Fine & Performing Arts

Art 10/20/30

The Visual Arts classes at James Fowler High School are blended with grades 10, 11, and 12. This means that you can take art at any time that fits with your schedule. You can take Art 10, 20, and 30, and/or Advanced Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture 15, 25, or 35. It is not uncommon for students to take 5 to 7 art classes by the end of their grade 12 year. 

The facility consists of 4 separate art rooms. Each room has a different designated purpose. There is a painting studio, drawing studio, sculpture studio, and a clay area with two operational kilns. This makes our art room one of the largest in the CBE. 

Visual arts has a tradition of Fine Arts Tours. We have travelled to places such as Chicago, Italy, and Germany to experience original art works and culture. 

 At the end of their grade 12 year, students will have developed a strong portfolio to support application to an Art program within a post secondary institution. All students who have applied to such programs, including AUArts, Emily Carr, and OCAD have been accepted. 

Drama 10

Students participate and develop theatre skills vital to performance, rehearsal and critique. Students will participate in activities that will engage and enhance personal growth fostered in an environment that is cooperative, supportive and challenging. Students will become performers with a focus on respect for others, self-control and commitment.

Musical Theatre 15

Students will perform a full-length musical production at the end of this course with full costumes and set in the theatre. It will be offered in the regular timetable, but please note that some extra-curricular rehearsals will be expected. Students’ areas of expertise will be highlighted in their performance while continuing to develop their skills in all three areas of musical theatre.

Technical Theatre 15 (full year course)

Prerequisite: Interview with teacher/director This course provides students with both theoretical and practical training in the technical areas of lighting, sound, stage management, props, costumes, sets, and make-up as well as a greater emphasis on personal qualities and safety. This course is taken outside of the regular timetable.

Band Techniques 10

This course is for students interested in pursuing studies in instrumental music on a wind or percussion instrument. The main emphasis of the course includes all aspects of instrumental playing – technical, musical and performance skills. Some theory and music appreciation will also be included as it pertains to the performance with an instrument.

Concert Band 15 (full year course)

Corequisite: Instrumental Techniques 10 This is a performance-based band course that includes all aspects of playing a wind or percussion instrument, as well as the developing of tone, range and flexibility. The music performed will be selected from a variety of periods and styles. This course will be held after school on Tuesdays and before school on Thursdays. Note: Instrumental Techniques 10/20/30 and Concert Band 15/25/35 is a continuous program that extends over a student’s high school career.

Jazz Band 15 (full year course)

Prerequisite: Previous experience on a musical instrument teacher Corequisite: Concert Band 15 This course is designed to give students with advanced skills an opportunity to perform stage band music where the demand for independent playing skills and improvisation is emphasized. This course will be held after school on Mondays and during lunch on Wednesdays. Students in this course must also be registered for Concert Band 15

Guitar 10

This is an introductory course to guitar playing. Lessons will be taught in a group setting and students need no previous music experience. This course will also highlight other areas of general music including music notation, guitar technique, transpositions, and general music theory.

Piano Basics 10

This is a beginner-level course for students who are interested in learning how to play the piano. Students will learn proper piano techniques on individual keyboards. Students will learn how to read music notation (notes and rhythms), and study a variety of music repertoire. Composition (song-writing), history and theory will also be taught and there will be opportunities for performance inside and outside of the class.

Choral 10

Corequisite: Concert Choir 15 This course is for anyone who is interested in developing fundamental singing techniques in a variety of settings. Students will have the opportunity to perform their choice of song as a recording artist with accompaniment at the end of the semester. Students will also perform as a class choir in a variety of singing styles.

Concert Choir 15 Corequisite: Choral 10 This is a performance-based course for students who love to sing! It will be held at lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Wednesday mornings before school. Students will develop basic singing techniques while exploring a wide variety of repertoire – pop, gospel, folk, classical, you name it – to perform in different settings throughout the year, in and outside of the school.

Vocal Jazz 15

Corequisite: Concert Choir 15 This course gives more advanced choir students the opportunity to perform fun, swingin’ repertoire in the jazz style, either a cappella or with accompaniment. Independent singing skills are emphasized, as this is for 12-16 singers. The course will be held Tuesday mornings before school and Friday afternoons after school. Students enrolled in this course must also register for Concert Choir 15.

Dance 15

This course is designed to accommodate all skill levels. It does require physical participation! Students will be expected to acquire movement skills in three of the following dance types: African, ballet, jazz dance, and hip hop dance. In addition, the course will contain content material from the areas of technique, theory, composition, and presentation.

Jazz Dance 25 (full year course)

Co/Prerequisite: Dance 15 This course is a performance and choreography based class that is offered outside of the time table. This class runs year long and requires 3 hours of class time a week, plus many performances in and out of class time. Admission to the class is by audition which take place in September.

Languages

French 10

This is a course for beginners. Themes to be covered include the following: school, people around us, weather, celebrations, clothing, food, housing, daily and leisure activities, trades, professions, Students will also increase their cultural awareness by doing technology-based research in the computer lab.

