Course Descriptions

Learn about the elements of argument and composition as you develop your critical-reading and writing skills. You’ll read and analyze nonfiction works from various periods and write essays with different aims: for example, to explain an idea, argue a point, or persuade your reader of something.

The course content is organized into nine units of study that provide one possible sequence for the course. The units define the skills you’ll work on as the course progresses, but your teacher can choose the content and themes that you’ll focus on in each unit.

Learn how to understand and evaluate works of fiction, poetry, and drama from various periods and cultures. You’ll read literary works and write essays to explain and support your analysis of them.

Explore how humans have understood, used, and changed the surface of Earth. You’ll use the tools and thinking processes of geographers to examine patterns of human population, migration, and land use.

Study the cultural, economic, political, and social developments that have shaped the world from c. 1200 CE to the present. You’ll analyze texts, visual sources, and other historical evidence and write essays expressing historical arguments.

This course extends students’ experience with functions. Students will investigate the properties of polynomial, rational, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions; develop techniques for combining functions; broaden their understanding of rates of change; and develop facility in applying these concepts and skills. Students will also refine their use of the mathematical processes necessary for success in senior mathematics. This course is intended both for students taking the Calculus and Vectors course as a prerequisite for a university program and for those wishing to consolidate their understanding of mathematics before proceeding to any one of a variety of university programs.

This course provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of the concepts and processes associated with biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of biochemistry, metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, and population dynamics. Emphasis will be placed on achievement of the detailed knowledge and refinement of skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields.

The business leadership courses allow students to explore how managers function in organizations and take on the challenge of generating solutions in order to solve problems. These courses allow students to explore the roles, responsibilities, skills, and functions of management. Students will learn the factors that encourage effective leadership practices. Emphasis throughout the courses will be placed on the importance of ethics and social responsibility in the corporate world. Students will learn how to communicate effectively for business purposes.The courses in business leadership will prepare students to work effectively in organizations in positions of employment and management.

This course focuses on the use of social science theories, perspectives, and methodologies to investigate and explain shifts in knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviour and their impact on society. Students will critically analyse how and why cultural, social, and behavioural patterns change over time. They will explore the ideas of social theorists and use those ideas to analyse causes of and responses to challenges such as technological change, deviance, and global inequalities. Students will explore ways in which social science research methods can be used to study social change.

This course introduces students to the rich cultural legacy of the classical world. Students will investigate aspects of classical culture, including mythology, literature, art, architecture, philosophy, science, and technology, as well as elements of the ancient Greek and Latin languages. Students will develop creative and critical thinking skills through exploring and responding to works by classical authors in English translation and examining material culture brought to light through archaeology. They will also increase their communication and research skills by working both in collaboration and independently, and will acquire an understanding and appreciation of the interconnectedness of ancient and modern societies.

This course investigates the nature of the competitive global economy and explores how individuals and societies can gain the information they need to make appropriate economic decisions. Students will learn about the principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics, apply economic models and concepts to interpret economic information, assess the validity of statistics and investigate marketplace dynamics.

This course is designed to extend the range of oral communication, reading, writing, and media literacy skills that students need for success in their secondary school academic programs and in their daily lives. Students will analyse literary texts from contemporary and historical periods, interpret and evaluate informational and graphic texts, and create oral, written, and media texts in a variety of forms.

The core English course gives students the opportunity to hone their presentation, analytical and critical thinking skills through assignments and activities that incorporate both oral and written communication.

The core English course focuses on the refinement of literacy, communication and analytical skills. Students build on their understanding of academic language and practise using it confidently in discussion and argumentation both in oral and written forms.

The core English course focuses on the refinement of literacy, communication and analytical skills. Students build on their understanding of academic language and practise using it confidently in discussion and argumentation both in oral and written forms.

The aim of English Language Arts is to enable each student to understand and appreciate language and to use it confidently and competently in a variety of situations for communication, personal satisfaction and learning purposes. Ultimately, this course is designed so you can reflect on what literature communicates to you and how you are affected. Success in this course will demand a genuine interest in literature and the communication process, as well as, an open and determined mind as the course material is rigorous.

