Man Wearing Black and White Stripe Shirt Looking at White Printer Papers on the Wall
Graduate in Academic Regalia Lifting His Fist

Our Mission is to build a caring community of learners that ensures student success.

Required Courses

Select your current level:

Smart Girl University Education Notepads Science Glasses Female Student
Black Left Arrow
Happy Students Showing Test Result With A+ Grade On Campus
Black Left Arrow

The Exploration Years

Female Teacher Grading Tests
Black Left Arrow
Cheerful students thumbs up
Black Left Arrow
Black Left Arrow

Graduation Years

Plan with the end in mind

Plan for Grade 9

The Exploration Years

Happy Students Showing Test Result With A+ Grade On Campus

As second year Hornets, your course selection options have grown to include many new options.

In grade 9, you will have six required courses, leaving two elective options.


Think of what you are interested in and what you might need down the road. This is a good time to make an appointment to see a counsellor to discuss your future education goals.


Black Left Arrow

Standard Courses

Course Descriptions

Standard

Courses

English 9

There is a focus on diversity of text and understanding the purpose of language. Students will explore language and text as it applies to their own identity and make connections to the outside world. Students will explore the creative use of language and seek enjoyment while engaging with literature. Students will focus on a variety of literary genres while demonstrating their ability to perform core competencies in areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Mathematics 9

Mathematics 9 continues on from Mathematics 8. Topics covered in Mathematics 9 include rational numbers, powers and exponents, scale factors and similarity, polynomials, algebra, linear relations, linear inequalities, and geometry.



Science 9

Science 9 is a survey course of the four major domains of science: biology (reproduction); chemistry (atoms, elements, and compounds); Physics (electricity) ; and Earth Science (natural systems and matter cycles).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 9

Physical Education 9 consists of: Active Living: Identify the benefits of active living; evaluate goals of personal fitness and activity programs; participate in personal fitness and activity programs; explain the effects that nutrition, fitness and physical activity have on body systems; select personal stress management and relaxation activities, and demonstrate a functional level of fitness.

Personal and Social Responsibility: Demonstrate positive behaviours that indicate: self-respect and self-confidence; respect for individuals; and identify qualifications for specific careers related to physical activity.



Social Studies 9

he Social Studies 9 curriculum timeline spans from 1750-1919.


SS9 uses the six historical thinking concepts (with particular focus on cause and consequence and continuity and change), inquiry based learning, and Indigenous perspectives as foundational skills. Students will critically analyze and understand how ideas and ideologies have profoundly influenced societies and events, how unequal access to power changes individual and societal relationships, and the process of creating a collective identity. Students will further gain knowledge about how beliefs about the physical environment (the natural world) influence political, social, legal, and economic change.


Topics include, but are not limited to, various social, political, economic, and technological revolutions; the continued impacts of imperialism and settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in Canada and around the world; patterns of migration and population growth; the physiographic regions of Canada; nationalism and the creation of the modern nation state; local, regional, and global conflicts; and discriminatory policies, laws, attitudes, and historical wrongs.





Careers 9

Students participate in Take our Kid to Work Day in November, in addition to guest speakers and drop-in sessions over the course of the year.

Business

Education

Entrepreneurship and Marketing 10

This exciting course is designed to introduce students to the world of business.

Topics such as marketing, accounting, economics, finance, human resource management and entrepreneurship are introduced. The course involves analyzing and discussing concepts and cases currently occurring in the world. Practical projects and applications will be an integral part of the course.

If you are interested in pursuing a career in business, then this course is for you!



Computers 10

We live in digitally connected word. By taking Introduction to coding, you will learn the skills to survive and be successful in this digital reality. This course gives you a detailed view of what a computer means by learning about the essential components of this machine that is revolutionizing the world today. You will learn how to create professional documents, spreadsheets and presentations using software such as Microsoft Office and Google Docs. You will learn how to work collaboratively and communicate using Web 2.0 tools. You will also work with command line to understand what is behind the graphical user and the role of the operating system such as Windows, macOS, Linux, etc. You will also learn programming concepts using flowchart, pseudocode, Game Maker and/or Scratch development environment. This is a recommended prerequisite course for Game Development 11 and Computer Science 11/12.

