Junior High Electives
For the electives, Grade 7 student's will be enrolled in 4 of the option courses throughout the year. (in addition to CTF).
Grade 8 and 9 will be enrolled in up to eight elective courses throughout the year ( inclusive of CTF).
All courses are subject to change depending on enrollment. Please see the current fee guide for costs associated with CTF and elective courses.
Alberta Learners License 8, 9
Thinking of applying for your learner’s license? Not sure how and what to study for the test? This course is specifically designed for aspiring drivers who need to write their Alberta Learner’s Permit Test. Through classroom activities students will learn and understand the content of the Alberta drivers guide. This course includes items such as rules of the road, tips for responsible driving, meaning of traffic signals and signs. You will also have the opportunity to try practice exams for your learner's license test.
Art 7, 8, 9
This course is an introduction to various techniques and media necessary for basic visual expression. It includes a series of short term projects involving drawing, painting, and introduction to clay.
This course includes design studies as they relate to the areas of visual arts and projects. This course allows students to explore and gain experience in various media such as: paint, oil pastel, chalk pastel, clay and pencil. The majority of class time is spent on studio projects and individual instruction.
Art students will undergo studies in:
- drawing & graphic processes
- painting (acrylic, water colour)
- studio work, collage
- mixed media in relation to basic design
- hand built pottery and clay projects
- Equipment/materials required for this course include drawing pencils, and a white eraser.
*This course has an additional fee. Please refer to our school website for the current “School Fees” found under the “Resources” tab.
Band and Choir 7, 8, 9
BAND 7
The Grade 7 year is the entry point to the Crescent Heights Band Program and is offered for one semester only. Students are introduced to all the instruments of the band and are assigned one or more to work with. There is a rental charge for each instrument provided by the school and students are required to purchase a method book.
Throughout the semester basic concepts of tone, rhythm, pitch, instrument care, and proper playing posture are introduced and reinforced. Students will perform in a concert setting at the end of the course.
BAND 8
The course content of Band 8 stresses the continuation and refinement of concepts introduced in the first year with the addition of more advanced musical fundamentals. More complex rhythmic and melodic material is studied permitting greater appreciation of various music styles and compositional devices. Students are required to purchase a method book through the Band Program. Students playing flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet or trombone in Grade 7 should purchase their own instrument for Grade 8. For some of the other more expensive instruments it is possible to rent the instrument. The Grade 7 year is the only entry point into the Crescent Heights High School Band Program, unless approved by the instructor. Students are required to participate in concerts outside the regular school day.
BAND 9
Grade 9 Band meets as a full combined band all year long. Course content stresses the continuation and refinement of concepts introduced in Grade 7 and Grade 8 with the addition of more advanced musical fundamentals. More complex rhythmic and melodic material is studied permitting greater appreciation of various music styles and compositional devices. Travel opportunities may include exchange with a co-operating Junior High school and/or a trip to the Alberta Band Association Festival in Red Deer.
*This course has an additional fee. Please refer to our school website for the current “School Fees” found under the “Resources” tab.
CHORAL MUSIC 8, 9
Middle school choir meets as a combined multi-grade group to rehearse and perform various choral works through the semester. Students will learn correct vocal technique, music reading skills, rhythm and (occasionally) choreography. Students will sing music from a variety of sources, styles and languages. No previous experience is necessary for choir at any level, just a desire to come and sing out! Students will perform in a concert setting at the end of the course.
Discovery Design Challenge 7, 8, 9
Are you creative? Do you like coming up with innovative solutions to problems? Do you like working as part of a team to meet challenges? Do you like hands-on activities and thinking outside the box? The Discovery Design Option might be what you are looking for.
Students will work together to design creative solutions to a variety of assigned challenges and real world problems. Students will build on their thinking, communication and teamwork skills as they work with a partner or team to design, build and test possible solutions through prototypes or models. The course will help students become independent, confident learners as they develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Drama 7, 8, 9
DRAMA is a fun introduction into the exploration of theatre, involving movement, speech, improvisation/acting, stagecraft, technology studies and theatre studies. All beginners are welcome for all grade levels. Most of the content and skills are explored while participating in drama games as a group. Students practice and improve their skills for performances. Teamwork skills are developed through positive interaction in small and large groups. There are also individual learning opportunities throughout the classes. Drama is also a course which can be taken all the way through to high school graduation.
