Junior High Electives

Junior High Elective Programming for Students in Grades 7-9 at Sacred Heart School

Our philosophy regarding junior high electives, is that students access these courses to explore areas of interest, develop skills and round out their school and life experiences.  We believe students should explore a range of options and also have the ability to delve deeper into some programs of interest as they progress through their junior high years.

When selecting an elective, it is important to realize that not all your choices may be possible in one year due to scheduling conflicts, class size limitations and our philosophy of giving priority to students in their final year of junior high.  We recommend students plan a well-rounded selection of courses over the next years.

Our elective courses will fit with our report card terms.  Term 1 will commence the beginning of September and go until mid to late November and then term 2 will begin and go until mid-March.  Term 3 will be the reminder of the year.

Please read the course descriptions that follow and make your selections on the registration form at the end of this document.  This information is meant to assist students and parents in choosing what combination of elective programming and academic support may work for your child.  Please remember, we want them to explore new things, take a few risks and try a few things out if at all possible.

NOTE:  There are class size limitations on all option courses.

Click here for the Electives Preference Form - 2018-2019

OPTIONS A - FULL YEAR OPTIONS

Drama

PRE-REQUISITE:    None

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE: $35

The primary objectives for dramatic studies are to enhance student confidence and imagination through active expression.  Students explore various forms of drama through one-act productions and musicals.  Students will be involved in producing a Christmas Musical and school production. Come join in the fun. Even if you do not like acting, you can work behind the scenes in props, costumes and music departments. 

 Instrumental Band

PRE-REQUISITE:    None

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE: $100 for this course, which includes the cost of the rental on the instrument

The objective of the band program is to develop well-rounded musicians through classroom learning and public performances.  Students will gain knowledge of many forms of music through as many diverse musical experiences as possible.  They will also learn of the great composers of the past and present as well as current trends in music.  Technical and theoretical components of music will largely be taught through the playing of the instruments in a wide range of repertoire.

Creative Arts

PRE-REQUISITE:    None

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE: $35

Design Arts is an opportunity for both boys and girls to explore and develop their talents and tap into their imaginations and artistic creativity.  It is a performance-based elective showcasing pottery, art and sewing.  Projects may involve 3-D architecture, drawing, paper folding, quilting, pencil sketching, knitting, canvas art and sewing.

These girls sewed these beautiful kimonos in creative arts class this term.

Athletic Enrichment

PRE-REQUISITE:    None

FEE: $35

This sport enrichment course is designed for students interested in developing leadership skills and enhancing their own competitive level in volleyball, basketball, badminton and track and field skills. Students will have an opportunity to showcase their leadership skills by running events at the STAR Track meet in June. Students will be assessed on their skill development throughout each unit.

Outdoor Education

PRE-REQUISITE:    None

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE: $35

Do you love the outdoors? If so then this option is for you. The course will expose students to activities that will help them be comfortable and competent in outdoor pursuits. We will also look at our environmental impact and how we can lessen our influence. Students will focus on skills such as fire building, outdoor cooking, orienteering, wilderness survival skills, emergency shelters, first aid, and fitness building activities such as hiking and snowshoeing. There is a big focus on getting outdoors and experiencing nature! These lifelong learning skills will help you for many years to come.

iLEAD

PRE-REQUISITE:    None

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE: None

iLead is a fun authentic options  for those who have a desire to provide service to Sacred Heart School, the church and the community. It requires time and energy to develop projects to improve school atmosphere and to explore your leadership potential. You must have a desire to make a positive difference and organizing dances, spirit days, lunch activities, good and toy drives. Step up and sign up for iLead. You will learn attributes of a great leader. YOU can make a difference by taking this elective. Students from this option will be picked to attend WE Day in Calgary.

Indigenous Studies & Arts

PRE-REQUISITE:    None

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE: $35

This option is for all students. Come learn and understand the value and dignity of Indigenous cultural traditions, histories, languages and philosophies. Through book and author studies, project based learning (traditional beading) and visits from elders and community members, students will learn about the historic and contemporary relationships between Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people. In this class you will develop and enrich your understand and appreciation of Indigenous groups in the Treaty 6 area. This option may include a overnight trip sleeping in a teepee discovering artifacts such as arrowheads.

OPTION B - TERM ELECTIONS

Beauty In The Eye of the Beholder

PRE-REQUISITE:    None

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE: $35

This is a dynamic option for girls who want to be strengthened mentally, physically and socially. Discussions of topics young girls face today and exploration of various skills, strategies and tools to make confident choices will empower young girls on their life journey. This class will cover topics such as friends and family relationships, media influence, self-esteem, respect, relationships, inner beauty, outer beauty .The main project is designing and creating your very own scrapbook all about YOU.

Foods

PRE-REQUISITE:    None

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE: $35

The students in this elective will gain knowledge relating to food safety, sanitation, and safe handling of utensils and equipment.   By using the “Canada Food Guide to Healthy Eating”, they will be able to make wise food choices.  The knowledge and skills they will gain throughout the course, will allow them to create and cook a number of healthy and simple snacks and appetizers.

