the spring music tour. Students are expected to provide their own guitar for the course. Please be aware that bus students will not be allowed to take their guitars on the bus. Some guitars are available for use at the school.
Industrial Arts 8
Fee: $100
Students will have the opportunity to rotate through six modules: Graphic Arts, Power Mechanics, 35mm Photography, Plastics, Ceramics, and Machine Metalwork.
Industrial Arts 9
Fee: $100
Students will rotate through modules in Solar Energy, Electronics, Video Editing, Robotics, Aeronautics and Flight, Digital Photography, Animation and 3D Printing, as well as advanced studies in any of the modules offered in Grade 7 or 8, which may include more complex projects and advanced processes.
Outdoor Education 7
Fee: $50 + optional field trip fees
This option offers a wide range of opportunities for students interested in outdoor activities and environmental pursuits. Some of the topics include a five week mountain biking unit, camping skills, survival, outdoor equipment, archery, environmental studies, outdoor clothing, orienteering, cross-country skiing, fire safety, as well as different types of recreational games. There will be several field trips during the 2024-2025 school year. Students have the opportunity to take part in a day-camp and overnight camp.
Outdoor Education 8
Fee: $50 + optional field trip fees
This option offers a wide range of opportunities for students interested in outdoor activities and environmental pursuits. Some of the topics include a five week mountain biking unit, camping and winter survival skills, archery, orienteering, knot tying, cross-country skiing, small craft safety, canoeing and outdoor Games. Students will have the opportunity to take part in an overnight canoe trip.
Outdoor Education 9
Fee: $50 + optional field trip fees
This option is geared towards the lifelong pursuit of outdoor activities. Students should be interested in the outdoors and environmental issues associated with the outdoors. Some of the topics covered during the year include a five week mountain biking unit. Other topics covered include camping and survival skills, wildlife studies, first aid, orienteering, cross-country skiing, outdoor games and various other activities. Students have the option to join an overnight Mountain Biking trail ride in Canmore. This overnight trip features the thrill of biking on some of Canada’s most scenic trails. There will be some one-day field trips plus an optional trip to H.E.L.A. Adventure Camp where students can paddle the upper reaches of the North Saskatchewan River.
Soccer Academy 7, 8 & 9
Fee: 1500-$1800
Adopting a skill-centred model for player development, the Soccer Academy is open to students of all skill levels. In welcoming student-athletes who are passionate about athletics and soccer, the academy will provide an environment that will encourage respect, enthusiasm, confidence, cooperation and independence. The academy will provide student-athletes with individual and small-group training along with a personalized development plan. Student-athletes will also work with top youth development coaches, and be introduced to multiple sports and activities.
Fee: $300
Sports For Life is a unique option designed to encourage students to develop a lifelong interest, and active involvement in creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle as well as improving their skills and knowledge in school or extracurricular sports. It is primarily operated off school property to provide students with as much alternate indoor experiences as possible. A majority of these opportunities will be, but not limited to; volleyball, basketball, soccer, badminton, pickleball and the occasional unique field trip.
Fee: $20
This STEAM option supports students in learning with a focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Students will learn to research and solve real-world problems in innovative ways, and gain a deeper understanding of each of the STEAM fields and how they work together. This option will use creativity and ingenuity to tackle and solve the complicated problems that are or will face their generation in the future.
Volleyball/Basketball 7, 8 & 9
This option is for students of all levels who enjoy the sports of volleyball and basketball and want to improve. We will provide opportunities for students to learn the developmentally appropriate fundamentals, along with more advanced volleyball and basketball skills that meet the needs of the student. Through individual skills, game patterning drills and regular game play, students will develop their overall skills while deepening their love for the game.