YELLOW GRASS
SCHOOL
Guide to Course
Selection and
Course
Information
2015-2016
Yellow Grass School Course Selection
ACADEMIC POLICY (GRADES 10-12)
All grades Ten, Eleven and Twelve students are required to carry a full load of credits each
semester/year unless special permission to carry fewer is granted by the Principal. Permission will
normally be granted only under the following circumstances.
Individual Schedules
Yellow Grass School operates on a semester system. The "fall" semester runs from September through
January; the "spring" semester from February through June. Students are generally not individually
scheduled. Schedules operate on a six-day cycle.
The goal of Yellow Grass School is to have students graduate with as many credits as possible, but with
the very least a minimum of 27 credits. This means Yellow Grass School grants no spares in Grade 10,
one possible spare in Grade 11 and two possible spares only in Grade 12 for a maximum of three over
grades 10, 11, 12.
Exceptions may be made in extreme circumstances.
Course Numbering
The course numbering system agrees with the standard pattern set out by Saskatchewan Education,
Training and Employment. The first digit of the number indicates the year level. The second number
indicates the course orientation.
Example:
English 10 - is a first year (Grade 10) course
English 11 - indicates a modified class in Grade 10
English 20 - is a second year (Grade 11) course
English 30 - is a third year (Grade 12) course
Credit Policy
The following chart outlines the credit policy for secondary education in Saskatchewan.
GRADE 10
Minimum 8 credits
GRADE 11
Minimum 16 credits
Compulsory courses:
English Language Arts A 10 and
English Language Arts B10;
Compulsory courses:
English Language Arts 20;
GRADE 12
Minimum 24 credits (5 of which
must be at the 30 level)
Compulsory courses:
English Language Arts A 30 and
English Language Arts B 30;
Math at the 20 level;
Social Studies 10, History 10 or
Native Studies 10;
Social Studies 30: Canadian Studies
or History 30: Canadian Studies or
Native Studies 30: Canadian
Studies;
Science 20 or 30;
Social science 20 or 30;
Science 10;
Math at the 10 level;
2 credits in Arts Education or
Practical and Applied Arts at level
10, 20, or 30;
3 electives at level 10 or higher
6 additional elective credits at
level 20 or 30
Wellness 10, Physical Education 20
or Physical Education 30
Grade Standing
To have a complete Grade 12, students must fulfill the following requirements:
(a) Earn a minimum total of 24 credits
(b) Earn a minimum of 5 credits at the 20 level
(c) Earn a minimum of 5 credits at the 30 level
(d) Have completed all the compulsory requirements as given below.
(e) Earn a minimum of two credits in Arts Ed/Practical and Applied Arts Education 10, 20 or 30.
To obtain a complete Grade Ten at YGS a student must earn credits in:
(a) Two English classes (ELA A10/11, ELA B10/11)
(b) Social Studies / History 10/11
(c) Science 10/11
(d) Wellness 10
(e) At least one mathematics class (Math 11, WPM 10 or FND 10)
(f) At least two elective classes
To obtain a complete Grade Eleven at YGS, a student must earn credits in:
(a) One English class (ELA 20/21)
(b) One Social Science class
(c) One Mathematics class (Math 21, WPM 20, FND 20, Pre-Cal 20)
(d) One Science class (Science 21, Health Science 20, Environmental Science 20, or Physical
Science 20)
(e) Any electives to a minimum of 16 credits.
