HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM
CREDITS FOR A GRADUATION DIPLOMA


Students who entered grade 10 for the first time in September 2002 and since are required to have a minimum of 18 credits to fulfill requirements for graduation. No more than 7 of the 18 credits may be grade 10 courses, and at least 5 must be grade 12 courses.

The following credits are compulsory for graduation:

Language, Communication and Expression
  • 3 English language arts, one at each grade level
  • 1 fine arts: art, drama, or music

Science, Mathematics and Technology
  • 2 mathematics
  • 2 science: from integrated science, biology, chemistry, or physics
  • 2 from mathematics, science, and/or technology

Personal Development and Society
  • ½ credit Career and Life Management
  • ½ credit Physically Active Lifestyles
  • History 10
  • Global History 12


HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT COURSES


Courses Grade
Level
Credit
Type
Grade
Level
Credit
Type
Grade
Level
Credit
Type

Arts Education
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.  Art 10 acad 11 acad 12 acad
2.  Drama 10 acad 11 acad 12 acad
3.  Music 10 acad 11 acad 12 acad
 
English Language Arts
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.  English 10 acad 11 acad 12 acad
 
French Second Language
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.  Core French 10 acad 11 acad 12 acad
 
Mathematics
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.  Mathematics 10 acad 11 acad 12 acad
2.  Pre-calculus
     Mathematics
    11 adv 12 adv
3.  Calculus         12 adv
 
Personal Development and Career Education
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.  Career and Life
     Management
     (½ credit)
    11 open    
2.  Physically Active
     Lifestyles (½ credit)
    11 open    
 
Physical Education
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.  Physical Education 10 open 11 open 12 open
2.  Aikido 10 open 11 open 12 open
 
Sciences
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.  Integrated Science 10 acad        
2.  Biology     11 acad 12 acad
3.  Chemistry     11 acad 12 acad
4.  Physics     11 acad 12 acad
 
Social Studies
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.  History 10 acad        
2.  Global History         12 acad
3.  Religious Studies         12 acad
4.  Religious Studies
     Practicum
        12 acad
5.  Social Science         12 acad
 
Technology-Related Education
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.  Production Technology
     (Ceramics)
    11 open 12 open


COURSE DESCRIPTIONS


ENGLISH STUDIES

English 10 (academic, 1 credit)
A thorough review of English grammar including paragraphing and outlining is essential to this year. Students will read from both non-fiction and fictional forms of literature and do extensive essay writing to develop technique. There will also be a public speaking component. Students will also have the opportunity to develop literary studies projects designed to follow their individual interests. Special emphasis will be placed on classical and utopian novels. This course coincides with History 10, which focuses on a survey of world literature from 1500 to modern times.

English 11 (academic, 1 credit)
The central goal of the year is the development of confidence and the ability to develop one's personal thoughts and express them clearly. The students will read from both non-fiction and fictional forms of literature including prose, poetry, essays, novels, speeches and drama, especially from the modern era. Strong emphasis is placed on discussion skills and public speaking. The importance of writing and development of a good understanding of English grammar, especially the improvement of individual writing technique, will also be pursued. Students have a chance to develop literary studies projects designed around their personal interests.

English 12 (academic, 1 credit)
Choosing personal areas of interest, students will develop literary projects of study. Group study will include further development of writing, novel study, poetry, prose, drama and speech. Research and note taking development as well as development of formal academic papers are focal points. Trends in literature and contemporary thought are explored through class reading and essay writing.

FAMILY STUDIES

Career and Life Management (open, ½ credit)
This course helps students to deal with the accelerated rate of change in their social, economic and physical world. Students enrolled in this course will learn to organize and shape their careers. This course deals with a wide variety of issues and situations which students encounter throughout life. The program is divided into three areas of study: self-management, financial management and the world of work.

FINE ARTS (ART, DRAMA, MUSIC AND DANCE)

ART

Visit the Shambhala High School Art Gallery

The process of learning and of creating is as important as the end product. The art program provides a unique learning environment where the individual can explore art materials, concepts and skills enhancing his/her own natural abilities. The joyful playfulness of art materials as well as the multifaceted possibilities of art media and disciplines are emphasized.

