course selection guide grades 8-9 - nanaimo … course selection booklet 2016-2017 f:\course...

$: Course Selection Guide Grades 8-9 - Nanaimo … Course Selection Booklet 2016-2017 F:\Course Selection Working Copies\2016-2017 NDSS Course Selection Guide Grades 8-9.docx 3 January$
Course Selection Guide

Grades 8-9

2016-2017

Nanaimo District Secondary and Learning Alternatives

Telephone: 250.740.2000 355 Wakesiah Avenue http://myndss.ca/ Fax: 250.740.2020 Nanaimo, BC V9R 2K5

NDSS Course Selection Booklet 2016-2017 F:\Course Selection Working Copies\2016-2017 NDSS Course Selection Guide Grades 8-9.docx

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Mission Statement

Our school provides learning opportunities enabling students and staff to achieve personal excellence and pursue their passions in an inclusive, supportive, and respectful environment. We educate

students by teaching skills and modeling attitudes needed to become successful lifelong learners and responsible, caring

school and global citizens. Our school honours dignity, purpose, and options for all.

Notre école offre des opportunités d’apprentissage permettant aux élèves et aux enseignant(e)s de réaliser leur propre

excellence et de poursuivre leurs passions dans un milieu inclusif, positif, et respectueux. On instruit les élèves en enseignant les habilités et en modelant les attitudes nécessaires pour devenir des apprenant(e)s à vie ainsi que des citoyen(ne)s scolaires et globales/aux responsables et bienveillant(e)s. Notre école fait honneur à la dignité, aux buts et aux options pour tous et pour

toutes.

Mr. G. Steel Principal

Mr. D. Beeston Vice-Principal

Mr. B. Brooks Vice-Principal

Mr. J. Cunnian Vice-Principal

Mr. S. Marusic Vice-Principal


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January 2016 Dear Students and Parents, The NDSS administration, counsellors, coordinators, support staff and your teachers hope you will find this course calendar helpful as you plan your next year’s educational program.

NDSS, we believe, is unique in its sense of community and diversity.

Being part of our school community gives students the support they need

to achieve academically as well as socially, and to explore their unique

skills and talents.

Students should be aware that course offerings are subject to student

enrolment and staffing requirements. Also, courses may change as a

result of Ministry requirements. We must emphasize that when

selecting courses you are indicating a commitment to include the

course(s) in your educational plans for next year.

Also, on behalf of NDSS, we would like to extend a warm welcome to our

new Grade 8 Feeder Schools Brechin and Forest Park Elementary

Schools. We are also equally excited to welcome our new incoming

students from Woodlands Secondary. Welcome to NDSS!

Best wishes for a successful school year.

Mr. G. Steel

Principal, NDSS and Learning Alternatives

Please Note: At the time of printing the information in this course calendar is believed to be correct. Changes that occur after

printing will be communicated during course selection time and throughout the year as necessary.


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Table of Contents Specialty Courses Life Skills 8…………………………………………………………………………….. 5 Fine Arts 8 .......................................................................................................... 6 Foundation Courses French Immersion ............................................................................................... 7 Francophone .................................................................................................... 10 English .............................................................................................................. 11 Social Studies ................................................................................................... 12 Mathematics ..................................................................................................... 13 Science ............................................................................................................. 14 Physical Education ........................................................................................... 15

Sports Academies…………………………………………………………………....16 Elective Course Offerings Languages Programs .................................................................................................. 17 French 8 ........................................................................................................... 17 French 9 ........................................................................................................... 17 Spanish 9 ......................................................................................................... 17 Information Technology ............................................................................................... 18 Technology Education ................................................................................................. 19 Drafting 9 .......................................................................................................... 19 Power Mechanics 9 .......................................................................................... 19 Metalwork 9 ...................................................................................................... 20 Woodwork 9...................................................................................................... 20 Home Economics ........................................................................................................ 20 Foods and Nutrition 9 ....................................................................................... 20 Visual and Performing Arts .......................................................................................... 20 Art 8 .................................................................................................................. 21 Art 9 .................................................................................................................. 21 Drama 9 ............................................................................................................ 21 BA Musical Theatre 9………………………………………………………………...21 Dance 9 ............................................................................................................ 22 Band ................................................................................................................. 23 Choir ................................................................................................................. 23 Music Appreciation 9…………………………………………………………………23 NDSS Athletics & Activities ...................................................................................... 24


