SEAQUAM SECONDARY Course Planning for Grade 7’s to 8’s (note: this presentation will be posted on Seaquam.ca – For parents – Parent Connect)

Info. For Parents...  Grade 8 Parent night – April 9 6:30 p.m. Seaquam  Grade 8 counsellors 2015/2016:  Rob Rickey  Monique Costin  Don Kidd  Harvir Lalli  Norma  Where to access Parent Connect: your elementary school website 

HOW MANY COURSES DO I NEED IN GRADE 8? (in highschool, a ‘subject’ is now called a ‘course’) YOU HAVE 8 CLASSES TOTAL

6 (out of 8) Needed Courses for Next Year  English (language arts) 8  Social Studies 8  Science 8  Math 8 or Math 8 Challenge or Math 8 Core ( Essentials is usually recommended by your gr. 7 teacher))  Physical Education 8 CO-ED  A Second Language French 8 or Japanese 9  If you have been recommended for a support block it will usually replace the second language

A note about 2 nd languages:  Want to try something new? You can start with Japanese 9 in grade 8!... You then take Japanese 10, 11 (and sometimes 12) Or  French 8... You then take French 9, 10, 11 (and sometimes 12) Keep your options open! Some UNIVERSITIES require a language at the grade 11 level (SFU, UBC) but colleges do not

But what about the ‘OTHER stuff’ – the ‘fun’ stuff! Courses that are not required and at this level, are not ‘academic’ are called ‘electives ’ You get 2 elective blocks (out of your 8 blocks)

Electives cont.... Electives are offered as either a subject area that runs ALL year course (band or choir) in the same ‘block’ or ‘EXPLORATIONS’- 3 different areas that rotate through the year within the same elective ‘block’ (ie graphics, wood, computers)

Electives... What might my 2 elective blocks look like? one of the blocks andthe other block Band + Explorations or Choir + Explorations or Explorations + another Explorations Or Sports Academy + Explorations

Specialty Courses  ESL Support:  English Language Development (SP260B) Levels 1 & 2  ELL Literature Study (SP 260I) Levels 2 & 3  ELL Composition (SP260W) must be level 3  ELL Skills (English Language Learner) – academic support/study skills  Learning Assistance Support  Strategies for learning 8 (LD) (SP210)  Strategies for learning 8 (LAC) (SP211)  STUDENTS NEED TO BE RECOMMENDED FOR THESE COURSES – when we visit your teacher later in the spring they will let us know if you need these courses and we will adjust your schedule accordingly after discussing it with your parent/guardian

OTHER ACADEMY OPTIONS  Soccer  Drama  Dance  Film  Baseball (boys)  Hockey (south delta secondary)  Lacrosse (delta secondary)

Specialty Courses within the needed Courses  PE 8 Girls ( Softball Academy) (PE220s)  If interested you need to apply through Seaquam Secondary by the end of May (sooner the better!)  Two blocks are used within your timetable (ONE block replaces PE, and this the other replaces ONE of your elective choices)  More info and application forms can be found at

What are Explorations?  Group 1 Expl 8A - Music, Woodwork, Foods Expl 8B – Graphics, Woodwork, Business Expl 8C –Graphics, Textiles, Film and Video  Group 2 Expl 8D – Drama, Info Tech, Engineering Expl 8E – Art, Engineering, Metal Expl 8F – Art, Info Tech, Drama

Exploration’s area: applied skills Woodwork 8:  Woodwork will help you explore, plan, use tools, and build interesting projects; you can make a wooden pen plaque, key rack, or even create a puzzle.  22ADOEgsToPDskLalDjK-gTtg0-Mp0PxkxVd 22ADOEgsToPDskLalDjK-gTtg0-Mp0PxkxVd Metalwork 8:  Learn how to use hand tools, power tools, and machines to drill, cut, weld, file, and bend metal into works of art. You can create a sheet metal tool box, a custom piece of pewter jewellery, and a metal sculpture of your own design. Students who are motivated may also have time to create a unique piece of chainmaille jewellery.  PDskLalDjK-gTtg0-Mp0PxkxVd PDskLalDjK-gTtg0-Mp0PxkxVd

