SEAQUAM SECONDARY WELCOME & COURSE PLANNING FOR GRADE 7’S

2020 - 2021

Welcome to High School!

• Typically in the Spring of Grade 7 you will visit Seaquam.

• In June, Parents and new students are invited to a BBQ at Seaquam

• On the first day of school there will be an orientation for all new grade 8s.

• Our Peer Mentors (older students) will be on deck to help you adjust to your new school!

High School Timetable / Schedule

• Each subject is now considered a course

• You will have 8 courses in total

Required Courses for Grade 8

• Language Arts (English) 8

• Social Studies 8

• Science 8

• Math 8 or Math 8 Challenge or Math 8 Core

• Physical Health & Education 8

• French 8 or Japanese 9

Second Languages:

• French 8 . . . then take French 9, 10, 11 (and sometimes 12)

OR

• Want to try something new? Start with Japanese 9 in grade 8! . . . then take Japanese 10, 11 (and sometimes 12)

• Keep your options open! Some UNIVERSITIES require a language at the grade 11 level but others don’t

French if I am in French Immersion?

• Please sign up for FRENCH 9

(‘B’ or lower)

or

• French 9 Challenge

(‘A’ or Gr 7 teacher recommendation – limited space)

Electives in Gr. 8 ?

• Courses that are not required by provincial graduation program are called ‘electives’.

• You get 2 elective blocks (out of your total 8 blocks)

Electives in Gr. 8

• Electives are offered as either a subject area that runs ALL year (Band or Choir) in the same ‘block’

Or

• Electives are offered as a ‘set’ of areas or topics called ‘EXPLORATIONS’- 3 different areas that rotate through the year within the same elective ‘block’ (ex. T1 - Graphics, T2 - Wood, T3 - Computers)

Exploration Groupings

Possible Group 1

Expl 8A – Graphics, Info Tech, Theatre

Expl 8B – Graphics, Info Tech, Film

Expl 8C –Bus Ed, Art, Film and Video

Possible Group 2

Expl 8D – Wood, Metal, Textiles

Expl 8E – Wood, Food Music

Expl 8F – Engineering, Textiles, Music

Exploration CoursesApplied Design, Skills, and Technologies

Wood 8:• Design and build ideas into reality. Woodwork will help you

explore, plan, use tools, and build interesting projects; you can make a wooden pen plaque, key rack or even create a puzzle.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUAJh3Ki6Ok&context=C347db22ADOEgsToPDskLalDjK-gTtg0-Mp0PxkxVd

Metalwork 8:• Learn how to use hand tools, power tools, and machines to

drill, cut, weld, file, and bend metal into works of art. As an introductory courses to metalwork, the valuable life skills you will learn will be an asset for anyone who is interested in exploring the world of technology and trades as a future career..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjLtTj9MPMc&context=C347db22ADOEgsToPDskLalDjK-gTtg0-Mp0PxkxVd

Graphics 8:• Learn the basics of communicating through images and type.

Graphics teaches you how to design and produce business cards, and even make your own mouse pad, tote bag or t-shirt.

Info Tech 8:• This course will introduce students to the basic concepts of

computer programming. Students will develop pre-code planning skills and learn to use the interactive Scratch programming language. Example of Scratch projects will include several animations, as well as a maze, pong, racing and other interactive games.

Exploration CoursesApplied Design, Skills, and Technologies

Engineering 8 • This course will introduce students to the engineering

process through interesting design challenges. Students will enjoy building and racing steam boats from recycled materials as well as looking at aerodynamics and flight with our tumble wing glider project.

Business Education 8• Business Education 8 is a mini courses in the introduction

to the world of business and business studies. Core skills and attitudes in each of the essential building blocks in the business world are presented. The course focus will center on running a student business.

Exploration CoursesApplied Design, Skills, and Technologies

Textiles 8• This course is an introduction to the creativity and skills of

sewing. Students learn to use sewing machines and sergersas they make personalized projects such as a decorated denim pencil case, boxers and or PJ’s. Students wanting a challenge can do an additional project making things such as T-shirts, pillows, or even a purse! Textiles

Foods 8• This course emphasizes developing life skills with food. This

fundamental course teaches kitchen safety, measurement, and fundamental cooking principles. Students cook and sample basic recipes including : muffins, pizza, chocolate river bars, and chicken fried rice.

Exploration CoursesApplied Design, Skills, and Technologies

Explorations:Fine Arts Education

Drama 8:• This introduction course aims to develop the skills used to act,

produce, and express ourselves on stage and in every day life. Students play theatre games, create scenes and tell stories in many different ways. Students will explore dramatic forms such as mime, tableau, improvisation and scripted scenes and will work together with partners, in small groups and as a whole class. Drama 8

Art Studio 8:• In this course, students will have the opportunity to develop

their creativity while exploring new materials and techniques. They will complete a variety of 2-D and 3-D projects ranging from drawing and painting to cartooning and junk sculpture. Art Studio 8

Explorations:Arts Education

Film and Video:• Film and Video 8 explores the basic skills necessary to tell

stories through moving visual images. Students will begin by learning the basics of camera/tripod operation and computer editing. The final project will involve students working in groups to storyboard, film, and edit a short narrative. Film & Video

Explorations:Fine Arts Education

Music 8• Explore music in a variety of ways, and discover what

music is about at Seaquam. Students will develop melodic and performance skills by playing a wind instrument (provided by the school), rhythm skills in a percussion ensemble, and listening skills focusing on the music they listen to.

