Student friendly course descriptions – Grade 9 courses

ARTS

Dance, Grade 9 – Open

ATC 1O

This course gives students the opportunity to explore their technical and compositional skills by applying the elements of dance and the tools of composition in a variety of performance situations. Students will generate movement through structured and unstructured improvisation, demonstrate an understanding of safe practices with regard to themselves and others in the dance environment, and identify the function and significance of dance within the global community. The dance course will explore all of these concepts through a variety of dance forms, such as: African dance, Swing dance, and Hip Hop/Urban dance forms. Invited guest artists residencies in the classroom will also supplement and add to the experience in the dance class. Field trips to see live dance performances may also be organized if there are shows available and related to the theme of the course.

Prerequisite: None

Dramatic Arts, Grade 9 – Open

ADA 1O

This course provides opportunities for students to explore dramatic forms and techniques, using material from a wide range of sources and cultures. Students will use the elements of drama to examine situations and issues that are relevant to their lives. Students will create, perform, discuss, and analyse drama, and then reflect on the experiences to develop an understanding of themselves, the art form, and the world around them. Some examples of dramatic forms we will be exploring in grade 9 drama are: Tableaux, Stage Combat, Physical Theatre/Comedy, Silent film, and Choral Drama.

Prerequisite: None

Introductory Instrumental Music, Grade 9 - Open

AMU 1O3

This course is open to any student who wants to learn to play a band instrument that

has absolutely no prior experience. The instruments to choose from are: Saxophone,

Flute, Clarinet, Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Oboe, Bassoon, Baritone, Tuba,

French Horn and Percussion. By the end of this course, students will know how to read

notated music, perform a variety of simple compositions on their instrument, and have a

general understanding of the evolution of Western Music over the last 400 years.

Prerequisite: None

Experienced Instrumental Music, Grade 9 - Open

AMU 1O5

Thiscourse is open to any student who already plays a standard band instrument

(Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Saxophone, Bassoon, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone,

Baritone, Tuba or Percussion). Typically, students in this class have studied an

instrument in middle school. By the end of this course, students will be able to read

intermediate level notated music, perform a wide variety of music compositions in

various styles and have a general understanding of the evolution of Western Music over

the last 400 years.

Prerequisite: None

Visual Art, Grade 9 – Open

AVI 1O

In grade 9 visual art, students are encouraged to explore and experiment with a variety of traditional media, such as drawing (pencil, charcoal, pastels...), painting (batik, watercolour, acrylic), clay sculpture, mixed media and printmaking (lino prints, dry points) as they explore a variety of topics and issues relating to identity. Emphasis is placed on the creative process (i.e.

brainstorming, mind mapping, visual research, contextual research, experimenting with media and techniques) to establish well thought out and meaningful art works. By looking at and talking about historical and contemporary images, students will begin to develop their vocabulary for art and to understand their work in relationship to the artwork of others. The course is organized around a central theme, to allow students to build on their skills and ideas as they progress through the course.

Prerequisite: None

BUSINESS STUDIES

Introduction to Information Technology

Course Code: BTT 1O

Are you ready for the 21st century? Students will work individually and collaboratively to prepare their business communication skills for any future course or career path they choose. Students will learn positive and productive use of social media, how to troubleshoot technology, present with confidence, and how to protect their online footprint, identity and keep their information safe. Through the hands on use of word processing, spreadsheets and presentation software students will learn to create effective reports, graphs, research, multimedia presentations, posters and websites.

Pre-requisite: None

TECHNOLGY STUDIES

Exploring Technologies, Grade 9 – open

TIJ 1O0

In this course, students will explore several areas of technology courses offered at David Suzuki such as:

  • Auto mechanics, construction and woodworking
  • Graphic design, photography and digital video
  • Electronics and computer technology
  • Baking, food preparation, kitchen sanitation and safety (not always offered – please inquire)
  • Computer aided design

This is a hands-on course where students will work on projects such as:

  • Rocket designing and building
  • Design and build an electronic circuit
  • Basic camera skills, portraiture photography, video shot types and editing techniques.
  • Baking techniques (not always offered – please inquire)

Students will explore the design and problem solving steps used to complete these projects.

Pre requisite: None