To obtain a complete Grade Twelve at YGS a student must earn credits in:
(a) Two English classes (ELA A30/31, ELA B30/31)
(b) Two Social Science class (Social Studies 30/31, History 30, Native Studies 30, Law 30)
(c) Two grade 12 elective classes
(d) All other credits to a minimum of 24 credits in total for Grade 10, Grade 11 and Grade 12
Yellow Grass School Course Options
(Note: Not all courses are offered each year)
**CYBER denotes a Cyberstone Virtual School Course Option is Available**
Grade 10
English *CYBER
ENGA10/11
ENGB10/11
Grade 11
English *CYBER
ENG20/21
Media Studies 20
Grade 12
English *CYBER
ENGA30/31
ENGB30/31
Social Science *CYBER
Social Studies 10/11
Social Science
Social Science *CYBER
History 30
Law 30
Psychology 30 *CYBER Only
Mathematics *CYBER
Workplace & Apprenticeship 10
Foundations and Precalculus 10
Mathematics *CYBER
Workplace & Apprenticeship 20
Foundations 20
Precalculus 20
Mathematics *CYBER
Workplace & Apprenticeship 30
Foundations 30
Precalculus 30
Calculus 30 *CYBER Only
Science *CYBER
Science 10/11
Science
Health Science 20
Physical Science 20 *CYBER
Science
Biology 30
Chemistry 30
Physics 30 *CYBER
Earth Science 30 *CYBER Only
Computer Science 20 *CYBER Only
Environmental Science 20 *CYBER Only
Physical Education
Wellness 10 *CYBER
Physical Education
Physical Education 20
Physical Education
Physical Education 20
Practical Applied Arts
Accounting 10 *CYBER Only
Information Processing 10
Electrical and Electronics 10
PAA Survey A10
PAA Survey B10
Practical Applied Arts
Accounting 20 *CYBER Only
Information Processing 20 *CYBER
Practical Applied Arts
Information Processing 30
Interior Design 30 *CYBER Only
Food Studies 30 *CYBER Only
Agriculture Production 20 *CYBER Only
Media & Communications 20 *CYBER Only
Other Options
Career and Workplace Explorations 10, 20, A30, B30
Apprenticeship A20, B20, A30, B30
Special Project 10, 20, 30
Dual Credit Courses (through Saskatchewan Polytechnic)
Life Transitions 30 *CYBER Only
Agriculture 30 *CYBER Only
Courses Offered
English Language Arts
Students take five compulsory English courses: English A10/11, B10/11, 20/21, A30/31 and B30/31. These
courses feature full integration of all aspects of communication: reading, writing, listening, speaking,
presenting and viewing. Both intensive and extensive work is done in these classes. Each of these courses
advocates a unit approach to instruction and students learn about language through purposeful,
challenging experiences. As well, our school offers elective English classes at the 20 level.
English Language Arts A10 (1 credit)
English Language Arts B10 (1 credit)
English Language Arts 20 (1 credit)
English Language Arts A30 (1 credit)
English Language Arts B30 (1 credit)
Media Studies 20 (1 credit)
This elective class shows students how popular culture pervades their lives and is promoted through mass
media. Students will be helped to better understand and analyse popular culture and mass
communications (including Internet, social networking, TV, cellular phones, magazines, film, newspapers
and music) and thus become better educated consumers of media.
Social Sciences
Social Studies 10 (1 credit)
History 30 (1 credit)
Law 30 (1 credit)
Psychology 30 (1 credit)
This course is offered through Cyberstone Virtual School only
Mathematics
As a result of the new Provincial Mathematics Curriculum the following course options apply for students
enrolling in Grade 10 at Yellow Grass School for the 2014 – 2015 school year and subsequent years. Three
pathways have been developed (as shown below) for students. It is not intended for students to take all
three pathways but rather make decisions about their post-secondary and career choices then take the
appropriate pathway(s). At Yellow Grass School, students are generally expected to enrol in 2 math
courses during each of the grades 10, 11 and 12 years.
Workplace and
Apprenticeship 10
Grade 9 Math
Workplace and
Apprenticeship 20
Workplace and
Apprenticeship 30
Foundations of
Mathematics 20
Foundations of
Mathematics 30
Precalculus 20
Precalculus 30
Foundations and
PreCalculus 10
Calculus 30
Workplace and Apprenticeship Math 10 (1 credit)
This course option concentrates on practical and applied mathematics. Students are encouraged to enroll
in this pathway if they wish to pursue further education and employment in trade related fields.
Topics to be covered include: conversion work and problem solving using the Systѐme International (SI)
and Imperial system, the Pythagorean Theorem, Trigonometric ratios, parallel and perpendicular lines and
their relationships, angles, Consumer Math (unit pricing and currency exchange, income)
Prerequisite: Grade 9 Math
Foundations and PreCalculus 10 (1 credit)
This option is encouraged for those students who will be applying to university. This course is also
necessary for students who wish to take Calculus in grade 12.
