GRADE 8

All Eastview students in grade 8 take the following courses in addition to our four core courses:


  • Physical Education 8 (Full Year)

  • Health 8 (One term)

Below is a comprehensive list of all of the option courses available for grade 8 students. Each course will be taken for one term. Some options can be taken more than once, if space is available.

Course Descriptions:

RDPSD Sports Academy: Develop personal character through the love of sport

We are excited to implement the Sports Academy Programs for the 2022-23 school year. The goal of the Academy is to allow students to pursue areas of passion in order to support their academic achievement and character development. Students enrolled in our Academy will not only develop skills in their area of passion, but will also learn about important Red Deer Public values such as teamwork, respect, responsibility, resilience, and collaboration.

Students enrolled in Sports Academy Programs will attend one of the designated Red Deer Public Schools but will also spend a portion of each school day in alternate facilities depending on their program selection.

The Sports Academy in partnership with The Dome Red Deer, may include:

Final offerings will be determined by interest and registration numbers. Please note that there is a cost for these programs. Costs for each program can be found by clicking on the specific programs (listed in the bullets above.)


Band (Full Year)

Students continue to develop their reading, listening, playing, composing, and performing abilities. They will help choose and learn to value film scores, jazz, world music, seasonal tunes, classical, and popular music. Practicing must happen at home as well as at school.


Students who did not take Band 6 or 7 are welcome, provided they have support at home. Students wishing to try a second instrument must discuss it with their family and the band teacher.


Students receive a folder to keep their music in, and are asked to bring a pencil and some looseleaf. The band textbook Essential Elements will be provided, however the cost of replacing it goes to the family.


Extra events with additional expenses are workshops ($50), concerts, and field trips. Fundraising opportunities are available. Any mass band rehearsals with Grades 6, 7, and 8 may be called before school at 8:00 AM prior to concerts. These dates will be provided once the school year begins.


Please remember that we will do our best to accommodate any student wishing to enroll in band, regardless of personal financial situations. The school has access to a limited number of used instruments which can be made available for the annual rental fee, depending on demand. We wish to include all students who are interested in making music! Please advise us before the school year begins as to your needs.

Jazz Band (Full Year)

Students rehearse, value, and perform to gain understanding of the rich history of jazz music around the world. Students are expected to already know their instrument - this is a class for advanced musicianship. It is open to Grades 6-8 students who are able to read music, play a scale, and perform a song before the year starts. All instruments welcome!


This course is before school Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 AM, so families will need to arrange drop off. Extra practice at home is required.

Art

Art will focus on various subject matters, techniques and mediums. These will be explored through drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking. Students may take art up to three times without repeating projects.

Art Drawing

Drawing 8 is an exploratory course meant to further expose students to a variety of drawing techniques and media through specific drawing projects.

Art Journaling

Art Journaling is a visual diary, blending art and writing as a form of self expression. This course will give students an opportunity to express stories, goals, memories, thoughts and feelings using their creative voices. Art Journaling can be a means of stress reduction and assist in self-regulation.

Advanced Art

(Full Year)

This is a full year option (takes up an option block in each term). Students must commit to the whole year program in order to participate. This course is designed to develop artists who desire an in-depth, challenging approach to creative process, technique, media and subject matter.

Choral

Choral means choir, and choir means everyone can sing! No experience necessary. Students’ will improve their singing by learning how sound is produced in the body and how to have a flexible mindset. Progress is more important than perfection! We perform music across history and around the globe from film, radio, and musical theatre, as well as songs for special occasions (O Canada, Happy Birthday, etc.). Performance opportunities may include school concerts, Remembrance Day, Festival of Trees, Red Deer Festival of the Performing Arts, video recordings, and Alberta Children’s Choir.

Skills to be developed are: willingness to try, supporting our fellow vocalists, listening to harmony, reading the musical staff, interpreting lyrics, engaging the whole body, and practicing with discipline. If students want to develop as soloists, in duets/trios, or as songwriters, we will explore projects related to their interests.

Communications

Communications 8 encompasses a variety of tasks and assignments that enhance and expand the student’s knowledge in the digital environment. Digital citizenship and responsible computer use will be a foundational component of this course. A variety of assignments and projects will be provided that allow students to explore computer application capabilities and produce relevant work that meets the goals and scope of the assignment.

