Media Communications / Communication Arts 

(Credits awarded on module completion – multiple credits are available for each course)

Architecture and Industrial Design

A path in Architecture & Industrial Design begins with an introductory level program, the prerequisite to all Design Studies courses, and progresses to a focus in Industrial Design Studies and/or Architecture Design.

Architecture & Industrial Design Introductory

Students in Architecture & Industrial Design begin with an introductory course in basic skills. Each module is project based and includes themes in drafting, architecture, graphic design, industrial design, computer assisted design (CAD) and overall design problem solving. Projects included furniture design, 3D modelling and designing a home for a client.

Architecture & Industrial Design Intermediate

This course is a continuation focused on Industrial Design and Architecture Design. Students may choose to follow a pathway in one or both areas of interest. In Industrial Design, students create 3D Models of various design solutions. Recent projects have included everything from life-sized cardboard furniture to 3D printing working prototypes of design solutions. Students test their plans by creating working prototypes of their design. The Architecture Design pathway features developing building plans for commercial and residential architecture as well as exploring interior design.

Architecture & Industrial Design Advanced

Pathway 1: Architecture Advanced

Architecture Design students continue to develop commercial and residential architecture. This course includes an emphasis on post-secondary options and a future in the industry of architecture.

Pathway 2: Industrial Design Advanced

Industrial Design students continue to explore the design process by creating 3D models and working prototypes of their design solutions. Students will experience rapid prototyping using cardboard and 3D printing and will have access to technology such as laser cutters, CNC routers and vinyl printers/cutters.

Creative Writing and Publishing 15/25/35 (5 credits each)

Creative Writing and Publishing is a course where students may pursue their passion for writing. Students are encouraged to experiment with new ideas and concepts, and manage their own portfolios of writing. Students will explore and learn about various writing markets. Through participating in the actual publication process, students will be provided an authentic realistic experience.

Film and Media Art 15/25/35 (3/5 credits each)

Film and Media Art engages students in a comprehensive analysis of the history and evolution of filmmaking. Students will pursue the production and technical perspectives of film in order to become informed consumers of film in its various forms: feature film, short film, animation, featurettes, serials, television shows and commercials. Film and Media Art will demand rigorous intellectual, technical and artistic awareness from the students.

Media Communication Arts (Introductory, Intermediate & Advanced)

Students of the Media Communication Arts Program have the opportunity to explore media production in a purpose-built studio and editing lab that supports multi-track, multi-camera collaborative production, as well as field production opportunities, including live events.

Students will plan, capture and produce film, video, animation and photojournalism assets using advanced equipment, techniques, and software that are the current standard for post-secondary and commercial facilities. While doing this they will have the opportunity to consult and receive feedback from industry professionals and become aware of related career opportunities in their media of choice.

Areas of specialization are offered and include Broadcast Journalism and Communication, and Film/Video Production. Audio Production can also be pursued within either of these programs, or as a specialized evening option, subject to interest and availability.

Collaboration on real-world projects is a priority. Student work has appeared on networks such as SHAW Cable.

Classes and detailed information:

• Introductory (5 credits available) single block only
• Intermediate (15 credits available) single block only
• Advanced (15 credits available) single block only
• Credential (Adobe Certified Associate) single block only

Print Design (Intermediate & Advanced)

Prerequisite: Minimum of 4 completed modules in Media Communication Arts Introductory

Graphic design with a focus on two-dimensional printed graphics will be the core of this course. Promotional commercial work will be assigned to students who demonstrate professional work ethic and design capabilities. This is an excellent course for students building portfolios for Art and Design schools.

Photography (Intermediate & Advanced)

This course is designed for students looking to better understand the art of digital photography. Students will learn to strengthen their shooting skills with greater technical understanding of the camera, explore digital editing techniques and expand on their artistic expression through photographic imagery. The Elements and Principles of Design as they relate to photographic composition are emphasized as students learn compositional framing of their images. In addition to creating images, students will learn to critically examine photographs through critiques and through studies of works by significant photographers, both contemporary and historic. While students are not expected to have their own DSLR camera, it is helpful if they do have access to one. There may be fees associated with the cost of materials for these courses.

