Grade 11/12 Elective Courses

**Please read this important note about elective courses**

When you are in Grades 11, and 12, every course that you take outside of your required courses is called an elective. For example, if you take Chemistry 11 and Environmental Science 11, only one of them is needed to fill the requirement for Science 11. The other courses become electives for the purposes of grad requirements. The BC graduation program requires students to broaden their experiences with 28 elective credits.

So, you can end up taking some academic courses for electives (eg. History 12) and then some electives that fall under other categories such as physical education, or skills/design, technology (eg. Food Studies 11, Woodworking, Automotive). This page lists that second category of electives- the academic courses are listed on other pages.

NEW COURSES:

Agricultural Leadership 12

Contemporary Music 11/12

Textiles 11/12

Indigenous Studio Art 11/12

Child Development and Caregiving 12

Physical Geography (under Socials tab)

Basketball 11/12

Fitness & Conditioning, Female and Non-Binary

Career Life Education (CLE)11 and

Career Life Connections (CLC)12 + Capstone

4 credits each, required for graduation

Career Life Education (required, 4 credits total, offered in grade 11)

Career Education helps students discover the bridge between classroom learning and post-graduation life and is intended to make their learning meaningful and relevant to next steps after high school. Physical and mental health issues are addressed along with identifying support from networks of family, friends and community. Career Life Education incudes an exploration of internal and external contributors to self-identity and a thorough examination of potential future education and career pathways.

Career Life Connections and Capstone (required, 4 credits, offered inside and outside the timetable)

Career Life Connections helps students build off of the work they have completed in Career Life Education, and is completed in their Grade 12 year. The Career Life Connections course guides students in unpacking their learning journey and works to help them build connections between school, the skills they have developed, and their future.

The Capstone Project, also known as a culminating project or experience, or senior exhibition, is a project that allows students to demonstrate their learning and experience with the core competencies, along with reflection. Ideally, this Capstone is presented through an area of interest or passion. Within the Career Life Connections course, students will work on creating a new project, service, event, or research paper and will present this as a Capstone Presentation to community where they will demonstrate their learning and achieve, in and out of school.

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.

Active Living 11/12

4 credits

Physical activity is an important part of overall health and well-being. While practicing safety and injury prevention techniques, students in Active Living 11/12 will be supported in finding enjoyable recreational activities that will help set the stage toward lifelong participation in regular physical activity.

Automotive Technology 11/12

4 credits, satisfies ADST requirement

If you think you will ever drive a vehicle, this course is for you! You will learn about various automotive systems, complete service labs and have a chance to work on your own personal projects. From changing oil to adjusting ignition timing, you will know everything you need to know to be an automobile owner.

Basketball 11/12

4 credits

This course offers an in-depth exploration of basketball skills, tactics, and fitness. Students will enhance their physical literacy, team play, and strategic understanding through drills, scrimmages, and game analysis. Falling under the fitness and conditioning framework, this course will incorporate fitness training to support athletic performance and personal well-being.

The curriculum emphasizes leadership, communication, and critical thinking, preparing participants for competitive play and fostering lifelong active living habits. Additional components include referee training, positional strategies, and offensive and defensive systems.

Culinary Arts/Cafeteria 11/12

4 credits, satisfies ADST elective requirement

This course is all about creating amazing food for our school cafeteria. In this class students learn about menu design, characteristics and properties of culinary ingredients, methods for seasoning and presentation and time management. Additionally, students will gain first-hand experience working in our school garden and including our locally grown foods in our school menu. Everyday students work together in a positive and efficient manner to prepare all of the items on the day’s menu for our very successful school restaurant. Additionally, students also have an opportunity to become Food Safe certified. Through Culinary 11-12 students gain a deeper understanding of what skills and training are necessary to have a career in the culinary realm.

Child Development & Caregiving

4 credits, strongly recommended for those considering enrolling in Early Childhood Education program in January

CDC12 will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will assist in making informed decisions regarding child development and caregiving. This course covers valuable topics surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. In addition, it will cover details on child development and developmental theories from birth through to the teenage years. Finally, the course also examines childcare options and programming.
CDC12 is ideal for those considering careers involving children, healthcare, teaching, childcare, recreation, or simply for those who are considering the role and responsibilities of being a parent later in life.
This course offers both in-class learning and practical experiences outside of the classroom at local pre-schools and the elementary school.

Computer Aided Drafting and Design 11/12

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

Early Childhood Education

In partnership with Northern Lights College, Students earn credits toward high school and college

Dual Credit programming options to qualified secondary school students. In partnership with Northern Opportunities, an innovative Northeastern BC partnership, Northern Lights College provides secondary school students with a seamless learning pathway from secondary school to post-secondary trades and apprenticeship training.
Dual Credit programs allow students in grades 11 and 12 to gain credits towards secondary school graduation while also earning credits in a post-secondary academic course, vocational program, or trade or apprenticeship.
see separate tab for more information

French 11

4 credits. Several universities and post-secondary programs require a second language 11

Prerequisite: French 10 OR have been enrolled in a French Immersion program in the past

Expand on French reading and writing

Expand on 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

French 12

4 credits.

