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Academics

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International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme is a comprehensive, internationally-based program of studies which will appeal to motivated students who are intent on pursuing university studies. IB offers challenges and experiences beyond the regular high school diploma program and provides the opportunity to prepare for post-secondary study in all major disciplines.

Sciences

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Science 10

Science 10 is an integrated academic course which helps students understand and apply concepts and skills common to Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Strong math skills are essential, as each of the Science disciplines involves a level of mathematics.

Science 10i

*This is a course within the IB programme*

Science 10i is a semestered course similar to Science 10. Regular Alberta curriculum is presented in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with a core focus on energy, matter and change. Additional skills are enhanced, such as those involved in lab activities, lab writing, data analysis and project work.

Science 14/24

Science 14/24 is a blended course, offered in one semester, which combines the curricular outcomes of Science 14 and Science 24. Students are given the unique opportunity to complete their Science graduation requirement in one semester. They will obtain scientific and technological knowledge and skills that can be applied to their current personal lives as well as their future careers.

EXPLORE THE SCIENCE ROOMS

Physics 20 & 30

These courses continue the study of motion and energy using concepts and mathematical skills introduced in Science 10 and Math 10C. The description and causes of motion are studied through Newton’s Laws and Energy. These concepts are expanded upon in various societal and technological applications throughout the program. Communication and problem-solving skills are emphasized in order to prepare students for post-secondary programs. At the end of Physics 30, the students must write a provincial diploma examination.

Chemistry 20 & 30

These academic courses are meant for students headed towards a post-secondary program requiring a strong background in the physical sciences. High school Chemistry is designed to meet the Alberta Program of Studies’ four foundations (Attitude, Knowledge, Skills, and Science, Technology and Society (STS)). The following topics are studied: stoichiometry, diversity of matter, chemical bonding, gases, solutions, acids and bases, chemical changes, chemical equilibrium and organic compounds. At the end of Chemistry 30, the students must write a provincial eiploma examination.

Biology 20 & 30

Biology is the study of the astounding variety of life on Earth and of the interactions of these organisms with each other and their non-living environment. Students will develop an understanding of the anatomy and physiology of many human systems and their role in maintaining a healthy body. In addition, students will study molecular biology and how the complex fabric of inheritance helps to determine a person’s physical and emotional being. At the end of Biology 30, the students must write a provincial diploma examination.

Social Studies

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Social Studies 10-1, 20-1, 30-1

Expectations for the Social Studies -1 stream are more challenging, particularly in areas of concept development, critical thinking and skill development. It is expected that students following this stream have an adept and broad understanding of vocabulary and strong decoding skills. They should be active, regular readers of text and visual prompts. Moreover, students should be prepared for sustained inquiry and research projects, and be able to show independence in learning.

Social Studies 10-2, 20-2, 30-2

The Social Studies -2 stream has more focus on skill building and is designed for those students who would experience difficulty in the advanced program and/or those students who do not need the -1 exam for post-secondary entrance requirements. Students should be ready for active, constant participation within the classroom and be willing to take responsibility for their learning.

Social Studies 10i

This course includes the components and content of Social Studies 10-1; assessment criterion is based on the Alberta standard of evaluation. The full year organization of this course provides the opportunity to enhance and enrich many of the curricular aspects of Social Studies 10-1 while introducing students to important aspects of the History IB curriculum. There is an emphasis on critical thinking skills as well as an understanding of the events and people who have shaped modern Canada.

English

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English 10-1, 20-1, 30-1

This course sequence is designed for students with a strong aptitude for both reading and writing. Students must become more and more independent and be willing to rigorously develop the skills associated with critical thinking, expression of ideas in writing and speech, and personal meaning-making in response to literature. Over the three course levels in the -1 stream, students will develop their critical/analytical writing, reading, listening, speaking, viewing, representing and metacognitive skills. Students can expect that, with each course level, the thematic and structural complexity and sophistication of both the content of the literature studied and the expression and quality of their own ideas and writing will increase significantly. This sequence of courses will provide students with the skills required for entry into post-secondary programs including, but not exclusive to, the Arts, Education, Science, Business and Engineering faculties. At the end of English Language Arts 30-1, students must write a provincial diploma examination.

English 10-2, 20-2, 30-2

This course sequence is designed for students who are capable English Language Arts students willing to show the effort and skill development required for success. Students must become independent and competent readers and writers as they move upward through the course levels, with guided in-class reading and writing opportunities. Students will be required to learn the technical skills associated with reading with a focus on character context, viewing (the use of visual techniques in narratives), and writing practical, personal, persuasive and analytical forms. If a student is looking toward entering technical programs, the trades or other college level programs, the -2 course sequence is an appropriate choice. To complete English Language Arts 30-2, students must write a provincial diploma examination.

English 10i

*This is a course within the IB programme*

This course involves an introduction to both the English IB program as well as an introduction to English at the senior high school level. The course content follows the Alberta curriculum and the assessment criterion is based on the Alberta standard of evaluation. English 10i is a full-year course which provides students with the opportunity to enhance their writing skills, critical analytical thinking skills and presentation skills throughout the year. English Language Arts 10i is a full-year course taken concurrently with Social Studies 10i and IB Mentorship.

