Our school offers complementary courses to suit our students’ unique learning needs, interests and abilities. All of our courses follow the Alberta Programs of Study.
At Vincent Massey School, we believe that Grade 7 students should have the opportunity to experience the full range of fine arts and career technology foundation courses. For that reason, Grade 7 students take a “wheel” of complementary subjects over the year. Grade 7 Band students take full year band and pick a selection of complementary courses. Grade 8 and 9 students pick complementary courses and are scheduled according to their preferences.
Course Descriptions
BAND (BRASS) - FULL YEAR Grade 8 & 9
Students will learn to play the following musical instruments: TRUMPET, HORN, TROMBONE, EUPHONIUM, TUBA, PERCUSSION. Students will build on skills and concepts learned in previous years and previous experience in band is encouraged, First year players are welcome.
Attendance at weekly morning rehearsal and all concerts is required. Band camps and tours are optional but STRONGLY encouraged.
Additional fees: Course fee, Instrument Rental, Band Camp, Band Tour (sometimes)
BAND (WOODWIND) - FULL YEAR Grade 8 & 9
Students will learn to play the following musical instruments: FLUTE, OBOE, BASSOON, CLARINET, BASS CLARINET, SAXOPHONE. Students will build on skill sand concepts learned in previous years and previous experience in back is encouraged. First year players are also welcome.
Attendance at weekly morning rehearsal and all concerts is required. Band camps and tours are optional but STRONGLY encouraged. Additional Fees: Course Fee, Instrument Rental, Band Camp, Band tour (sometimes)
ART Grade 8 & 9
This program offers students the opportunity to think about and create art in a variety of forms, learning diverse artistic techniques. Students who take Art will learn how to apply the concept of design to their compositions. They will be given the opportunity to experiment with a broad selection of different art materials and create drawings, paintings and sculptures.
COMPUTERS (CTF CompSci) Grade 8 & 9
Learn how to use computers creatively. We will focus on projects in the following areas: photo manipulation (Adobe Photoshop), logo and vector design (Adobe Illustrator-which includes making heat pressed t-shirts), and video production/editing (Adobe Premiere Pro & After Effects). 3D modeling and animation (Blender) will also be touched upon.
COMPUTERS (CTF ELECTRO-TECH) Grade 8 & 9
Students will assemble and control simple circuits using microcontrollers such as the Arduino Uno, and will demonstrate their learning through a variety of hands-on projects, such as the assembly and coding of a robotic car. As well, students are introduced to the basics of coding in a variety of languages (Pythin, C, HTML5), and will code an HTML website to highlight their work.
CONSTRUCTION Grade 8 & 9
Students will develop general knowledge of materials and design. Teaching safe work habits as students cut, shape, drill and join materials are a large part of this course. Students will complete a variety of projects using hand tools and some power tools.
DRAMA Grade 8 & 9
This course includes improvisation, movement, speech and performance. Through active participation, students will develop skills such as concentration, cooperation, script interpretation, movement, voice and characterization.
Fashion Grade 8 & 9
This course introduces students to design with fabrics; no previous experience is necessary. This option is hands-on, with the focus on developing sewing skills in the process of creating some fun projects. Students will develop knowledge and skills required to safely use and operate the sewing machine and iron, as well as the use of different sewing tools.
FOODS Grade 7 & 8 & 9
Learn about food safety and how to prepare delicious, healthy meals in one of our five domestic kitchens in the Foods Lab. Explore the role of food in our lives, from visual presentation and nutrition to its economic impact and preparation. Develop key skills in the culinary trade while preparing a variety of dishes such as pizza, cookies, and focaccia, along with specialized units like cooking with different types of rice.
Grade 7 students will design and plan a custom cookie recipe for their final cooking project. Grade 8 students will create and develop their own pizza recipes. By Grade 9, students will advance to planning and preparing two dishes of their choice, to be plated and presented together.
New this year! The Vincent Massey Foods program is inviting our community to share cultural or family recipes with their Foods teacher. This initiative allows us to reflect the rich diversity of our student population in the dishes we create.
What are you waiting for? Wash your hands, put on your apron, and let’s get cooking!
FRENCH Grade 8 & 9
Through activities, games, videos, communicative tasks and projects, students will explore themes to foster interest and enthusiasm for the French language as well as build confidence, independence and overall fluency. No previous French experience is required.
GUITAR Grade 8 & 9
This course extends the creative avenues available for students to learn how to express themselves musically and make meaning from listening to music. Students will learn instrumental technique, concepts, and theory applied to both classical and modern musical forms. No prior experience is required.
LEADERSHIP Grade 8 & 9
Develop skills needed to be successful in life and to become leaders in their school. Students will help with activities and events around the school. Leadership students will gain experience in leadership type roles and will obtain and understanding of difference leadership styles. They will learn how to speak in public, how to present information effectively, and other leadership skills. Specific projects will be student selected and student led.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION Grade 8 & 9
Personal and group development will be fostered through activities and games undertaken in class, as well as during planned field trips. Depending on the season, a variety of outdoor skills and will be introduced such as cross country skiing, map skills, outdoor cooking, hiking, etc. There will be an emphasis on developing awareness for safe habits and attitudes when participating in activities or using equipment.
PHOTOGRAPHY (CTF Communication Tech) Grade 8 & 9
Students will learn fundamental principles of still and video imaging using a variety of technologies. There will be opportunities to contribute to the school community through the yearbook, Vincent Massey TV and other activities. Students will explore photojournalism and other career connections.
PRE-ENGINEERING (CTF Design Studies) Grade 9
Through a variety of hands on and digital tasks, students learn principles of design thinking and problem solving. Students will build, test, modify and retest through a prototyping process in response to fun challenging design and engineering projects.
TRAINING FOR EXCELLENCE IN SPORT Grade 8 & 9
Students focus on personal development and responsible citizenship through sport. This course supports students in making connections between sport and their personal competencies, skills, attitudes and performance. TES supports students that are interested in developing their athletic abilities in a holistic manner while applying their learning to a range of life situations.