The development of a new way of seeing is encouraged, i.e., an awareness of the artfulness that exists in the world. By developing skills of visualization, the student learns to see more vivid forms, textures, colour, lines, shadows and shapes.

The program also employs a student-centered approach to learning. Students can choose their own projects and negotiate a system of assessment with their individual teacher. The teacher provides information and knowledge about the styles and media possible for these projects. Students' ideas, interest, and work with art projects are included in the curriculum.

This program encourages independence as students assume responsibility for their own commitment to education. By applying these methods of learning, students will connect with a more significant and meaningful involvement with learning and with the art process.

The program provides a variety of hand-on activities in a positive learning environment. Since socialization is an important part of the art process, an understanding of cooperative artistic learning and play in the classroom is maintained. There is also an emphasis on preparation and care of materials.

An important part of this curriculum is the integration of art with other subjects such as history and English. Workshops with guest artists, architects and craftspeople enrich the program.

Art 10 (academic, 1 credit)
In this course, students are to contribute to the well being of the entire classroom. Basic skills, attitudes and aptitudes are encouraged and developed in different aspects of the visual arts. Students work towards an ability in charcoal, pencil and pastel drawing, mixed media and collage, pottery and sculpture, watercolor, gouache, acrylic and oil painting. An understanding of spatial techniques and color is emphasized. Sources and instruction regarding art history are incorporated with reference to individual work in progress.

Art 11 (academic, 1 credit)
In this course, the concentration continues to be on the process while exploring the media of paint, drawing implements and ceramics. Students will draw and paint from examples of life and nature. They are also exposed to different techniques and styles used throughout the history of art making, including the processes of Chinese brush painting; egg tempera of the Middle Ages, chiaroscuro from the Renaissance; and impressionism, surrealism and pointillism from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Art 12 (academic, 1 credit)
In this course, students will continue to experience and expand their knowledge about the various art processes and techniques. In addition to general art history that enhances their kills and abilities, they will explore in more detail primitive and modern art. They will design and complete projects where art history, sculpture, painting, printmaking and drawing are essential components. Although a more in-depth effort is expected, the emphasis remains on the process and the progression of skills, knowledge, ideas and understanding of the materials.

DRAMA

Drama 10 (academic, 1 credit)
This course is designed to introduce students to drama and theatre arts, beginning with in-class exercises to develop concentration, self-awareness, imagination, openness and sensitivity. It will include improvisation, work with scripted plays, playwriting and attendance of several performances outside the school. This course will have class inclusion within the 7-9 program and culminate in public performances.

Drama 11 (academic, 1 credit)
This course continues the work of Drama 10 and includes independent contract work on the history and development of drama, ensemble groups, set design, technical support, as well as directing skills.

Drama 12 (academic, 1 credit)
This course continues with the work done in Drama 11.

MUSIC

Music 10, 11, and 12 (academic, 1 credit)
Students participate in the Performance Ensemble on an instrument or voice. They should also be participating in private music lessons on their chosen instrument. The ensemble will prepare works in a variety of styles, including pop, rock, jazz, blues and world music for performance.

LANGUAGE

FRENCH CURRICULUM
The Shambhala School French program is an activity-based core French program. The program has been designed as a student-centered approach to learning. It provides a variety of hands-on activities, which emphasize relevancy to the student's world.

The program encourages independence, wherein students assume responsibility for their own education in terms of homework, papers and preparation of examination with the understanding that they fulfill a standard of appropriateness required for the course. It also allows for recognition of individual abilities and interests for better achievement of academic and personal goals. Incorporated into the learning process is the student's existent knowledge. The program encourages risk-taking, problem solving and creativity to develop unique skills.

French 10, 11 and 12
Students develop skills, attitudes and aptitudes needed for communicative competence. They are encouraged to learn to speak, listen, comprehend, write and negotiate in French as a second language. Since each skill is interdependent and reciprocal, an equal proportion of classroom time is devoted to skills acquisition. The program exposes the students to authentic contexts in order that a communicative competence may be produced. As each level progresses, the ability in the second language to concentrate on the five areas of learning is combined with student interest and need.

