The decisions you make can have a huge impact on both your future opportunities and the courses we are able to offer. As a result, please take the time to do some research and talk to your parents/teachers about courses that are right for you. Choosing the same course as your friend does not mean you will be in their class. In addition to the required courses, students will be scheduled in up to 6 elective courses.
- Physical and Health Education
- Fine Arts
- Applied Design Skills & Technology (ADST)
- Other Electives
- Electives Offered Outside the Timetable
- Specialty Courses
Physical and Health Education
In grade 9, students can choose between Physical Health Education (PHE) and Active for Life (AFL). Students in French Immersion can also choose to take Education Physique as their PHE course.
Pysical and Health Education 9 or Edcuation Physique 9 (2 Terms)
This course is intended for students who enjoy a more traditional PHE program. Mainstream sports skills are a focus for evaluation of fundamental movement skills (e.g. basketball, volleyball, football, rugby, ultimate frisbee, badminton, pickleball, etc.). There is more focus on competition and group/team games. Approximately ¼ time spent developing fitness. Approximately ½ time spent on developing fundamental movement skills and physical literacy. Approximately ¼ time spent learning curricular based health topics.
Active for Life 9 (2 Terms)
This course is intended for students who are looking for an alternative to a traditional PHE program. Some mainstream sports are still covered, but typically ones that require less complex skills, such as volleyball, badminton, ultimate frisbee, pickleball etc. Alternative lifelong activities are also introduced such as disc golf, bocce, tennis baseball, low organizational games, etc. In general, this course is not less intense, it’s just less competitive. Approximately ¼ time spent developing fitness. Approximately ½ time spent on developing fundamental movement skills and physical literacy. Approximately ¼ time spent learning curricular based health topics.
Fine Arts
In grade 9, students are required to take at least 1 Fine Arts elective.
Choir 9 (2 Terms)
Past students have said that this class is the best part of their school day! This course is for you if you love to sing and want to become a better singer. We will explore a variety of music and musical styles from traditional choral repertoire to popular music. We will contribute to our school and community by spreading joy and sharing our love of music through local performances. No previous experience is necessary.
Concert Band 9 (2 Terms)
The Jackson Band program starts here! We will build on the instrumental technique learned in Middle School Band and refine your playing, rehearsal, and performance skills with interesting and challenging music. The Concert Band will perform at music festivals, public concerts, and school functions. Some performances will occur outside the timetable. Woodwind, brass, percussion, and string instruments are all welcome. This is a year-long course.
Drama 9 (1 Term)
Drama 9 is a hands-on, collaborative course that uses skits and games to develop performance and presentation skills. Students will have the opportunity to learn to act, develop their creative thinking, and increase their confidence when speaking in front of others. Come prepared to have fun!
Intro to Guitar 9 (1 Term)
This course is an introduction to guitar class for new-intermediate guitar players. You do not need to have your own guitar. Together we will learn the skills needed to enjoy making great music on the guitar, both alone and with your friends!
Visual Arts 9 (1 Term)
This course focuses on design and media exploration as well as skills such as colour theory, perspective, creating form and drawing techniques. We also use design principles and elements to analyze works of art in art history lessons. In the second half of the course, you will explore your own creativity more in individual projects, furthering an understanding of your own identity as an artist. Media will vary but will include a form of printmaking, painting, 3-D works, drawing media as well as some fibre arts. No previous art experience is necessary; bring only your imagination.
Applied Design Skills & Technology (ADST)
In grade 9, students are required to take at least 1 Applied Design Skill & Technology (ADST) elective.
Computer Explorations 9 (1 Term)
Want to learn what a computer is all about? Computer Explorations 9 focuses on using the computer as a tool in order to help students become more efficient and productive. The course will include lessons and projects used to develop an understanding of information, our place in the digital world, how the internet works and coding in JavaScript. We look to generate an understanding of the functionality of computers, create apps of our own design and in the process learn to problem solve.