CHHS has a state of the art professional quality Theatre with tremendous opportunities for students to perform both in class and to audition to be in a major musical as an extracurricular activity.
Possible areas to be explored include: planned and spontaneous improvisation, theatre sports, scripted work, film/video performance art, tableau, creative movement, mime, stage fighting, dance drama, storytelling, special effects stage makeup, set design as well as some technical theatre components to be taught on site in our theatre.
Drama facilitates an exciting environment where students will: develop self-confidence, self discipline and a positive self image. They will explore and develop both physical and vocal capabilities. Students will expand the ability to think creatively, and develop a sense for expression. We try to improve the ability to explore and develop the ability to initiate, organize, and present projects within a given set of guidelines.
Environmental and Outdoor Ed 8 , 9
How well can you hack it outdoors? These adventurous courses deliver hands-on education on wilderness knowledge, outdoor skills and experiences that are exciting, engaging and challenging. Grow wild!
GR. 8 OUTDOOR ED TOPICS: QUARTER 1 & 4
QUARTER 2 & 3
| GR. 9 OUTDOOR ED. TOPICS: QUARTER 1 & 4
QUARTER 2 & 3
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* At the end of the school year, depending on current health regulations and other external factors, a camp trip may be available for students who took Outdoor Ed. More information to come!**
eSports 8 , 9
Students will both practice certain video games and work through actual curriculums that were written by teachers, administrators, video game players, as well as medical professionals that have all combined to create a method for introducing eSports into schools while also working with students on what a healthy, balanced lifestyle entails. Other topics that are brought up are computer building, communication, team-work, how to deal with frustration, and many other health topics such as proper nutrition and sleep. The goal of the course is to find harmony between practicing and trying new video games while also showing respect for one’s mental and physical health overall. See the link at https://www.gamingconcepts.gg/ for further information.
Fashion for Pets
Do you have a fur baby at home? Need a gift for someone else? Are you interested in being able to custom make outfits, gifts and accessories for your pets? In this class you will be able to choose 2-3 projects to make for a pet. These can range from a cozy bed, a stylish coat, bandana, bowtie, leash, collar. This is not limited to cats and dogs either. There are possibilities for other creatures, guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters. Must have taken either Fashion 7 or 8.
Film Studies 7, 8, 9
Film Studies is a course designed to engage critical thinking skills and enhance visual literacy. Students will respond to and reflect on feature length films, short films and clips from various genres. This will include the discussion and understanding of cinematography, editing, sound, scripting, acting and directing. Students will analyze films by actively participating in class discussions, working collaboratively with their peers, writing critical reviews, conducting research and shooting their own films or short clips.
French as a Second Language 7, 8, 9
FSL 7
FSL is for anyone who wants to learn a second language, explore a different culture, and have lots of fun! You will complete group projects (magazines, brochures, videos), skits, and use French media to help learn French. Some of the units are Weather, School, and People Around Us.
Vive le Francais!
FSL 8
French 8 is a continuation of the Grade 7 French program with the emphasis being communication, understanding the message and communicating the message successfully. NOTE: students without previous French may enter at the Grade 8 level. The units are explored through engaging activities such as games, films and projects. The units covered will consist of Animals, Food and Clothing.
FSL 9
French 9 is a continuation of the Grade 7 and 8 French programs with the emphasis being on communication, understanding the message and communicating the message successfully. The units are explored through fun activities such as games, movies and projects.
No previous French experience is necessary.
