Humanities 8

Humanities 8 Grade 8 students are assigned to the same teacher for both English and Social Studies in a combined all-year course (one timetable block in each semester). Important portions of the History content lend themselves to the development of English skills while literature and writing enhance Social Studies learning. Some lessons and units that lend themselves to integrated study will be integrated while other lessons and units will be developed separately. Humanities develops competency in reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, representing and researching. All of these skills are applied to literature, geography, history and current events.

The course stresses an active approach to learning through cooperative learning, critical thinking, inquiry, and creative problem solving, while investigating our interaction with the physical and social environment. In addition, students participate in reflecting, assessing and setting goals for their own learning.

The content and topics of the course may include the following:

English Component: Reading, writing, oral communication, viewing, representing, grammar, mythology, Aboriginal literature, non-fiction, short stories, novels and poetry.

Social Studies Component: Geography, including maps, graphs and charts; Middle Ages in Western and Eastern Europe and the Middle East; European Renaissance and Reformation; European exploration and conquest; Middle Ages in India, China, and Japan; as well as pre-contact indigenous civilizations.

Mathematics 8

In Math 8 the seven years of elementary school provided students with a solid background in the basic concepts of arithmetic, providing the foundation for success in the high school mathematics program. The new curriculum places an emphasis on some skills that students will continue to develop. They must be able to: reason, analyze, understand, solve problems, communicate their thinking, make connections, and reflect on their work. The content that will allow students to develop these skills includes: numbers and number operations, patterns and relationships (algebra), shape and space (measurement and geometry), statistics and probability, and financial literacy and problem-solving.

French 8

In this course, students will develop their communication skills in French in meaningful real-life situations which relate to their personal interests. Students will be involved in many activities such as presentations, dialogues and skits and will complete theme-based individual and group projects on topics such as sports, personality types, snack foods, travel, shopping, and Canadian mysteries. This course also teaches the basic grammatical principles that allow students to continue French at higher levels or prepare them for the study of another language. Come join the fun!

Note: According to the BC Ministry Language Education Policy, it is mandatory to study a second language for four consecutive years (grades 5, 6, 7 and 8). In Surrey, that language is French. Although most students will have had regular French instruction in Grades 5 to 7, some may not have had the same level of exposure. The French 8 course takes this into account, providing new information and challenges while allowing for those with limited French experience to participate and succeed.

Note: In some circumstances, French 8 will be replaced with a Learning Support Block

Science 8

Science 8 is a survey course of the four major domains of science: Biology (cells and the immune system); Chemistry (KMT and the structure of the atom); Physics (light) ; and Earth Science (plate tectonics).There is an emphasis on scientific inquiry, ethical, cooperative behavior, and the development of safe investigative procedure which relate to scientific principles, technology, and research.

Physical Education 8

Students will develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to incorporate physical activity into regular routines and leisure pursuits and to live an active, healthy lifestyle. Students will understand the benefits of active living; perform activity-specific motor skills while participating in a variety of games, dance, gymnastics, and outdoor activities. They will demonstrate appropriate social behaviour, etiquette, fair play and leadership skills related to physical activity.

Band 8

This course will mold students’ individual music abilities into a performing group. Learners will receive instruction on their instrument, ensemble skills and notation and rhythmic fluency. This course is for both experienced and beginner students.

ADST Rotation

A 5 week survey course rotation of Auto, Woodwork, Robotics, Digital Literacy, and Foods and Nutrition.

Fine Arts Rotation

A 5 week survey course rotation of Dance, Drama, Indigenous Studies, and Visual Arts.

Jazz Band 8

This course focuses on jazz band performance. Various styles of jazz will be studied (swing, Latin, funk, rock) through ensembles and solo works. This course is offered as an addition to Band 8 and will take place afterschool twice a week.

Dance Company 8-12

It is highly recommended that students also register for Dance during normal school hours. This is the dance team and auditions will be held in September. This is a year-long advanced class which is designed to run as a “Dance Company”. For details, please see Ms. Pow.

This is an advanced level dance class which will focus on technique, choreography, and pedagogy. In this course students will work at a high level to continue to develop and perfect skills learned in previous courses and on dance teams. They will take weekly technique classes. They will further develop choreography and teaching skills as well as, learn to create and perfect dances for competitions and shows. These skills will enable students to stretch and experiment by using dance as a means of expression and communication.

Teams will include Bhangra, Junior Hip-Hop, and Senior Hip-Hop.

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