AVI1O is an introductory course to visual arts, allowing students to learn techniques and gain experience in drawing (focus on pencil techniques, shading, and portraits), painting (focus on acrylics, colour mixing, and shading), and creative sculpture. We cover the elements and principles of art in detail to provide a solid foundation for creative composition and art analysis. We explore the concept of art as an expression of identity. We cover early art history, looking at prehistoric art as well as the art of ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome; we explore how art has evolved but also how early art works have influenced modern pieces. The major focus of this course is on creating art and learning through doing and making. There is no exam. Any student can do well in this course, especially those with a growth mindset (“How can I keep improving?”), and those who are excited to enhance their skills as developing artists. Students who are successful in AVI1O may move ahead continue with AVI2O, or skip ahead to AVI3M.

ATC1O is an introductory course to the fundamentals of dance. The grade 9 program focuses on exploring the elements of dance as well as conditioning. The major units of study include ballet, jazz, modern, and African dance. Students will work collaboratively and individually on choreography that is taught as well as devised themselves. In addition, there are written assignments and projects based on health, dance history, careers, and dance in society. Students will have the opportunity to perform for their class on a regular basis. No prior dance experience is required to take the grade 9 course; the class is great for everyone, from beginner to advanced dancers as students at every level will be challenged!

Dance students are dedicated, passionate, expressive individuals with a love for movement! Most important of all is a desire to express yourself.

There is no final exam in this class, but there will be a final culminating performance which combines all skills and techniques learned throughout the course.

AMI1O emphasizes developing musical technique, sensitivity, and imagination. Students will complete a range of playing, composition, and listening activities to grow their musicality. When safe to return to regular rehearsals and performances, grade 9 music students perform in Junior Band, which rehearses weekly outside of class.

ADA1O is an introductory course to the dramatic arts. Students are provided with opportunities to explore dramatic forms and techniques, using material from a wide range of sources and cultures. They will engage in several collaborative projects to develop skills in movement, voice, body language, and characterization, while exploring units in tableau, mime, monologue, and scene work. Students will use the elements of drama to examine situations and issues that are relevant to their lives. Students will create, perform, discuss, and analyse drama, and then reflect on the experiences to develop an understanding of themselves, the art form, and the world around them.

The dramatic arts are home to a wide range of diverse students! Drama students are dedicated, passionate, creative, expressive, energetic, and enthusiastic. No prior experience is needed for the grade 9 course, just a willingness to express yourself!

There will be a final performance to assess all the skills and knowledge developed during the course, but there is no final exam for this course!

This course introduces students to the use of information technology in a business environment. Students will learn how to use information technology in a work environment, perform electronic research, communicate electronically, and use common business software and web applications for design, presentations and googles sites. The skills learned in this course will be valuable for projects throughout your high school years and beyond.

This exploratory course introduces students to concepts and skills related to technological design, which involves the development of solutions to various design challenges and the fabrication of models or prototypes of those solutions. Students will develop an awareness of related environmental and societal issues, and will begin to explore secondary and post-secondary pathways leading to careers in the field. During this course, the students will design, create technical drawings, produce models and prepare technical reports.

This course is available to students without IEPs

This course focuses on learning strategies to help students become better, more independent learners. Students will learn how to develop and apply literacy and numeracy skills, personal management skills, and interpersonal and teamwork skills to improve their learning and achievement in school, the workplace, and the community. The course helps students build confidence and motivation to pursue opportunities for success in secondary school and beyond.

In consultation with their special education teacher and/or grade 8 homeroom teacher, students with IEPs (not solely identified as Gifted) can replace one elective with the learning strategies course - GLE1O9

This course explores learning strategies and helps students become better, more independent learners. Students will learn how to develop and apply literacy and numeracy skills, personal management skills, and interpersonal and teamwork skills to improve their learning and achievement in school, the workplace, and the community. This course helps students build confidence and motivation to pursue opportunities for success in secondary school and beyond.