Home

Economics

Foods and Nutrition 9

Eat your way through the day! Create dishes from breakfast all the way through to dinner and dessert. Develop skills in food preparation, examining food and nutrition principles, working collaboratively as a group and much more. Use the skills you learn in class to design and create dishes of your choice.

Textiles 9

This is an introductory course for students interested in hands-on learning, working with fabric and learning how to sew. Students will go through the design cycle to create various sewing projects by hand and machine, using simple patterns.

English

Creative Writing 10

Do you enjoy being creative and expressing your ideas through writing? In Creative Writing 10, we will do just that. We will complete a variety of creative writing projects and explore the type of writing and topics that most interest you, such as poetry, short stories, screen/television/stage plays, and anything else that can be built with words. This course will require you to take creative risks as you develop your own voice and style as a writer, and you will be expected to share some of your writing with the class in workshop discussion groups; through this collaboration you will become a better editor, communicator, and writer. If you are looking for the freedom to express yourself creatively while strengthening your reading, writing, and analysis skills, then this is the course for you.



This course also involves a more in-depth study of literature revolving around various themes, authors, genres, and periods as explored through a variety of engaging texts such as short stories, poetry, novels, graphic novels, drama, and non-fiction. Students will increase their literacy skills through close reading, develop as global citizens, and develop higher-level thinking skills. They will also be able to evaluate the reliability, and quality of sources they explore. Students will engage in critical thinking as they create coherent, purposeful compositions while developing their writing skills. Students will compose narrative, expository, persuasive, and opinion pieces while engaging in the writing process of planning, drafting, and editing.  


Foods and Nutrition 9

Share your product or service offerings here. Give your prospective clients an overview of why they should use it. Differentiate it from the others listed on this page.

Spoken Language 10

Students will learn how to communicate in meaningful ways through speaking in various forms such as speeches, First Peoples story-telling, Ted Talks, podcasts, video essay, spoken word poetry, debate, and discussion. Students will consider target audience when exploring the different uses of voice. The writing process will be emphasized when preparing students for different forms of public and recorded speech.


This course also involves a more in-depth study of literature revolving around various themes, authors, genres, and periods as explored through a variety of engaging texts such as short stories, poetry, novels, graphic novels, drama, and non-fiction. Students will increase their literacy skills through close reading, develop as global citizens, and develop higher-level thinking skills. They will also be able to evaluate the reliability, and quality of sources they explore. Students will engage in critical thinking as they create coherent, purposeful compositions while developing their writing skills. Students will compose narrative, expository, persuasive, and opinion pieces while engaging in the writing process of planning, drafting, and editing.  



Textiles 9

Share your product or service offerings here. Give your prospective clients an overview of why they should use it. Differentiate it from the others listed on this page.

New Media 10

We are leaving (most) of the dusty traditional books behind, and exploring texts that take other less traditional forms, such as podcasts, blogging, social media, Ted Talks, film, television, and music. We will consider how various media forms are analyzed, and learn how technology and new media impact our everyday lives. This course will provide you with the skills necessary to navigate our constantly evolving digital world, and to analyze more than just the texts that live on the bookshelf. And finally, this course will give you the opportunity to strengthen and demonstrate your written and oral communication skills through the creation of your own digital and print media.


Do you love to read and discuss stories? This course also involves a more in-depth study of literature revolving around various themes, authors, genres, and periods as explored through a variety of engaging texts such as short stories, poetry, novels, graphic novels, drama, and non-fiction. Students will increase their literacy skills through close reading, develop as global citizens, and develop higher-level thinking skills. They will also be able to evaluate the reliability, and quality of sources they explore. Students will engage in critical thinking as they create coherent, purposeful compositions while developing their writing skills. Students will compose narrative, expository, persuasive, and opinion pieces while engaging in the writing process of planning, drafting, and editing.  Please note that the academic expectations and the amount of writing that students will do in this course are no different than in any of the other English 10 options.