Exploration’s area: applied skills Graphics 8:  Learn the basics of communicating through images and type. Graphics teaches you how to design and produce business cards, and even make your own mouse pad, tote bag or t-shirt. Computers(Info Tech) 8:  Welcome to the world of Web 2.0. In ICT 8 students will explore several web based applications and experiment with iPad applications. Students will create digital stories with Social Media, Blogs, Digital Timelines as well as explore their creative sides with iPad photography and video. Students will learn the skills that they will need to be good digital citizens and the boundaries of sharing online.

Exploration’s Area: applied skills  ENGINEERING 8  This course will introduce students to the engineering process through interesting design challenges. Students will enjoy building and racing steam boats from recycled materials as well as looking at aerodynamics and flight with our tumble wing glider project.

Exploration’s Area: applied skills Home Economics 8: Textiles  This course is an introduction to the creativity and skills of sewing. Students learn to use sewing machines and sergers as they make personalized projects. Home Economics 8: Foods  An introduction to exploring foods and nutrition. Students will learn the skills needed to prepare snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner.  2ADOEgsToPDskLalDjK-gTtg0-Mp0PxkxVd Textiles 2ADOEgsToPDskLalDjK-gTtg0-Mp0PxkxVd  b22ADOEgsToPDskLalDjK-gTtg0-Mp0PxkxVd Culinary b22ADOEgsToPDskLalDjK-gTtg0-Mp0PxkxVd

Exploration’s area: fine arts Drama 8:  This introduction aims to develop in students: self confidence, teamwork skills, basic presentation skills and creative thinking skills. Assignments involve working in small groups on short-term projects to be presented for the class only. Students usually create their own scenes based upon guidelines set by the teacher.  g9sYg&context=C347db22ADOEgsToPDskLa lDjK-gTtg0-Mp0PxkxVd g9sYg&context=C347db22ADOEgsToPDskLa lDjK-gTtg0-Mp0PxkxVd

Exploration’s area: fine arts Visual Art 8:  This course provides students with the basic foundation for understanding how art has shaped (and continues to shape) our world. While there is some focus on skill building, the Art 8 program’s main purpose is to provide students with a space to develop their creativity as they explore new materials and techniques.  ext=C347db22ADOEgsToPDskLalDjK-gTtg0-Mp0PxkxVd ext=C347db22ADOEgsToPDskLalDjK-gTtg0-Mp0PxkxVd

Exploration’s area: fine arts Film and Video:  Film and Video 8 explores the basic skills necessary to tell stories through moving visual images. Students will begin by learning the basics of camera/tripod operation and computer editing. The final project will involve students working in groups to storyboard, film, and edit a short narrative

Non-Exploration Electives: fine arts  Band 8 or Choir 8  options for full year courses:  Concert Band – runs ALL year  This course is for students in grades 8. 9 and 10 who have already taken a beginning band course. Prerequisite: One year of elementary band (min)  Concert Choir – runs ALL year  This course is for all students interested in choral singing. No musical experience is necessary. Students will learn choral singing technique – vocal production, lyric diction, basic music theory and sigh singing.  7db22ADOEgsToPDskLalDjK-gTtg0-Mp0PxkxVd 7db22ADOEgsToPDskLalDjK-gTtg0-Mp0PxkxVd

So, an average timetable could look like…. 1. English 8 2. Science 8 3. Socials 8 4. Math 8 5. French 8 6. PE 8 7. Band 8 (non-Exploration course) 8. Explorations : Art, Engineering, Metal

What is an alternate?  While we try to offer you what you ask for, sometimes it is not possible (usually in elective areas)  If you don’t get your first choice, we need to know what else you might want to take. By picking an alternate, the computer knows what else to try and fit in your timetable! (electives only)  Yes – there is always a possibility an alternate will be in your timetable so pick WISELY! If you pick it, you will required to stay in it.

