Digital Media
This course concentrates on the field graphic design in digital formats. Using the Adobe Creative Cloud, students will have the opportunity to create a comprehensive digital portfolio including digital art, photographs films. In the introductory level, students are introduced to all facets of graphic design. By learning how to use industry-leading software and understanding the elements and principles of design, students will be able to bring their artistic visions to life! Intermediate level students will further these skills, learning how to apply them in practical and creative ways. The advanced level will focus on career-based application of skills and concepts, such as advertising and branding. Students in these courses are often the driving force of the posters, visuals and videos seen around the school.
Photography
Our Digital Photography course offers photography lovers of any ability the opportunity to explore basic and advanced photographic techniques while learning how to take their shots to the next level. This program has camera equipment available for student use. However, personal photographic equipment is welcome and encouraged. The introductory level has students experimenting with key aspects of photography, such as exposure, composition and digitally processing their images. Ever wonder how an ordinary photograph becomes the stunning shot you see on Instagram? At the intermediate level, students learn about studio lighting, experiment with a variety of lenses, and enhance their digital editing techniques while assembling a carefully curated portfolio of their work. Students are given the opportunity to flex their creative muscles by developing their own assignments based on their photographic interests. The advanced level has students developing and pursuing their own projects, while learning advanced camera techniques and Photoshop skills. Students will enhance their skills at editing and digital compositing, while honing their craft and developing their personal style.
Construction Technology
The focus of this program is the development of productive attitudes and woodworking skills. Students will develop skills in the safe and accurate use of many woodworking tools. They will also become familiar with wood products and other materials commonly used in the furniture and construction industries. A mature, team-oriented and goal-driven attitude is essential for success in this program. Most of the program is shop-based, with students completing projects that are designed to build their craftsmanship in a logical sequence. At all three levels of this program, the projects ensure that core skills are in place while also providing students with voice and choice. Once the required projects are complete, students may build additional projects of their own choosing for extra credits at the cost of materials. Students completing the program will have a skill set that makes them strong candidates for entry positions in the furniture and cabinet-making industry.
Cosmetology
The introductory level focuses on personal and professional grooming, body care and enhancement practices, providing students with opportunities to explore and prepare for cosmetology-related career options.
In the intermediate level, students build upon the competencies developed at the introductory level and focus on developing a wide range of skill competencies. This strand also enables students to explore a wide range of career-related opportunities. Emphasis is placed on client services.
The advanced level strand requires a high level of skill and expertise. Content within the courses will help prepare students for entry into the workplace or an accredited post-secondary program. The program provides approximately 375 hours towards the Provincial Beauticians Certificate of Proficiency. It is projected that under the new regulations for apprenticeship, students will be required to apprentice an additional 1,400 hours prior to their exam for certification. As the school runs as a full-service salon, there will be a heavy emphasis placed on customer service.
Food Studies
Food Studies courses offer students the opportunity to develop the confidence necessary to produce high-quality food at home or in industry. Individual courses are comprised of both practical application and theoretical learning. The introductory course is designed to introduce the concepts of food safety and sanitation, nutrition, food preparation and presentation, emphasizing the relevance of Canada’s Food Guide to personal wellness. Meals, desserts and snacks will be prepared. The intermediate and advanced courses allow students the opportunity to expand upon fundamental cooking skills to explore the cultural, social, and environmental impacts of our food choices. Each module will focus on exposing students to a diverse selection of food, and working toward creating food projects of their own design.
Mechanics
Mechanics students have the opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills related to the maintenance of motor vehicles and the impact of the automobile on our environment, our economy and our social well-being. Whether a student plans to prepare for a work-related role in the automotive industry, or simply wants to be an informed owner/operator of a vehicle, mechanics is a great educational opportunity.
The introductory level focuses on explaining how the major parts of the automobile fundamentally work, and provides students with generous hands-on activity designed to enable them to explore activities such as basic car maintenance, oil changes, small engine repair, transmission exploration, electrical repair and testing, automotive hand tool and equipment operation, and much more.
At the intermediate level, students investigate and repair a wide variety of drive train components such as transmissions, differentials, clutches and drive shafts. Students also explore the operation and repair of brake systems, steering systems and suspension systems. As a bonus, students learn how to operate Mig welders, plasma cutters and cutting torches safely. At the senior level, students learn about the operation and function of car engines and how to overhaul them. Students also investigate how various other engine related systems work, including: fuel, ignition, lubrication, cooling, air conditioning and more.