Alice Jamieson Girls' Academy

Students are given a choice of complimentary courses to complete their studies in addition to the core subjects mandated by the provincial government.  Choices of complimentary courses should be made with the students’ interests, aptitudes and future educational goals in mind.  The choices for the options stem from the Fine Arts and from the Career and Technology Foundations (CTF) that have been mandated by Alberta Learning. The CTF courses stem from the Ministerial Order that has students “discover, develop and apply competencies across subject and discipline areas for learning, work and life.” Girls should discuss their choices with their parent(s) and have their parent(s) sign to indicate approval of the courses selected.

(Please note – courses may or may not be offered based on interest and availability.)

Grades 6 & 7

Agriculture

Learn the how and why certain plants will thrive in certain areas and help us to design and maintain our gardens in the naturalization areas that were started several years ago. Learn about the history and theme of the gardens and what it will take to make them vibrant and strong. This course is part of the CTF framework and would model job skills attached to careers in agricultural products, farming, nursery operator, etc. 

Art 

The Art option allows the student to develop technical skills as well as express themselves personally.  Line, value, texture, space, shape: these terms will be learned as students are given the opportunity to explore the basic elements of art design.  The focus of the hands-on class is on developing the basics of drawing and painting.  A variety of media will be used throughout the course including pencils, charcoal, pastels, tempera paint and watercolor paint.  

Band

By choosing band as an option, you will have the opportunity to learn an instrument, and to take part in a variety of musical events such as instrument workshops, concerts, field trips and school tours.  Commitment to lunch time rehearsals is expected.  The students’ dedication and hard work will culminate in a Band Camp near the end of the year.  Students who have had at least one year experience with their instrument should choose the second year option and students with no previous band or musical experience should choose the first year option.  Band is a full year course, and will incur a cost for an instrument rental of $100. As we do not want financial limitations to exclude any students, please contact the school if you have questions.

Communication Technology

Discover and develop skills related to technologies used to design, construct and relay a message for the purpose of connecting, informing, entertaining or selling products. Students will explore hardware and software that works to create new ways of communicating messages. Podcasting, using a green screen and other audio/visual/media and print projects may be designed, and assessed.  This option connects students to authentic job skills in the communication industry such as telecommunication, engineering technologist, photographer, graphic designer, etc.

Community Care Services 

Volunteering and learning about how to develop skills to work in community based services in a variety of settings. Careers related to this option may be: public relations representative, manager of volunteer resources, and special event coordinator.

Construction/Design Studies

Students will develop skills in the use of tools and materials used in construction processes and safely transform common wood materials into useful products.  This course is part of the CTF framework and would model job skills attached to careers in architecture, civil engineering, urban planning, landscape architecture, etc.

Drama

Students will explore various forms of drama through simple games and exercises.  Some areas of study include improvisational theater, stage plays, characterization, movement and staging.  Students will acquire knowledge of self and others through participation in and reflection on dramatic experiences.  They will also develop competency in communication skills and an appreciation for drama and theater.

Electro-Technologies – Robotics

Students in this course will be involved in design, development, programming and testing robotics systems and operating the robot to complete challenges. As part of the CTF course students will be able to explore skills in careers such as electricians, home inspectors, security systems, electrical engineers, etc.

Environmental Stewardship

This is an activity based course that provides opportunities for students to participate in practical studies and experiences relating to the natural world. Students will gain an understanding of the local ecosystem including how human actions impact this ecosystem.  Students may participate in some of the following activities: field trips (hiking, biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, climbing and canoeing, trip planning, conservation and environmental education and environmental stewardship. This course will be offered in each trimester but will be different each time.  Students can try one or all three offerings of this course. Due to field trip fees, equipment rentals and professional instruction we estimate that families should budget approximately $80 for this course.  Please contact the school if you have any questions.

Human and Social Services

This course will be about personal wellness and promoting the wellness of those around you.  Personal wellness plans will be created and assessed as well; students will develop peer support skills and assist our students with building positive relationships with their peers. As part of our CTF course offering, students will learn skills related to social workers, counselors in various fields, psychologists, career development professionals.

Leadership Service

This option is designed for students who would like to become more involved in their communities and learn the skills necessary for taking on leadership positions.  It will emphasize such skills as public speaking, event organization, teamwork, communication and group leadership.  Students who are interested in this course will be expected to show a high level of maturity and a willingness to take on the added responsibility of this class.  There may be an expectation of lunch time meetings, presentations at parent council, involvement in events outside of class time and participation in student council to name a few.

POWER UP-Resource (this option is offered through a teacher referral)

Students will be encouraged to take initiative for their learning through time management and organizational skills.  Peer tutoring and teacher assistance will assist students with their assignments, and tests. This course is designed to promote academic success by encouraging students to understand and develop learning strategies that best serve their learning needs.

Recreation Leadership Coaching, fitness leadership, and leading recreational activities may be part of this option. Students will create, lead and assess fitness activities in the school.  Yoga may be part of this course as through yoga students develop their well-being and personal management skills to help them balance school, work and other life priorities.

Tourism Travel Planning: Combining the skills of Tourism and Management and Marketing, students will offer varying itineraries for someone (real or fictitious), based on budget, locations(s) and interests. They will learn how to plan for trips by leveraging online content and consulting experts for advice.

Training for Excellence in Sport

Develop skills useful for optimal performance in sport, coaching, fitness leadership, athletic therapy and more. In this course, you’ll take a deeper look into the Sport Science, analyzing how the bones and muscles work together to move. Focus on the science of nutrition and its relationship to athletes. This course is for motivated young athletes wanted to learn more about how their body is a tool for sport.  This course is very valuable for students hoping to take Exercise Science, or Kinesiology later in their education. 

