This course introduces students to the basic skills, techniques, and concepts needed to make art at a high school level. You will learn to use pencils and colored pencils to create engaging drawings, and to mix acrylic paint and paint brush control to make small paintings. You will also learn about the creative process which teaches you how to generate ideas and plan complex art designs.  And finally, you will learn the new language of art, so that you can discuss, write, and think about art and art making. 

There are a minimum of four major projects during the course and each project has three parts: the practice and learning section; the making of the final artwork; and finally the self-reflection.  Each part is evaluated and contributes to your final grade. 

AV12O

This course emphasizes learning through practice; building on what students know and introducing them to new ideas, materials, and processes for artistic thinking and experimentation.  Students experiment with multimedia collage, watercolour and ink, acrylic paint, and pencil crayon. Projects invite personal expression and development of creative concepts.

 There are a minimum of three major projects during the course and each project follows the creative process: generating ideas, research and analysis,  planning and experimenting, creation, receiving feedback, and reflection.  Each part is evaluated and contributes to your final term grade.  

AWA2O

The aim of this course is to introduce students to a wide variety of traditional and contemporary crafting techniques, skills and concepts. Students will complete four major units during the course. Some examples are: silk screening, tie dye, basic sewing, felt work, embroidery, card making, clay, pinatas and jewelry. 

This class will also provide students the opportunity to examine, define and answer the following guiding questions. 

• What is craft?

• How is it represented in the art world?

• What was/is the historical significance of craftspeople?

• In Canada many of our indigenous peoples were craft makers, why did this change? And how are contemporary first nations makers bringing these traditions back?

• What is the definition of craft in the 21st century?

• What does it mean to “produce” goods?

• What is collaborative art practice?

• Why is important (perhaps now more than ever) to use non traditional materials? reuse/repurpose

AWA3M

This course continues to build on students' knowledge of the essential skills and techniques used in crafts, in particular, ceramics, sculpture, fiber art, paper art, silk screening, dying, felting, and weaving. Students will also have the chance to integrate new approaches and technologies into their crafting practice. They will continue to engage with the creative process through the planning, production, and reflection stages of each project, but will also be encouraged to consider practical and business challenges associated with the production and sale of craft objects and take a supporting role in organizing craft events. 

AWM3M

Students are given the opportunity to develop drawing and painting skills. They explore a variety of techniques and approaches that help improve observational and accuracy skills. There is an emphasis on producing studies and refining skills so final artworks show convincing form and realism. Students complete three studio artworks. Additionally, students explore en plein air painting techniques while experiencing the health and artistic benefits of outdoor painting and sketching.

Each project applies the creative process and each stage is evaluated: idea generation, planning, experimentation, creation, feedback, and reflection. Students are expected to share their work with their peers and provide critical feedback to others in a caring, constructive manner. Additionally, students will analyse artworks using artistic vocabulary and demonstrate understanding of the elements and principles of design.

AWC3M

This studio based course will introduce students to all the basics of clay handbuilding techniques: Pinch, coil and slab as well as how to use various underglaze and glazing techniques. Students will also use the critical analysis process to deconstruct art works and explore connections between ceramic art and society. 

Students will complete a minimum of four units of study with many opportunities to explore, experiment and practice using a range of materials, processes, and techniques which can and will be applied to their own ceramic art production. The course will also provide the framework for each individual to refine their use of the creative process when creating and presenting ceramic art works using a variety of traditional and emerging clay techniques. 

AVI3M

This course provides students with opportunities to further develop their skills and knowledge in Visual Arts. Students will explore a range of subject matter through studio activities, and will consolidate their practical skills in various media such as drawing, collage, and painting. Students will also discuss and analyze artworks and study contemporary artists in each unit of study. Students will be encouraged to consider their technical and conceptual development as artists, creating original imagery and ideas for each project through the creative process. 