Entrepreneurship and Marketing 9 (1 Term)
Are you interested in owning your own business? Come learn about business models, marketing strategies, stocks, bonds, ETF’s, and anything else that pertains to making unlimited money in a free market economy. This elective has access to technology, including digital cameras, and will allow for class interests to be explored.
Foods 9 (1 Term)
Students learn how to prepare food for themselves, friends, and family with skill and confidence. New and exciting recipe ideas are provided for breakfast, lunch, appetizers, dinner and desserts. The emphasis is on using fresh, local ingredients. Students will gain knowledge about a variety of spices, flavours, and cooking methods.
Metal Work 9 (1 Term)
This course introduces you to several basic metal work processes used in the industry today. Students will safely learn to work with basic hand tools and power equipment. You will start with basic decorative projects and then continue with more complicated processes. Metal Work 9 focuses on the development of measuring skills, using metric and standard scales. This course is explorative to cover all aspects of the metal shop to prepare you for further metal work courses.
Power Technology 9 (1 Term)
This course is intended to teach students about some of the ways in which humans have harnessed various sources of energy. Much of the course is ‘hands-on’ and involves constructing a variety of interesting projects such as electric motors, robots, and solid-fuel rockets. A considerable portion of the course will also be devoted to learning about how two-stroke and four-stroke engines work. *See the material or supply options that are associated with this course.
Robotics 9 (1 Term)
Want to command your very own humanoid robot with just your voice? Want him to obey you through facial recognition and even learn a dance by copying your own movements? Try this course designed to introduce you to the exciting world of electronics and robotics. You will learn electronics, scratch style through to JavaScript coding, project management, mechanical structures and a host of other skills as you build and interact with the exciting humanoid and rover EZ Robot. You will also apply physical science to learn about motors, gear ratios, torque, batteries and sensors.
Technology & Design 9 (1 Term)
In this course students will develop problem-solving skills and have the opportunity to use the design process to meet a variety of technological challenges. Course work will include the fundamentals of drafting, design, shop safety and machine safety/use. Students will research, design, and build models and/or prototypes with projects like C02 dragsters, balsa bridges, and Goldberg machines. This “hands on”, thought provoking course will have students testing, building, and racing their way through the semester.
Woodwork 9 (1 Term)
Students learn to safely use all machines in our extremely well-equipped shop to build several ‘skill building’ projects. All projects allow students flexibility and creative freedom to personalize/customize their work. Creative designs and ideas, where appropriate, are encouraged! Projects include small shelf/case units, clocks, boxes & tables. Additional projects are possible, depending upon time. Working in a safe and cooperative manner is emphasized throughout the entire course.
Other Electives
Fitness and Conditioning 9 (1 Term)
Fitness and conditioning classes are run within our daily block schedule. Fitness and conditioning is designed for students who have an interest in developing overall fitness. This course will offer students the skills, knowledge, and attitude to incorporate strength training, agility, plyometrics, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness into their personal training regime and lifestyle.
French 9 (2 Terms)
This is an introductory language course. All four components of language are taught: speaking, listening, reading, writing. These are explored by using a thematic approach. Basic vocabulary and grammar are explored, and active participation is encouraged through games, skits, videos and presentations.
Japanese 9 (2 Terms)
In this course students learn about Japanese culture and history through discussion and special activities such as calligraphy, cooking and origami. The focus of Japanese 9 is on vocabulary building and improving oral and written expression. By the end of this course, students will feel comfortable reading and writing hiragana and about 25 kanji.
Electives Offered Outside the Timetable
The electives below are offered before or after school. While grade 9 students can express an interest in taking these courses, preference will be given to grade 10-12 student.
AM Basketball (Terms 1 & 4)
AM Basketball is designed to develop player fundamentals as well as strength & power, speed / quickness, agility, and balance & coordination. This course has been created to support and encourage students to develop their individual basketball skills, physical strength and conditioning, health and nutritional knowledge, team building skills, and goal setting and organizational skills in a basketball setting. Students will be expected to maintain a written journal reflecting on weekly workouts and skill development.
