English 9
Math 9
Science 9
Socials 9
PE 9
Elective
Elective
Elective
(HCE)/ (DPA)
English 9
Français 9
Science Humaines 9
Education Physique 9
Math 9
Science 9
Communications 9
Elective
HCE/(DPA)
This is a mandatory program for all grade nine students. This program consists of a Health Unit in Physical Education 9 and Career Education lessons in other curricular areas. In addition, guest speakers and workshops will be planned throughout the school year. All grade nine students will be expected to attend both the “Take Your Kids to Work Day” in the fall when students will be expected to shadow someone in the workplace, as well as the Junior Achievement Day during exam week in January. All assignments and due dates can be found on the school public website under the Programs & Services Tab.
Students in Grade 9 - 12 are required to participate in and document 30 minutes of daily physical activity. Students not enrolled in PE classes will be required to complete the DPA survey, every 2 months. The survey can be found on the school public website under the Programs & Services Tab – Daily Physical Activity.
Through the integration of reading, writing, oral communication and viewing, English 9 students will further the skills learned in Grade Eight and refine their appreciation of literature. The skills developed will include writing, editing, reading, critical thinking, speaking and studying. There will be a focus on written work, including sentence structure, paragraph writing and essay writing. In addition, students will begin to learn the vocabulary of literary analysis to enable them to discuss literature more precisely. Assignments will require that students write in a variety of formats for a variety of audiences and purposes.
This course is designed to consolidate and extend topics introduced in the middle school years. Topics include operations with rational numbers, square roots and exponents, polynomials and algebra, linear relations, geometry and statistics. At the end of this course, students will be prepared for Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10 OR Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics 10.
This course is designed as a skill building course to assist students who struggle with computation skills and key math concepts such as fractions, place value, rational numbers as well as concepts that will prepare them for the
Apprenticeship and Workplace math stream. At the end of this course, students will be prepared to take Mathematics 9
(in the second semester) OR Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics 10.
Physical Education 9 is a comprehensive course that will foster a positive attitude towards lifelong physical activity. This course is designed to be an introduction to active living, fitness and games with a special emphasis on skill development and social responsibility. Students will participate in a variety of learning experiences including team games (soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, softball, ultimate), and individual activities (wrestling, racquet sports, fitness, dance, and gymnastics).
Science 9 is a course which integrates several learning processes, with a focus on laboratory work and small group interactions. Students in Science 9 will investigate three major topics: life science - cell reproduction; physical science - periodic table, compounds, chemical reactions, electricity; and earth and space science - the solar system and the stars.
This course will continue to promote proper laboratory safety, attitudes and skills in Science.
Social Studies 9 focuses on the development of the modern nation, studying Canada from pre-European contact to 1815, as well as the forces of nationalism, imperialism and the development of legal systems in Europe and their impact on
Canada. Students will also study North American physical geography and its role on settlement. Historical literacy and research skills are emphasized, including completion of research term papers. Social Studies 9 has a cross-grade final examination at the end of the course.
By introducing grammatical analysis, this course aims at sensitizing students to the intricacies of the French language.
Grammar is explored so students can acquire the knowledge that is necessary to improve the various array of oral and written aspects of the language. This course will also give students the opportunity to explore French literature and culture through the study of a variety of texts and novels from francophone authors.

This course provides the opportunity for an extensive use of the French language. It also allows students to express themselves in French through small and large group presentations. The cultural element of French theatre will also be studied. Students will look at topics such as advertising, news stories, improvisation and public speaking.
This course, taught entirely in French, parallels the PE 9 curriculum.
9
This course, taught in French, parallels the Social Studies 9 course.
Art 9 is an introductory course to 2-D and 3-D art processes. Students will explore a variety of media while learning strategies to develop a sense of personal imagery. The study of the elements and principles of design will be pursued through projects in areas such as drawing, painting, collage, 3-D (ceramics, papiermâché), printmaking, commercial design, and others.
This is an introductory course which explores three-dimensional media. The focus is on clay hand building techniques and sculpture. Both functional and non-functional projects will be created with an emphasis on the creative use of media.
Finishing techniques such as glazing, under glazing, bisque stains, and oxides will be explored. Other three-dimensional methods such as papiermâché, wire, and plaster, may also be explored.
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic principles of graphic design, and, at the discretion of the teacher, apply those skills to a variety of graphic processes including: digital photography, hand and computer generated graphics, printmaking, silk-screening and more. While drawing skills are not a requirement, they would be an asset.
Students should be interested in developing new and imaginative ways to express ideas in graphic media.
This course is designed to give students information on using computers for business applications. As an overview to the courses offered in the Business Education Department, students will learn about marketing, accounting, finance, business management and communications. Students will learn basic business concepts and apply them to a variety of technologies such as email, Internet, word processing, spreadsheets and graphics. This course is an excellent foundation of business knowledge and skills and introduces students to the senior business education curriculum.
If you enjoyed computer explorations in middle school, INT 9 is the course for you. This course is designed to improve the computer skills you’ve already developed and to provide the chance to see where computer technology can take you. This course is divided into four sections; multimedia development (Photoshop, Flash animation, Digital Video), web site design and creation (Dreamweaver), business software (Microsoft Office), and computer programming (through robotics). The course provides the skills needed to take higher level courses in Information and Communications Technology (ICT),
Business Education,
This is an introductory course in drama for students who wish to explore this very creative Fine Art. Students will explore mime, voice, movement, improvisation and theatre games in a positive and affirming atmosphere aimed at improving and solidifying students’ self esteem and awareness. Students will be expected to participate in all group activities. Students will have the opportunity to utilize their skills through participation in extra curricular and in-class performances.
Choir is open to anyone who enjoys singing. No previous experience is necessary. Repertoire for Choir will include contemporary and pop music as well as classics. Students learn the basics of vocal production, breathing, music reading and part-singing. This is a performance-based course and students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances.
Students enrolling in Vocal Jazz must also be enrolled in a Concert Choir course. Vocal jazz courses are an extension of the Concert Choir Program and feature the opportunity for students to sing in the jazz and popular styles. Some rhythm section players will be needed, and Band students who play drums, bass or piano are welcome to audition for Vocal Jazz ensembles.
(Linear – all year- course)
Band 9 is the first in a series of band courses. Students taking band will develop sight-reading, performance and ensemble skills. Through varied repertoire students will develop skills in musicianship. The course will also cover theory and performance technique as it relates to the music being studied. This is a performance-based course, so attendance is required at all rehearsals and scheduled performances.
These courses are designed for grade 9 students with little or no previous experience on guitar. It is a non-performance, one-semester course designed to teach students basic reading and playing skills. In addition to learning many songs, students will learn strumming, picking and classical techniques. The school will supply the guitars and music. FA