How to pick your courses? *Online*Online*Online*  You need to pick your courses online through our system known as Student /Parent Connect on a program called CIMS  The System opens April 7th and stays open until April 13th  Go to or your school website which should have a link.  If you do not have a password you need to contact the elementary school office to get one.

Resources  Your Teacher  Rob Rickey  Monique  Don Kidd  Harvir Lalli /Norma Brealey (  Seaquam Website – This presentation will be posted on the website under for parents - parent connect - course planning  The Course Selection Booklet is under for students – course catalogue

What is a course catalogue?  This is an online resource available at Seaquam.ca - you can find it under ‘For Parents‘ then ‘Course Planning’  The course selection guide will tell a little bit about each course so that you can make careful choices

What else happens at Seaquam besides schoolwork?

Peer Mentorship  A program for grade 8’s that aims to foster a healthy, safe and happy environment in the Seaquam Community.  How does this happen??

Grade 8 Strong Seaquam!  Your first 2 weeks at Seaquam will involve more than traditional classes in order to integrate you into the Seaquam student community. You will participate in workshops such as:  Safeteen  Organization + Study Skills  Online safety  Research methods  Teambuilding  You will have access to grade peer mentors throughout the year  There will be a variety of fun activities planned to help you get to know each other !

Something for Everyone...

ATHLETICS... Visit seaquamathletics.com  Football  Rugby  Swimming  Volleyball  Basketball  Badminton  Soccer  Track and Field  Field hockey  Ultimate  Lacrosse  Water Polo  Tennis  Curling  Softball  Cross Country Running  Golf  Intramural sports at lunch (i.e. floor hockey)

Be a Hawks’ Fan...

Be a Seahawk...

Seaquam MUSIC

Seaquam Theatre –

Seahawks like to TRAVEL!!  Cambodia (2012)  Vegas  Costa Rica (2015)  Spain  Peru (2013)  Hawaii  Arizona  Japan (2014)

School Dances...

Student Council...  Plans dances  Plans ‘buddy day’  Special fundraisers  Fun days – pajama day – tacky tourist day – Halloween costume days etc.  Valentines – carnation day  Spirit Days  YES! Grade 8’s can get involved!!

Clubs... To name a few !  Kendo  Photo  Badminton  Chess  Environmental  Ski  Humanitarian  Rock and Roll GET INVOLVED!! Want a club but it doesn’t exist??? START ONE!! - Need a teacher sponsor - Approval from student council

BLACKCOMB RIDE TRIBE – We Want YOU!!  Become a Ski Club Member!! Sign up in NOVEMBER – 4 Saturday trips per year - Dec – Feb (bus, supervision, rental, instruction, FUN - all included!)  First Come First Serve – Don’t miss the NOV. Sign Up Meeting!!

Reminders... WHERE do I go to sign up for my classes?

Parent Connect : Your elementary school website will have a link!

WHEN do I sign up? April 7 th -13th

PARENT INFO MEETING IS ON THE EVENING OF THE 7 6:30pm

HOW do I remember what to take?

This powerpoint will be uploaded on the Seaquam.ca website under: For Parents – Parent Connect – course planning

 Large school so we can offer varied course options  Competitive sports program  Challenging acadmic program options (IB Program)  Strong emphasis on humanitarian and environmental issues  Language options (French, Spanish, Japanese) and advanced language courses (IB program)  Well developed music and theatre programs  Strong emphasis on community involvement  Strong emphasis on and work exp. And career development

QUESTIONS?

Want More? Watch Videos! ON YOUTUBE...Check it out (using the following search words) Fine Arts  Seaquam theatre  Seaquam art  Seaquam graphics  Seaquam band Applied Skills  Seaquam woodwork  Seaquam metal  Seaquam culinary  Seaquam textiles