Everyone needs: English 10, Physical and Health Education 10, Science 10, a Math 10 (see options) and Social Studies 10 or if you are in French Immersion, Sciences Humaines 10 (instead of Socials 10) and Français Langue Seconde 10.
Things to consider for Grade 10: There are 5 required courses (6 for French Immersion) so you are choosing 3 or 2 electives for a total of 8 courses.
If you are applying to Outdoor Education, list as an elective as entrance to this program requires and application.
Have a look at the Outside the Timetable page to round out your school experience and some are for credit!
2 credits Composition + 2 credits Literary Studies / New Media
In English 10, students will engage in the following learning:
work individually and collaboratively to explore and create coherent, purposeful compositions
read and study compositions by other writers and consider a variety of styles as models for the development of their writing
build writing competencies by introducing a variety of structures, forms, and styles of compositions
study, create, and write original pieces, exploring audience and purpose collaboratively and individually
develop their craft through processes of drafting, reflecting and revising.
explore literature of particular eras, geographical areas or themes, and in the study of literature in general
delve more deeply into literature as they explore specific themes, periods, authors or areas of the world through literary works in a variety of media
*please note that due to school population, not all math options are offered every year
Option 1: one semester, 4 credits
This course best suits students who have a strong number sense, algebraic and computational skills. Students who have been able to communicate their mathematical reasoning and can think critically about math problems would benefit from this course.
Concepts that will be explored include trigonometry, exponents, prime factorization, polynomials, factoring, relations and functions, graphing linear functions, systems of linear equations and financial literacy.
This course will be evaluated through self-assessments, assignments, quizzes (independent and collaborative), tests and a final exam.
Option 2: Two semesters, 8 credits (Math 10 FPC and Math 10WP)
This course includes Workplace Math10 and Foundations and Pre-Calculus Math 10. We are offering this option for the first time here at PSS. We are hoping to offer this option, however, it will be dependent on enrollment. Please have a conversation with your math/science teacher and supportive adult to see if this would be a good fit for your learning.
Two semesters, 8 credits (Math 10 FPC and Math 10WP)
This course best suits students who are encouraged to work on essential skills such as; integers, fractions, calculations with formulas, solving equations and making connections. Students who need a bit more time to cover concepts from Math10 FPC as well as completing Math 10 WP to help improve their confidence and ability in math would benefit from this course.
Students will cover all the concepts from Math 10 FPC: trigonometry, exponents, prime factorization, polynomials, factoring, relations and functions, graphing linear functions, systems of linear equations and financial literacy.
Students will also cover these additional concepts from Math 10 WP: number sense, solving equations, measurement, probability and representing and analyzing data.
This course will be evaluated through self-assessments, assignments, quizzes (independent and collaborative), tests and final exams.
4 credits, required
This course continues with many of the themes of the junior science program and is an introduction to various disciplines in science (biology, chemistry, physics, and astronomy) and will give students a base of knowledge from which to choose their senior science courses. The Science 10 curriculum is based on the following big ideas:
genes and DNA
chemical processes and energy changes
conservation and transformation of energy
Big Bang Theory and components of the universe.
4 credits, required
For French Immersion, see French Immersion Sciences Humaines 10
An examination of Canadian and world history from 1919 to the present. Students have the opportunity to see how global and regional conflicts have shaped the world today; look at various indicators of human development / human geography around the world; and examine political and economic ideologies that gained popularity from 1919 onward. Throughout the class students will appraise the Canadian identity and our successes and failures at creating a multicultural inclusive society.
4 credits, required (included in Outdoor Education program)
Daily activity and instruction are centered on individual and team sports, personal fitness, training programs, and games. The program strives to encourage students to be more active not only for the semester but for their entire lives. Students will also learn about personal health and how their choices can influence physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Knowledge of the factors that influence health are examined with an emphasis on understanding individual strengths and weakness and how personal preferences facilitate achieving individual goals. Understanding the factors influencing our health empowers us to act to maintain and improve overall well-being.
As of the 2024/25 school year, students will also learn CPR as a grade 10 requirement.
Electives! Go on, try one!
The idea of electives, throughout your high school career, is to provide supported opportunities to try new things. Not an artist? Try art. Not comfortable in a kitchen? Try foods! (you get the picture here). Electives are important aspect of your schooling, just because it's called an 'elective' doesn't mean it's not important. Creative expression helps our brains, opens up to creative solutions in other areas, piques our interest when we didn't know our interest could be piqued and looks good on a resume or application.
4 credits, satisfies ADST requirement
This course focuses on the areas of designing, drawing and building. Students will design, draw and build different projects using both conventional drafting methods and AutoCAD software which is the industry standard in the areas of designing, architecture and engineering. Students will work through the design process and draw and build projects such as hydraulic arms, solar powered cars, radio-controlled vehicles, scale model bridges and glider planes. The area of architecture will also be covered through students producing floor plans, elevation views and scale models of houses.
Architect, Frank Gehry
4 credits, elective, satisfies ADST requirement
This hands-on course will build students’ culinary skills and have them collaborate with their unit members throughout the semester on many different learning activities. To coincide with the cooking labs, students will study food safety, nutrition, examine food recalls and have an opportunity to become FoodSafe certified. Students will also gain first-hand experience from working in the school garden, planting, weeding, and processing in order to gain a deeper understanding of our food system.
Additionally, the class will decide what major topics they would like to study, topics such as: career exploration, food security, factory farming, GMO, fermentation of food, ethical issues of food production, the carbon footprint of food, indigenous food sovereignty, local farming practices and many others.
Students are expected to put in a solid effort, have a positive attitude and attend class every day. The four competencies of critical thinking, collaboration, contribution and create and innovate will be built upon and assessed throughout.
