Design

Criterion C: Thinking creatively

Students are assessed on their ability to outline a clear artistic intention, outline alternatives, perspectives, and imaginative solutions, and develop the exploration of their ideas.

Criterion D: Responding

Students are assessed on their ability to outline connections and transfer learning to new settings and create artistic responses inspired by the world around them.

Design

In Grades 6-8, the design cycle is taught through an integrated design course, covering both product design and digital design. In Grades 9 and 10, it is taught through options in sports leadership, sports science, theatre production, creative writing, and computer science.

Creative Writing 9/10

Grade 9/10 Creative Writing is a chance for students to express themselves and read the work of other young writers. The course uses the Design Cycle to brainstorm, plan, create and share original student work. The course is flexible and can change to accommodate students’ interests and strengths, but it will cover a range of styles and purposes. One unit we did in 2018 used creative writing to respond to the “empathy gap;” in other words, we used stories to help others connect with marginalized or misunderstood communities. Another unit we did involved writing short fiction for a teenage audience, which involved creating exciting characters, settings, plots and themes. Overall, this course will help students develop their writing skills, and also their confidence and enthusiasm for self-expression.

Theatre Design 9/10

This course covers the basic skills of the production and technological elements of theatre, and students design and create these elements authentically for the senior school play. Elements or ‘crews’ include and are not limited to: costumes, set, props, lighting, sound, and publicity. *NOTE: Students are required to be a part of the backstage crew during tech and performance week of the Senior School play. This will be in the third week of February.

Sports Science 9/10

Sports Science is for those students interested in all aspects related to increasing performance in sport. You will learn not only what makes a great athlete but also how to train and eat like a great athlete! We will visit a variety of training facilities, hear from nutritional experts on the best diets and how to treat injuries.

Computer Science 9/10

Become a digital producer! Improve your problem-solving skills! In this class, we will learn the basics of computer science by learning how to code using the Python coding language. Students will use the design cycle to create novel solutions to real-life problems. Topics of investigation from previous years include educational games, cryptography, and eLearning assistance apps.

Sports Leadership 9 /10:

In Sports Leadership, students will define and work towards a common goal of improving sports community, culture, health and spirit at Stratford Hall and beyond. With regular opportunities to practice planning and teaching lessons for peers and younger students, team building activities, and school-wide events, there is hardly a class where you will not be challenged to move and inspire others to do the same. Develop your coaching skills, be a social influencer, explore practices of sport psychology and become the best teammate you can be.