The Core French program provides students with the opportunity to further develop their skills in oral and written French while immersed in the French language and culture.

The Core French program provides students with the opportunity to further develop their skills in oral and written French while immersed in the French language and culture.

Students refine their oral and written skills through immersion with peers, teachers and French locals. French newspapers, magazines and art are utilized as research tools for group assignments and the Independent Study Unit.

Students refine their oral and written skills through immersion with peers, teachers and French locals. French newspapers, magazines and art are utilized as research tools for group assignments and the Independent Study Unit.

Students refine their oral and written skills through immersion with peers, teachers and French locals. French newspapers, magazines and art are utilized as research tools for group assignments and the Independent Study Unit.

Students refine their oral and written skills through immersion with peers, teachers and French locals. French newspapers, magazines and art are utilized as research tools for group assignments and the Independent Study Unit.

This course enables students to further develop the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy choices now and lead healthy, active lives in the future. Through participation in a wide range of physical activities and exposure to a broader range of activity settings, students enhance their movement competence, personal fitness, and confidence. Students also acquire an understanding of the factors and skills that contribute to healthy development and learn how their own well-being is affected by, and affects, the world around them. Students build their sense of self, learn to interact positively with others, and develop their ability to think critically and creatively.

This course explores the influence of human dimensions in a variety of applications. Students examine the historical and environmental contexts that define the relationship between humanity and its environment. The course framework relies heavily on hands-on activities and exercises utilizing the human form in context, and case study applications designed to enhance practical and critical analysis.

The International Business program is a competitive, hands-on introduction to the fast-paced world of commerce, marketing and real estate. Individual case studies, interactive assignments and real-world experiences engage students’ imaginations as they examine the paths of successful entrepreneurs and business owners, developing fundamental technical and critical thinking skills. Students also study classic literature from both Eastern and Western canons, such as a comparative study of Machiavelli’s The Prince and Sun Tzu’s The Art of War.

In the Introductory Spanish Language program, students develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in order to communicate in the language of study Spanish in a variety of contexts and for a variety of purposes, with a focus on real-life situations and uses. Through their exploration of a wide variety of authentic materials and meaningful activities, students develop not only language skills but also the skills necessary for lifelong language learning. They also acquire an understanding and appreciation of diverse communities around the world where Spanish is spoken, and make connections to their own community.

These courses offer students opportunities to further develop their knowledge of the Spanish language and to enhance their communication skills. Students will use increasingly sophisticated language in a variety of activities that will enable them to speak and write with clarity and accuracy. Students enrolled in Level 3 Spanish will develop the language skills needed to engage in sustained conversations and discussions, understand and evaluate information, read diverse materials for both study and pleasure, and write clearly and effectively. Students will also enhance their thinking skills through the critical study of literature, and continue to explore aspects of the culture of Spain where Spanish is spoken through a variety of print and technological resources.

These courses offer students opportunities to further develop their knowledge of the Spanish language and to enhance their communication skills. Students will use increasingly sophisticated language in a variety of activities that will enable them to speak and write with clarity and accuracy. Students enrolled in Level 3 Spanish will develop the language skills needed to engage in sustained conversations and discussions, understand and evaluate information, read diverse materials for both study and pleasure, and write clearly and effectively. Students will also enhance their thinking skills through the critical study of literature, and continue to explore aspects of the culture of Spain where Spanish is spoken through a variety of print and technological resources.

This course explores various perspectives on issues in Canadian and world politics. Students will explore political decision making and ways in which individuals, stakeholder groups, and various institutions, including governments, multinational corporations, and non-governmental organizations, respond to and work to address domestic and international issues. Students will apply the concepts of political thinking and the political inquiry process to investigate issues, events, and developments of national and international political importance, and to develop and communicate informed opinions about them.