Students will complete a minimum of three major units of study, as well as two to three minor units. Students will explore drawing, collage, painting, and mixed media approaches in this course and will be encouraged to develop their ability to be both expressive and accurate in their rendering of subjects. 

AWA4M

This course continues to build on students' knowledge of the essential skills and techniques used in contemporary craft, but also encourages them to pursue crafting media of their choice. They will be asked to consider themes and approaches that are most meaningful to them as emerging craftspeople. They will continue to engage with the creative process through the planning, production, and reflection stages of each project, while actively considering practical and business challenges associated with the production and sale of craft objects and taking a leadership role in organizing craft events. 

AWM4M

Students are given an opportunity to work on larger scale paintings on canvas. They explore a variety of techniques, subjects and approaches with an increasing emphasis on producing a personal body of work. Students take on greater conceptual and technical challenges than in previous years and work towards mastery of skills.

Many students with an interest in post-secondary arts courses, careers in arts or even an interest in continuing their personal creative growth, have found this course useful in attaining their goals. Many have constructed strong portfolios which have given them a distinct advantage in applying for post-secondary arts related courses.

Each project applies the creative process and each stage is evaluated: idea generation, planning, experimentation, creation, feedback, and reflection. Students are expected to share their work with their peers and provide critical feedback to others in a caring, constructive manner. Additionally, students will analyse artworks using artistic vocabulary and demonstrate understanding of the elements and principles of design.

AWC4M

In this studio-based course, students will continue to explore clay hand-building techniques pushing their ceramics skills to the max! They will also be introduced to basic pottery techniques using a potters wheel. 

Students will complete a minimum of four units of study with many opportunities to further explore, experiment and practice using a range of materials, processes, and techniques which will be applied to their own ceramic art production. The course will also provide the framework for each individual to refine their use of the creative process when creating and presenting ceramic art works using a variety of traditional and emerging clay techniques. 

AVI4M

This studio-based course provides students with opportunities to further refine their skills and knowledge in Visual Arts. Students will explore a range of subject matter through studio activities, and will consolidate their practical skills in various media such as drawing, collage, and painting. Students will discuss and analyze artworks and study contemporary artists in each unit of study, and should begin to consider their place in the world of contemporary art. Students will continue to develop new technical skills, as well as apply their previously learned artistic skills to exciting and original artworks. Every project will encourage the students´ conceptual development as emerging artists and will offer choices in terms of style, technical and conceptual approach, and subject matter. 

Students will complete a minimum of three major units of study, as well as two to three minor units. Students will explore drawing, collage, painting, and mixed media approaches in this course. 

AWQ4M

Students will build on and further develop their understanding of, the art of photography. In this course, students will review the basic principles of design and visual culture while experimenting and pushing their photography skills through the creation of photographic works based on specific themes. They will also learn and develop an appreciation of influential photographers of the 20th and 21 st century.

As they work through the four units in this course, students will explore the creative process, various photographic mediums and techniques as well as furthering the concepts of composition, lighting, audience, and perspective. They will create personally expressive works of art that may be used to build a portfolio for post-secondary education and will learn many tips and tricks about how to capture that spontaneous moment. 

AWR4M

Film Studies focuses on the theory and practice of making narrative films. The course considers the History of the production of feature length films, focusing mainly on Hollywood cinema while also enabling students to explore a variety of International cinemas as well, if interested.

Participation in this course does not require an artistic background but creativity and innovation are encouraged as the students begin to plan and ultimately produce their own independent film, either working in tandem with others in the class or on their own if they so choose. There are examples of recent student work from the 2022-2023 class to the left. (note: not for all viewers, discretion is advised).

Previous experience in other Arts courses at JMSS is valuable but not a prerequisite for success in the Film Course. Students are encouraged to become more intentional viewers of filmed works as well as more critical consumers of media in general.

If you are interested in more details in the course or have any questions, please reach out to an art teacher or contact Mr. Plewis