French 10 (academic, 1 credit)
The students learn to read, write and speak in authentic situations appropriate to their learning levels and interests. The students develop the ability to listen, discuss and write and to negotiate constructively in groups. They also learn to express opinions, feelings and ideas in both a written and oral format. The primary focus is to develop confidence in speaking French.

French 11 (academic, 1 credit)
Students experientially explore their own interests in order to develop the five areas of language acquisition, i.e., learning to speak, listen, comprehend, write and negotiate French as a second language. There is an enrichment of vocabulary through a variety of sources both written and spoken. The students develop the ability to express descriptive and argumentative forms of expression in both verbal and written forms.

French 12 (academic, 1 credit)
At this level, more reading is encouraged in order to enhance the linguistic capabilities of both the written and spoken word. Vocabulary continues to be enhanced and grammar components continue to be introduced into the creative learning environment. The students develop the ability to express analytic and narrative forms of expression. Resources used for French 420, 430 and 440 include dictionaries, grammar books, books of reference, encyclopedias, magazines, newspapers, videos, tourist guides and flyers, art books, posters, and French, Qu‚becois and Acadian novels and poetry. Authors include Marie Claire-Blais, Antonine Maillet, Nelligan, Tremblay, Maupassant, Hugo, MoliŠre, Rabelais, Meaulnes, Fournier and Eluard. Visiting writers and educators also enhance the program. There is an activity-based approach, including discussion, dialogue, video, media, recorded materials and novels. These activities use language as a vehicle to a more authentic vision of understanding.

Achievement is measured by the students' preparation of materials, participation, interaction, and enthusiasm for the activities and by their ability to use language to achieve task goals. Assessment involves student self-evaluation, and the evaluation of the learning components to speak, listen, comprehend, write and negotiate French. Assessment involves a variety of strategies. Small classes enable our programs to meet individual interests and abilities, which includes students with French immersion experience.

MATHEMATICS

Mathematics 10 (academic, 1 credit)
This course stresses reinforcement and development of concepts and skills in varied applications and problem-solving situations. Topics include: linear relations, vectors, transformational geometry, polynomials, statistics and introductory trigonometry.

Mathematics 11 (academic, 1 credit)
This course is designed for the majority of university-bound students. The focus is on application of mathematics and problem solving skills and strategies. The course continues the study of algebra, geometry and trigonometry, with some introduction to basic functions.

Mathematics 11- Pre-Calculus I (academic, 1 credit)
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Mathematics 10 with a minimum mark of 75%. This is a program designed as a preparation for further studies in mathematics, physics, chemistry, engineering or other mathematics-oriented disciplines. It is intended for students who will have to take at least a full-year calculus course in their program at a post-secondary institution. The focus of the program is on theory as well as applications.

Mathematics 12 (academic, 1 credit)
This course involves problem-solving skills an strategies, relations and functions, quadratic and linear functions, including transformations and their effect on the graphs and equations, operations with polynomials, rational equations, exponential functions, logarithmic functions, analytic geometry and trigonometry with special emphasis in practical applications. It also includes a basic development and review of previously studied material.

Mathematics 12- Pre-Calculus II (academic, 1 credit)
Prerequisite: Mathematics 11 with a final average of at least 75% Emphasis in this course is on proof, derivation and problem solving. Many opportunities are provided to use algebraic manipulation in applied situations.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The senior high level concentrates on developing in students the need to change sedentary lifestyles thorough active lifestyles and active living, physical fitness, lifetime recreational skills and leadership. Teachers will take into account the differences, needs and desires of students as they promote healthy self-esteem through success and enjoyment.

Students will use a physical fitness program to maintain and develop desirable levels of physical fitness that will enable them to experience a more enjoyable quality of life physically, mentally, emotionally and socially.

Physical Education 10,11, and 12 (open, ½ or 1 credit)
A physical education credit may be earned through the participation in a formal physical activity within or outside of the school. A program must be worked out and approved by the supervising teacher. Possible areas of activity may include martial arts, equestrian arts, gymnastics and other sports.

Aikido 10,11 and 12 (open, 1 credit)
Known as " the way of harmony", Aikido is a Japanese martial art in which the principal of harmonizing with the energy of the opponent serves as the basis for the form. The practice involves many circular movements and requires the cooperation of a partner. There is also an emphasis on the discipline involved in the traditional etiquette of the formal class situation. The art is based on the fundamental approach of non-aggression.

