1. SEAQUAM SECONDARY Course Planning for Grade 7’s to 8’s 2019-2020
(note: this presentation will be posted on Seaquam.ca – For parents – Parent Connect)

2. WELCOME Goals for tonight:
Provide an overview of Gr. 8 and the differences between Gr. 7 and Gr. 8.
Share where information can be found
What does Seaquam offer?
Transition to high school: How can you support your child?
Answer questions

3. Coming to high school involves significant changes: - Youngest students in the school.
Larger building, more complex educational structure.
Many changes to the brain and body as students mature through puberty.
Changing social dynamics

4. There are also significant opportunities at the secondary level:
Large school so we can offer varied course options
Competitive sports program
Challenging academic program options (IB Program)
Strong emphasis on humanitarian and environmental issues

5. There are also significant opportunities at the secondary level:
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

6. Educational Program in Grade 8:
- Students are enrolled in a schedule that includes 8 courses.
Courses are usually in different rooms with different teachers.
Courses rotate through 4 days: Day 1: ABCD Day 2: EFGH Day 3: BADC Day 4: FEHG

7. ’Required’ Courses in Grade 8
English 8 (language arts) (En 200)
Social Studies 8 (SS 200) Cornerstones option for Eng. 8 and Soc. 8
Science 8 (SC 200)
Math 8 (MA 200) or Math 8 Challenge (MA 205) or Math 8 Core (MA 220) CORE is usually recommended by your gr. 7 teacher))
Physical Education 8 (PE 200)  CO-ED
A Second Language French 8(LA 200) or Japanese 9  If you have been recommended for a support block it will usually replace the second language

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

9. What is a Explorations ‘bundle’?
Please note that these bundle configurations appear on the Course Selection Form – when you go to select courses, please read those choices carefully on the Parent Connect form prior to selection.
- Bundle choice
Graphics, Info Tech,
Art
Graphics, Business,
Drama
Business, Art, Drama
-Bundle choice
Wood, Food, Music
- Bundle choice
Engineering, Textiles
Film
- Block choice
Engineering, Metal, Textiles
note: These courses run all year and students rotate through each topic area in the bundle in week sections

10. Non-Bundle Electives: fine arts
MUSIC 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.

11. Electives . . . What might my 2 elective blocks look like?
one of the blocks and the other block
Band Explorations Bundle or
Choir Exploration Bundle
Exploration Bundle another Exploration Bundle
Academy Exploration Bundle

12. ACADEMY OPTIONS Soccer Drama Dance
Film - Acting or Production or Visual Effects
Baseball (boys)
Hockey
Lacrosse
Basketball
Golf
Opera

13. Academies at Seaquam Softball Academy (Girls) Golf Academy
If interested you need to sign up through Seaquam course selection and apply to Academies (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

14. Specialty Courses ELL Support:
English Language Development - Levels 1 & 2
ELL Strategies
Learning Assistance Support – for students needing additional support with organization, social-emotional and learning progression.
Cornerstones 8 and Math Core 8 – designed to help students who struggle in English and Socials, or in Math.
STUDENTS NEED TO BE RECOMMENDED FOR THESE COURSES AND PARENTS MUST SUPPORT THEIR CHILD ENTERING THESE COURSES.

15. So, an average timetable could look like….
English 8
Science 8
Socials 8
Math 8
French 8
PE 8
Band 8 (non-bundle course)
Explorations (Wood, ICT, Textiles)

16. What is an alternate?
While we try to offer students what they 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, we know what else to try and fit in a student’s schedule! (electives only)
Yes – there is always a possibility an alternate will be in a schedule so pick WISELY! If you pick it, you will be required to stay in it.

17. 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 Feb 14th to March 4th
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.

18. Resources Elementary Teacher
Seaquam Counseling - Mr. Rickey
Seaquam Website – This presentation will be posted on the website under for parents - parent connect - course planning
The Course Catalogue Guide Booklet is under: for students – course catalogue

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

20. What else happens at Seaquam besides schoolwork?

21. Something for Everyone . . .

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

23. Seaquam MUSIC

24. Seaquam Theatre –

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

26. School Dances . . .

27. 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!!

28. Clubs . . . To name a few ! Kendo GET INVOLVED!! Photo Badminton Chess
Environmental
Ski
Humanitarian
Rock and Roll / Music Club
GET INVOLVED!!
Want a club but it doesn’t exist???
START ONE!!

29. Student Supports Seaquam Counseling Team Teachers Administration
Parents
Peer Tutors and Mentors
Student Leaders
Friends
Your child will encounter challenges in high school. These supports are there to help with these challenges.

30. How Can You Help Your Child Find Success in High School?
Be engaged with their learning and what is happening in their classes.
Establish successful routines and habits right from the start of high school.
Engage in communication with teachers and the school.
Provide emotional support.

31. For more information
Check out our school website (search Seaquam Secondary online)
Contact our school and our counseling team (R. Rickey)

32. Questions??