This course broadens students' understanding of mathematics as it relates to managing data. Students will apply methods for organizing and analysing large amounts of information; apply counting techniques, probability, and statistics in modelling and solving problems; and carry out a data management investigation that integrates the expectations of the course and encourages perseverance and independence. Students planning to pursue university programs in business, the social sciences, or the humanities will find this course of particular interest.

This course emphasizes the refinement of media arts skills through the creation of a thematic body of work by applying traditional and emerging technologies, tools, and techniques such as multimedia, computer animation, installation art, and performance art. Students will develop works that express their views on contemporary issues and will create portfolios suitable for use in either career or postsecondary education applications. Students will critically analyse the role of media artists in shaping audience perceptions of identity, culture, and community values.

This course explores the fundamental elements of storytelling in photography and filmmaking, from narrative structure, genre, and character, to cinematic elements and visual composition. Students engage in hands-on digital media production as they learn how to work in a variety of roles. From producing, directing, writing, and editing, all dimensions of the the dynamic and collaborative media production industry are examined.

This course enables students to acquire an understanding of the nature of philosophy and philosophical reasoning skills and to develop and apply their knowledge and skills while exploring specialized branches of philosophy (the course will cover the following branches: metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, aesthetics, and social and political philosophy). Students will develop critical thinking and philosophical reasoning skills as they formulate and evaluate arguments related to a variety of philosophical questions and theories. They will also develop research and inquiry skills related to the study and practice of philosophy.

This course is dedicated to exploring the benefits of lifelong participation in active recreation and healthy leisure and to develop the leadership and coordinating skills needed to plan, organize, and safely implement recreational events and other activities related to healthy, active living. Students will also learn how to promote the benefits of healthy, active living to others through mentoring and assisting them in making informed decisions that enhance their well-being. The course will help to prepare students for university programs in physical education and health and kinesiology, and for college and university programs in recreation and leisure management, fitness and health promotion, and fitness leadership. Participation and development are the basis and most important components of this course.

This course is for students with a special interest in literature and literary criticism. The course may focus on themes, genres, time periods, or countries. Students will analyse a range of forms and stylistic elements of literary texts and respond personally, critically, and creatively to them. They will also assess critical interpretations, write analytical essays, and complete an independent study project.

This course explores how we acquire cultural identity; how groups maintain a sense of self; and how cultures are transformed over time. Japan allows students to investigate a culture fundamentally different than their own. As they compare the Japanese spiritual beliefs, art forms, and philosophy with their own, students gain a richer perspective while developing their skills of research and analysis.

This course traces major developments and events in world history since approximately 1450. Students will explore social, economic, and political changes, the historical roots of contemporary issues, and the role of conflict and cooperation in global interrelationships. They will extend their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, as they investigate key issues and ideas and assess societal progress or decline in world history.

Students will explore the origins and complexities of ideologies and examine multiple perspectives regarding the principles of classical and modern liberalism. An analysis of various political and economic systems will allow students to assess the viability of the principles of liberalism. Developing understandings of the roles and responsibilities associated with citizenship will encourage students to respond to emergent global issues.

In Africa: This program provides students with a foundation in the socio-political structure of the region and a more holistic understanding of a rapidly changing Africa within the larger global context. By studying regional literature from a wide variety of sources, students refine their analytical, critical and communication skills, while gaining a broader perspective of the impact of globalization, conflict and developmental sustainability on the continent.

In Asia: This program provides students with a foundation in the socio-political structure of the region and a more holistic understanding of a rapidly changing Asia within the larger global context. By studying regional literature from a wide variety of sources, students refine their analytical, critical and communication skills, while gaining a broader perspective of the impact of globalization, conflict and developmental sustainability on the continent.

This course emphasizes knowledge and skills related to the craft of writing. Students will analyse models of effective writing; use a workshop approach to produce a range of works; identify and use techniques required for specialized forms of writing; and identify effective ways to improve the quality of their writing. They will also complete a major paper as part of a creative or analytical independent study project and investigate opportunities for publication and for writing careers