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Specialty Courses

LIFE SKILLS 8 Life Skills 8 is intended to provide an introduction to a variety of Applied Skill areas. The

course is offered in one semester for students. LS8 is compulsory for all Grade 8

students. The specific units will be determined by the size of the Grade 8 enrollment

annually. LS8 may include some of the following units of study:

COMPUTER SKILLS

This introductory course provides students with touch keyboarding skills, internet safety

policies and some use of Microsoft Word. Students develop presentation skills using

some or all of the following programs: PowerPoint, NVU (Web Publishing), Google

Sketch-Up (3D drawing) and Fireworks.

FOODS AND NUTRITION

This course covers information in nutrition, kitchen safety and basic food preparation.

Students will produce a variety of baked products such as muffins, biscuits and pizza.

METAL WORK

This course provides basic instruction in the use of standard metalwork hand tools as

well as: CNC milling machines, and CNC lathes. Students will produce CAD drawings

and draw practical projects.

WOODWORK

This course will introduce students to basic woodworking techniques including power

tools, hand tools and safety rules. In order to practice their skills students will produce

several projects selected on the basis of usefulness and student interest.


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FINE ARTS 8 Fine Arts 8 is designed for Grade 8 students who are not participating in the Band

Program. The semester is divided into sections allowing the students an opportunity to

experience a variety of introductory Fine Art programs. FA8 may include some of the

following units of study:

ART

This course will cover the basic introductory components of art. The basic elements of

design and their application in several areas of visual expression will be explored. The

focus of the course will be for students to develop a basic understanding of Art

foundations while being introduced to a variety of materials and techniques.

DANCE

Dance 8 introduces students to movement and social/recreational dance. Stretching

and toning exercises will be done to condition the body and mind for dance and

movement.

DRAMA

This introductory course allows students to focus upon improving their improvisation,

mime and storytelling skills. It will involve both individual and group presentations aimed

at developing trust and confidence.

PHOTOGRAPHY

This introductory course introduces students to the practical skills of operating a

camera.

POTTERY

This is an introductory course in the area of pottery creation. Students will create three

dimensional pieces with clay using the hand building techniques in coil, slab, pinch, and

sling construction. Both functional and sculptural ware will be explored and emphasis

will be placed on developing an understanding of the elements and principles of design.


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Foundation Courses

FRENCH IMMERSION IN GRADES 8 AND 9 Students must take the following courses in French: Français Langue-Sciences Humaines – Sciences - Mathematiques FRANÇAIS LANGUE - (Immersion) 8

The secondary French Immersion program is a continuation of the elementary program. Emphasis is placed on reading, writing, listening and speaking. Criterion-referenced assessment is used to reflect the student's level of mastery of the various Ministry prescribed learning outcomes. The Français langue programme stresses communication, culture and personal development. It is incumbent on all students to use French only as the language of communication during class time. Le but du programme de Français langue seconde en immersion est d'offrir à l'élève

l'occasion d'acquérir la compétence langagière nécessaire en français pour pouvoir

interagir avec confiance dans les milieux où cette langue est parlée et valorisée.

FRANÇAIS LANGUE (Immersion) 9 The Grade 9 program is a continuation of the grade 8 program with a larger emphasis on composition. Students will be expected to read and report on at least two novels. Students will be asked to study themes and characters. The program will be adapted to the student's level of competence. Français Langue 9 est axé sur les techniques d'écriture au niveau des compositions et des rapports du livre. Le vocabulaire, le grammaire et l'étude des romans font aussi partie intégrale du cours. L'élève sera appelé de temps en temps à faire des présentations orales sur des thèmes spécifiques.