Languages

French 9

French 9 builds upon the basics learned in French 8. The course will continue to develop oral communication skills, while also increasing the emphasis on writing and reading. Students will be expressing opinions and preferences on topics such as sports and fitness, pop culture of the 60s, 70s and 80s, fashion, and music. They will also develop their understanding and appreciation of other cultures by exploring the lifestyles of various French-speaking peoples around the world. Creative expression in French is encouraged through individual/group projects and presentations. C’est chic!



Spanish 9

This is an introductory course focusing on listening, reading, speaking and writing skills. Successful completion of French 8 is strongly recommended, as language learning strategies taught in French will help ensure success in learning Spanish. The focus in Spanish 9 is the purposeful use of Spanish to perform real life tasks, to share ideas, and to acquire information. In addition to studying the culture and traditions of Hispanic people, the following themes will be explored: greetings, school life, food, friends, and family.

Fine Arts

Visual and Performing Arts

Drama 9

This is a collaborative course which further develops the skills learned in Drama 8. Students explore areas such as improvisation, speech and movement, and begin an increasing exposure to a variety of theatre genres. Personal awareness and self-discipline play an important role throughout the course. The emphasis of this course is on the student's participation in various theatrical activities. The majority of class time will be spent on practical exercises, with students participating 'hands on'. Students will have the opportunity to explore traditional and contemporary Aboriginal perspectives through the use of story telling.

Band 9

Concert Band 9 is for all students who wish to learn how to play an instrument or those who have reached an interim level of proficiency on a band instrument. You must have at least one year experience playing in concert band. Newcomers are welcome to join, but must first take a basic rhythm test in September and pass in order for the course to be granted to the student. They are expected daily dedicated practice in order to catch up with the rest of the ensemble.


Instrument choices include trumpet, clarinet, trombone, percussion, flute, saxophone, bass and many more. Students will learn rhythm, music notation and music reading while having the opportunity to play fun music and perform in concerts and festivals. This is a Performing Arts course – it is mandatory that students participate in all events and performances, within school and outside of school hours. Evaluation will be based on progress, attitude, and participation in music department activities. This is a linear course running yearlong and alternates with Physical Education (PE) 9.


Guitar 9/10

This is an introductory course. Students in this course will learn many open chords and eighty-nine bar chords, as well as several strumming/finger picking patterns which will enable them to play several styles of music including popular, rock, folk, and blues music. Students will also be introduced to the playing of music from notation and from tablature which will enable them to play lead guitar and classical music.

Bhangra 9

Students will be able to explore the elements of the Bhangra Dance genre while tying in the cultural history rooted in this style. There will be an introduction on how to use Bhangra equipment and how to incorporate it into their dance. Performances and competitions are an important element to this performance based course and participation will be an integral curricular element. Please keep this in mind during selection.



Dance 9 Beginner

Taking a deeper dive into several genres of dance. Students will be able to differentiate several dance genres and will learn how to curate dance routines in those genres. Performances and competitions are an important element to this performance based course and participation will be an integral curricular element. Please keep this in mind during selection.

Dance 9 Intermediate

Taking a deeper dive into several genres of dance while focusing on technique. Students will be expected to differentiate several dance genres and will be required to curate their dance routines. Introduction to freestyle and creative expression with their choreography. Performances and competitions are an important element to this performance based course and participation will be an integral curricular element. Please keep this in mind during selection.

Visual Arts 9

Students in Art 9 will enhance their basic skills. Personal, social, cultural and historical contexts will be explored. Students will experience a variety of basic areas of visual expression including two-dimensional and three-dimensional works.

Media Arts 9

This is an art course with no prerequisite that explores the use of computers and digital media in the creation and appreciation of art. Students will be exploring digital photography and digital film production as well as multi-media art projects. Students will learn video editing, camcorder operation, digital camera operation, storyboarding, computer editing, story development, composition, colour theory, and animation techniques. Students must be able to work on their own as well as cooperatively in groups.