Grades 8 & 9

Art

The Art option allows the student to develop technical skills as well as express themselves personally.  Line, value, texture, space, shape: these terms will be learned as students are given the opportunity to explore the basic elements of art design.  The focus of the hands-on class is on developing the basics of drawing and painting.  A variety of media will be used throughout the course including pencils, charcoal, pastels, tempera paint and watercolor paint.

Band

By choosing band as an option, you will have the opportunity to learn an instrument, and to take part in a variety of musical events such as instrument workshops, concerts, field trips and school tours.  Commitment to lunch time rehearsals is expected.  The students’ dedication and hard work will culminate in a Band Camp near the end of the year.  Band is a full year course, and will incur a cost for an instrument rental of $100. As we do not want financial limitations to exclude any students, please contact the school if you have questions.

Communication Technology – Film Studies

Students will analyze and interpret a variety of film types and genres. Students will plan, organize, assess and produce their own film. This course is part of the CTF framework and would model job skills attached to careers in telecommunications, instrumentation engineering technologist, social media specialist, etc.

Construction/Design Studies

Students will develop skills in the use of tools and materials used in construction processes and safely transform common wood materials into useful products.  This course is part of the CTF framework and would model job skills attached to careers in architecture, civil engineering, urban planning, landscape architecture, etc.

Drama

Students will explore various forms of drama through simple games and exercises.  Some areas of study include improvisational theater, stage plays, characterization, movement and staging.  Students will acquire knowledge of self and others through participation in and reflection on dramatic experiences.  They will also develop competency in communication skills and an appreciation for drama and theater.

Environmental Stewardship

This is an activity based course that provides opportunities for students to participate in practical studies and experiences relating to the natural world. Students will gain an understanding of the local ecosystem including how human actions impact this ecosystem.  Students may participate in some of the following activities: field trips (hiking, biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, climbing and canoeing, trip planning, conservation and environmental education and environmental stewardship. This CTF course supports the skills found in careers such as: ecologist, soil scientist, etc. Due to field trip fees, equipment rentals and professional instruction we estimate that families should budget approximately $80 for this course.  Please contact the school if you have any questions.

Excellence in Sport

Develop skills useful for optimal performance in sport, coaching, fitness leadership, athletic therapy and more. In this course, you’ll take a deeper look into the Sport Science, analyzing how the bones and muscles work together to move. Focus on the science of nutrition and its relationship to athletes. This course is for motivated young athletes who want to learn more about how their body is a tool for sport. This course is very valuable for students hoping to take Exercise Science, or Kinesiology later in their education.

Fashion Studies   Students will be involved in manufacturing and possibly marketing items made from textiles. A study of textile arts and how it has evolved over time will supplement the hands on activity students will be engaged in. Possible occupations which may stem from this interest are fashion design, fashion illustrator, and visual merchandiser.

Finance Management MONEYWISE LIVING - Combining the skills of Financial Management and Enterprise & Innovation, students will gain the skills needed to counsel others in everyday money management. This includes leveraging online resources in the search for good value, debt consolidation, debit and credit card usage and budgeting.  Careers that may stem from an interest in this field include: banking, accountant, buyer, treasurer and financial analyst.

Information Processing – Yearbook

Data will be gathered and transformed from one form to another to design, organize, customize and revise a yearbook that will be sold to the rest of the students. This CTF course supports the skills found in careers such as: word processors, information systems consultant, transcribers, etc.

Leadership  Service

This option is designed for students who would like to become more involved in their communities and learn the skills necessary for taking on leadership positions.  It will emphasize such skills as public speaking, event organization, teamwork, communication and group leadership.  Students who are interested in this course will be expected to show a high level of maturity and a willingness to take on the added responsibility of this class.  There may be an expectation of lunch time meetings, presentations at parent council, involvement in events outside of class time and participation in student council to name a few.  Future career paths that could evolve from involvement in this option include: public servants, church leader and politician.

Legal Studies

Learn about how laws impact you, your family and others in your community through this option. Students will be examining the complexities of the law and its influence on your daily life.  A major emphasis in this option will be on creating and conducting debates. Careers related to this option could be: paralegal, lawyer and legal assistant.

Management and Marketing

Combining the skills of project management and marketing with enterprise and innovation, students will learn the processes associated with promotion for the sale of goods and services.  Students may lead to students proposing, designing, creating and testing a product.  They may also analyze a variety of advertisements, logos and slogans belonging to some of the world’s largest, most successful businesses. By channeling your creativity, students may take on the role of graphic designers to build their own personal logos and slogans and create a marketing plan for their product.  Note that parents may be responsible for some material costs associated with the construction of the product. This CTF course supports the skills found in careers such as: sales representative, visual merchandiser, market research analyst, etc.

POWER UP-Resource

Students will be encouraged to take initiative for their learning through time management and organizational skills.  Peer tutoring and teacher assistance will assist students with their assignments, and tests. This course is designed to promote academic success by encouraging students to understand and develop learning strategies that best serve their learning needs. To be considered for this course you must be referred by one of your teachers.

Tourism

Travel Planning: Combining the skills of Tourism and Management and Marketing, students will offer varying itineraries for someone (real or fictitious), based on budget, locations(s) and interests. They will learn how to plan for trips by leveraging online content and consulting experts for advice. Careers associated with the content of this option are: travel agent, tour guide and flight attendant.

Yoga

In Yoga students will experience the health benefits of yoga and develop their well-being and personal management skills – skills which will help them to balance school, work and other life priorities. This option may help prepare students for future careers in: sports instructor, recreation leader and active living coordinator.