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SCIENCES HUMAINES 8-9

Les Sciences humaines sont centrées autour de la pensée historique tout en examinant

Les “grandes idées” à certains points donnés au passé. Les concepts de la pensée

historique : l’importance, l’évidence, la continuité et le changement, la cause et la

conséquence, la perspective, et le jugement éthique.

SCIENCES HUMAINES 8 SS 8 imm Grandes idées (600-1750)

Contacts et conflits entre différentes populations qui ont stimulé un changement

important dans les domaines culturels, sociaux et politiques

Facteurs humains et environnementaux qui ont contribué aux changements de

populations et standards de vie

Les conséquences de l’exploration, de la croissance et de la colonisation sur

différents groupes

Le changement d’idées vis à vis du monde qui a créé de la tension entre les

populations humaines qui voulaient adoptées ces nouvelles idées et celles qui

voulaient préserver leurs traditions

SCIENCES HUMAINES 9 SS 9 imm Grandes idées (1750-1919)

L’influence profonde des idées émergeantes et idéologiques sur les sociétés et

les évènements

L’influence de l’environnement physique sur la nature des changements

politiques, sociaux et économiques.

La construction de l’identité collective et son changement à travers le temps

Les différences de pouvoir changent l’équilibre des rapports entre individus et

entre sociétés


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MATHEMATIQUES 8 (Mathematics 8 Immersion) Students are expected to know the following:

Logic and patterns to solve games and puzzles

Per cents less than 1 and greater than 100 (decimals and fractions)

Perfect squares and cubes

Square roots and Pythagorean Theorem

Rates, ratios and proportional reasoning

Operations with fractions (including order of operations)

Expressions and equations, writing and evaluating using substitution

Two-step equations with integer coefficients, constants and solutions

Surface area and volume of right prisms, triangular prisms and cylinders

Theoretical probability with 2 independent events

Financial literacy (best buys, coupons and unit price)

Students demonstrating a special interest in Mathematics will be invited to participate in

the different Math contests held during the year.

PRINCIPES DE MATHEMATIQUES 9 (Mathematics 9 Immersion)

Numerical and spatial reasoning, logic and patterns to solve puzzle and games

Operations with polynomials of degree less than or equal to two

Types of income

Operations with rational numbers (including order of operations)

Two-variable linear relations using graphing, interpolation and extrapolation

Multi-step one-variable linear equation, including distribution and rational

coefficients, constants and solutions

Spatial proportional reasoning (scale diagrams, similar triangles, linear unit

conversions)

Probability and statistics in society (sampling techniques and misleading stats)

Financial literacy (simple budgets and transactions such as banking, interest,

savings and planned purchases)

Students demonstrating a special interest in Mathematics will be invited to participate in

the different Math contests held during the year.


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SCIENCES 8 All instruction and materials are in French. Course outline is the same as Science 8.

Ce cours d’intoduction en Science comprend les thémes suivants: sciences de la vie (la cellule, les systèmes de l’organisme, le système de défense de l’organsime), sciences physiques (l’optique et la dynamique des fluides), sciences de la terre et de l’espace (les systèmes hydrographiques) SCIENCES 9 All instruction and materials are in French. The course outline is the same as Science 9. Le cours de sciences naturelles 9 représente une continuité de thèmes qui ont été developpés en sciences 8. Il suit des objectifs du programme de science 9 qui sont prescrits par le ministère de l’éducation. Une emphase particulière est placée sur: sciences physiques (l’atome, les éléments, les composés, l’électricité) sciences de la vie (structure du noyau, la division cellulaire, les difféerents types de reproduction, sciences de la Terre et de l’espace (le système solaire et l’univers). L’élève sera appelé à développer des techniques d’enquête en utilisant la méthode scientifique.

