2023-2024 Complementary Courses 

Dr. George Stanley School

These courses reflect student interest, essential knowledge in the modern era and staffing realities. We are very excited to be offering a wide variety of exploratory courses, providing opportunities for students to develop and to enhance individual expression, creativity and imagination through an exploration of new curricular areas.

We are very excited to be offering a wide variety of exploratory courses, providing opportunities for students to develop and to enhance individual expression, creativity and imagination through an exploration of new curricular areas.

• Grades 7-9 students will be placed in TWO exploratory courses in semester 1 and TWO exploratory courses in semester 2.
• Students will be given the option to select their top 5 choices. When students are placed, consideration will be given to these selections, but their selection does not guarantee that the student will be placed in these particular exploratory courses.
• Choosing an exploratory will be based on interest of the topics
• Movement of students between exploratory courses will not be entertained based on who the teacher is nor other students that are also enrolled in the class. 
• If a student chooses Band, which is a full year exploratory, they will get ONE other exploratory course in semester 1 and ONE other exploratory course in semester 2.
• Grade 6 students will participate in an exploratory course wheel that involves students being exposed to: Construction, Foods, Digital Literacy, Drama, Music and Art during a 6 to 7-week period of time.

Exploratory Course Descriptions

Band (Grades 7-9)

At DGS, the instrumental band program follows the format of a “concert wind band”. This is a very valuable experience as it exposes students to playing music at a higher level and creates the opportunity to play in a functioning band. In the program, students have the opportunity to work with the band director as well as professional musicians to develop specific instrumental skills. In later grades, there will also be the opportunity to go to band camp. 

Come one, come all! If playing a musical instrument interests you, I highly recommend you consider the program! Please be aware that specific fees apply to this program. This course is a full year commitment (both semesters). Due to the intricacies of the program, please take a look at the attached Band Letter for more information (including fees, commitments, etc.).

General Music (Grades 9)

At DGS, we offer a General Music Program to students. This year we are only able to offer it to Grade 9 students. This class includes opportunities to learn drums (drumkit, djembes), ukulele, guitar, and digital music. We also spend time listening to, reflecting on and discussing music from a variety of genres (song choices submitted by students). We regularly take these opportunities to learn about the histories behind the music that students are interested in. There is no performance requirement for this course. This course is a one semester commitment and there is no fee associated with this course.

Choral (Grade 8)

No previous musical experience required. Vocal music will provide students with the opportunity to explore the voice through singing, speech, listening, and performance. There is a focus on developing vocal technique, appreciation of various musical genres, increasing self-confidence, and collaboration through group and choral singing. Students will also develop musical literacy and basic theory skills. There is no fee associated with this course.

Foods (Grades 7-9)

Food studies is an introduction to kitchen techniques as well as nutritional considerations when preparing meals. Students will build foundational skills in food preparation, planning meals and food safety. Technical skills will focus on measuring, knife skills, stove top skills such as sautéing, and baking. Students will learn proper sanitation and handling skills. Students will have the opportunity to create a variety of dishes and consider how food science, global issues, budget and nutrition are involved in recipe selection or development. There is a $30 fee associated with this course.

Construction (Grade 7-9)

Construction is designed for creative, independent students to explore and hone skills through a hands-on approach. In this course, students will be introduced to shop safety and shop responsibilities. Proper techniques on how to use hand and power tools will be extensively practiced. Grade 6 students will work mainly with hand tools. Students in grades 7-9 will be working with designated power tools. Students will design, plan and create both original and provided projects. Students will learn about the elements of project creation from drafting to building; how to use tools and machines in a safe environment. No previous experience required. There is a $30 fee associated with this course.

Digital Literacy (Grades 7-9)

Technology and new mediums of communicating are growing every year. This class will provide technical skills, media source awareness, digital citizenship topics, programming and design opportunities at each level. However, there will be some unique focuses. Students will explore and meaningfully use a variety of programs and applications. Through this process connections will be made between skills learned and real world or career applications. Topics that may be covered include coding, Minecraft education, robotics, digital photography, programming, video editing, Graphic design, 3D design and printing. There is a $15 fee associated with this course.

Communication Technology/ Journalism (Grade 9)

The news keeps us up to date with regards to the latest and greatest events. This course will support students’ understanding of the media, the techniques that are used to catch a reader’s attention and ensure that reporting is accurate. Students will combine the use of their photography skills and writing to support informing the student body of events that are happening at the school, gathering information and opinions about topics that are of interest and sharing these stories through a digital or print platform. For those that have an interest in the news this course will offer a great
introduction. There is no fee associated with this course.