Topics to be covered include: problem solving involving linear measurements and conversion between the
Systѐme International (SI) and Imperial system, Trigonometric ratios, factoring, linear relations and
functions, slope, function notation
Prerequisite: Grade 9 Math
Workplace and Apprenticeship Math 20 (1 credit)
This course option is intended for students who are looking at entry into the majority of trades (ex.
Electronics Technician – Sask Polytechnic (was SIAST) or for direct entry into the work force. Please note
however, it is important for students to investigate to determine if this is a possible pathway for entrance
for some university programs as well (ex. Social Work – U of R).
Topics to be covered include: conversion work and problem solving using in the Systѐme International (SI)
and Imperial system in area, volume and capacity measurements, problem solving in right triangles,
modeling and drawing 3-D objects and their views including to scale, budgeting and personal finances, and
slope
Prerequisite: Workplace and Apprenticeship 10
Foundations of Mathematics 20 (1 credit)
This course option is intended for students who wish to continue in post-secondary studies in programs
that do not require Calculus (ex. Kinesiology – U of S). Please note however, it is also an acceptable
entrance requirement for Sask Polytechnic (was SIAST) programs such as Nursing or Power Engineering
Technician.
Topics to be covered include: problem solving using rates, scale diagrams and scale factor, properties of
angles and triangles, cosine and sine laws, inductive, deductive and spatial reasoning, normal distributions
and statistics, quadratic functions
Prerequisite: Foundations and Pre-Calculus 10
PreCalculus 20 (1 credit)
Workplace and Apprenticeship Math 30 (1 credit)
Foundations of Mathematics 30 (1 credit)
PreCalculus 30 (1 credit)
Calculus 30 (1 credit)
This course is offered through Cyberstone Virtual School only
Physical and Life Sciences
Computer
Science 20
Health Science
20
Grade 9
Science
Science 10
Biology 30
Environmental
Science 20
Earth Science
30
Physical
Science 20
Chemistry 30
Physics 30
Science 10 (1 credit)
This course includes the diverse topics of physical and life sciences. Ecosystem interactions and
biodiversity will be investigated alongside the impact and consequences of human activities. Students will
experience a variety of chemical reactions, including the role of energy changes. They will name, write and
represent compounds and chemical reactions. Force and motion will be explored as they relate to
constant speed, constant acceleration and their causes. The development and societal impact of motionrelated technologies will also be studied.
Prerequisite: Grade 9 Science
Health Science 20 (1 credit)
This course will challenge students to look at the health science field from holistic and analytic
perspectives to provide a basis for making sound personal health choices. Students will examine the range
of philosophies that guide health care and consider ethical decision within those contexts. Understanding
the basic anatomy and physiology of the human body will provide a context for studying the normal and
abnormal functioning of various body systems, including the role of nutrition and metabolism. Lastly,
students will examine diagnostic tools and procedures and how they are used to inform treatment.
Students will also investigate the range of health science careers and post-secondary programs available in
Saskatchewan.
Prerequisite: Science 10
Environmental Science 20 (1 credit)
Students will learn how to examine local and global environmental issues from a systems perspective
while considering the effects of human actions and a growing global population on the climate and
environment, as well as the effects of the environment on human health. They will explore the
mechanisms and importance of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and the sustainability of past and
current practices and technologies humans have developed to live with and within the environment.
Prerequisite: Science 10
This course is offered through Cyberstone Virtual School only
Physical Science 20 (1 credit)
This course combines chemistry and physics in an integrated manner to investigate concepts related to
heating and cooling, the foundations of chemistry, including the mole and quantitative analysis of
molecules and chemical reactions, and the characteristics and properties of waves. An overarching theme
is the study of the enterprise of public and private science as it occurs in agriculture, industry, and
universities to help students better understand various physical science related career paths. Student
inquiry will guide independent investigations of physical science phenomena.
Prerequisite: Science 10
Computer Science 20 (1 credit)
Computer Science 20 introduces the student to writing computer code; that is, instructions that make a
computer perform a task or solve a problem. While learning to write code, the student will develop
problem solving and logic skills.
Areas to be covered may include some, of the following: computer components, computer tear down and
computer rebuild, installation of operating systems, networking computers, programming of virtual cars,
Python coding, graphics programming, problem solving with Python.