FRANCAIS LANGUE (FRANCOPHONE) 8 AND 9

Le cours de Français Langue Première vise l'élève francophone. Par l'entremise des trois principaux volets du programme, soit la communication, la culture et l'affirmation de soi, le cours de Français Langue Première aide l'étudiant francophone à mieux connaître la diversité de la Francophonie, à se placer dans son milieu en tant que Franco-Colombien et à devenir citoyen fier et à part entière. Les étudiants francophones sont groupés ensemble pour leur cours de français langue et de sciences humaines et intégrés avec les étudiants d'immersion pour les cours de mathématiques et de sciences.


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ENGLISH The guiding principles of this department are centered on the belief that the communication skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing are at the core of the educational process. Further to this, through the study of literature comes the awareness and understanding of our culture. Thus the fundamental objectives of the English program may be stated as follows: 1. To develop each student in the skills of listening, reading, speaking, and writing. 2. To enhance the capacity of the student for thinking both critically and imaginatively. 3. To foster an appreciation of the English language and its literature. 4. To provide the opportunity through literature for examining values by which to live. ENGLISH 8

This course focuses on writing, language and organizational skills. Topics will include

composition skills (with an emphasis on sentences), paragraphs and the writing

process, grammar (with an emphasis on the parts of speech and vocabulary

expansion), and literature, including the study of novels, short stories, and poetry (with a

focus on literary devices, the elements of a story, and literal comprehension). Students

will also work on developing listening and speaking skills (which includes the

preparation and delivery of oral presentations).

ENGLISH 9

This course will extend the process started in English 8. Compositions will include writing for a range of purposes, and students will begin to develop longer, multi-paragraph compositions. Students will continue to expand vocabulary and grammar will remain a focus. Students will start to interact with literature at the inferential level as they study novels, short stories, and poetry (with a continued focus on literary devices). There will be a continued emphasis on listening and speaking skills.


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SOCIAL STUDIES SOCIAL STUDIES GRADE 8 – 9

Social Studies revolves around the use of Historical Thinking while examining “Big

Ideas” during a particular time frame. Historical Thinking concepts: significance,

evidence, continuity and change, cause and consequence, perspective, and ethical

judgement.

SOCIAL STUDIES 8 Big Ideas (600 to 1750)

Contacts and conflicts between peoples stimulated significant cultural, social,

political change

Human and environmental factors shape changes in population and living

standards

Exploration, expansion and colonization had varying consequences for different

groups

Changing ideas about the world created tension between people wanting to

adopt new ideas and those wanting to preserve established traditions

SOCIAL STUDIES 9 Big Ideas (1750 to 1919)

Emerging ideas and ideologies profoundly influence societies and events

The physical environment influences the nature of political, social and economic

change

Collective identity is constructed and can change over time

Disparities in power alter the balance of relationships between individuals and

between societies


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MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS 8 AND 9

The Mathematics curriculum includes learning standards that focus on curricular

competencies for the following big ideas:

Numbers can be represented in many forms and reflect different relationships

Numeracy helps us to see patterns, communicate ideas and solve problems

Patterns allow us to see relationships and develop generalizations

Geometry and measurement empower us to make meaning of the world

We can apply mathematics to enquiry questions and use it to communicate

information and data

MATHEMATICS 8

Logic and patterns to solve games and puzzles

Per cents less than 1 and greater than 100 (decimals and fractions)

Perfect squares and cubes

Square roots and Pythagorean Theorem

Rates, ratios and proportional reasoning

Operations with fractions (including order of operations)

Expressions and equations, writing and evaluating using substitution

Two-step equations with integer coefficients, constants and solutions

Surface area and volume of right prisms, triangular prisms and cylinders

Theoretical probability with 2 independent events

Financial literacy (best buys, coupons and unit price)

MATHEMATICS 9

Numerical and spatial reasoning, logic and patterns to solve puzzle and games

Operations with polynomials of degree less than or equal to two

Types of income

Operations with rational numbers (including order of operations)

Two-variable linear relations using graphing, interpolation and extrapolation

Multi-step one-variable linear equation, including distribution and rational

coefficients, constants and solutions

Spatial proportional reasoning (scale diagrams, similar triangles, linear unit

conversions)


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Probability and statistics in society (sampling techniques and misleading stats)

Financial literacy (simple budgets and transactions such as banking, interest,

savings and planned purchases)

Math Pathways

SCIENCE SCIENCE 8 Science 8 is a general science course introducing students to the following topics:

Cells as the basic unit of life

The kinetic molecular theory, the theory of the atom, and explain the behavior of matter

Energy transfer as both a particle and as a wave

The theory of Plate Tectonics is the unifying theory that explains Earth’s geological processes.