(Linear – all year- course)
Jazz Band is for students who already play an instrument and are especially interested in performing Jazz and popular music. Students enrolled in Jazz Band must also be enrolled in Concert Band. Students in this course learn the basics of improvising, blues and simple chord progressions. Jazz Band is an extension of the regular Band class and some of the instrumental skills needed to succeed in the course are only taught in the regular band class. This is a performance-based course and all students are required to attend all rehearsals and scheduled performances.
Enhance your culinary skills with professional techniques to create food that looks and tastes great! Discover how good nutrition plays a key role in a healthy lifestyle. Develop life skills to share with family and friends. Students prepare a wide variety of foods including sweet and savoury quick breads, soups, pasta, enticing main course entrees, luscious vegetables and salads, as well as divine desserts. Grab your apron, don your measuring “cup” and tempt your taste buds. An open mind and an adventuresome palate are definite assets!
Build clothing construction skills, practicing basic sewing machine and serger techniques including appliqué, seams and seam finishes, darts, collars, hems, and closures (zippers, buttonholes). Major projects may include a stretch knit outfit consisting of a fleece top or hoodie with matching yoga-style pant, shirt or jean jacket (with collar, sleeves, buttonholes), make-up bag, and stuffed animal. Projects/ patterns will be selected according to the experience and desire of the students.
This course is a continuation from French 8 (non-Immersion). The primary aim of this course is to give students the confidence and ability to communicate information, ideas, opinions, preferences and reasons in both spoken and written
French. Listening, speaking, reading, writing and project activities are balanced for both individual and cooperative investigation and preparation. French songs and video selections support the acquisition and enjoyment of the language.
Students are expected to have a French/English dictionary at home.
Spanish 9 is an introductory course that focuses on effective communication. Through a variety of activities, speaking, listening, reading and writing skills will be developed. Cultural activities will examine life in the countries of the Spanishspeaking world. Note: this course is not intended for native speakers of Spanish.
This course introduces various design and drafting processes as well as graphic communication techniques. Areas covered will include animation, CAD, computer graphics, drawing, engineering and interior design, using both instruments and available software. Students will acquire skills that can be used in many real world applications.
This is an introductory course where students will learn about different electronic components and the many circuits that they are found in. Students will have the opportunity to produce various projects starting with computer design and progressing through all construction stages to the finished project contained and mounted in an enclosure. Some theory work wi ll also be done covering such topics as circuit analysis, Ohm’s Law and how to trouble shoot faulty circuits.
Optional projects.
This course provides an excellent introduction to designing, building and testing inventions. It involves both teamwork and individual study. A variety of hand tools, machines and materials will be used to construct various projects. Examples of some projects include CO2cars, mousetrap vehicles, rockets, go-karts and skateboards.
Students will build a number of projects starting with simple hand tool projects and progressing to projects built mainly using power tools. In the process, students will learn correct and safe use of both hand and power tools, and basic principles of design.
is a program that helps each student develop an understanding of his/her learning style. The overall goals for students are to become self-advocates, maximize their learning potential and achieve academic success.
The course is divided into 5 areas: Knowledge of Self, Study Strategies, Decision-Making, Application of Skills and
Evaluation of Learning.

Dr. Charles Best offers a wide variety of competitive sports, most of them sanctioned by B.C. School Sports. Best is fortunate to have a group of dedicated staff and community coaches. We celebrate each athletic year with a Spring banquet. Dr. Charles Best offers the following sports:
Aquatics / Cross Country / Volleyball / Boys Soccer / Girls Field Hockey / Cheer / Basketball / Field Lacrosse /
Gymnastics / Wrestling / Badminton / Golf / Rugby / Tennis / Girls Soccer / Track and Field
The teaching staff at Dr. Charles Best has traditionally sponsored a variety of clubs and organizations that have allowed for student involvement. The broad spectrum of clubs available at Dr. Charles Best Secondary is based on student interest and staff sponsorship. Students are encouraged to become involved in their school. Participation in extracurricular activities makes students’ experiences more enjoyable and rewarding. Listed below are some of the clubs that may be offered during the school year:
Future Buddies / Mural Club / Mountain Biking Club / Ski and Snowboarding Club / Student Council / Me to We /
SPIIN (Global Awareness Club) / Multicultural Club / Art Service Hours Club / Improv Club / Debate Club /
Think Green – Environment Club / Math Council
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