Fashion Studies

Fashion Studies Introductory

Students develop knowledge related to clothing and textile design. Developing sewing construction skills will be the main focus for each of the courses. All students registered in this program are required to supply necessary materials for project completion.

Fashion Studies Intermediate

Recommendation: A minimum of 3 credits earned in Introductory Fashion

The Intermediate program is a continuation of Fashion Studies Introductory as students will further develop sewing skills by working with specialty type fabrics and notions.

Fashion Studies Advanced

Recommendation: A minimum of 3 credits earned in Intermediate Fashion

The Advanced program is an exciting ‘must’ for the student who is keenly interested in clothing construction. Custom finishing and details on garments are emphasized as well as contemporary tailoring techniques are introduced.

PVA Fashion

PVA Fashion Design 10/20/30

Corequisite: Acceptance to the PVA Fashion Design Program and PVA Art 10 with the focus on materials and technical skills needed for successful drawing, painting and sculpture relating to fashion design.

PVA Fashion Design is a three-year enriched program designed for students interested in broadening their fashion and visual art experience in a practical, artistically challenging and enriching environment. Students will develop practical skills necessary to create, construct and analyze fashion design and are encouraged to find personal expression and creative voice through their project work. Key elements and principles of colour and design will be explored both in PVA Art 10 and PVA Fashion Design.

Students with a wide range of backgrounds may enter this program to learn and practice the garment construction foundations that will lead them towards personal style and innovation by the conclusion of Grade 12. This program will offer a study in fashion design/illustration including a history of fashion, fashion appreciation and professional development in fashion design and marketing. Students will explore visual art techniques and styles of fashion illustration, which will include fashion figure drawing and movement, garment drawing and fabric rendering techniques. By their final semester, students will be expected to understand and display the necessary skills involved in designing and constructing a couture garment. Portfolio development and refinement will also be key components in the successful completion of Fashion Design 30.

PVA Leadership in the Arts 35 / Entrepreneurial Artist (Junior Achievement)

All PVA students are enrolled in one of two courses; Leadership in the Arts 35 or Entrepreneurial Artist (Junior Achievement). These programs of study allow PVA students to explore how they see themselves as artists and become more aware of the process involved in preparing for the marketing and business aspect of being a professional in the arts community. Students will experience a variety of teacher-led assignments/activities as well as a number of student-directed online projects.

PVA Media Arts

PVA Media Arts offers a three year, comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to media creation that fosters individual exploration and innovative thinking. PVA MDA is designed to provide students the flexibility to adapt to various situations relating to design and communication. Possible areas of study within the PVA MDA program include: Film/Video Production, Animation, Graphic Design, Photography and Website Development.

Through the MDA program, students will learn to grow and apply their strategic, creative and technical skills. They will also learn how to strategize, plan, organize and manage different aspects of development and production in these different industries. Because real world experience can be instrumental to your career success you will engage in independent productions throughout your three years as well as possible internship opportunities as they arise.

PVA Media Arts 15 (5 Credits in Art & 5-6 Credits In CTS Media)

PVA MDA consists of a common first year where students build the foundational skills necessary to pursue their area of interest. All students start with PVA Art in the first semester and transition to an Introduction to Media, where students are introduced to disciplines such as photography, graphic design, videography, 2D animation, screen printing and building a digital portfolio.

PVA Media Arts 25/35 (10-15 Credits in CTS Media Each Year)

Beginning in grade 11, students will have an individual course plan developed based on their area of specialization/interest. This plan will be a combination of existing courses related to their field of interest, mixed with in-depth learning experiences, which may be led by guests from the profession.

PVA Leadership in the Arts 35 / Entrepreneurial Artist (Junior Achievement)

All PVA students are enrolled in one of two courses; Leadership in the Arts 35 or Entrepreneurial Artist (Junior Achievement). These programs of study allow PVA students to explore how they see themselves as artists and become more aware of the process involved in preparing for the marketing and business aspect of being a professional in the arts community. Students will experience a variety of teacher-led assignments/activities as well as a number of student-directed online projects.