Lab activities and reports are an integral part of Science 8 involving questioning and predicting, planning and conducting, processing and analyzing data and information and evaluating.

MATH 7 MATH 8 MATH 9

FOUNDATIONS AND

PRE CALCULUS MATH 10

APPRENTICESHIP AND

WORKPLACE MATH 10


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SCIENCE 9 Science 9 studies how:

Cells are derived from other cells.

The electron arrangement of atoms impact their chemical nature

Electricity is the flow of electrons

The biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere are interconnected, as matter cycles and energy flows through them

Students are expected to develop skills in report writing experimentation and critical thinking. This involves questioning and predicting, planning and conducting, processing and analyzing data and information and evaluating.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION PHYSICAL EDUCATION 8 (COED) PHYSICAL EDUCATION 9 BOYS PHYSICAL EDUCATION 9 GIRLS The aim of Physical and Health Education 8 and 9 is to enable all students to develop

the knowledge, movement skills, and positive attitudes and behaviours that contribute to

an active and healthy lifestyle. The Nanaimo District Secondary School Physical and

Health Education Program provides opportunities to be physically active and to develop

an appreciation and enjoyment of a variety of activities.

In addition to regular activity, Physical and Health Education also focuses on a set of

Curricular Competencies including Physical Literacy, Healthy and Active Living, Social

and Community Health, and Mental Well Being.


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SPORTS ACADEMIES NDSS FIELD LACROSSE ACADEMY 8-10 The NDSS Field Lacrosse Academy is a year-long Program of Choice designed to provide aspiring lacrosse players greater choice in meeting their learning goals and graduation requirements while offering the opportunity to further develop and refine their lacrosse-related skills. The academy will offer student athletes a high performance lacrosse program focused on developing their total game including: individual fundamental skills, offensive & defensive team strategies, competitive preparation, strength & conditioning and mental toughness. Emphasis is placed on developing the skills and abilities of the student athlete. NEW STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE AN APPLICATION PACKAGE TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS PROGRAM. Returning players must complete the Academy Returning Player form. Application deadline is February 19th, 2016. All applications received after February 19th will be put on the waitlist.

HOCKEY ACADEMY 8-9 The Hockey Academy is designed to provide additional training for Minor Hockey aged players by focusing on individual skill development as part of a regular academic program. The program is open to keen students who wish to improve their individual skills and maximize their potential on and off the ice. The program is connected to Hockey Canada Skills Academy standards and the students are on the ice three times a week with two days of class instruction on areas such as nutrition, fitness, cross training and mental imagery training. Hockey Canada supports academies that maximize the arena facility use during weekday hours. Students should be participating in hockey in the community. Strong academic performance is emphasized throughout the student’s development. Registration must be accompanied by an application. There is a required course fee of $800 per semester.

SOCCER ACADEMY 8-9 (First Semester) This course is designed for keen soccer players who have the desire and commitment to develop their soccer skills and knowledge in an educational setting, as part of their regular academic program. Registrants must be participating in youth soccer, at the club-level or above. The focus of the course is individual development, rather than inter-school competition. For many, this developmental program will enhance their opportunity to take their game beyond high school or youth soccer to the college or university level. Strong academic performance is emphasized throughout the student’s development. Registration must be accompanied by an application; there is a course fee of $400 per semester.