Communications studies may include a variety of topics such as: media studies, new media technologies, interpersonal communications, and written communications.

Computer Science

Students will engage with matters of digital citizenship, internet safety, and how to utilize computers for various functions. The Google Suite (Docs, Slides, Spreadsheets) and other computer software applications may be utilized in great detail. Students will then have the skills necessary to support them through school as well as later in life. This is NOT computer games - it is an academic focused course to supplement their skill set in the digital environment.

Crafts

This craft class is designed to introduce students to a variety of craft and hobby projects in order to teach problem solving and foster an interest in using your hands to create works of art. The projects vary according to fads, interests, seasons and holidays from term to term.

Creative Writing

Creative Writing aims to provide students interested in the creation of text an opportunity to explore and develop their talents and ideas. As they experiment with writing, rewriting and making effective language choices, they learn to provide and be receptive to feedback from peers and adults. This option course is for students who love to write.

Digital Design

Digital Art and Design is a class that combines the worlds of art and technology. Students will learn how to use different computer programs as well as the basic elements and principles of art and graphic design. This class focuses on illustration and corporate design, and is designed for students interested in developing art from a digital perspective or in graphic design. Movie poster design, vector illustration, logo design, advertisement design, digital painting, typographic designs, and photo compositing are all possible projects. The class is open to anyone interested in digital art!

Drama

Drama will concentrate on a variety of forms such as clowning, tableau, planned improvisation, oral interpretation, monologues, spontaneous improvisation, and role playing. Projects will include elements of acting, theatre studies, sound, lighting, costumes, etc.

Entrepreneurship

In this course students have the opportunity to design, build, and sell their product. Students will first decide on a project that they want to build and figure out how much it will cost to build. After they produce their project, they will have to market and sell their product. The price will have to cover the cost of building the product and the students have the opportunity to profit share.

Environmental Outdoor Education

This course is intended for the student that has strong interests in our environment. There are no prerequisites for this course other than having an interest in the environment and being enthusiastic about exploring and learning about some of the most fantastic places on Earth.

Fashion Studies - Machine Sewing

Students will complete an orientation module in the sewing area. The sewing machine, serger and embroidery machines are some of the equipment the students will be using to construct their project. No previous sewing experience required to enroll.

Sewing projects (choices determined by previous sewing experience): Wheat bags, pack cloth bags, PJ's, crafts, sewing with fleece.

*You are able to take the hand sewing class and the machine sewing class, if space permits.

(TERM 1 ONLY)

Fashion Studies - Hand Sewing

Ever wanted to make your own silly sock monster or wool felt critter? Here’s your chance! These creations will be hand sewn or needle felted. No machines used here. No previous sewing experience required to enroll. If you enjoy crafting, this class is for you.

Students will be taught the basics of hand sewing and critter stuffing techniques to make their own silly sock critter. Students will also get the opportunity to try needle felting to make their own little critter. All supplies and equipment are provided.

*You are able to take the hand sewing sewing class and the machine sewing class, if space permits.

Film Studies

This course is intended for students who have a love of film and are interested in film-making. It will allow students to explore film and film-making techniques to understand the magic of movies and film-making. Students may also engage with several films and create hands on projects related to those films and the art of film-making. Students will develop skills in filming and editing, as well as observing films which demonstrate those techniques.


Food Studies

If you enjoy food then this course is for you! Students will complete an orientation module and review kitchen safety and measuring before starting to cook. We'll be taking our cooking to the next level. Cooking techniques related to appetizers, meals and desserts. Both hot and cold foods will be prepared.

Students will be working in small groups to plan and prepare foods (and eat them too). No previous experience necessary.

Examples of units: Pizzas, wraps, ground meats, chicken.

(TERMS 2 &/or 3 ONLY)

Food Studies

Advanced Class

Enjoy Foods class and want to have it for two terms? You will NOT have to re-do the Safety Module when you take this class. More cooking, more units and no need to repeat the safety unit between trimesters. If you enjoy food then this class is for you! We'll be taking our cooking up a notch to the next level. Cooking techniques related to appetizers, meals and desserts. Both hot and cold foods will be prepared. Students will be working in small groups to plan and prepare foods (and eat them too).