Prerequisite: Science 10
This course is offered through Cyberstone Virtual School only
Earth Science 30 (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Physical Science 20 or Environmental Science 20
This course is offered through Cyberstone Virtual School only
Biology 30 (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Health Science 20 or Environmental Science 20
Chemistry 30 (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Physical Science 20
Physics 30 (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Physical Science 20
Physical Education
Wellness 10 (1 credit)
Physical Education 20 (1 credit)
Physical Education 30 (1 credit)
Practical and Applied Arts
Accounting 10 (1 credit)
This course is offered through Cyberstone Virtual School only
Accounting 20 (1 credit)
This course is offered through Cyberstone Virtual School only
Information Processing 10 (1 credit)
Information Processing 20 (1 credit)
Information Processing 30 (1 credit)
Electrical and Electronics 10 (1 credit)
PAA Survey A10 (1 credit)
PAA Survey B10 (1 credit)
Agriculture Production 20 (1 credit)
This course is offered through Cyberstone Virtual School only
Media and Communications 20 (1 credit)
This course is offered through Cyberstone Virtual School only
Interior Design 30 (1 credit)
This course is offered through Cyberstone Virtual School only
Food Studies 30 (1 credit)
This course is offered through Cyberstone Virtual School only
Life Transitions 30 (1 credit)
This course is offered through Cyberstone Virtual School only
Agriculture 30 (1 credit)
This course is offered through Cyberstone Virtual School only
Alternate Course Selections
Driver Education (Non-credit course)
There will be classroom instruction along with in-car training to help students prepare for written and road
tests required to obtain drivers licenses. Driver Education became mandatory as of 1996 and must be
taken throughout the school program or privately at the student’s own cost. There will be a sign up sheet
in the office early in the fall. Any student eligible will be accommodated.
Career and Work Explorations
Career and Work Exploration is a non-prerequisite course that combines theory-based and experiential
learning components in career development. Students may earn up to four CWEX credits which may be
used to fulfill the provincial graduation requirements. Students access the community as a learning
environment and by doing so increase their opportunities for career life success. The curriculum promotes
career planning and decision making. It aims at helping students to expand their occupational awareness
and relate their educational choices to career development while keeping a wide variety of pathways open
for consideration. Students spend 40-70 hours with an employer in a job placement. Students are not
permitted, however, to earn a wage from their employer during their work experience. Additional hours in
theory based assignments and courses make up the remaining hours to total the required 100 hours to
complete the credit. Students are required to meet with the Career Development Counsellor or Principal
to obtain an application and to set up the work placement and theory components.
Special Project Courses
South East Cornerstone School Division may approve the granting of three “Special Project Credits” per
student registered at a division high school for an out-of-school initiative. This granting will recognize
student achievement in areas outside the regular secondary level program. It encourages students to
become involved in the selection, planning, and organization of their own program. Programs may include
areas of study such as community service, in-depth research in academic training, technology, the
performing arts, athletics, and entrepreneurship. Students attending Yellow Grass School are allowed to
apply, following a consultation with the Career Development Counsellor, each of their three years. The
credit(s) granted will be at the grade level in which the student is enrolled.
Apprenticeship Credits
Students who are employed under the supervision of a certified journeyperson in a provincially recognized
trade are eligible for the Apprenticeship Credits. Students may earn up to four Apprenticeship credits
which may be used to fulfil the provincial graduation requirements. The Apprenticeship credits may be
used as the required PAA credits for graduation as well. For each 100 hours that a student works (receives
a wage) under the supervision of a journeyperson an Apprenticeship credit can be earned. All of the hours
a student accumulates as part of the Apprenticeship credits may be honoured and recognized as trade
hours by Saskatchewan Apprenticeship towards the journeyman certification program. Students can
obtain an application form from the Career Development Counsellor and must have their Apprenticeship
Credits approved prior to any of their employment hours being recognized by the school for the purposes
of the Apprenticeship Credits.
Dual Credit Courses (Offered via Saskatchewan Polytechnic)
Students enrolled in dual credit courses can received both 1 credit in a high school course as well as
Polytechnic course credits. Courses have tuition costs involved which must be covered by the student
wishing to enrol in the course. If you are interested in any of these courses, please contact the Career
Development Counsellor or the Principal ASAP, as there are specific deadline dates for these courses.