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BEACH VOLLEYBALL ACADEMY 8-9 The Beach Volleyball Academy will focus on both technical and tactical skill development of individual athletes in the sport of beach volleyball. It will be open to any students of all ability levels who wish to participate. This is also a great way for all students interested in high performance training in beach volleyball as students will train and compete against students of the same ability level. This program is fully endorsed by Volleyball BC. Students will participate in Beach Training and also in indoor volleyball training, weight lifting and classroom sessions focused on the sport of Beach Volleyball. Strong academic performance is emphasized throughout the student’s development. Registration must be accompanied by an application. There is a required course fee of $400 for this semester program.

Elective Course Offerings

LANGUAGES PROGRAM FRENCH 8: (Please note that French 8 is a required course) FRENCH 9 The French as a Second Language courses aim to develop communication skills in the language, and an appreciation of the culture of French-speaking countries throughout the world. New language structures and vocabulary are explored through themes and projects. Listening and speaking skills are developed through class activities, which relate to the themes. Students are expected to participate in these activities, which include role playing, dialogue development, games and other language presentation. Students will also practice and master reading and writing activities appropriate to their level. Evaluation in French is based on a combination of oral and listening activities, reading comprehension, written assignments and projects, and tests. Although French 9 is optional, it should be considered as a core subject for students with post-secondary goals. This applies especially to students who are planning to enter a university, or a profession which requires knowledge of both of Canada’s official languages.


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SPANISH 9 Texts: Juntos uno and selected readings. This course offers a strong four-skill learning approach. Listening, speaking, reading and writing are presented through a series of lessons and activities which are written in a conversational manner to aid oral proficiency and communicative competence. Vocabulary is presented thematically and emphasizes practical topics. At the same time, varied cultural materials help students to appreciate Spanish-speaking peoples throughout the world.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Information Technology 9 through 12 incorporates, but is not limited to, Information

Technology, Digital Media Studies, Animation and Keyboarding. Through these

courses, students will complete assignments which will help them to build on their

existing skillset. Students begin at whichever point they are most comfortable starting

at; meaning not only that students who have no background or experience with

computers will be able to get involved and develop foundational skills, but also that

more advanced students will be challenged.

Course-based topics may include but are not limited to:

2-D animation (Flash)

Game development (Scratch, Flash, Java, Stencyl, Unity)

Proper Homepage construction for the internet (HTML and XHTML, NVU and Dream Weaver)

Digital picture editing and graphics for web environments (Fireworks & Photoshop)

3-D computer animation (Sketchup, ED Max, Adobe Premier, Blender, Maya) and 3D printing

Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)

Multi-media production (PowerPoint), Video Production (Windows Movie Maker & Adobe Premier), Digital Sound Editing (Soundbooth, Adobe Audition) and Composition of DVD menus and Publishing to DVDs (Adobe Encore) and online.

Computer Programming – Visual Basic, Flash Java Scripting

Drawing – Adobe Illustrator

Keyboarding


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Students who have skills in a particular area also have the option of meeting the course

requirements through projects that they develop. Students who select this option will

propose and plan what their project will be and also co-develop how it will be assessed

with the teacher. Previous projects have included games, games mods, 3D models and

other animation projects. This flexible option will allow students to develop skills and

create digital products that are most interesting and relevant to them.

As a final option, students may switch from a course-based approach to a project-based

approach during a course. Ideally, as students develop their skills they may choose to

apply those skills in a project of their choosing. These courses are constantly evolving

and new ideas are routinely accepted and incorporated.