Spanish 10

The Spanish Language and Culture course is designed for students who have had little or no experience in Spanish. Students will develop the six basic communicative skills of reading, speaking, writing, listening, viewing and representing. This course is taught with a variety of learning styles to accommodate any learner.

German 10

The German Language and Culture course is designed for students who have had little or no experience in German. Students will develop the six basic communicative skills of reading, speaking, writing, listening, viewing and representing. This course is taught with a variety of learning styles to accommodate any learner.

Mandarin 10

The Mandarin Language and Culture course will help you develop your ability to understand simple sentences; simple familiar and unfamiliar short texts; produce short texts in a variety of topics providing some details to support the main point with guidance; initiate and participate in casual exchanges with classmates. No experience necessary.

Latin 10 Language and Culture  

This course introduces students to the Latin language and develops reading, understanding, listening and translating Latin literature. By examining the influence of Latin, students will also gain an appreciation of language structure, scientific and legal terminology and Roman history.

Business, Administration, Finance and Information Technology

Computing Science 10

Students are introduced to basic programming concepts using Alice interactive 3D graphics. They will create simple algorithms, programs that input, process, and output data, create and use basic data types, control program flow and use basic looping structures. Student will also be introduced to basic web design using HTML and CSS.

Information Processing Intro

Basic computer skills are required in most areas of study and in virtually every career field in a constantly changing workplace. In computer applications, students will learn basic web design, word processing, spread sheets, and database using a variety of computer applications.

Financial Management Intro

Students will learn to keep records for a small service business including the preparation of financial statements. Learn the “secret” of debit and credit. Throughout the course students will learn to keep their own personal records, become aware of current financial conditions and the actual cost of things that we all take for granted in order to make good financial decisions.

Marketing and Management Intro

Students will explore careers in the world of business. At this level, the focus is on basic accounting and marketing. In the classroom, students learn the basic theory of accounting and market research, advertising promotion, visual merchandising, and retail management, with an emphasis on real-world case studies of local, national and international businesses.

Enterprise and Innovation Intro

This course prevents students, wanting to start their own business, from making the most common serious mistake and that is not picking the right business from the beginning. Students will be provided with the tools necessary to evaluate the challenges and identify the opportunities available to start a business of their own. Students will learn the principles of analyzing a venture, explore tools used in accounting, and develop a better understanding of the management of, and marketing the new venture.

Forensics Science 25/35 (6 credits):

Connect scientific concepts and technologies related to solving crime. Learn about topics like crime scene investigation, forensics, toxicology and ballistics, police protective equipment, criminal profiling, arson and police service canines.

Media Design and Communication Arts

Communications Technology Intro

In Comm tech, students will be introduced to different possible careers through five different modules. In the course, students will use industry standard equipment and techniques made possible by our modernization to create fun and exciting assignments. Modules in the course include:

Photography: Students will use a class set of DSLR cameras to shoot personal projects, focusing on the functions of the cameras to produce creative imagery. Assignments include portrait photography using speed lights, photojournalism, and product photography.

Digital processing: In this module students will explore both Adobe lightroom and Photoshop to edit.  

Animation: Students are introduced to the fundamentals of stop frame animation. This module leads into 2D animation at the intermediate level. 

Audio & video: Students learn different camera angles, shots, movements, and create their own short film with Adobe PremierPro.   

Graphic design: Students learn the fundamentals of what makes contemporary designs and logos, and create their own designs

Design Studies Intro

In the course students are introduced to both the designing and printing process. The shop has industry standard equipment to create posters, stickers, and graphic design for clothing. The course will introduce students to Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Indesign.

Students will learn the importance of typography, logo design, layout, and branding. Throughout this course, students will create original graphic designs and print their work on T shirts, and create stickers.

Students will leave the class with knowledge, and original creations of their own work. 

Creating Writing 15

Creative Writing is a class in which you can develop your skills as a poet, author, or spoken-word artist. The only pre-requisites for Creative Writing 15 are a passion for poetry or prose, and a willingness to experiment and to seek feedback. This class is a safe space in which you can experiment with whatever forms of writing capture your interest. This course will give you a great deal of time to work independently as well as ample opportunity for one-on-one support.

Fashion Studies Intro

This course is a course for any level of sewer! If you want to make unique things this is a course for you! Basic life skills: laundry, repair and sewing skills.  What are your figure variations and how to work with them. What is “in” right now to where to go shop! Fashion Illustration and Textile Arts is incorporated in this program as well.  This truly is a great course for all!

Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation

Construction Intro

Students are introduced to various practices for preparing and joining wood. Safety is emphasized in practical usage of hand and power tools. Theory and hands-on shop work have students participate in the construction of small projects designed to teach them about the properties of various woods and joinery techniques.

Fabrication (Welding) Intro

Through practical and theoretical studies students gain an understanding of the role of the welder in society and at the same time learn the safe use of tools and acceptable procedures basic to the welding trade. Students will have choice of several small projects where they can practice and showcase their new skills.

Autobody Intro

Students are introduced to vehicle structures, how they are built, how damage is repaired and the tools used in Auto body repair. Theory and hands-on lab work, have students forming sheet metal, repairing dents and applying 2 stage refinish system.

