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Strands in the Arts Curriculum

The expectations in all Grade 9 - 12  courses in the arts are organized in three distinct but related strands, which are as follows:

A. Creating and Presenting or Creating and Performing or Creating, Presenting, and Performing (depending on the arts subject)

B. Reflecting, Responding, and Analysing

C. Foundations

Grade 9 Visual Arts AVI 101

This course is exploratory in nature, offering an overview of visual arts as a foundation for further study. Students will become familiar with the elements and principles of design and the expressive qualities of various materials by using a range of media, processes, techniques, and styles. Students will use the creative and critical analysis processes and will interpret art within a personal, contemporary, and historical context. 

Prerequisite: None

Grade 10 Visual Arts AVI201

This course enables students to develop their skills in producing and presenting art by introducing them to new ideas, materials, and processes for artistic exploration and experimentation. Students will apply the elements and principles of design when exploring the creative process. Students will use the critical analysis process to reflect on and interpret art within a personal, contemporary, and historical context. 

Prerequisite: None

Grade 11 Visual Arts AVI3MI (University/College Preparation)

This course enables students to further develop their knowledge and skills in visual arts. Students will use the creative process to explore a wide range of themes through studio work that may include drawing, painting, sculpting, and printmaking, as well as the creation of collage, multimedia works, and works using emerging technologies. Students will use the critical analysis process when evaluating their own work and the work of others. The course may be delivered as a comprehensive program or through a program focused on a particular art form (e.g., photography, video, computer graphics, information design). 

Prerequisite: Visual Arts, Grade 9 or 10, Open

Grade 11 Non-Traditional Visual Arts AWT3MI

This course focuses on studio activities in one or more of the visual arts, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, collage, and/or multimedia art. Students will use the creative process to create artworks that reflect a wide range of subjects and will evaluate works using the critical analysis process. Students will also explore works of art within a personal, contemporary, historical, and cultural context. 

Prerequisite: None

Grade 11 Digital Photography AWQ3M1

In this introductory course students learn about the digital camera and the techniques of photography, with a significant portion of time spent on learning and practicing good composition. Students will develop their understanding of design principles and apply them to the photographic process. Students will explore a range of subject matter through their studio activities, and will build practical skills. They will also analyse photographic art works and study the history of photography from around the world including Canada. 

Prerequisite: Grade 9 or 10 Art

Grade 11/12 Yearbook AWD3M1/4M1

This course emphasizes the development of the knowledge and skills required for the production of media works; specifically introducing students to all phases of yearbook production. Students will develop an appreciation of design through analyzing works in progress, and will create using a variety of technologies. Students will demonstrate skills in specific areas including, aesthetics, photography, publishing, layout production, collaborative group work, and art fundamentals. Through active participation students can develop their imaginative abilities and their capacity for self-expression, while refining the skills needed for lifelong learning and participation in the community. This course is designed with class-based activities providing students with experience in the actual business and technological concerns of interviewing, reporting and meeting deadlines while producing a publication.

Prerequisite: None

Grade 12 Digital Photography AWQ4M1

This course builds on the grade 11 course and continues to emphasize the development of the knowledge and skills required to produce a body of skilful and aesthetically pleasing photographic work. Students will create photographic works using a variety of technologies (e.g., digital camera, photo-imaging software, scanners, printers, strobes, reflectors). The  grade 12 course is designed to continue to broaden the student’s knowledge and skills, and provide a solid and practical foundation for future work in digital photography.

Prerequisite: Grade 11 Digital Photo

Grade 12 Visual Arts AVI3MI (University/College Preparation)

This course focuses on enabling students to refine their use of the creative process when creating and presenting two- and three-dimensional art works using a variety of traditional and emerging media and technologies. Students will use the critical analysis process to deconstruct art works and explore connections between art and society. The studio program enables students to explore a range of materials, processes, and techniques that can be applied in their own art production. Students will also make connections between various works of art in personal, contemporary, historical, and cultural contexts. 

Prerequisite: Visual Arts, Grade 11, University/College Preparation