Rundle College Grade 7–9 Option Guide

RUNDLE

22/23 | COLLEGE 7–9

OPTION GUIDE

COLLEGE OPTIONS 7–9

COMPLEMENTARY COURSES

The purpose of complementary subjects at the Junior High level provides an exploration of various areas. The middle years between elementary and high school are an excellent time for students to take some risks as learners and try new subjects and experiences.

ART 7

This course is designed to be enjoyable and challenging for students interested in visual art. Emphasis is placed on skill development, media exploration, and conceptual understanding. The Junior High Art program provides students with the opportunity to experience the main elements of the curriculum: drawing, compositions and encounters through a wide variety of interesting projects and media. Students will have the chance to explore personal curiosities and will be given direct lessons on techniques to aid them in their explorations.

Please note: There is a materials fee for this course.

BAND 7

This course is for students who have an eagerness to learn to play an instrument and be a part of a concert band. Instrument training and basic musicianship are the main objectives of this course. Students will have the choice of brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments. Young musicians will learn how to play different rhythms and pitches together as a band and individually. The skills learned at this level will help students develop a musical appreciation and a strong sense of camaraderie that is inherent to being part of a band. Additional fun activities include band clinics with professional musicians, performance opportunities, band camps and trips, and further down the line, a senior band experience.

Please note: There is a materials fee for this course.

CODING 7

This course equips all learners with foundational computer science and coding knowledge. It also explores the societal impact of technology and computing on our world. Using a computational thinking lens, learners will have fun developing their knowledge of a variety of programming languages and applications through text-based and block-based coding languages, hands-on projects, and robotics. Learners are expected to gain practical knowledge as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills as part of their journey as lifelong learners and contributing members of our community. Topics covered include: Computer Science and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Computational Thinking, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) applications, and programming external devices.

Please note: There is a materials fee for this course

DRAMA 7

Drama encourages students to acquire knowledge of themselves and others through participation in and reflection on dramatic experiences. By using their imagination, role-playing and observing as audience members, students will explore sides of themselves, and come to better understand others. Group work is an important part of the drama classroom. This introduction to drama focuses on theatre games, improvisation, movement, speech, technical theatre and a variety of performance opportunities. Students also create original presentations which are scripted, produced and performed. Our goal for the Drama 7 student is to gain confidence, and learn to appreciate the many aspects of theatre while having fun.

FRENCH 7

The goal of the French program is to provide an opportunity for students to develop their knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to communicate

effectively in French in a variety of real-life situations. Students will learn and implement theme-based vocabulary. An increased focus will be placed on sentence structure and grammar. All students will be encouraged to use French as a target language in the classroom. Ultimately, the aim of our program is to have students fully appreciate and enjoy the benefits of learning French as a second language.

Please note: This course is for students who have had some previous French as a Second Language exposure in elementary as it follows the 9y (9 year) curriculum set by Alberta Education. It is not an appropriate choice for native speakers or previous French Immersion students.

SPANISH 7

Spanish 7 is an introductory course that dives into the culture, history, and traditions of Hispanic countries. Students will learn basic vocabulary to greet others, share personal information, and ask questions. Students will learn to conjugate verbs and structure basic sentences while participating in conversations. Ultimately, the aim of our program is to have students fully appreciate and enjoy the benefits of learning Spanish as a second language.

Please note: This course is for students who have little or no previous Spanish language exposure. It is not an appropriate choice for native speakers or previous Spanish Immersion students.

ART 8

Prerequisite: None

This course pushes students to think creatively and critically. Students will have the opportunity to explore a range of materials and techniques through 2 and 3-dimensional projects. They will experiment with various design elements, spatial effects, and ways to convey meaning through colour. Students will learn that the artmaking process is just as important as the final

product. This course is open to all students who would like to participate in a fun and creative atmosphere while enhancing their appreciation for the visual arts.

Please note: There is a materials fee for this course.

BAND 8

Prerequisite: Band 7 or prior music knowledge with the ability to accelerate their level of performance skills.

This course is for students who have an eagerness to continue to learn to play an instrument and be a part of a concert band. Advancing their technique on a wind/ percussion instrument and musicianship are the main objectives of this course. Students will continue to grow on their brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments. Musicians will increase their capacity to perform different rhythms and pitches together as a band and individually. The skills learned at this level will help students develop a musical appreciation. Additional activities include band clinics with professional musicians, several performance opportunities, band camps and trips, and a senior band experience.

Please note: There is a materials fee for this course.

CODING 8

Prerequisite: Coding 7

Building on the foundations established in Coding 7, students go beyond the basics to enhance their coding knowledge and strengthen their understanding of the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on our society. Students will experience how to design and build practical applications using block-based and text-based platforms including developing an appreciation for the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI). With a focus on problem-solving for the real world, students will also explore Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) spaces to grow their creative and computational thinking skills for the 21st century. In their explorations, students further

their prototyping knowledge and grow their design thinking, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, all while strengthening their understanding of the impact of coding as part of the bigger picture of the future of technology. Topics covered include: Computer Science and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Computational Thinking, Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) applications, and programming external devices.

Please note: There is a materials fee for this course. This course is for students who have completed Coding 7 or an appropriate equivalent. Students who are new to the program will be asked to take a written test at the start of the school year to determine their ability to move into the grade 8 course.

DRAMA 8

Prerequisite: None

Drama encourages students to acquire knowledge of themselves and others through participation in and reflection on dramatic experiences. By using their imagination, role-playing, and observing as audience members, students will explore sides of themselves, and come to better understand others. Group work is an important part of the drama classroom. This level of drama focuses on theatre games, improvisation, movement, speech, technical theatre, and a variety of performance opportunities. Drama 8 includes a film study element. Students also create original presentations which are scripted, produced, and performed. Our goal for the Drama 8 student is to gain confidence and learn to appreciate the many aspects of theatre while having fun.

