In 2021-2022 Grade 8 students will be studying many of these complementary courses for the first time due to the pandemic that affected what courses could be taught in 2020-2021. Some courses will also teach Grade 7 skills. Grade 8 students will study all of the following courses for a Quarter (approximately 10 weeks) of the year each:
Band
Students will have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of playing one or two wind and brass instruments. Students will gain knowledge of technical skills on their instrument as well as the teamwork and cooperation required to play and participate in a band. Music fundamentals such as melody, tempo, harmony, dynamics, balance, blend, intonation, and rhythm are the focus as the students learn to play a variety of music and a variety of musical styles. The students will also study music theory to enhance the knowledge that is required to effectively play their instrument. As the students progress, creativity and playing more than one instrument is encouraged.
Foods: Baking Basics, Snacks and Appetizers
Students will develop an understanding of how to follow a recipe, how to safely handle tools and equipment, the importance of nutrition and how to keep their kitchen organized and clean. We explore a variety of different recipes, such as fruit crepes, muffins, cookies, quesadillas, potato pancakes, Thai Spring rolls, baked spaghetti and more. To end the term, students learn how to professionally decorate cupcakes using special equipment provided by our very own Joanne Wilson. In the fall, students also use fresh vegetables from our school garden to make delicious soups and appetizers!
Multimedia
Students discover the impact of the media and develop fundamental skills to relay a message effectively using various forms of media; e.g., photography, print, Web and audio or video production.
Construction Technology 8
Grade 8 students will begin the term by learning safety and procedures within the CTS shop. They will complete the introductory projects- the small box, plastic keychain and pen set. Once complete, students will be able to select from other, more advanced projects at the teacher’s discretion. Students will learn to safely use a variety of hand tools and power tools in the production of these projects. ALL PROJECTS WILL BE SELECTED FROM AVAILABLE PLANS.
Art
Grade 8 students will be encouraged to think of themselves as artists. They will access their imaginations through drawing and painting while exploring the concepts of motion, passage of time, and using found objects to create a 3-dimensional effect in their work. Students will also be expected to speak about their art—since every piece will be individual and therefore unique, each student will be asked to explain the thoughts, feelings, processes, etc. that went into their finished products.
Spanish Language & Culture
In this course students will begin to develop practical language skills in Spanish. We will focus on vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading, and writing to explore the cultures of Spanish speaking countries.
Journalism
With a focus on real-life writing skills, students will develop media literacy, communication skills, and the writing tools needed to tell stories that engage. Students will work together to plan, write, revise, edit, and publish an issue of a newspaper based on their individual and collective interests.
Photography
This course consists of learning compositions, light and the “making” of an image. Students will use their phone to unlock its potential. We will cover different types of photography such as portraiture, action and landscape. Basic image editing will be taught if time permits. Students will build on their skills developed in Grade 7.
French as a Second Language
French as a Second Language (FSL) course offers students important cultural, linguistic, career development opportunities and precedes post-secondary language studies. FSL will be offered to the students currently in the English program via Duolingo, an online credible and engaging courses.