Samuel W.

Shaw School
2019-2020 Complementary Courses
Grade 7, 8 & 9

Art (Grade 7, Grade 8 & Grade 9)

The art program for grade 7, 8 & 9 focuses on three major components of visual learning:
-DRAWING or delineations - all the ways we record visual information and discoveries.
-COMPOSITIONS or structures - all the ways images are put together to create meaning.
-ENCOUNTERS with art - where we meet and we respond to visual imagery.
Students will learn the elements are art (line, shape, space, value, texture and color) as well
as the principles of design (balance, emphasis, movement, pattern, repetition, proportion,
rhythm, unity and variety within these three categories.

Band (Grade 7 - Introductory) *FULL YEAR

*Grade 7 - Request this course if you did NOT take band in Grade 6*

Travel! Perform! Learn to Play an instrument! This class is for students who did not have an
opportunity to take beginner band in grade 6 or would like to change their instrument. This
class challenges the class to work really hard and by January they will merge with the
intermediate grade 7 class. Students start their study of music in a band setting on one of
the following instruments; flute, bass clarinet, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone,
bari saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba or percussion. In
addition to learning to play a specific instrument, students will receive instruction in all
aspects of music. Music is a performance art that will require practice at home and
attendance at weekly morning rehearsals and performances. Extra fees will also be charged
for instrument rental and participation in regular band activities. Some of the band activities
include performing at a festival, performing at Spruce Meadows and clinicians with
professional musicians! Students also have the opportunity to attend band camp and/or an
Alberta tour. Fees for camp and tour are also an additional cost that are determined at the
beginning of the year and depend on where the students are going.

Band (Grade 7 – Intermediate) *FULL YEAR

*Grade 7 - Request this course if you DID take band in Grade 6*!

Perform! Learn to play an instrument! Be a member of a performing group that represents

the school on many occasions. The School Band is where you want to be if you have a
passion for music. Students advance their study of music in a band setting on one of the
following instruments; flute, bass clarinet, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, bari
saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba or percussion. In addition to
learning to play a specific instrument, students will receive instruction in all aspects of music.
Music is a performance art that will require practice at home and attendance at weekly
morning rehearsals and performances. Extra fees will also be charged for instrument rental
and participation in regular band activities. Some of the band activities include performing at
a festival, performing at Spruce Meadows and clinicians with professional musicians!
Students also have the opportunity to attend band camp and/or an Alberta tour. Fees for
camp and tour are also additional costs that are determined at the beginning of the year and
depend on where the students are going.

Band (Grade 8 & Grade 9) *FULL YEAR

Perform! Learn to play an instrument! Be a member of a performing group that represents

the school on many occasions. The School Band is where you want to be if you have a
passion for music. Students advance their study of music in a band setting on one of the
following instruments; flute, bass clarinet, clarinet, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, bari
saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba or percussion. In addition to
learning to play a specific instrument, students will receive instruction in all aspects of music.
Music is a performance art that will require practice at home and attendance at weekly
morning rehearsals and performances. Extra fees will also be charged for instrument rental
and participation in regular band activities. Some of the band activities include performing at
a festival, performing at Spruce Meadows and clinicians with professional musicians!
Students also have the opportunity to attend band camp and/or an Alberta tour. Fees for
camp and tour are also additional costs that are determined at the beginning of the year and
depend on where the students are going.

Business (Grade 7, Grade 8 & Grade 9)

Students will learn the fundamentals of good business practice, how to start your own
business, planning, advertising, marketing, following your passion and making a profit.
Student may also have the opportunity to extend their work by linking with community
businesses.

CTF Communication Technology – Multimedia (Grade 7, Grade 8 & Grade 9)

If you are interested in photography, videography, and using media programs for
communication this option is for you! We will have opportunities to create short films, take
photos and be involved in supporting SWS's famous daily video announcements - just to
name a few possibilities. We will use exciting technologies so be prepared to get your
creative juices flowing and grow your technological prowess in this fun, team-oriented
course.
CTF Communications A - Creative Writing (Grade 7, Grade 8 & Grade 9)

Students with a passion for writing will be given an opportunity to expand their technique,
writing style and experience with various literary genres.

CTF Design Studies (Grade 7, Grade 8 & Grade 9)

In this course, you will engage in creative building challenges using the engineering design
process (ask, imagine, plan, create, improve, and communicate). Students will innovate,
invent, and collaborate through the exploration of hands-on projects. Students will acquire
knowledge through trial and error, explore a variety of tools and materials, and gain
confidence in their abilities to solve problems. If you like hand-on challenges involving
creative problem solving and Inventing then this course is for you!