4 credits
prerequisite: French 9, previous French Immersion or assessment of skills by a French teacher
Learn to read and write in French
Start practicing basic conversational skills
Learn about Francophone cultures from all over the world
Activities/Assessment:
Games, art projects, group + individual projects, listening to music, watching collaborative learning, community building activities, quizzes, tests, conversational assessments.
Benefits:
Learning another language is an amazing experience - it gives you insight into different cultures
Gives you an advantage in the job market and enables you to travel more confidently and meet more people from all over the world
Creates neural pathways in your brain that will enhance your learning in ALL subjects
4 credits, elective, satisfies ADST requirement
Students will learn how to use a variety of metal shop tools and machinery. Students will have the opportunity to design and create their own metal work projects.
12 credits, PHE 10, Outdoor Program 10, Tourism 11
See Outdoor Ed page for additional information
requires an application .
Acceptance is not guaranteed.
4 credits, satisfies ADST requirement
These courses offer a detailed experience in a variety of visual expression areas, encouraging your independence and free expression. Students will create unique original artwork and will have an opportunity to experiment with different mediums. Visual expression areas include: drawing, painting, sculpture, textiles, printmaking, tattoos, photography, film, and film editing. Students will be exposed to a series of professional artists, directors, film makers, and programmers, to better build connection to the arts as career-based work. Students will get the opportunity to work on community based artistic projects, both small and large scale. The course includes a study of the elements and principles of techniques and design through the variety of mediums.
4 credits, elective, satisfies ADST prerequisite
New skills include utilizing patterns, altering patterns, creating wearable garments, design basics and upcycling. The role of textiles in First Peoples culture will be a component in the course.
Choose additional projects from knitting, crocheting, quilting, cross stitching, weaving, and paper crafts. Basic materials for this course will be provided, however, if students wish to make a major project or garment to take home they will need to provide the necessary materials.
4 credits, elective
In this course students learn Ucwalmícwts vocabulary and focus on oral and written command of the language. Activities are designed to further cultivate appreciation for the language and culture throughout the course.
4 credits, elective, satisfies ADST requirement
This course focuses on designing and working with wood. It will cover a variety of joinery techniques and applications which will allow students to apply their own design through the making of several projects. Students will have an opportunity to use a wide variety of power and hand tools and gain an understanding of processes required to design and work with wood. Most importantly students will have a chance to make amazing, beautiful projects.
Outside the Timetable
at lunch and/or after school
4 credits, elective, outside the timetable
This course is designed for students who want to develop music-making skills and enhance their music literacy in a personalized setting. Students will explore music theory and processes relevant to their goals, while having the opportunity to practice, produce, and perform both individually and in groups of their own making. No previous experience required but an interest and independent drive for music is a must.
In this course, students can expect to:
Focus on an instrument, music composition/production, or both
Practice and perform in both solo and group settings
Deepen understanding of music fundamentals, including scales, pitch, notation, dynamics, rhythm, melody, chords, harmony, timbre, and individual expression
Access additional rehearsal/studio time outside the regular timetable if desired
Assessments for this course may include:
Recorded or produced audio/video samples, Performances (in-class and/or outside of class), Theory tests, Individual progress checks, Written reflections, Music equipment knowledge and assessments
4 credits, elective, Outside the timetable
The PSS Theatre Department has been a thriving developing course since 2016, building both talent and confidence wherever we go. We have produced many plays, averaging three productions a year and have had graduates attend professional post-secondary theatre programs. Programs have delighted thousands of spectators in both Pemberton and Whistler. Some of the classics we have produced are: Little Shop of Horrors, Aladdin, and Cannibal the Musical.
This is a project-based course that gives students the opportunity to explore either performance or the production sides of theatre. Over the year, students will learn acting, dancing, singing skills that will help improve their acting repertoire. Students may choose to gain experience in set design and construction, costume making, make up design, light and sound design, advertising and promotion. It is a great class for students to explore their creative sides be it in performance, design, or both. We are flexible and accommodating for students wishing to participate in both sport and drama.
4 credits, elective, Outside the timetable
This course will introduce the students to the elements of design and layout in the electronic medium. Students will focus on preparing work for both print and web publishing. The course is project based and will cover in depth instruction in MS Publisher and Adobe Photo Shop. In addition, the students in this course will use their graphic design skills to create the school yearbook. Students will use digital photography to document school community and the yearbook will be edited using an E Design digital program. If you are interested in graphic design and creating your own published book this is the course for you.
Female and Non-Binary students only
4 credits, elective, Outside the timetable
This course offers the same engaging and comprehensive fitness and conditioning curriculum but is specifically designed for students who identify as female or non-binary. The class will offer a safe and empowering space to build confidence and develop skills necessary to lead healthy, active lives.
4 credits, elective, Outside the timetable
This course is designed to help students become better leaders; honing skills in key areas of communication, motivation, expectation setting, and problem resolution. Students will investigate the principles of leadership and strong character as necessary ingredients for academic excellence and effective living. Students will research, organize and facilitate various school activities, both curricular and extracurricular. They will also be responsible for organizing two community events and volunteering within the community. This is a fun, project-based class where the students apply their learned skills in a real-world setting.
4 credits, elective, Outside the timetable
Indigenous Leadership is a course open to all students, grades 8-12 at Pemberton Secondary. Students in Indigenous Leadership are eligible to join the SD48 Indigenous Youth Council and organize school events at PSS. The mandate of Indigenous Leadership is as a celebration of culture and to raise awareness about current issues facing Indigenous youth. Leadership expectations increase in grades 10-12 where credit will be awarded.