Wood Shop

PRE-REQUISITE:    None

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE: $35

A skill leveled class where students enrolled will create/design/manufacture and finish wood based projects. This elective will begin with a strong safety emphasis and tool recognition. Students will be guided in the mastery of basic wood crafting hand tools, along with power tools, such as, palm and belt sanders, hand and drill press, coping and Mitre saws, table and plunge routers and jigsaws.

Interactive Science

PRE-REQUISITE:    None

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE: $35

This elective is based on the scientific principles of research and continued experimentation for improvement.  Students will learn about scientific principles that allow them to learn with more hands on experiences.  They will carry out scientific demonstrations, and explain why the amazing things they see, hear and feel happen the way they do.  Science isn’t just about learning, it’s also about fun.  From giant bubbles to water powered rockets, exploding chemicals, and showers of foam.

Choral Music

PRE-REQUISITE:    None

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE: $35

The choral music program is designed to develop knowledge and ability of the various choral techniques and their role in many types of choral music.  Students will develop an understanding of the origins of traditional choral music as well as contemporary music.  Students will gain knowledge of many forms of music through as many diverse musical experiences as possible.  They will also learn of the great composers of the past and present.  Technical and theoretical components of music will largely be taught through singing in a wide range of repertoire.

International Tourism

PRE-REQUISITE:    None

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE: None

Do you dream of travelling the world? How about making that dream a reality, from the comfort of your classroom? In this class, we will travel through eight regions of the world, discussing their geography, cultural norms and customs, language, and of course, cuisine.  Students will have various guest speakers join their class to bring the great wonders of the world to their learning environment.  At the end of the course, students will have the opportunity to plan their dream trip and present it to their classmates in hopes that this dream will one day become a reality

Media Design & Yearbook

PRE-REQUISITE:    None

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE: None

Students will be provided with a variety of opportunities to communicate using digital media in order to discover and develop skills to relay a message effectively in various forms-including print, photography and audio/visual.

The main project of this class is to create and publish a Sacred Heart School Yearbook.

iMAD

PRE-REQUISITE:    None

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE: None

I Make A Difference!!! And if you agree you can be the change and difference in this world then this is your option. As a group we will decided which project both in the school and community we want to implore and impact. (Pink shirt day, Pay it forward, NOW society).

Film Studies/Video Production

PRE-REQUISITE:    None

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE: None

Are you a movie nut? Do you like acting behind the camera?  This options will look at a variety of genres of movies (action, drama, comedy etc.) and study the different elements of each.  We will take various scenes from these movies and recreate them using a variety of techniques. You will film your own movies and present them to the class at the end of the assignment. This option will teach you producing, editing and videoing techniques. Each term will have a different focus so feel free to sign up more than once.

The Science of Sport

PRE-REQUISITE:    None

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE: None

Sport isn’t all just fun and games! In this course, we will discover the discipline of sports science, exploring how the healthy human body works during exercise, and how sport and physical activity promote health and performance from the whole body perspective.  Students will look at basic human anatomy, physiology, and psychology and their relationship to sports.  They will discover the importance of nutrition and experience several forms of athletic training.  In this course, students will take basic first aid, sports injury first aid, and CPR training.  The Science of Sport also includes a leadership component, where students will learn to referee and score keep various sports and run intramural activities at our school.

Off the Wall Art

PRE-REQUISITE:    None

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE:                          $35

This term option will allow your creative side to come alive. You will explore off the wall activities and express your creative side through projects such  as anime, comic, cartooning, chalk, positive graffiti, fun fonts, woods signs, canvas art to only name a few. The ideas are endless.

Introductory French

PRE-REQUISITE:    None

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE:  None

Did you know that in 2022 French will be the 5th most spoken language on the planet? Not only is it one of Canada’s Official Languages, it is an official language of International Trade, Trade Unions, the World Health Organization, World Trade Organization, the United Nations, international science and medical conferences, the Olympics, UNICEF and the G-7 Summits. Here's your chance to give it a try. In this option we will focus primarily on Oral Communication, with much emphasis on communication and dramatic strategies and conversation in French.

You may be able to take French 10 in high school.

 Hockey Academy

PRE-REQUISITE:    Prior Hockey Experience

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE:                         $525 for first time players and $470 for returning players

This program follows the skill development program from Hockey Canada.  The outcome of this program is to enhance a hockey student’s confidence with individual playing skills, self-esteem and linking athletics to academics.  The emphasis is on individual improvement and success.  This option is only offered in term 2 November – March, all afternoon every other day.

NOTE:  Students must be in good academics standing to have the privilege of participating in the hockey option.

Synchronized Swimming (pending minimum enrollment is achieved)

PRE-REQUISITE:    Prior Swimming Experience

OPEN TO ALL JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS

FEE:  $80-$100

This option is a hybrid form of swimming, dance and gymnastics.  Water skills will be taught through a progression of basic figures (sculling, travelling, vertical, stationary) Once these basic skills are mastered, the swimmer is able to start choreographing and performing routines. This option will be offered in term 3.

NOTE: Students must be in good academic standings to have the privilege of participating in the swimming option.