Grade 8 Elective Selection Form

Grade 8 students are eligible to select three elective courses (one of each Elective A, and Elective B and Elective C) during the 2011-2012 school year.

Elective A

Elective A consists of Band, Guitar, and Technology & Financial Literacy. Please find the brief outlines for each course below.  These courses will run for the entire year, and will take place twice a week.

Band: We are very excited to have Mr. Fred Gass joining our faculty this year. His expertise and experience will help our band program flourish! Students will learn to play an instrument selected from flute, clarinet, saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, baritone, electric bass, and percussion. The students will learn to read music notation and will perform as an ensemble. Focus will be on note reading, rhythms, correct fingering, and articulations. This is done through exercises and studies assigned to them during Band class. Students will learn phrasing through breath control and dynamics. Repertoire will cover Classical, Latin, Rock and Jazz styles. Additional emphasis will be placed on public performance.

Guitar: Mr. Stinson will be teaching Guitar once again. Students will learn to play six string or bass guitar. The choice will be based on the preference of the student to the particular instrument. Emphasis will be placed on correct technique such as, finger placement, picking and strumming, and good posture while holding the instrument. Musical literacy will be developed by learning to read two forms of notation. Standard Music Notation and Tablature specific to the instrument will be equally emphasized. Students will learn about melody, harmony, rhythm, dynamics, and to perform as a group as well as soloing through the study of contemporary guitar and bass music. Both the study of music performance and music appreciation will be covered. Each student will be expected to participate in two concerts over the course of the year.

Technology and Financial Literacy: This course will be delivered in two parts, with the first half being devoted to the study of Technology, and the impact it has made on the human condition. Students will consider the personal, local, and global consequences, and the cultural, ethical, and aesthetic implications of technology. This course will be taught by Dr. Hofmann, and will incorporate our Robotics Lab. The second half of the year will be devoted to the study of Business. During these classes, students will learn to employ a variety of business technologies, and will learn about social and professional responsibility in the world of work.

Elective B

Elective B consists of Drama and Information Technology. Students may select one of either Drama or Information Technology. These courses will take place from September to January, and will be taught twice a week. Please find a brief description below.

Drama: This year our drama program will be taught by Mr. Gass and Ms Kuhn. Students will learn skills with voice projection, body language, group interaction, memory work, and concentration. They will learn to play and communicate, concentrate, co-operate and appreciate drama. This course will include a stage production.

Information Technology: Mr. Bosdet will be teaching this course, which will utilize our new Apple Computer Lab. This course teaches fundamental knowledge, skills and attitudes that are required for effective use of computers. Students will learn how to select, organize and modify information to solve problems, and to utilize information technology to communicate and present ideas using a variety of mediums.

Elective C

Elective C consists of Visual Art and Information Technology. Students may select either Visual Art, or Information Technology. These courses will take place from February to June, and will be taught twice a week.

Visual Arts: We are exceptionally fortunate to welcome Ms. Lloyd as our Visual Arts instructor. Visual Arts teaches students to perceive, respond and create visual art in both two dimensions and three dimensions. Students will learn image and design strategies, visual elements and principles of Art, and to utilize different mediums and techniques.

Information Technology Mr. Bosdet will be teaching this course, which will utilize our new Apple Computer Lab. This course teaches fundamental knowledge, skills and attitudes that are required for effective use of computers. Students will learn how to select, organize and modify information to solve problems, and to utilize information technology to communicate and present ideas using a variety of mediums. Please note, students who enrolled in Information Technology for Elective B, cannot select it as their Elective C choice.

Download the form here:8electives_form_2011