Grade 8 Booklet - School District #35

Grade 8 Information Booklet
11
12 Grade 8 Information Booklet
Computers 8
Students are introduced to Word, Excel and PowerPoint. They develop a website and
explore marketing on the Internet.
Woodwork 8
Students will develop their technical skills through the use of hand tools and some
power tools with emphasis on safe and cooperative work habits. Through the
construction of several wood projects, the students will cultivate an appreciation for
the design process and basic techniques of layout, joinery, and finishing wood.
FINE ARTS
Fine Arts is a second compulsory course for all grade 8 students with applications in
both Drama and Art, or Music. Students take either Band 8, which runs all year, or
they take one semester each in Drama and Art. Course descriptions for each of these
are presented below:
Art 8
Art 8 is an introductory course, which will focus on several different mediums;
drawing will be the main focus, which will then lead to introducing other mediums in
art. Some of these areas could be painting, clay work, printmaking, papier-mâché and
figure work.
Drama 8
Drama 8 is an introductory course designed to involve you in the basics of drama and
theatre. The course includes developmental drama, mime movement, improvisation
and vocal production. The main purpose of this course is to allow you an overview of
skills, which will be focused on, and expanded on, in the higher levels.
Choral Music 8
The students in this course are members of the R.E. Mountain Junior Concert Choir.
Traditional choral music in many styles will be studied and performed. Special
emphasis will be placed on developing the singing voice. The Concert Choir
regularly participates in the following events:
regular Music Department concerts; Community Concerts, festivals and concert tours.
Enrolment in Choral Music 8 is a prerequisite for membership in either senior or
intermediate Vocal Jazz. Choral Music 8 is taken outside of the timetable, twice per
week before school, beginning at 7:15 a.m. Students will be graded and will receive
four credits for this course.
Supported Learning
Priority for a Supported Learning block {Learning Assistance} is given to identified
resource students living in REMSS catchment area. Parents with questions about this
should contact Mrs. McKinnon (Special Services Department Head). Students not
identified with specified learning difficulties may be permitted to take a Supported
Learning Block on the basis of a recommendation by the School-Based Team, if
space is available.
English as a Second Language
A wide range of ESL courses are offered, including beginners levels through to
advanced levels. We also offer ESL Social Studies and ESL Science. All students
requiring ESL classes must have an appointment with our ESL coordinator (Mrs. Hu)
either to set up testing and/or to discuss their selection of classes.
Band 8 Beginners
If you who have an interest in music and want to learn a band instrument, you are
encouraged to take this course. Instructors will assume that you have had little or no
musical experience. Band instruments include flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon,
saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, baritone, tuba or percussion. You will
participate in school concerts, trips and festivals.
Band 8 Advanced
This is a continuation of Grade 7 band. It is expected that if you elect this course you
have had at least one year of band. The combined beginner and advanced bands will
participate in concerts, trips and festivals.