Grade 7 students are enrolled into a complimentary course wheel where they can experience the following courses in 8 week terms.
*Please note that course availability is subject to change based on staffing and student interest. All courses are half year courses unless otherwise indicated.
Art
You don't need to be da Vinci or Picasso, you just need to explore and develop your own art skills. Grade 7 art is very self-directed and projects reflect students’ interests. Students complete projects in drawing, watercolor painting, pastels, sculpture and more! Through the use of line, shape, texture, value and form, students explore and learn how to critique art, practice self-assessment and offer feedback to others. Students will discover unique ways to express their ideas while building basic skills. PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS A NOMINAL FEE ATTACHED TO THIS COURSE TO COVER THE COST OF CONSUMABLE MATERIALS.
Comm-Tech
Do you want to learn how to Photo-Shop images or paint with a drawing tablet? Have you ever wanted to edit a music video or make your own cartoon? Want to learn how to 3D print, and create your own gadgets like fidget toys and iPhone cases? What about creating a robot, programming games, or competing in design challenges with Minecraft? Hosted in the MidSun Technology Centre, students will experience guided design projects based off of the processes that real-world professionals go through every day. Students in Grades 8 and 9 will be able to explore new technologies through independent projects where they explore new technologies that apply to their own interests and potential career paths. In short, if you love technology and computers, this is the course for you!
Construction
Do you like building things? Want an opportunity to work with your hands? Students in Construction will learn shop safety, tool knowledge and, early on, can expect projects directed to increase experience and know-how with the tools and machines in the shop, in a safe and effective manner. Students add design elements and meet specific requirements through each project to meet the CTF outcomes. Projects may include: oven push-pull stick, step stool, napkin holder, and a wheeled toy. As students prove their mastery of the numerous tools in the shop, opportunities to have more creative influence and planning becomes available. Students will learn various woodworking skills from sanding, gluing, hand tool use, machine use (band saw, scroll saw, drill press, spindle sander) and finishing. PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS A NOMINAL FEE ATTACHED TO THIS COURSE TO COVER THE COST OF CONSUMABLE MATERIALS.
Foods
This course offers culinary students a comprehensive exploration of the skills and training required for diverse careers in the food industry. The curriculum delves into various aspects of food, extending beyond mere consumption to cover production, visual appreciation, nutrition, meal planning, economics, and preparation. Students will gain hands-on experience and knowledge across multiple domains within the culinary arts, culminating in the creation of their own recipe website, integrating skills from other Career and Technology Foundations (CTF) pathways such as marketing and design. Students will design solutions for final challenges, which include the Food Truck, Party Planning, Bakery Business, Restaurant Launch, Breakfast, and Chopped Mystery Ingredient challenges. The course will also cover topics such as food safety, cleaning, sanitizing, laundry, skill techniques, meal plans, event planning, plating, appetizers, breads, entrées, desserts, snacks, and decorating.
Drama
Do you love to perform? Come have fun acting and exploring expression through mime, voice, movement, storytelling and improvisation. Students will be taught clowning and pratfall skills that stretch their imagination and expressive abilities, creating hilarious scenes to be viewed by the class. Opportunities will be provided for students to explore mime through group performances in front of an audience. Developing a strong basis in physical acting, students will also explore voice in a Reader’s Theatre unit, engaging in several performances. The Drama program strives to build confidence and teamwork, a healthy self-image and improved communication skills. PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS A NOMINAL FEE ATTACHED TO THIS COURSE TO COVER THE COST OF CONSUMABLE MATERIALS.
Environmental Outdoor Education
Do you love the outdoors? Can’t get enough of being active outside with your friends? Then the ENVOE program is for you! In Grade 7 there is no shortage of active fun! You can look forward to learning how to track rocky mountain wildlife based on their tracks and scat, playing the “animal game”, learning how to read a map, orienteering races, learning knot-tying skills, making survival bracelets, participating in team building games and more! And don’t forget about the field trips! In Gr. 7 there is the opportunity to go hiking in Kananaskis, snowshoeing in Kananaskis, as well as a visit to an archery range. PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS A FEE ATTACHED TO THIS COURSE TO COVER THE COST OF OFF CAMPUS TRIPS.
Leadership
Do you want to make a difference in your school, and community? The Leadership program engages students in activities to promote and foster a positive SPIRIT within the school culture. Students to find ways to make an impact locally through events, activities, awareness campaigns and fundraising efforts. Volunteer service is an important component of the course with students needing to give back a minimum of 4 hours within the semester. Topics in this course include: team building activities, traits of leaders, leadership styles, time management, communication skills and public speaking. Students are encouraged to take part in leadership conferences made available through both terms. Successful students in this course will show initiative, self-discipline, a sense of team, a strong work ethic and be able to work independently.
Band (Full Year Course) * this is optional for students who choose to enroll into band
This course serves as the introduction to the instrumental music program. Students will learn to play an instrument and develop skills that lead to a lifetime of music appreciation. Previous musical experience is NOT necessary. Students enrolling in this program will be involved in some extracurricular rehearsals, clinics and concerts. Students, directors and parents will determine instrument assignments by the end of September. Grade 7 instrument choices include: flute, clarinet, trumpet, horn, trombone, baritone and tuba. There is an optional 3-day band camp in April, with numerous fundraising opportunities available to help offset the cost of this trip. All instruments are available to rent from MidSun at a cost of $100 for the year. There is an additional resource fee of $85 to help cover the cost of clinics, workshops, field trips and festival fees. Students registering for Band are making a full-year commitment.