MID-GRADE COMPLEMENTARY COURSES 2008-09
Complementary courses are offered dependent on sufficient student requests -
therefore all courses may not be offered in every term.
Art I (grade 6 & 7 only)
Pre-requisite: None
Students will be introduced to a variety of media and skills focusing on the principles and elements of design. Students will not only study forms and images in creating works of art but will begin to apply meaning through symbolism. Students will have the opportunity to begin developing skills related to critical analysis as a means to study, understanding and appreciation.
Art II (grade 7 & 8 only)
Pre-requisite: Art I
Students will build on the foundations introduced in Level I. Students will explore and add to their knowledge of techniques and styles of art. Students will be introduced to self-directed learning for greater success in Level III. In this process students will begin creating ideas and projects through individual interpretation of the curriculum. Time management and self-reflection will be a focus in the introduction of this style of learning.
Art III (grade 8 only)
Pre-requisite: Art II
Students continue to develop on the foundations from Levels I and II. Students explore self-directed learning as a means to developing professional studio artist skills. Students will create individual works of art related to curriculum expectations while honing skills in time management and self-reflection. Students will further develop skills in critiquing art through positive discussion and analysis.
Dance
Pre-requisite: none
This course teaches students to think creatively and how to express thoughts and feelings through movement. Students are exposed to performance opportunities, group work, choreography, rhythm and dance techniques, various dance forms as well as costuming and critiquing skills. Student’s level of expertise is addressed through differentiated projects and assessment. Evaluation is based on performance, participation, teaching skills-workshops and project/assignment work.
Drama 6
This introductory course is an introduction to the drama program. The goal of the program is to develop a sense of self and encouragement to present in front of peers. Students learn about theatre arts through the study of the basic disciplines of Movement, Speech, Improvisation, Theatre Studies and Technical Theatre. Learning objectives are based on outcomes relating to: tableaux, mime, choral speech, reader’s theatre, performance analysis, make-up and visual media. Specific skills include characterization, voice projection, scene development, film analysis, and mime make-up application techniques.
Drama 7
Students will review theatre disciplines learned in Drama 6 and build on these with more in-depth focus relating to performance analysis and technical theatre activities. Theatre Arts will be studied through the basic disciplines of Movement, Speech, Improvisation, Theatre Studies and Technical Studies. The goal of this program is to continue building the student’s self confidence and performance technique through studies in clowning, movement, script writing, and media analysis.
Drama 8
Students will review theatre disciplines learned in Drama 6 and 7 and build upon these with more in-depth focus relating to mystery genre, playwriting, special effects make-up, and performance and technical theatre. Theatre Arts will be studied through the basic disciplines of Movement, Speech, Improvisation, Theatre Studies and Technical Studies. The goal of this program is to provide a basis for developing and understanding “performance for an audience”. Students learn and demonstrate their craft through a combination of student created scripts and performances.
Performance Production
Pre-requisite: successful completion of at least one drama class (or previous drama experience)
Students with a flair for the performance side of the dramatic arts have an opportunity to prepare and act in a mid-school production if they choose this course. This course is focused on play/script writing, characterization, musical theatre and performance for an elementary and public audience.
Technical Production
Pre-requisite: successful completion of at least one drama class (or previous drama experience)
Students who enjoy the technical side of the dramatic arts are encouraged to explore this course. In conjunction with the work of the Performance Production class, this class would focus on prop building, set/costume design, examining the roles of producers and stage management and then using their skills to support the Performance Production group. This is a perfect option for students who enjoy drama, but see themselves more as a “behind the scenes” contributor.
Alberta Education has provided two models for the study of a second language. Students at Westmount may chose to begin their language study in middle school and may continue following a program of studies based on the 9 year model through high school. Students who wish to wait to begin their language studies in high school have the opportunity to follow the 3 year model.
French I
Pre-requisite: None
This introductory course is a transition for students from our grade 5 second-language program, OR for students who are being exposed to the language for the 1st time or have little to no experience with it. The goal of this program is to provide a basis for speaking and understanding the French language. Students learn and demonstrate their understanding through a combination of teacher-directed lessons and specific learner outcomes. The learning objectives are based on themes such as school, weather, animals and holidays; as well as basic grammar, such as adjectives, pronouns and verbs in the present tense. Specific skills include: gender, the plural of nouns, definite and indefinite articles, verbs in the present tense, irregular verbs in the present tense (avoir, etre, aller, faire), prepositions of place, commonly used sentences, commonly asked questions, adjectives, possessive adjectives and pronoun usage.
French II
Pre-requisite: French I
Students will review introductory elements learned in French I, and build upon their basic understanding of the language with the aim of developing beginner/intermediate knowledge of French. Students will also develop better listening, speaking and comprehension skills in the French language. Students learn and demonstrate their understanding through a combination of teacher-directed lessons and independent objective-based learning. The learning objectives are based on themes such as community, health and exercise, housing, food and fashion. Specific skills include: review of all previous skills from level I such as verbs in the present tense, questioning, the partitive in the present tense, the immediate future tense, questions using inversion.
French III
Pre-requisite: French II
Students will review all elements learned in French I and II, and add on to their understanding of the language with the aim of expanding both their written and oral communication. Students learn and demonstrate their understanding of the French language through specific grammatical & oral speaking learning objectives. Similar to level I and II, this class is also taught using a thematic approach. Units of study include: close friends, clubs and associations, holidays and fine arts.
