Spanish

In beginner level Spanish, students will learn to use Spanish in a variety of situations effectively and competently. Through the exploration of the cultures in the Spanish-speaking world, students will acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be effective global citizens.

Art

The art program provides students with the opportunity to express themselves visually using a variety of media.  Students develop drawing, painting, ceramic and print-making skills in a collaborative studio atmosphere.  Main projects include still life, landscapes, portraits and sculpture inspired by great artists from the past and present in both representation and abstract styles.

Drama

The drama program is designed to take students at any level of preparation or experience. All activities are aimed at building confidence, concentration and imagination as well as developing theatrical skills, verbal communication skills and group cooperation.  Class activities will deal with all aspects of drama from acting, to designing, promoting and directing productions.  The course will also deal with a wide variety of dramatic resources from Shakespeare to modern works, and from puppetry to masks and musical theatre. 

Instrumental Music

Students in the instrumental music program learn skills that enable them to perform on a wind or percussion instrument, both as a soloist and as part of a larger ensemble.  The music program at Vernon Barford School is continuous, knowledge and skills are built on from year to year.  Because of this it is recommended that students begin in grade 7.  To be an effective member of the band, a student must demonstrate a positive and cooperative attitude.  Home practice is also necessary.

Students have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities such as band camp, special workshops and festivals.  These occur throughout the year for all grades.  The music program consists of a grade 7 band, a grade 8 band, a grade 9 band, a stage band and small chamber ensembles.  Rehearsals for these ensembles occur outside of class, usually during the lunch hour.

Media and Communications

Students will work with the computer, digital photos, scanners, and clip art to create the page layouts and written articles that make up a school newspaper.  Students will also use technology to aid collaboration during inquiry and for the purpose of creating a yearbook.

Students will:

• access, use and communicate information from a variety of technologies,
• seek alternative viewpoints using information technologies, and
• use technology to aid collaboration during inquiry and for the purposes of creating a yearbook.

Industrial Arts

Students in design studies/construction technologies and communication technology will:

• develop and apply creative and problem solving abilities,
• develop a working knowledge and skills in a variety of technologies and technological systems,
• and develop safe, effective and environmentally friendly work habits.

Environmental Outdoor Education

Students will participate in cooperative games and initiative tasks, develop an understanding of basic first aid, knot tying, clothing, shelters, and cooking.  Each topic will involve theoretical and practical components.  Students will be working on group assignments about environmental issues.  The course will be rounded out with field trips in the local community and to environmental outdoor education facilities.

Computer Applications

Students learn to effectively use word processing, spreadsheets, data bases, drawing, painting, and presentation software to enhance their school assignments.  Attention to detail and fine tuning of projects is the goal of the applications course.

Humanities

Humanities 9 is a study of the cultural values and historical themes from the ancient Greek world to the European Renaissance.  The content of this program is presented in a discussion and project based approach to learning.

Career Exploration
The Career and Exploration six-week rotation allows students to sample foods, computers, languages, health, environmental outdoor education, wildlife (at the grade 9 level), industrial arts and sewing.  Students develop skills they can apply in daily living now and in the future.  They can investigate complementary courses, use technology (processes, tools and techniques) effectively and efficiently, apply and reinforce learnings developed in other subject areas, and help prepare for entry into the workplace or further learning.