AM Fitness (2 Terms)
Fitness and conditioning classes are run in the morning before school. Fitness and conditioning is designed for students who have an interest in developing overall fitness. This course will offer students the skills, knowledge, and attitude to incorporate strength training, agility, plyometrics, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness into their personal training regime and lifestyle.
Athletic Leadership (Linear)
This is a yearlong course, scheduled outside the timetable. On average, students can expect to meet at lunch or after school 2 times per week throughout the year. This is a leadership course with specific emphasis on athletics. Students will work with the school’s Athletic Director and be involved with planning, organizing, promoting, and operating school sporting events and activities throughout the school year. Course activities include the JLJ intramurals program, managing and promoting school sports teams, assisting with home games and score table duties, and facilitating school sports tournaments.
Jazz Band (Linear)
This course is open to all instrumentalists with at least two years of band experience. Preferred instruments are: saxes, trumpets, trombones, drums, bass, piano and guitar. Other instruments may be included in consultation with the instructor. This is a performance group that will develop your ability to improvise and play a variety of styles, including Swing, Latin, Rock, Funk, and Blues. A high level of commitment and focus will be required from students during class and in performances. Attendance is mandatory at all classes and performances, some of which occur outside the timetable. Final enrolment and instrumentation will be determined in the early fall.
Leadership (Linear)
This course is designed to give students an awareness of social and civic responsibility as well as an understanding of effective styles and methods of leadership. These are all demonstrated through class and group projects that leadership students will undertake. Running the school store, school dances, community fundraisers, intramurals and supporting school assemblies and events are some ideas – but please bring your own! This course is highly customizable, and relies on teamwork. Leadership is offered outside of the timetable (potentially at lunch, before school, or after school).
Theatre Company (Linear)
Theatre Company supports the creation of a theatre production (school play) and is offered outside the regular timetable. Students will audition for and be assigned roles, both as cast and crew. Development of performance skills will happen through the rehearsal and performance of a full-length play. Content covered will include stage etiquette, drama elements, performance skills, movement, roles within a theatre company, genres, design, and the basics of technical theatre.
Yearbook (Linear)
This class designs and produces the school yearbook. Students will learn how a book is published, and will be responsible for all writing, design and photography that will appear in the book. In order to do this, students will learn skills in journalism and computer software necessary to produce the yearbook. In addition, students will learn the business skills required to fund a book through sales to students.
Specialty Courses
Mountain Bike Academy
Students in this half day Spring Semester program will earn credits for two courses, an elective course called Mountain Biking Community Development 10 and for PHE (one of PHE 9 or 10, or Outdoor Education 11 or 12). This is a fee-based academy program. Candidates must complete an online expression of interest form prior to being considered for the program. Entry into the academy is prioritized for students in Grade 10.
Course topics include:
- Mountain biking skill development
- Bike mechanics, maintenance and repair
- Sustainable trail planning, development, construction and maintenance
- Strength and conditioning for mountain biking
- Principles of physical fitness
- Wilderness emergency response
- Sports psychology
- Sports nutrition
Questions? Please email Chris Stromgren – cstromgr@sd83.bc.ca
Interested? Please complete an expression of interest here
Outdoor Adventure and Design
This 2 block course during the 2nd semester gives students the opportunity to obtain a Wood Working 9 credit in addition to a Physical Health Education 9 credit. This is a fee bases program and entry into this program is prioritized for students in Grade 10.
In this half day course, students will be immersed in hands on physical activity and woodworking projects. With a focus on the outdoor curriculum, students could participate in activities such as building fish nets and fly boxes then using them at local steams and lakes; hiking and learning the use of many local plants and berries; studying the benefits of different types of hardwoods and softwoods for drum creation, shelter use, and fire building; participating in geocaching and create puzzle box caches; building camp chairs and learning how to prepare for outdoor excursions; enjoying winter activities such as curling, snowshoeing, skating, xc skiing and quinzhee building. Of course, these activities will be decided at the time of the course and availability of resources.
Questions? Please email Tiffany Lombaert (tlombaer@sd83.bc.ca) or Stephen MacInnis (smacinni@sd83.bc.ca)
Interested? Please complete an expression of interest here.