Explorations:Fine Arts Education

Concert Band 8 – runs ALL year

• Through performing a variety of music in a large ensemble students will increase their individual musicianship by improving skills on their instrument, music reading, and theory. This group performs at Seaquam and other venues through out the school year. Prerequisite: One year of elementary band (min)

Choir 8– runs ALL year

• Students for all levels of musical experience are welcome in this group. Through performing a variety of music in a large ensemble, students will increase their individual musicianship by improving as a singer, basic music reading, and theory. The group performs at Seaquam and other venues throughout the school year. Concert Choir

Concert Band & Choir:Fine Arts Education

Electives in Gr. 8What might my 2 elective blocks look like?

Band + Explorations (set of 3)

or

Choir + Explorations (set of 3)

or

Explorations (set of 3) + another Explorations (set of 3)

or

Sports Academy + Explorations (set of 3)

or

Arts Academy + Same Arts Academy (runs over 2 blocks)

Specialty Courses

Learning Assistance Support• Learning Support (only choose if have it now)

• This will replace an elective or a second language (such as French)

ESL Support• ELL Strategies (only choose if have it now)

• English Language Development (reading/writing)

ACADEMY OPTIONS District alternatives to in-school electives

• Soccer – Sands (N. Delta)

• Baseball – Sands (N. Delta)

• Softball – Seaquam

• Basketball – Richmond Oval

• Lacrosse – Ladner (DSS)

• Golf - Seaquam

• Film-Acting – Ladner

• Film Production – Ladner (Delta Manor)

• Visual Effects – Ladner (Delta Manor)

• Dance - Ladner (DSS)

• Performance (theatre/music) – Ladner (Delta Manor)

Academies• To learn more about what a particular academy can

offer and to find the information on registration and fees, please see the Delta School District website.

• Academies are ‘choice’ programs and a formal academy application/registration must be completed along in addtion to selction as part of your gr 8 program on the My Ed program.

Academies in my timetable?

• SPORTS ACADEMIES & DANCE take up 2 blocks • ONE Academy block replaces PE 8, and the other replaces ONE

of your elective choices)

• FINE ARTS ACADEMIES also take up 2 blocks• BOTH ACADEMY blocks replace your electives; you still have to

select PE

A Typical Schedule in Gr 8

1. English 8

2. Science 8

3. Social Studies 8

4. Math 8

5. Core French 8

6. Physical Education 8

7. Band 8 (non-Exploration course)

8. Explorations: ie. Art, Engineering, Metal

Selecting Courses

• We do our best, but sometimes we are not able to fit in your first ‘picks’ for electives

Selecting Courses: “Alternates”

• While we try to offer you what you ask for, sometimes it is not possible (in Explorations only)

• If you don’t get your first choice, we need to know what else you might want to take. By picking an alternate, the computer knows what else to try and fit in your timetable so that you get 8 courses.

• There is always a possibility an alternate will be in your timetable so pick WISELY! If you pick it, you will required to stay in it.

Selecting Courses: Online Only

• You need to pick your courses online through the new MyED BC system.

• The System opens on February 12th and stays open until 3pm on March 2nd

• Go to MyEducation BC link or your school website to log in• Find the Handout entitled “Course Registration for MyED

BC” • Follow the prompts on how to register.

Need Help/Advice?

• Ask your Grade 7 Teacher, Support Teacher, Principal or VP

• Visit our Seaquam Website –• This presentation will be posted on the website under Course

Planning.

• The Course Selection Booklet (which describes the classes) is also on the Seaquam website under Course Planning

Parent Meeting

• Meeting is on the evening of January 28th

• @ 6:30pm - Theatre

Connecting with Seaquam

Counsellors can be reached at follow emails (posted on website)

• R. Rickey (rrickey@deltasd.bc.ca);

• M. Costin (msalmon@deltasd.bc.ca);

This PowerPoint will be uploaded on the Seaquam.ca website under: For Parents --- Course Planning

QUESTIONS?

Something for Everyone . . .

Be a Seahawk . . .

ATHLETICSVisit seaquamathletics.com

• Football

• Rugby

• Swimming

• Volleyball

• Basketball

• Badminton

• Soccer

• Track and Field

• Field hockey

• Ultimate

• Lacrosse

• Tennis

• Curling

• Softball

• Golf

• Intramural sports at lunch (i.e. floor hockey)

Be a Hawks’ Fan

Seaquam MUSIC

Seaquam Theatre

Seahawks like to TRAVEL!!

• Cambodia (2012)

• Japan (2014)

• Costa Rica (2015)

• Spain (2016)

• Peru (2013)

• Hawaii

• Arizona

• Ireland (spring 2018)

• Italy (spring 2019)

School Dances

Student Council

• Plan dances

• Plan ‘buddy day’

• Special fundraisers

• Fun days • pajama day

• tacky tourist day

• Halloween costume

• Valentines – carnation day

• Spirit Days

• YES! Grade 8’s can get involved!!

Seaquam ClubsSee our website for a complete listing

• Kendo

• Photo

• Badminton

• Chess

• Environmental

• Ski

• Humanitarian

• Rock and Roll

Seaquam Ski Club

• Become a Ski Club Member!! Up to 4 Saturday trips per year - Jan – March (bus, supervision, rental, instruction, & FUN - all included!) Sign up in November & December.

QUESTIONS?