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION DRAFTING 9 Students will be taught the basics of the world’s most powerful Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) program. They will complete drawing with an emphasis on two-dimension. The student’s final project will also involve the basics in architectural design. Areas of technical drawing will be covered, with emphasis on drafting skills and techniques with instruments. Autocad Design 9 is a suggested pre-requisite for Drafting & Design 10. POWER MECHANICS 9 Power Mechanics 9 is designed for students who want to learn about engines, how they

work, how to repair them, and how to keep them running smoothly. Students taking PM

will learn how small engine mechanics is related to Auto Mechanics and will gain a

basic understanding of the automobile engine, automobile systems and related tools

and machines. Students will complete a series of four stroke engine work sheets to

disassemble a school engine, learn how the parts work, then reassemble and run the

engine. Students will have approximately 40% classroom theory work and 60% hands

on shop time to work on the school engines. After successful rebuilding and running of

the engine, students may work on projects of their own choice such as lawnmower

engines, motorcycles, or outboard motors. Students are expected to arrive on time,

ready to work and prepared to learn. If time permits, other projects may include flight

plans, bridge building, CO2 cars, and solid fuel rockets. PM 9/10 is recommended

before taking Auto Mechanics 11/12.


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METALWORK 9 This course gives instruction in all areas of the metal shop. Students will learn the following welding techniques: basic gas welding, basic arc welding, and cutting with the oxy-acetylene torch. Machine shop instruction will be given in the following areas: bench work, layout, drill press, and turning on the lathe. Use of computer controlled machine tools will also be included in this course. WOODWORK 9 This introductory course in woodworking allows students to develop skills in the use of most woodworking tools and machines. Safety awareness and good work habits will be stressed. Students will be assigned several basic projects and will also have the opportunity to design and build their own projects.

HOME ECONOMICS FOODS AND NUTRITION 9 The theoretical aspects of this course emphasize safety and sanitary practices, development of management and consumer skills, nutrition and meal planning. The practical aspects cover all the basic techniques required to produce interesting and nutritious meals and snacks. Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, cakes, pies, and pizza may be prepared and then consumed with great enthusiasm.

VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS The Art Department offers a variety of courses from grades 8 to 12. The curriculum offers student’s opportunities to create images and problem solve using varied image development and design strategies as they move from grade to grade towards graduation. From the brief introduction to the visual arts in the grade 8 fine arts rotation to the in-depth study at grade 12, students are provided with opportunities to create and respond to art works. Each course will require students to organize their work in sketchbook form, keep a record of their progress, be responsible for their supplies and respect the work of others. Courses with a 9/10 or 11/12 designation may be taken twice. Each course will have expectations that are grade appropriate.


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ART 8 Art 8 is an introductory art course offered in the Fine Arts package. Students going into grade 8 select either Fine Arts or Band. ART 9 This course is an introductory course designed to allow students the opportunity to work with a variety of materials, technologies and processes. Students will create images incorporating both 2D and 3D media (drawing, painting, ceramics and sculpture). There are no prerequisites for this course. DRAMA 9

The emphasis in this course will be on developing theatre skills. Confidence and

communication are the two main themes. Students will concentrate on enhancing their

improvisation skills, develop imagination, concentration, observation, characterization,

rhythm and a personal style. Students will also have an opportunity to develop their own

plays and begin work on character studies. Students may have an opportunity to

perform in front of elementary schools at the primary level.

BA ACTING AND MUSICAL THEATRE 9-12 Acting and Musical Theatre 9-12 is a course designed to help you develop skills in three major disciplines: voice, choir, band, stage movement and dance and acting. Through the first term we will develop the skills, versatility and confidence to transfer our efforts towards our final Musical Production. The first term will include an orientation, auditions for the Musical, leading to initial production rehearsals. In the second term we will continue to work as an ensemble cast and focus our energies upon our Musical Theatre Production, which we will present to the public. This course is for all students who enjoy music, drama, acting and the excitement of staging productions. There will be roles for students of all levels and abilities. Students who are more interested in dramatic acting stage roles (without singing or dancing) will have an opportunity to be involved. Since this is a musical production class, there will be opportunities as well for interested students to develop other skill sets, such as stage management, set, lighting, props and costume design, as well as advertising and publicity. There are also places for musicians to take part. If enough of piano, bass, guitar and drums join, we could also work towards having a live band for the musical. Students will be contacted and surveyed about their interest preferences before the course commences.


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DANCE 9

This class is designed introduce students to the basic techniques of dance. Dance 9 will

present students with the opportunity to experience a variety of dance genres.