Communication Technology/ Yearbook (Grade 8)

This course is designed to develop students’ skills in yearbook production by providing experiences in selected aspects of yearbook production. Students learn basic principles of yearbook production and develop skills that include writing, captions and headlines; digital photography; desktop publishing and using appropriate technology tools for media production. The yearbook course has a primary, team focus of producing the school yearbook. Each team member will produce pages of the yearbook, take photographs, produce write-ups and analyze and reflect on the quality and progress
of the book. Yearbook Production supports student’s development as writers, photographers, editors, independent users of technology. There is no fee associated with this course.

Communication Technology/ Media (Grade 7)

This course introduces students to communications technology from a media perspective. Students will work in the areas of TV/video and movie production, radio and audio production, print and graphic communications, photography, and animation. Student projects will include computer-based activities such as creating videos, editing photos, working with audio, cartooning, developing animations, and designing web pages. Students will also develop an awareness of environmental and societal issues related to communications technology. There is no fee associated with this course.

Outdoor Education (Grades 7-9)

Enjoy the outdoors and connecting with nature? The main objective of this course is to develop an appreciation for the outdoors. This course will offer a variety of opportunities to explore outdoor activities and experiences. As they participate in this course, they will develop their leadership and teamwork skills. Students will become familiar with ideas connected to preparation for trips and safety in the outdoors. There may be opportunities to participate in community and off-site activities such as backpacking, cycling, skiing/snowboarding, cross country skiing and hiking. For those students that are experienced outdoors people or those looking for an introduction to what the outdoors has to offer this course will be for you. There is a $30 fee associated with this course.

Art (Grades 7-9)

Art extends beyond notions of sketching and painting. Students will be able to express themselves through many mediums, but also gain an in-depth knowledge about the discipline and foster creativity- essential to many areas of life. Art class is designed as a calm, supportive space where students have a chance to build skills while they examine concepts from their other classes through different, hands-on methods. 

Students will be provided opportunities to view and be inspired by works of art, make and reflect upon art objects and ideas. They will experiment with a variety of art making materials, both traditional and uncommon. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the role that art plays in society. There is a $30 fee associated with this course.

3D Art (Grade 7-9)

Three-dimensional art focuses on building objects using a variety of materials and methods. Students will be given the opportunity to:
• Experiment with the placement of objects in site-specific spaces as a form of communication (installation art)
• Assemble, carve, model, manipulate, smoosh and smash
• Potentially using ceramics/ clay, 3-D modelling, cardboard, soapstone, textiles, found/repurposed objects, natural materials or any other material that makes sense with the concepts being explored in core classes.
There is a $30 fee associated with this course.

Drama (Grade 7-8)

This course is an introduction to drama and theatre. Students will develop fundamental performance and theatre skills through active involvement in the theatre disciplines of movement, speech, improvisation, technical theatre and theatre history. This course is designed to help foster a positive self-concept in students by encouraging them to explore life by the assumption of roles and by the acquisition of dramatic skills. Full participation and a positive attitude are essential for success. There is no fee associated with this course.

Fashion Studies (Grade 7-9)

The program involves both creativity and technical skills. Students will gain an understanding of the safe use and care of sewing and pressing equipment, core methods in the layout and construction of different projects and garments as well as hand sewing techniques. No previous experience required. Students will be able to create useful and personalized projects. Students may be required to supply material, like fabrics, based on various project choices (pillow, stuffies, etc.). There is a $30 fee associated with this course.

Leadership (Grade 7-9)

Do you want to get more involved in your school community? Do you want to help plan and implement fun activities at the school? Do you want to become a mentor to others? Do you want to be an active citizen who makes a difference in your school and community? Leadership is a class for students who want to make a change and determine what kind of school DGS should be. You will participate in a variety of activities that you help design, developing your own personal leadership style. Some examples would be helping to plan and run assemblies and after school events, fundraising for charities and school requests, organizing intramural tournaments, and spirit days. There is no fee associated with this course.

Sports Performance (Grade 8-9)

Do you have a strong interest in sport and how to achieve a high level of performance? The main objective of this course is to provide students involved in sports with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to understand the factors related to sports performance. Student’s will be exposed to both the theoretical and practical nature of sports. Students will be expected to demonstrate outcomes in a variety of areas. These include current training principles, basic sport nutrition and hydration, performance evaluation, goal setting, leadership fundamentals, and sport psychology. Note: this class will include minimal playing sports or games. There is no fee associated with this course.

2023-2024 Grade 6 Exposure Wheel

Grade 6 students will take part in a cycle of exploratory courses so they can gain some insight, learn about safety and decide which classes are best for them as they move forward. Students will take: Music, Fine Arts, Digital Literacy, Drama, Construction and Foods.