Physically Active Lifestyles (PAL) (open, ½ credit)
This is a course designed to help all students make informal decisions concerning enjoyable physical activity both in high school and in adult life. The course introduces students to a variety of pursuits, including outdoor recreations, racquet sports, rhythmics, team games, fitness activities and cooperative games that promote improved self-esteem, fitness, fair play and a healthy lifestyle. PAL assists students in developing a personal responsibility for their own health and physical fitness.

SCIENCE

Integrated Science 10 (academic, 1 credit)
This course is intended to give the student a foundation in various science disciplines including biology, chemistry, meteorology and physics. Topics include chemical formulas, balancing equations, phase changes in substances and energy involved, Newton's Laws, biology of cells, plant nutrition and organic agriculture, and weather and climate change.

Biology 11 (academic, 1 credit)
This survey course involves the study of living processes and structure. Topics will include the definition of life, classification, evolution, animal and plant nutrition, cell structure and function, elements of plant and animal structure and function and genetics. The course will have a lab component, including some dissection. Students will learn and practice safe laboratory procedures.

Biology 12 (academic, 1 credit)
As a continued study of life processes topics will include the structure, functions and interactions of DNA, RNA and proteins, biotechnology, the human circulatory, respiratory, reproductive, excretory, musculoskeletal, nervous and endocrine systems, and human genetics. This course will have a lab component including some dissection. Students will learn and practice safe laboratory procedures.

Chemistry 11 (academic, 1 credit)
This basic chemistry program uses the advanced development of "small scale" laboratory work. Topics include: matter, a particle model of the atom, the periodic table, electronic structure of the atom, chemical bonding, nomenclature, formulas, balancing equations and an introduction to organic chemistry.

Chemistry 12 (academic, 1 credit)
Pre-requisite: Chemistry 11. Topics include a review of Chemistry 430, the gas phase, solutions, chemical and nuclear energy, chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, and oxidation and reduction.

Physics 11 (academic, 1 credit)
Pre-requisite: Mathematics 10. Topics include how light behaves, reflections and images, refraction, the particle model of light, introduction to waves, Newton's Laws of Motion, motion at the earth's surface.

Physics 12 (academic, 1 credit)
Pre-requisites: Physics 11 and Grade 11 Pre-Calculus Mathematics. Topics include universal gravitation and the solar system; momentum, work, power and energy, Coulomb's Law and elementary electric circuits, the magnetic field, electromagnetic induction and electromagnetic waves, the Rutherford atom, photons, atoms and spectra, and matter waves.

SOCIAL STUDIES

History 10 (academic, 1 credit)

Global History 12 (academic, 1 credit)
This course examines the major themes in the history of the post-World War II era-East and West. In this study, students examine history from three perspectives-social, economic and political, and use the research and inquiry skills of the historian.

Religious Studies 12 (academic, 1 credit)
This course deals with the role of religion in the development of human personality and community. Its aim is to familiarize students with the diverse religious heritage expressed worldwide. Assigned readings, projects, discussion, research, visits to places of worship, speakers from religious organizations and dialogue on aspects of religion will be a vital part of the course. Students will study paganism, Hinduism, Taoism, Judaism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity and Fundamentalism.

Religious Studies Advanced Practicum 12 (academic, 1 credit)
The student participates in a personal and intensive religious retreat experience of no less than 14 days in an organized group practice and study environment. Under the direction of a recognized teacher of a world religion, the student fully commits to the environment and practice. The experience includes a written expository paper encompassing the experience and wisdom discovered by the individual. Also, a period of personal study in which the student gains an appropriate level of understanding of the religious practice should be undertaken prior to the retreat. The supervising teacher and the school director must approve the program and a prior course of study. They will also determine the student's "readiness" to participate.

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Production Technology 11- Ceramics (open, 1 credit)
This course is an in depth study of the process of ceramics including the science of ceramics and the process of working with ceramics. Students will be responsible for creating products (pottery) and developing and carrying out a marketing plan for that product.