Throughout the course, students will explore various dances and become involved in

the process of creation, composition, and presentation. Students will also be introduced

to creating their own choreography.

The NDSS Band Program is known across Canada. Over the years our bands have won many gold, silver and bronze medals in national competitions and several band members have been chosen for National All-Star Band Membership. Students will perform a wide variety of music and they will experience a balance between polished performance pieces and sight reading. Concert Band is our main ensemble. Students with a moderate interest in music who wish to improve their skills and have fun are welcome. We also provide an opportunity for serious students who wish to work hard to achieve an advanced level in our competitive and touring groups. The band is organized in three levels, Junior (Grade 8), Intermediate (Grade 9), and Senior (Grade 10, 11 and 12). An advanced player in a lower grade could enter a higher level band and a less experienced player could enter a lower level. BAND 8

There are two choices for Band 8 (assuming there is sufficient enrollment we will

separate the students into the 2 groups):

A. Experienced players-those who have a competent level on their instrument of choice.

B. Beginner Players-those who have little or no experience on their instrument of choice.

Instrument choice: There are limited (and auditioned) spots for drummers and bass players. There are no piano or guitar spaces available in BAND 8. In terms of instruments that are used: flute, clarinet, alto/tenor/bari sax, trumpet, baritone, trombone, tuba. On your course selection sheet please indicate your level of band (i.e. Experienced or Beginner) as well as your instrument choice.

If there is sufficient enrollment there will be two groups (beginner and

experienced). If there is not sufficient enrollment for two groups the students will

be in the same group.


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Please note beginning students are asked to rank their top three instruments of choice.

We have to ensure proper instrumentation so the student’s first choice may not be

available. We always need more trombone, baritone and tuba players (some

instruments are available through the school).

If you have any questions please contact Mr. Brewer, or your counselor.

BAND 9 (CONCERT BAND)

Intermediate Level taken after completion of Band 8

JAZZ (OFFERED OUTSIDE THE REGULAR SCHOOL DAY)

The Jazz program consists of students from grade 8 through 12. Jazz ensemble members will have ample

opportunity to learn improvisation. The Jazz band plays mostly senior charts and performs several times a year. The

class meets after school from 3:15 – 4:15 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Be a part of this award winning ensemble.

BAND 8 (JAZZ BAND)

BAND 9 (JAZZ BAND)

CHOIR 8-9

This class is open to all grade 8 – 12 students. It will run after school on Mondays and

Wednesdays from 3:15 – 4:14 p.m. The students will learn how to read music and

perform music at concerts throughout the year. We will also attend festivals to better

ourselves. NDSS had a wonderful choir program years ago and it is time to get this

musical opportunity back. I am also looking for piano, guitar, bass and drum players that

can support the students’ singing. Sign up for this new class – we will a fun musical

experience.

MUSIC APPRECIATION 9-12 A new course is being offered at NDSS which will explore the history of music throughout the times. We will look at changing times and how society treated music and art. We will do a lot of listening and reflecting. We will cover classical, jazz and popular music. Students will be engaged in activities on various composers and repertoire. No musical experience is necessary, just a love of music.


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NDSS ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES The Activities Department at NDSS provides students with a variety of sports and activities. The emphasis of our athletic program is participation rather than over-competitiveness. We encourage all students to get involved with as many activities as they feel they can handle without sacrificing their schoolwork. NDSS is lucky to have many different activities in which students may participate, and it is also complemented by a high quality, dedicated coaching staff. A few of the sports and activities that have been offered at NDSS include:

Football

Volleyball

Track/Cross Country

Soccer

Swimming

GSA

Badminton

Student Council

Basketball (winter and spring)

Newspaper Club

Global Watch

Environmental Committee

Homework Club

Homework club runs for one hour after school. Days will be scheduled in the fall. The Homework Club has been a huge success for students who need extra time or extra help with their academic school work.

Contact the school if you require further information about our clubs or activities:

Phone: 250-740-2000 Fax: 250-740-2020

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