Auto Mechanics Intro

Tire changes, wheel balancing and engine disassembly/reassembly are just some of the topics covered with hands on activity. This course is also an introduction to the automotive trade. Students will learn about safety, tool use, and industry standards.

Robotics

In this course students will use the process of design thinking to learn the fundamentals of electrical schematics and components as well as how to solder and assemble them. They will also delve into programming of microcontrollers in order to assemble a working mobile robot. Other topics for this course include basic CAD operations and 3D printing.

Pre-Engineering

In this course students will learn the basics of the design process as well as exploring principles in basic electronics and rapid prototyping. Following this common intro, students will be challenged to become experts in one of the following areas: electrical/electronics, technical design/drafting, industrial automation/pneumatics, or autonomous robotics in order to produce a project that solves a real-world problem.

Electro-technologies

Students will learn about the field of electronics. They will do this through learning basic fabrication techniques; the construction of power supplies; construction of electronic control systems, and study of analog communications. Students will also look at the conversion and distribution of electricity.

Work Experience 15

Prerequisite: HCS 3000 For students who are working, work experience allows students to gain practical knowledge, enhance their skills, confirm career decisions, and form attitudes that will assist them in their transitions from school to the world of work. The prerequisite online course HCS 3000 (Workplace Safety Systems) must be completed before any off-campus education credits will be awarded.

Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)

Prerequisite: HCS 3000 The Registered Apprenticeship Program is an excellent opportunity for students who know they want to enter a trade to “earn while you learn.” This program usually begins during the summer after the grade 10 school year. The student selects a trade and applies 125 hour work experience (5 credits) which serves as a probationary period. The student’s timetable is adjusted to accommodate the RAP program in grade 11 and 12.

Health, Recreation, Human Services

Cosmetology Intro 1/ Cosmetology Intro 2

Prerequisite: none/ Prerequisite: Introductory 1 Modules offered in intro 1 introduce students to the art and science of the hair, skin and nails. Emphasis is placed on personal image for success in all careers dealing with customer service. Modules offered in intro 2 introduce the students to hairstyling techniques and designs. Students begin preparation for apprenticeship standards.

Foods Domestic Intro

Here students begin an adventure into foods. Students taste gourmet delights prepared while learning the basics of successful cooking in a home kitchen-like setting and learn the benefits of healthy food choices. Students will be cooking all of the food groups contained in the Canada Food Guide and learning about food safety and sanitation.

Foods Culinary Intro

Students learn how to cook and bake in a commercial kitchen. This is a hands-on course where 80% of their learning takes place in the kitchen. Cooking is also a life skill and one that can be learned for making informed decisions about food choices or as a career option after high school as a chef or baker. 

Medical Studies Intro

Students will identify the determinants of good health and examine how these determinants affect personal wellness. Students will gain an appreciation for the importance of an active living lifestyle and develop an understanding of the basic structure and function of the human body using medical terminology. Students will demonstrate safety strategies to prevent infection from blood borne pathogens in health care and recreation settings and examine other basic safety and reporting protocols for these settings.

Legal Studies Intro

In this course students study the laws within Canada. The focus at this level will be on Private Law, Public Law, Relationship Law, Family Law and Employment Law.

Sports Medicine 15

This is for those students interested in the medical field, as well as developing skills as an athletic trainer. Included is an introduction to basic human anatomy. The basic divisions and structure of the skeleton are examined as well as its musculature. Each student will receive certification in Standard First Aid. An introduction to basic athletic training, including various taping skills will be covered.

Sports Performance 15 

The focus of the class is to engage students in training principles to enhance both athletic development and overall fitness. Students will learn both theory and application of training principles as it applies to personal development. Students will be actively participating in aerobic, anaerobic, flexibility and strength training programs that include speed, agility and power development.

Yoga and Meditation 15

In this class, students will learn the foundations of yoga practice and meditation techniques. Students will also learn about the history of yoga, its purpose, and the benefits for overall health and wellness. Students will be active and must dress appropriately.

Psychology  20

General & Personal Psychology
This course provides an introduction to a wide range of topics in Psychology. Examination of the foundation of psychological thought and theories of personality provide a backdrop for understanding current psychological approaches. Personality theories, methods of research, perception, and cognitive and personal development will be some of the topics covered. Abnormal Psychology including studies of neurosis, psychosis, personality disturbances and defense mechanisms will also be examined. Students receive credits for General Psychology (3 credits) and Personal Psychology (3 credits).

Aboriginal Studies

Aboriginal Studies 10–20–30 provides a conceptual framework for all learners to enhance understanding of the diverse Aboriginal cultures within their region, Canada and the world. The goal of Aboriginal Studies 10–20–30 is to increase the knowledge of the learner about the past, present and future of Aboriginal peoples. Students will examine how Aboriginal peoples are striving toward maintaining and promoting cultures and identities that reflect values based on respect for the laws of nature and a continual pursuit of balance among individuals, the family unit, the larger community and global community context. The term “Aboriginal” refers to First Nations, Métis and Inuit.