FRENCH 8

Prerequisite: French 7

This course provides an opportunity for students to continue to develop their linguistic speaking ability as well as their written comprehension and production. Students will build upon previous skills in speaking, listening, and written expression. Increased focus is placed on sentence structure, vocabulary, and figures of speech. Students are encouraged to speak

French more frequently and increase their overall level of exposure to language and culture outside the classroom.

Please note: This course is for students who have completed French 7 or an appropriate equivalent. Students who are new to the program will be asked to take a written test at the start of the school year to determine their overall written comprehension and production skills. This course is not an appropriate choice for native speakers or previous French immersion students but may be suitable for students who were part of an immersion program in their primary years.

SPANISH 8

Prerequisite: Spanish 8

This course provides an opportunity for students to continue to develop their linguistic speaking ability as well as their written comprehension and production. Students will build upon previous skills in speaking, listening and written expression. Increased focus is placed on sentence structure, vocabulary and figures of speech. Students are encouraged to speak in Spanish more frequently and increase their overall level of exposure to language and culture outside the classroom.

Please note: This course is for students who have completed Spanish 7 or an appropriate equivalent. Students who are new to the program will be asked to take a written test at the start of the school year to determine their overall written comprehension and production skills. This course is not an appropriate choice for native speakers or previous Spanish immersion students but may be suitable for students who were part of an immersion program in their primary years.

ART 9

Prerequisite: None

This fun and challenging course is hosted within a culture of creativity. Emphasis is placed on building

skills with a variety of materials, media, and tools. Students will be encouraged to express their feelings, think artistically, and value the act of creating art and art forms. In this class, students will create and design 2 and 3-dimensional artworks and explore the work of other artists. They will have the chance to explore personal curiosities and will be given direct lessons on techniques to aid them in their explorations. No previous experience is required but an interest in visual art and a strong work ethic are assumed.

Please note: There is a materials fee for this course.

BAND 9

Prerequisite: Band 8 or a strong background in music with a demonstrated desire to accelerate their technical skills on a wind/percussion instrument.

This course is for students who are eager to continue to learn to play an instrument and be a part of a concert band. Advanced instrumental technique and musicianship are the main objectives of this course. Musicians will continue to hone their knowledge of increasingly complex rhythms and increase their range on their individual instruments. The skills learned at this level will help students develop a musical appreciation and transition to the High School band. Extra activities include band clinics with professional musicians, performance opportunities, band camps and trips and a senior band experience.

Please note: There is a materials fee for this course.

CODING 9

Prerequisite: Coding 8

Our drone program is a highlight for the grade 9 coders. This exploration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provides critical insight as to how technology evolved in the Fourth Industrial Revolution but also serves to exemplify how technology’s diverse uses are an asset to our future, solidifying the understanding of its impacts on society at large. In this final year of Junior High Coding, students will also prepare for an external certification in text-based coding, alongside building their toolkit in Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and other applied uses of coding. In their explorations,

students further their prototyping knowledge and grow their design thinking, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, all while strengthening their understanding of the impact of coding and how they can make a difference in the future of our world. Topics covered include: Computer Science and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Computational Thinking, and programming external devices.

Please note: There is a materials fee for this course. This course is for students who have completed Coding 8 or an appropriate equivalent. Students who are new to the program will be asked to take a written test at the start of the school year to determine their ability to move into the grade 9 course.

DRAMA 9

Prerequisite: None

Drama encourages students to acquire knowledge of themselves and others through participation in and reflection on dramatic experiences. By using their imagination, role-playing, and observing as audience members, students will explore sides of themselves, and come to better understand others. Group work is

an important part of the drama classroom. This study of drama focuses on theatre history, improvisation, movement, speech, technical theatre, and a variety of performance opportunities. Students also create original presentations which are scripted, produced, and performed. Our goal for the Drama 9 student is to gain confidence and learn to appreciate the many aspects of theatre while having fun.

FRENCH 9

Prerequisite: French 8

This course is intended for students who wish to complete the Junior High program and it also serves as a stepping stone for students interested in continuing in French 10(9y), French 20(9y), and French 30(9y). Students will further enhance their linguistic speaking abilities, written expression, and cultural awareness, and appreciation. Students are highly encouraged to increase their overall use of French and appreciate the benefits of second language learning.

*(9y) – 9-year program as set by Alberta Education

Please note: This course is for students who have completed French 8 or an appropriate equivalent. Students who are new to the program will be asked to take a written test at the start of the school year to determine their overall written comprehension and production skills. This course is not an appropriate choice for native speakers or previous French immersion students but may be suitable for students who were part of an immersion program in their primary years.

SPANISH 9

Prerequisite: Spanish 8

This course is intended for students who wish to complete the Junior High program and it also serves as a stepping stone for students interested in continuing in Spanish 10(6y), Spanish 20(6y), and Spanish 30(6y). Students will further enhance their linguistic speaking abilities, written expression and cultural awareness and appreciation. Students are highly encouraged to

increase their overall use of Spanish and appreciate the benefits of second language learning.

*(6y) – 6-year program offered at Rundle

Please note: This course is for students who have completed Spanish 8 or an appropriate equivalent. Students who are new to the program will be asked to take a written test at the start of the school year to determine their overall written comprehension and production skills. This course is not an appropriate choice for native speakers or previous Spanish immersion students but may be suitable for students who were part of an immersion program in their primary years.