Prerequisite: French 11 OR have been enrolled in a French Immersion program in the past

Become proficient French readers and writers
Extend your 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

Indigenous Art Studio 11/12

4 credits, recommended prerequisite Studio Art 10

The goal of this course is to honour and celebrate Indigenous communities through visual art and provide an opportunity for any student to learn and experience these visual art forms. Currently Indigenous content is now respectfully included in all courses, however, it is important for students to have the opportunity to connect with Indigenous communities in a deeper, more meaningful way. This course creates pride and knowledge for both Indigenous and nonIndigenous students alike. The historic and current visual culture that Indigenous communities have created is arguably the strongest visual arts form in our country today. Indigenous Art Studio is an advanced studio visual arts course based in the cultural context of Indigenous visual art. The main emphasis would be the visual artistic development of each student within that context. All of the visual art objectives that are in a regular visual art studio course would be the back bone of this course.

Materials: any visual art materials, ranging from traditional to innovative. The spectrum of materials available to artists is open-ended and constantly evolving. composition, colour theory, line, shape as well as the skills of drawing, painting and sculpting. The cultural context would be the fuel and the purpose of the visual activities. To ensure a rich and diverse cultural experience, as often as possible, members from the Indigenous community will be relied upon to help create lessons and deliver project content through guest artist roles. This is the first of two Indigenous Art Studio courses. The grade 12 course builds and expands on the framework

Peer Tutoring 11/12

4 credits, prerequisite a strong interest and aptitude in a subject and ability to connect with students, permission of school counsellor

an opportunity for students to provide classroom assistance at PSS.
provide assistance to students and teachers, as a leader, tutor, and helper.
students generally are matched with their sponsor teachers at the start of the quarter or semester. Students must possess proclivity for the subject.
To apply for this course, contact a counsellor. A sponsor teacher assessment form will be completed by the teacher whose class you tutored to obtain credit. To obtain credit for this course you will be expected to work hard assisting the teacher, helping students, maintaining a positive classroom environment and be enthusiastic about the content.

Psychology 12

4 credits

An introduction to the study of psychology which the study of the human mind and human behavior. You will learn about yourself and those around you by studying and attempting to explain and predict why people behave, think and feel as they do. This course will do so through the projects, assignments, and quizzes.

SBBA

16 credits, Includes socials studies 11/12 grad requirement, indigenous course requirement

Mission statement: The Sea to Sky Ski, Snowboard & Bike Academy will focus on personal growth in student’s athletic performance, leadership abilities, community involvement, social awareness, career options, academics, and global citizenship. Student learning will focus on SD48’s five competencies, using the project based learning model and incorporating the six pathways to student achievement.
see separate tab for full information and requirements

Studio Art 11/12

4 credits, prerequisite Studio Art 10 or Indigenous Studio Art 10

Drawing : a lot of cool drawing techniques including pencil, charcoal, india ink, oil & chalk pastels, pencil crayon and Prismacolor
Painting: a variety of painting techniques like tempera, watercolour and acrylic
Other mediums: Printmaking, photography and pottery
Students will partake in portfolio projects (student interest based) as well as art foundations to build on their previous art skills. Will take a manageable amount of time at home but will also receive studio time. Students will use self-assessment as their primary tool of assessment. Students will also be provided with art rubrics for specific projects.

Textiles 11/12

4 credits, elective

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.

Ucwalmícwts 11/12

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.

Woodworking Skills 11/12

4 credits, satisfies ADST requirement, Prerequisite Woodworking 10

This is a continuation of Woodwork 9/10
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

Agricultural Leadership 12

4 credits, elective, outside the timetable

Agricultural Leadership provides students with opportunities to develop leadership and organizational skills through learning and working in the school garden.

Students will plan and implement programs that benefit others in the school and community at large. Through experiential learning, students will recognize and subsequently apply their individual talents and interests to enhance the school garden and school community.

Through this course students are empowered to contribute to school in positive, inclusive and creative ways.

Contemporary Music 11/12

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

Drama/Theatre 11/12

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.

Graphic Arts/Yearbook 11/12

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. 

Fitness & Conditioning 11/12

For female and non-binary students, 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.

Student Leadership 11/12

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.

Indigenous Leadership 11/12

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.

Athletic Leadership 11/12

4 credits, elective, Outside the timetable

This course is designed to give students a chance to formally practice sport leadership and management. Attending an after-school class and participation at practices and games are the mandatory requirements for this course. During class, students will focus on leadership, coaching and officiating skills, and management (scheduling, finances, promotions, etc.). They may practice these skills by organizing intramurals, scorekeeping, coaching and officiating at Pemberton Secondary and Signal Hill.

Work Experience 12 A/B

Up to 16 credits maximum

Students are able to earn four grade 12 credits for each 100 hours of work and accompanying documentation, up to a maximum of 16 credits. This class requires meetings with your teacher and your employer.
This is a great way to learn new employability skills, meet new people, and explore the world of work while earning elective credits.
Please look for an announcement or email about work experience in the fall, or see Ms. Bones before the end of the year if you would like the paperwork to start earning credits if you are working this summer.

Page updated

Report abuse