Spanish I
Pre-requisite: None
This introductory course is a transition for students from our grade 5 second-language program, OR for students who are being exposed to the language for the 1st time. Students will learn greetings, numbers, animals, colors and some basic grammar (adjectives, articles, pronouns, and the verb “to be” in the present tense). It is taught in a friendly environment with games and fun activities that stimulate basic communication.
Spanish II
Pre-requisite: Spanish I
This course will offer the opportunity to further develop a student’s listening, speaking and comprehension skills in this language. Students will expand their vocabulary (e.g. clothing, food, daily activities) and be introduced to action verbs in the present tense. Level II students should be prepared to work in a fast paced environment but with opportunities to maintain comfortable levels of communication and interaction.
Spanish III
Pre-requisite: Spanish II
This course is the last in the middle school Spanish program, before moving on to the High School courses. Students will continue to expand on grammatical structures in both oral and written communication. Some of the grammatical elements that students will learn are possessive adjectives, pronouns and nouns, irregular, imperative and present progressive verbs.
ENVIRONMENTAL/OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Environmental/Outdoor Education (grade 8 only)
Pre-requisite: None
The curriculum for this course is a combination of instruction in environmental issues, responsible outdoor recreation and positive group dynamics. This course is intended to introduce older middle school students to the urban aspects of all these things. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the environmental impacts, ramifications and responsibilities associated with living in a city in Canada. They will also be introduced to the myriad of available outdoor recreational opportunities available to them. All of this will be framed around building skills in teamwork, communication and peer leadership.
Foods (grade 8 only)
Pre-requisite: None
These food courses offer students the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and knowledge around the kitchen. The students engage in modules that involve baking, food basics, snacks and appetizers, meal planning, nutrition and heritage foods. Students will be required to complete at least 4 modules.
Ethics (grade 8 only)
Students will arrive at a working definition of the term “ethics” and will be able to demonstrate an awareness that society is characterized by uncertainty, change and ambiguity. They will be able to identify the ethical implications in issues and express personal convictions in productive group discussions. Students will also gain an introductory understanding of messages in the media.
Computer Studies (grade 7 only)
Pre-requisite: None
This course introduces students to proper computer use, terminology and the Office Suite programs. The specific modules to be offered are: Computer Operations, Keyboarding, Word Processing, Graphic Tools, Database, Spreadsheets, Hypermedia Tools, Information Highway, Electronic Publishing and Programming.
World Music I (grade 7 only)
Pre-requisite: None
This locally developed, introductory course exposes students to West African instruments and culture. Students will learn and demonstrate their understanding through research, presentations and demonstrations of rhythms and techniques. Opportunities to perform as a group may be available.
World Music II (grade 8 only)
Pre-requisite: World Music I
Students will review the content from level I and build upon those skills while being introduced to a more extensive song list. Intermediate rhythms build upon those learned in level I and are fused into salsa, reggae and rock. Students will also examine beginner Brazilian percussion.
Choir
Pre-requisite: None
This is a course for those who love to sing and want to learn how to become a successful member of a choir. We will explore the history of vocals from tribal chants to contemporary pop music. The emphasis will be on proper vocal technique (breathing, posture, articulation and projection). We will also touch on sight-reading, harmony and ear training.
The Westmount band program provides opportunities from beginner to advanced levels of performance. Student placement in the band program is determined through audition.
All band students are required to rent/purchase their instrument and supplies, and purchase their method book and workbook. Students are also required to own the band uniform, appropriate to their band membership (orders are placed in late September). A complete list of materials is distributed to registered students, or upon request.
Beginner Band (Level I)
This course is designed for students who are new to Band. Students are taught the rudimentals and fundamentals of their chosen Band instrument (flute, oboe, clarinet, alto sax, tenor sax, trumpet/cornet, trombone, baritone/euphonium, electric bass and percussion, subject to approval by the Director). By the end of the school year, students are prepared to join Junior Band.
Junior Band (Level II)
Pre-requisite: Beginner Band or 1 year of experience on instrument
Junior Band is designed for students with at least 1 year of experience on their instrument, and has previous experience playing in a Concert Band. Instruments introduced at this level include piccolo, bass clarinet, baritone saxophone, tuba and French horn.
Intermediate Band (Level III)
Pre-requisite: Junior Band or 2 years of experience on instrument
This course is for students with at least 2 years of experience on their instrument, and have previous experience playing in a Concert Band. Study is more in-depth than in Junior Band and requires strong commitment to a regular practice routine. Double bass is introduced at this level.
String Orchestra I
Pre-requisite: none
This is an ensemble performance group for beginners who wish to study violin, viola, cello or double base. No instrumental or music reading experience is required. The school owns limited numbers of cellos and bases, for use during rehearsals. Violinists and violists are required to bring their own instrument to rehearsals.
String Orchestra II
Pre-requisite: String Orchestra I (or minimum one year of experience)
This is an ensemble performance group for experienced violin, viola, cello or double base players. All students must rent or own their instrument. The school owns limited numbers of cellos and bases, for use during rehearsals. Violinists and violists are required to bring their own instrument to rehearsals.
Jazz Band (Extra-curricular)
Concert Band membership is mandatory for acceptance into one of the Jazz Bands. Rehearsals are after school, once a week (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday). Instrumentation is limited to alto sax, tenor sax, bari sax, trumpet, trombone, piano, bass, drums, and guitar.
Stage Band (Extra-curricular)
Concert Band membership is mandatory for acceptance into one of the Stage Bands. Music is similar to the Jazz Bands, but instrumentation is open to any Concert Band instrument. Stage Bands are not performance-based. Rehearsals are after school, once a week (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday).