English 9
Ever wanted to create a short story that incorporates elements of a graphic novel? Make a sound track relating to a novel you've read? English 9 explores communication in its many forms. It offers a chance to improve your writing, speaking and collaborative skills while mastering various essential communication skills.
Social Studies 9
Social studies nine explores the developments of the democratic process in Western society in both the Old World and the New World. How was today's Canadian society affected by the events of the English, French and American revolutions? What role did geography have on the lifestyles of the heterogeneous groups of the First People living in North America? Why didn't the people living in British North America join in the revolt against the king? How did we avoid being annexed by the American "War Hawks"? In addition to history and geography, the study of current events (local, national and international) is a focus of this course.
Mathematics 9
In Math 9, students continue the path towards becoming lifelong learners of mathematics. Understanding of math concepts will be developed at the concrete, pictorial and symbolic levels. Topics include exponents; symmetry and similarity; rational numbers; polynomials; linear relations, equations and inequalities.
Science 9
Science 9 is one of the last opportunities to experience all of the branches of science. The course attempts to help students develop a way of thinking, beginning with observations and questioning. Science 9 includes a wide variety of teaching strategies and assessment tools. Through labs, projects, daily assignments, independent and cooperative group work, students will focus on four units of Science in grade 9: Life Science, Chemical Science, and Compounds and Physical Science.
Optional Core
Mathletes 9 (Yearlong PE and Math)
Do you want to have PE all year long AND improve your success in Math 9? Then Mathletes 9 is the course for you. We all know the physical benefits of activity but through current brain research, it has been shown that there are astounding learning and mental health benefits as well. Getting your heart rate into a moderate zone for 20-30 minutes can greatly improve our ability to learn directly after the activity and throughout the day. Physical activity is like miracle grow for your brain! Some blocks will be all PE, some all Math and some will be a split of PE and Math to take advantage of these learning benefits. Other advantages this course offers are increased time to learn mathematical concepts and decreased length of time off between Math 9 and Math 10. The content and competencies covered in this course will be the same as those covered in the traditional Math 9 and PE 9 courses.
Outdoor Discoveries Program 9
The Outdoor Discoveries program challenges students academically, socially, and physically. The integrated grade 9 program (combining English, Social Studies, Documentary Film Making and Physical Education) delivers learning in a meaningful way that helps students make connections across subjects, with each other, the surrounding environment, and local communities. Running from February to June, Outdoor Discoveries students have opportunities to explore coastal British Columbia in all its natural and human complexity. By taking risks, assuming responsibilities, and directing their own learning, students will grow into knowledgeable, caring, resilient, and respectful individuals.
The Outdoor Discoveries program takes students to places where subject matter comes alive, such as: northern lakes, rivers and estuaries, mountain trails and the urban landscape. Moreover, program participants have opportunities to develop wilderness skills, critical thinking, teamwork and confidence as they take part in weekly field trips and monthly expeditions.
This rigorous and academic program is open to all grade 9 students, however, an application is required. Successful candidates will be those who are independent, hard-working, self-motivated, outdoorsy, and positive team players. There is a $350 dollar cost associated with the program, as well as an expectation that students provide some of their own basic gear, such as: hiking boots, rain jacket, bike, etc. Having said that, assistance will be provided for those for whom cost is an obstacle.
Outdoor PE
Lifelong fitness and outdoor recreation are the two guiding principles of Outdoor Physical Education. In this course, the world beyond school boundaries is our gym. Whether mountain biking or running in the Beaver Lodge Lands, canoeing in the Campbell River estuary, wall climbing at On the Rocks Climbing Gym, swimming and skating at Strathcona Gardens, fishing at Quinsam river, snowshoeing at Mt. Washington, playing outdoor games in the forest, or hiking to Waiatt Bay, Outdoor PE students, rain or shine, will participate in daily fitness and outdoor activities. This course is only open to Outdoor Discoveries students.
Documentary Film Making
The main goal of Documentary Film Making is to effectively communicate real life stories through film. In this course, students will learn how to navigate and execute all the necessary steps needed for a documentary production. In order to successfully create documentary films, students will learn and practice a variety of skills, such as: planning, researching, script writing, video composition, location scouting, shooting on location, audio capture, lighting, editing, publishing, self-evaluation, and product promotion. Most of the documentaries that students work on will be related to the monthly expeditions and themes explored in Language Arts and Social Studies. This course is only open to Outdoor Discoveries students.