Core Courses

Language Arts

As stated in the provincial Program of Studies, the aim of English language arts is to enable each student to understand and appreciate language and to use it confidently and competently in a variety of situations for communication, personal satisfaction and learning.  Five general outcomes, which are interrelated and interdependent, are broad statements identifying the knowledge, skills and attitudes that students are expected to demonstrate with increasing competence and confidence.  Specific learning outcomes are stated under each general outcome, indicating what students are expected to learn by the end of each grade.  These outcomes are to be achieved through a variety of listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and representing experiences.  Language arts is delivered to all three grade levels through a broad range of educational activities.  All students have the opportunity to experience and respond, through oral and written presentations, to a wide variety of literary forms and genres, including language studies, poetry, drama, fiction and non-fiction short stories and novels.  Vocabulary building in context, reading comprehension, grammar, research, creative and functional writing and the use of technology are emphasized. 

Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to:  

Mathematics

The goal of the junior high school mathematics program is to enable students to:

• solve problems and to grow in their capabilities to deal with new or different situations
• use mathematics as a tool on the pursuit of personal goals and aspirations, and
• develop positive self-concept and attitude toward mathematics and life-long learning.

Each grade level has components covering the following strands.  The amount of time spent on each and the order in which they are covered vary in each grade.

• number concepts and operations
• patterns and relations
• shapes and space
• statistics and probability

Social Studies

The basic goal of the social studies program is to enable students to attain the skills necessary to practice responsible citizenship.  The focus is on the development of research skills for acquiring knowledge, critical thinking skills to evaluate varying points of view and to make responsible choices, and communication skills for effective participation in the community.

Grade 7 students develop interpretive, research, and communication skills through teacher-directed activities, as well as group and individual projects in the context of the theme of people and their culture.

The skills are developed more completely in grade 8 as students focus on the history and geography in the western hemisphere, and in grade 9 in the study of economic growth from differing perspectives.

Science

The junior high science program provides opportunities for study in most of the major branches of science.  The science curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience, critical thinking and problem solving.  Highlighted among the programs objectives are the following.

• Science concepts are introduced through a broad range of experiences, including those based upon hands-on investigations.
• Students learn how to conduct investigations by doing them.
• Attention is given to the processes by which scientific knowledge is gathered.
• Students are confronted with technological problems that can be solved in a variety of ways.
• Students realize that most problems in science have a social implications, whether personal or public.
• Students use computers as a tool to generate selected assignments and projects.

The science program is based upon the integration of three major areas of emphasis:

• nature of science (knowledge)
• science and technology
• science, technology & society

Health

The health program is incorporated into the career exploration option and will be delivered to all three grade levels according to Alberta Learning requirements.  The program stresses coping skills, interpersonal relations and peer pressure as well as promoting a general feeling of well being.

Following is a general overview of the health program at each grade level.

Grade 7

Life Learning Choices:  Students will use resources effectively to manage and explore life roles and career oppoprtunities and challenges.

Wellness Choices:  Students will make responsible and informed choices to maintain health and to promote safety for self and others.

Relationship Choices:  Students will develop effective interpersonal skills that demonstrate responsibility, respect and caring in order to establish and maintain healthy interactions.

Lifeskills:

Awareness - If you imagine it, you can achieve it.  If you can dream it, you can become it.

Preparation - Success is opportunity meeting a prepared mind

Exploration - Real success is finding your life's work in the work you love.

Grade 8

Life Learning Choices:  managing and exploring life roles and career opportunities and challenges.

• taking responsibility for choices
• being proactive
• setting priorities
• goal setting

Wellness Chocies:  making informed choices to maintain health and to promote safety for self and others.

• creative balance between mind, body and spirit
• maintaing a healthy lifestyle
• renewal (mind, body, spirit)

Relationship Choices:  developing effective interpersonal skills that demonstrate responsibility, respect, and caring in order to establish and maintain healthy interactions.

• listening skills
• creating "win/win" situations within relationships
• collaboration and group work

Grade 9

Life Learning Choices

• personal time management
• learning and career paths
• goal setting - high school options, post-secondary options
• personal portfolio - resume, job applications, interviews, etc.

Physical Education

The Aim

Students are enabled to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to lead an active, healthy lifestyle.

General Outcomes

Referred to as the ABC’s of Physical Education.

A= Activity     C= Cooperation   

B= Benefits to Health     D= Do it Daily 

* Alternate units may be taught and vary with the PE instructor