Math

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Math 10C, 20-1, 30-1, 31

This course sequence is designed for students that are prepared for the rigour and effort required for success. This type of student will have a strong aptitude for mathematics thus being able to handle sophisticated algebraic approaches to solving complex equations. The -1 mathematics student exhibits the greatest amount of detailed thinking and willingness to try and try again. This course sequence provides students with the mathematical understanding and critical thinking skills needed for entry into post-secondary programs that require the study of Calculus, such as the Engineering, Science and Business faculties. Some technical programs offered at NAIT require the -1 sequence of mathematics study.

The content covered for this course includes Absolute Value, Arithmetic and Geometric Sequences and Series, Exponential and Logarithmic Functions and Equations, Irrational Numbers, Lines and Line Segments, Linear Relations, Permutations, Combinations and The Binomial Theorem, SI and Imperial units of measure, Sine & Cosine Law, Surface Area and Volume of 3-D objects, Systems of Equations, Trigonometric Functions, Angles, Equations, and Identities, Transformations of Functions, and Polynomial, Quadratic, Radical, Rational and Reciprocal Functions and Equations. At the end of Math 30-1, students must write a provincial diploma examination.

Math 10-3, 20-3, 30-3

This course sequence is designed:

to give students a chance to upgrade their mathematical skills before entering into the 10C, -1, -2 sequences, or
to provide a practical amount of complexity, rigour and algebra skill needed for direct entry into the workforce or trades.

Mathematics 10Ci & 20-1i

*This is a course within the IB programme*

These two courses are taken in the Grade 10 year. They are mainly preparatory for the rigour of Math 30-1 IB and Math 31 IB. Courses follow the Alberta curriculum, and move slightly faster than normal to accommodate an extra unit at the end of each course: Math 10Ci includes a unit on radicals; Math 20-1i includes a unit on statistics and probability.

Math 20-2, 30-2

This course sequence is designed for students who are prepared to show effort and rigour required for success. This type of student will have an aptitude for mathematics thus being able to handle algebraic approaches to solving mathematical equations and the ability to apply logical thought to solve problems. The -2 mathematics student will exhibit a large amount of detailed thinking and willingness to try and try again. This course sequence is designed to provide students with the mathematical understandings and critical thinking skills needed for entry into post-secondary programs that do not require the study of Calculus, such as the Nursing, Arts and Education (elementary) faculties, and many other technical programs at NAIT and McEwan University. At the end of Math 30-2, the students must write a provincial diploma examination.

Math 31

Math 31 is the most advanced high school mathematics course and is designed for students who are presently taking or have completed Math 30-1. Math 31 emphasizes the practical and theoretical aspects of differential and integral calculus.Students do not write a Provincial Diploma Exam at the completion of this course.

Math 31 is required for admission into the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Science (Honours and Specialization Math or Physics), and strongly recommended before entering a Faculty whose program contains an introductory Calculus course.

GOALS

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GOALS

Quite often, the GOALS student will return for a second year of Grade 12. It is our goal to help the student have a successful transition into adult life. The work experience opportunities begin in Grade 10 (onsite). We continue to give more varied experiences, where appropriate, in Grade 11. During their Grade 12 year, when appropriate, the second semester is usually devoted to off-site work experiences. If students return for a second year of Grade 12, they can expect to spend most days of the year gaining skill sets in both on-site and off-site work experiences.

Languages

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French 10, 20, 30

This course is designed for students who have successfully completed Grade 9 French. The language is taught through an action-oriented communicative approach in a cultural context. Topics include activities, shopping, vacations and fine arts. In French 20, language skills are enhanced with activities at an advanced level. Films and music will be used extensively. The emphasis of French 30 is on increased ability to understand and speak French, as well as read and write with accuracy through structured and free composition. The themes of study include world of work, travel and tourism, media and conservation, and the environment. Aspects of the Francophone world will be studied through literary extracts, music and film.

Spanish 10, 20, 30

Spanish 10 is for students who would like to learn Spanish and have no previous experience. The focus is on learning to speak in realistic situations about people, school, activities and celebrations. Students will experience elements of Spanish-speaking cultures. Students of Spanish 20 focus on improving their listening, speaking and writing, focussing on foods, travel, shopping, and health. More advanced grammar and verb structures are learned while studying the cultures of Spain and Latin America. The coursework is the equivalent of first semester Spanish 100 level at a university in Alberta.

Spanish 30 will offer a more in-depth look into the rich diversity of Spanish-speaking cultures by studying aspects of the arts, music, technology and entertainment. Hobbies, sports and the environment will also be explored. The coursework is the equivalent of second semester Spanish 100 level at a university in Alberta. Completion of Spanish 30 permits students to commence their Spanish studies in university at the 200 level.

Knowledge & Employability

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These courses are intended to maximize opportunities for student success and to support high school completion. Students will become well-prepared for employment, further post-secondary studies, engaged citizenship and lifelong learning. More information is available from Alberta Education.

Students participating in this stream can also enter into RAP or Work Experience for further training in preparation for specific employment opportunities, or they can challenge an additional six courses and complete their Alberta high school diploma.