Curriculum

	Core - Grade 7
Language Arts	Language Arts has five general student learning outcomes.  The general outcomes are interrelated.  The aim of the English Language Arts is to enable each student to understand and appreciate language and use it through listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and representing experiences.  Students are expected to demonstrate the specific learning outcomes for grade seven while building on and maintaining their ability to demonstrate the specific learning outcomes for previous grades.
Mathematics	The mathematics content is organized into four strands: numbers, patterns and relations, shape and space, statistics and probability.  The main goals of the math program are to prepare students to: use mathematics confidently to solve problems, communicate and reason mathematically, and become mathematically literate adults, using mathematics to contribute to society.  Students will demonstrate an ability to estimate and make mental calculations with an emphasis on problem solving.
Science	The grade seven program consists of five units of study: interactions and ecosystems, heat and temperature, plants for food and fiber, structure and forces, planet earth.  Each unit focuses on a particular topic and develops three common themes: nature of science, science and technology, technology and society.
Social Studies	Social Studies provides students with the basic knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes needed to be responsible citizens and contributing members of society.  The course content is designed to draw upon history, geography, economics, social and behaviour sciences, and humanities.  Its content also serves as the context in which skills and attitudes are developed.  The new curriculum for Social Studies 7 traces the development of Canada before and after Confederation.
Physical Education	Students participate in team and individual activities such as soccer, football, volleyball, basketball, dance, fitness, gymnastics, and individual activities.
Health and Personal Life Skills	Addresses specific skills and concepts within five main themes: self-awareness and accepting; relating to others; life careers; body knowledge; and human sexuality.
	Core - Grade 8
Language Arts	The aim of English language arts is to enable each student to understand and appreciate language, and to use it confidently, competently and artistically in a variety of situations for communication, personal satisfaction and learning.  Students listen, speak, read, write, view and represent.
Mathematics	The mathematics curriculum is divided into six strands: problem solving, number systems and operations, ratio and proportion, measurement and geometry, data management, and algebra.  In all six strands, students are expected to apply previously learned skills and concepts.  Students will also demonstrate an ability to estimate, make mental calculations, and use paper and pencil strategies and calculations in addition to learning the proper use of a calculator with an emphasis on problem solving.
Science	The grade eight program consists of five units. Each unit focuses on a particular topic and develops three common themes: nature of science, science and technology, and technology and society.  The five units include: mix and flow of matter, cells and systems,light and optical systems, mechanical systems, and fresh and salt water systems.
Social Studies	Social Studies helps students learn basic knowledge, skills and positive attitudes needed to become responsible citizens and contributing members of society.  Social studies includes the study of history, geography, economics, the behavioural sciences and humanities.  Three types are identified for grade eight: Geography of Canada and the United States, Canada: History of the Twentieth Century, and South American: A Case Study of Brazil.
Physical Education	Students participate in team and individual activities within seven dimensions of activity: aquatics, dance, fitness, games, gymnastics, individual activities and outdoor pursuits.
Health and Personal Life Skills	Addresses specific skills and concepts within five main themes: self-awareness and accepting; relating to others; life careers; body knowledge; and human sexuality.  Health and Personal Life Skills has been incorporated into Physical Education Classes.
	Core - Grade 9
Language Arts	The aim of English language arts is to enable each student to understand and appreciate language, and to use it confidently, competently and artistically in a variety of situations for communication, personal satisfaction and learning.  Students will listen, speak, read, write, view and represent to manage ideas and information.
Mathematics	The mathematics content is organised into four strands: number patterns and relations, shape and space and statistics and probability.  The main goals of the math program are to prepare students to: use mathematics confidently to solve problems; communicate and reason mathematically; and become mathematically literate adults, using mathematics to contribute to society.  They will learn the proper use of calculators.  Emphasis will be on problem solving.  Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a Math Fair.
Science	The grade nine program consists of five units:  Biological diversity, matter and chemical change, environment chemistry, electrical principles, and technologies and space exploration. Each unit focuses on a particular topic and develops three common themes:  nature of science; science and technology; and technology and society.
Social Studies	Social Studies helps students learn basic knowledge, skills and positive attitudes needed to become responsible citizens and contributing members of society.  Social studies includes the study of history, geography, economics, the behavioural sciences and humanities.  Three types are identified for grade nine: economic growth: United States of America; economic growth: A Case Study of the Former USSR; and Canada: Responding to Change.
Physical Education	Dimensions of activity: aquatics, dance, fitness, games, gymnastics, individual activities and outdoor pursuits.
Health and Personal Life Skills	Addresses specific skills and concepts within six main themes: self-awareness and acceptance; relating to others; high school programming; body knowledge and care;   human sexuality; and substance abuse awareness.
	Options
Arabic Studies	The goal of the Arabic second language program is to enable students to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to communicate in Arabic in a variety of contexts.  The program focuses on expressing conversational ideas in an oral and written manner using the present and past tense.
Band	Introduction to band instruments and basic music theory.  Course has a performance component and will require practice at home.  Students will choose a wind, brass or percussion instrument and become proficient on that instrument.  Program is sequential and must be started in grade seven to continue into grades eight and nine.  No previous musical experience is required.  Fee - $60.00 for rental of instrument.
Computers	Students will begin by learning organizational skills for effective file and folder management.  Hands on projects using Microsoft Office XP concentrate on the organization, manipulation and presentation of information and graphics.
Drama	The goal of the drama program is to foster group interaction and a positive self-concept by encouraging students to explore life by the assumption of roles and by the acquisition of dramatic skills.  Students will be also study theater and technical theater
Foods and Fashions	This full year course is open to both boys and girls and teaches students the basics in food preparation and sewing.  Proper preparation of food, cooking, and baking principles are covered.  In Fashion, a number of projects are done involving both hand sewing and machine sewing skills.  Fee: $12.00 - $15.00 for materials.
French	Beginner French is designed for students who have little or no knowledge of French.  Students will learn basic vocabulary and grammar through thematic units.  They will learn to construct and communicate simple sentences through activities such as skits, music, art activities and films.  Emphasis on grammar, fluency and expression increases in grades eight and nine.
Islamic Studies	This course, offered in the English language, is geared towards both non-Muslims and Muslim students alike.  For non-Muslims, the course is designed to provide a better understanding of Islam as one of the three main monotheistic world religions.  For Muslims, the course is designed to strengthen their own basic Islamic values, beliefs and understanding.  The main goal is to expose students to the basic teachings and history of Islam.  This course will support the basic attitudes, skills and knowledge to prepare students to be effective global citizens.
	Please visit The Government of Alberta Education website at http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/parents/handbooks/ for more information on the entire program of studies.