You will get to complete recipes in both the cooking and baking units. Examples of units: pies, biscuits, pizzas, wraps, chicken, popcorn. When you’re done you’ll be master baker and dinner chef at your house!

3rd TERM ELECTIVE - (FOOD STUDIES IN TERM 2 IS A PREREQUISITE)

French

This course is for students with an interest in language learning. No prior experience is necessary. Students will focus on written and oral comprehension and expression. Projects are designed to enhance an understanding of culture, vocabulary and grammar. French is an academic option. Participation in class is necessary to learn a language.

Indigenous Studies

Indigenous Studies 8 is designed for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners and will focus on historical and contemporary perspectives of First Nations, Métis and Inuit cultures. The course will be very “hands on” and lessons will be taught through activities and handmade projects. Students will learn about a wide variety of topics related to Canada’s Indigenous peoples such as: traditional and modern day Indigenous leaders, foods, music, clothing, shelter, games, and shared Canadian historical topics like treaties, residential schools and Indigenous issues.

Leadership

This course is geared towards students eager to develop their skills in leadership and citizenship through a variety of activities including student-led intramural programs and school-wide functions. Students will organize and coordinate activities throughout the year.

Learners Drivers' Ed

Learning the laws of driving and the meaning of road signs are the main focus of this option. The aim of this course is to learn the material in the Learner's Driving manual so the students are more prepared when they actually take the Government test on their own time at their own cost. The option is held in a classroom setting only.

Music "X"

We will expand upon students’ music skills to learn:

  • popular songs from students’ favorite artists on unconventional or Orff instruments: bucket drums, boomwhackers, ukulele, recorder, xylophone, etc.

  • rhythms from different cultures: Cree hand drums, Costa Rican body percussion, Malian djembes, and English snare drums

  • song-writing techniques for lyrics, melodies, and chords including the musical alphabet

  • ensemble playing and singing with harmonies

  • explore instruments of jazz, rock, and concert bands

  • self-directed projects at students’ request

Photography

Photography 8 is an introductory option class. Students will learn the basic skills of digital photo editing and photography with a focus on composition and design. They may use cell phones, iPads or digital cameras to capture images and to produce quality photographs. Students will experience a variety of different styles of photography and students will learn the importance of digital citizenship and ethics.

Recreation Education

This course is intended for students who have an interest in lifetime recreational pursuits. In each unit students will be instructed on the history, terminology, rules, safety, selection and care of equipment, skills and game strategies. The focus of this course is to develop sportsmanship, cooperation and leadership. Students will be leaving the school grounds for some of these activities and WILL REQUIRE A SIGNED DIGITAL PERMISSION FORM. Activities may include, but are not limited to: horseshoes, table tennis, Kan Jam®, Ladder Golf®, Spikeball®, activities at the Collicutt Centre, Disc Golf, card/board games, dice games, bocce ball, archery, billiards, etc.

Sports Performance

In this course students will have an opportunity to learn about and develop in three main areas: aspects of physical training, nutrition, and sports psychology. There will be some learning theory in each of these areas and the chance to practice what you learn! This will be a high participation course.


If you enjoy sport and being active, then this is a class for you!

Travel & Tourism

Travel the world via brochures, presentations, film, and online media. Students will examine various cultures of interest, looking at language, culinary delights, geography, tourist attractions, and hidden gems. Plan a trip of your dreams. Find out what it would take and how to make it happen using inquiry-based learning.


Your imagination is the limit!

Woodworking

In this course students have the opportunity to work with wood and various machines in the shop. Students will first complete a birdhouse or bird feeder. Each of these projects takes one term to build. Students that take Woodworking for a second and/or third time, will have the chance to choose different projects. Projects such as Camp Stool, Crib Board, Clock, Bread Knife, Fishnet, and Longboard are fun to build. Or students will have the opportunity to learn how to use the wood lathe to make such projects as; key ring, baseball bat, and a pen.

Join in the fun and let the sawdust fly!