CTF Foods (Grade 7, Grade 8 & Grade 9)

The Foods option helps students develop an understanding and appreciation for: nutrition
and health, sanitation and equipment, food preparation, presentation and service,
consumerism/food selection, multicultural aspects of food, and food ecology. Students will
learn to make wise food choices, understand recipes, safe food handling, and the
importance of safe and efficient work habits.

CTF Health Care Services - Sports Medicine (Grade 7, Grade 8 & Grade 9)

This is a hands-on course that provides students the opportunity to study the human body,
how body systems function along with an introductory understanding of first aid practices.
Injuries and injury prevention in sports will be emphasized throughout the course.

CTF Technology – Technical Design (Grade 7, Grade 8 & Grade 9)

Are you interested in technology and excited to learn new practical skills? Choose technical
design as a course and learn how to be inventive and creatively problem solve using Samuel
W. Shaw’s current technologies. In this class, we will create innovative and interesting
products. You will become skilled in various software programs as well as with using our
cutting-edge technologies. You will be a part of an appreciated small community in our
school with the capability to operate these technologies, not to mention the value these
skills hold in the real world beyond school as well.
CTF Travel & Tourism (Grade 7, Grade 8 & Grade 9)

Students will learn about geography, travel and the tourism industry. They will have the
opportunity to learn about destinations in Canada and the world, they will have the
opportunity to develop an appreciation of different cultures and lifestyles. Students will
apply their knowledge to plan and research trips to various destinations.

Drama (Grade 7, Grade 8 & Grade 9)

Students will gain confidence and work collaboratively with their peers to explore
improvisation, reader’s theatres, movement and scripted skits. Imagination and a willingness
to participate required!

Environmental Outdoor Education (Grade 7, Grade 8 & Grade 9)

This course will help students gain the basic knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for
safe, comfortable outdoor experiences in all seasons, as well as develop an awareness and
appreciation of living things and understanding of basic ecological processes. In addition,
students will investigate a variety of local and global environmental issues, including how
humans impact the environment. This course may be taken as a single course at the Grade 7,
8, or 9 levels or as a sequential program. Group decision-making and problem-solving skills
will be emphasized. Participation in a one or more of the following may be required
(depending on the level of the program); outdoor games, shelter building, knot- tying,
snowshoeing, hiking, food preparation techniques (e.g. cooking, fires and stoves),
map/compass reading and camping.

French (Grade 7, Grade 8 & Grade 9) *FULL YEAR

The French option will give students an opportunity to explore French language and culture.
Students will work on written and verbal communication through a combination of methods
including project-based learning that will surely lead to an exciting language learning
experience for all. All levels of learners are invited to join us in developing a valuable life skill.

Guitar (Grade 8 & Grade 9)

The beginning guitar program focuses on the introduction of basic acoustic guitar
techniques and the exploration and love of creating music. During the course students will
gain experience on proper playing techniques and posture of the acoustic guitar. They will
also be introduced and begin to read musical notation and tablature. There is a huge
emphasis on learning to play as an ensemble. Guitar Fee for Beginner and Intermediate
Guitar class: A $15.00 rental fee will be charged for any typical wear and tear on the
instrument, new strings, textbooks and guitar supplies.
Leadership (Grade 7, Grade 8 & Grade 9)

Leadership at Samuel W. Shaw focuses on building and strengthening school community.

Leadership includes both the ability to lead and to support those leading. It is important on a
personal basis, in peer groups, in family, and in school. Students who take Leadership will
develop, refine, and model their leadership skills starting in grade 7 and building on them
until the end of grade 9. Leadership students will participate, plan, and execute whole-
school activities that strengthen our SWS community.

Power Up Your Learning (Grade 7, Grade 8 & Grade 9)

Students will learn how to use their learning preferences and strengths to support their
learning. They will explore and refine learning strategies and technologies to support their
achievement in their core classes. They will also strive to become engaged thinkers, reflect
on their learning, set goals and understands their strengths and areas for growth in relation
to their academic success.

Spanish (Grade 8 & Grade 9)

Students will be exposed to introductory speaking, reading and writing in the Spanish
language. They will learn about the various Latin American cultures.

Training for Excellence in Sports (Grade 7, Grade 8 & Grade 9)

Students will be given an opportunity to increase their physical activity levels during the day.
They will spend the majority of this option class in the gym, the fitness center or outside
participating in a variety of physical activities. The focus of the course will be on improving
one’s fitness levels through various workouts, fitness challenges and games. By signing up
for this class, you are giving yourself the gift of improved health and fitness.

World History (Grade 7, Grade 8 & Grade 9)

World History introduces students to the ideas of historical nuance, controversy and debate.
An understanding of world history provides students with breadth and depth of context and
content, crucial both for the study of the past and for a thorough understanding of
contemporary society. This course aims to enable students to use multiple accounts and
perspectives to understand past events.