History of Rock and Roll 8, 9
Do you walk around our school wearing a t-shirt of a rock band that you know nothing about? Would you like to learn about this band in order to avoid sweating profusely when someone asks you what your favorite song is? If the answer is yes, then this course is for you. History of Rock and Roll seeks to balance understanding the development and significance of Rock and Roll in its historical and social environment with maintaining a focus on listening to the music as the main mode of understanding. Through listening, analysis, discussion, music, and film, students will explore both the music, culture, and society of the day. We will start with the birth of rock and roll in the 1950s (Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley) then study the musical and social trends of the 1960s, including the influence of the British Invasion, which really signaled the arrival of rock’s second generation, the rock explosion and social upheaval of the late 1960′s, and the transformation in Rock & Roll music during the seventies, eighties, and nineties. The course will culminate in an exploration of today’s current musical trends and icons including: rap/hip hop, metal music, emo music, pop country, indie music, and those weird hipsters.
Leadership 7, 8, 9
Leadership 7 Superheroes in the making…
Do you like to make things happen? Have you always wanted to make a huge difference in the world? Do you like to leave the school and go on fieldtrips to learn? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are a superhero in the making and this is the class for you. The goal of this class is to teach students leadership skills through action. We will be working with elementary school kids and senior citizens and we will be the ‘superheroes’ in their day. We will play and create projects to assist in making the world a better place. Please come and join our superhero team – we would love to have you!!
LEADERSHIP 8 Making the world a better place!
Do you like to make things happen? Do you enjoy making a difference in the world? Do you like to help people, enjoy volunteer work, and enjoy learning by doing? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this is the class for you. The goal of leadership is to teach you skills through action. We will work with young people and senior citizens. We will play games! We will create projects and we will make the world a better place. We would love to have you join our leadership team.
LEADERSHIP 9 Change Through Action
Leadership 9 will include playing games, making movies, working with music, going on field trips and helping others. Students will learn valuable lessons in citizenship through doing rather than traditional desk work. Students will examine group challenges and video communications. Seven Habits of Effective Teens, volunteerism and project development are all part of the course. A Leadership Conference is available to those in the course and our goal is for all students to attend. We guarantee you a smile every day! This is a course like no other.
*This course has an additional fee. Please refer to our school website for the current “School Fees” found under the “Resources” tab.
Recreation Education 7, 8, 9
The Rec Ed. program provides an opportunity to experience a variety of life-long activities and sports. Activities chosen will be based on the abilities and interests of the students. Students wishing to enroll are encouraged to be prepared for the different activities These activities may include but are not limited to the following:
Martial Arts / Capture the Flag / Bowling / Table Tennis / Floor Hockey / Backyard Style Games / Mini-Golf / Pickleball / Yoga / Indoor Soccer / Rugby / Swimming
*This course has an additional fee. Please refer to our school website for the current “School Fees” found under the “Resources” tab.
Functional Fitness and Performance (Formerly Sports Prep) 7, 8, 9
The course is designed to assist students in achieving a higher level of performance in sport; This is done by focusing on fundamental movement patterns and quality over quantity. The ultimate goal is to have students learn how functional movements are key in developing strong athletic movements. Students learn the importance of proper warm ups, the need for diversification in movements and workouts, how to modify for limitations or injuries and how range of motion will increase athletic performance. Students will participate in training methods suitable to current developmental stages. The following components of fitness will be included within workouts or instructions: agility, balance, coordination, power and speed. In addition, students will learn competency in fundamental movement patterns like squats, pushes, pulls, lunges, hinge and carry.
*This course has an additional fee. Please refer to our school website for the current “School Fees” found under the “Resources” tab.
Strategic Board Games 8 , 9
These aren't your Grandma's games. Go beyond Monopoly and Catan and explore the world of tabletop board games. Learn and discuss strategies, play cooperatively and competitively against your classmates and above all, have fun!
This course focuses on developing strategic thinking skills, as well as promoting collaboration skills. Students learn not only the games, but how to work with others and are assessed not on whether they win or lose, but how they play the game.
Some of the games we play include: Codenames, Ubongo, Kingdomino, Mysterium... and so much more!
Travel and Tourism 8 , 9
Do you like to travel? The planning of a trip can often be more exciting than the trip itself as you research all the options. This course involves planning at the local, provincial, national and international level. Students will budget their trip, decide where and when you will visit, what activities you will engage in and much more. You will be a tour guide in your hometown, plan a weekend getaway in Alberta and discover areas of Canada and countries you've only heard about and find the coolest, most unique places to visit. Final Project: Plan your Dream Vacation.