Education

Technology

Power Technology 10

This course is offered to Grade 9s and 10s, but is an accredited course that counts towards graduation requirements. This popular hands-on project-based course is geared towards the mechanically inclined student looking for an introduction to automotive systems. Students will use shop tools , machines, and processes to solve challenges related to transportation (cars, trains, ships, cranes, etc.) Students will learn the fundamentals of two and four-cycle engines and will rebuild a four-cycle engine. Furthermore, oxy-acetylene and MIG welding, and the plasma cutter are introduced. Students will also be involved in transportation problem-solving activities and projects associated with a variety of energy and power studies.

Robotics and Electronics 9/10

Robotics/Electronics 10 is an energetic and inventive program that provides students with a practical hands-on experience. The course of study includes: • Design Process • Sketching • Measurement, Statistics, and Applied Geometry • Electrical Circuits • Coding/Robotics •Consumer Product Innovation• Engineering Ethics • Design Teams.

Robotics/Electronics 10 gives students the opportunity to develop skills and understanding of course concepts through activity, project, and problem-based learning. Used in combination with a team and individual approach, Rob/Electronics 10 challenges students to improve their interpersonal skills, creative abilities and understanding of the design process. It also allows students to develop strategies to enable and direct their own learning, which is the ultimate goal of education. The course assumes no previous knowledge, but students should be prepared to apply mathematic and scientific concepts in the solution of engineering design problems as well as use non-power tools. Students will develop problem-solving skills and apply their knowledge of research and design to create solutions to various challenges that increase in difficulty throughout the course. Students will also learn how to document their work, and communicate their solutions to their peers and members of the professional community.


Skills Exploration 10

This course is open to grade 9 and 10 students who are interested in the trades. Grade 9's can take this course and earn credits toward their graduation upon successful completion.

This course will be a sampler of 3-4 of the 6 following trades sectors, depending on interest and availability:

  1. Carpentry
  2. Electrical
  3. Plumbing
  4. Welding
  5. Automotive
  6. Drafting & Design

Skills Exploration is a Ministry Authorized course jointly supported by the Ministry of Education and the Industry Training Authority (ITA). Through participation in this course, students learn trades and technology skills and earn credit towards secondary school graduation. Later, students may decide to pursue an industry training program to become a certified tradesperson (journeyperson) or a certified technician/technologist.


Woodwork 10

This course is offered to Grade 9s and 10s, but is an accredited course that counts towards graduation requirements. In this “hands on” introduction to woodworking processes, the emphasis is on the development of practical skills, design work, and problem solving abilities. Through the projects students will become familiar with the safe use of tools and machines. At the end of a successful course, students will take home projects that they have imagined, designed, built, and finished. More than that, students will take away skills and a confidence in new-found abilities.

Options

X-Block

X blocks are an outside the time table commitment.

Jazz Band 9

It is recommended that students also enrol in Concert Band during normal school hours. Please see the Ms. Antrobus for details.


This course focuses on intermediate level of jazz band performance. Various styles of jazz will be studied (swing, Latin, funk, rock) through ensembles and solo works. Improvisation and solos will include intermediate techniques based on scales and chords.


Enrolment is limited to standard big band instruments (saxes, trumpets, trombone, piano, bass, guitar and drums); other instruments by Director's permission. Evaluation will be based on progress, attitude, and participation in music department activities.


Recreation Leadership 10

The aim of this course is to enable students to investigate their own set of values and attitudes, learn leadership skills and experience the practical application of leadership skills within the school. It will enable students to develop relationships, communication and organizing skills, as well as cooperative and responsible attitudes.

All components will be completed in the course, in addition to a variety of field studies that will promote teamwork and leadership skills. Students are also trained as table officials for volleyball and basketball games.

The course is open to mature, energetic students who are currently in grade 9 and are seeking leadership opportunities in their grade 10 year.


Silhouette of hip hop dancing pose

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.