Interpersonal Communications 30L (COMM 291 – Interpersonal Communications)
Credit Units: 2.0
You will develop employability skills through the study of interpersonal
Course Hours: 30.0
communications theory and applications in the workplace. Learning outcomes
Tuition Fees: $391
include the importance of self-awareness and self-esteem, perception
problems, verbal and nonverbal messages, and listening skills, creating positive
communication climates and resolving interpersonal conflict.
The online course uses an asynchronous tool, allowing access to course
material at any time convenient for the student. High-speed internet is
recommended.
Industrial Communications 30L (Comm 127: Industrial Communications)
Credit Units: 2.0
You will practice fundamental employability skills related to oral and written
Course Hours: 30.0
communications. You will also practice employability skills related to working
Tuition Fees: $391
effectively with others. You will learn personal employability skills and the
effect of attitudes and behaviours on a successful job search.
This course uses an asynchronous tool, allowing access to course material at a
time that is convenient to the student.
Saskatchewan high School students successfully completing this course will
receive credit in the Industry Communications (COMM 127) course and will
also receive credit in the approved high school locally developed course,
Industrial Communication 30L. Although this is a locally developed course, it is
available to all Saskatchewan high school students taking the Saskatchewan
Polytechnic
Psychology 30 (ECE 106: Role of Play in Early Childhood Education)
Credit Units: 3.0
You will learn about the role of play in the development of skills and abilities of
Course Hours: 40.0
young children. You will focus on the value of play in early childhood
Tuition Fees: $405
development programming and the role of the early childhood educator in
expanding the play opportunities for children.
Health, Safety and Nutrition 30L (ECE 142: Health, Safety and Nutrition)
Credit Units: 3.0
Your studies will focus on creating environments and practices that contribute
Course Hours: 40.0
to the health, safety, and nutritional needs of children. You will study the
Tuition Fees: $405
physical development of children. You will also receive information that will
assist you in identifying and addressing health and safety issues including
abuse and neglect.
Drafting and Computer‐Aided Design 20 (DRFT390)
Credit Units: 2.0
You will study the basic concepts of computer assisted drafting. You will learn
Course Hours: 30.0
how to use the AutoCAD user interface as it pertains to two dimensional CAD
Tuition Fees: $520
drawings. The course content includes drawing set-up, coordinate systems,
drawing tools, editing commands, display options, layers, colors, line types,
text, basic dimensioning and plot commands.
Saskatchewan high School students successfully completing this course will
receive credit in the Saskatchewan Polytechnic CAD/CAM Engineering program
upon admission and will also receive credit in the high school course, Drafting
and Computer-Aided Design 20. This course is a pre-requisite course to DRFT
391 CAD Drafting Level 2.
Drafting and Computer‐Aided Design 30 (DRFT391)
Credit Units: 2.0
You will study advanced concepts of computer assisted drafting. The course
Course Hours: 30.0
content includes blocks, XREF’s, plotting, dimensioning, advanced editing and
Tuition Fees: $520
drawing techniques and an introduction to 3D drafting.
Saskatchewan high School students successfully completing this course will
receive credit in the Saskatchewan Polytechnic CAD/CAM Engineering program
upon admission and will also receive credit in the high school course, Drafting
and Computer-Aided Design 30.
Medical Terminology 30L (MED161)
Credit Units: 2.0
Your studies will focus on medical language and its use in practical situations.
Course Hours: 30.0
You will be introduced to the structure and function of medical language and
Tuition Fees: $520
the medical terms relating to body systems.
Saskatchewan high school students successfully completing this course will
receive credit in the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Health Information
Management program upon admission and will also receive credit for the
Saskatchewan high school Medical Terminology 30L course This course is also
recognized as an equivalency for the medical terminology course in the
following programs, Combined Lab and X-Ray Technician, Cytotechnology
Diploma, Medical Laboratory Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technology,
Medical Radiological Technology, and Pharmacy Technician.
The medical terminology skills developed through this course will be useful to
students pursuing training for most medical professions.
Books and Resources: Books required for this course cost *approx. $70.95 with
some optional resources (medical dictionary)
Schedule (Tentative)