STUDENT FRIENDLY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS – GRADE 9 OPTIONAL COURSES
ARTS
AMI 1O (Grade 9 Instrumental Music - Open)
This course emphasizes the performance of music at a level that strikes a balance between
challenge and skill and is aimed at developing technique, sensitivity, and imagination. Students
will participate in creative activities that teach them to listen with understanding. They will also
learn correct musical terminology and its appropriate use.
Prerequisite: None
AMG 1O (Grade 9 Music: Guitar - Open)
This course emphasizes performance of guitar. Students will learn basic guitar technique, study a
variety of guitar styles (rock, folk, classic, and pop) and music notation/theory. Students are
responsible for providing their own classical or acoustic guitar.
Prerequisite: None
ADA 1O (Grade 9 Drama - Open)
This course provides opportunities for students to explore dramatic forms and techniques, using
materials from a wide range of sources and cultures. Students will use elements of drama to
examine situations and issues that are relevant to their lives. Students will create, perform,
discuss, and analyze drama, and then reflect on the experiences to develop an understanding of
themselves, the art form, and the world around them.
Prerequisite: None
AMV 1O (Grade 9 Vocal Music - Open)
Working within a vocal ensemble will enable students to develop a variety of collaborative skills
that are transferrable to other areas of their life. Course content provides a solid basis for further
vocal study.
Prerequisite: None
ATC 1O (Grade 9 Dance – Open)
This course gives students the opportunity to explore their technical and compositional skills by
applying the elements of dame and the tools of composition in a variety of performance
situations. Students will generate movement through structured and unstructured improvisation,
demonstrate and understanding of safe practices with regard to themselves and others in the
dance environment, and identify the function and significance of dance within the global
community.
Prerequisite: None
AVI 1O (Grade 9 Visual Arts – Open)
This course is exploratory in nature, offering an overview of visual arts as a foundation for
further study. Students will become familiar with the elements and principles of design and the
expressive qualities of various materials by using a range of media, processes, techniques, and
styles. Students will use the creative and critical analysis processes and will interpret art within a
personal, contemporary, and historical context.
Prerequisite: None
BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY
BTT 1O (Grade 9 Introduction to Information and Communication Technology in
Business - Open)
Are you ready for the 21st century? Students will work individually and collaboratively to prepare
their business communication skills for any future course or career path they choose. Students
will learn how to present with confidence, and how to protect their online footprint, identity and
keep their information safe. Through the hands-on use of word processing, spreadsheets and
presentation software students will learn to create effective reports, graphs, research, multimedia
presentations, posters and websites. These skills will be used in other courses and are a great way
to prepare students for post-secondary studies and the workplace.
Prerequisite: None
TIJ 1O (Grade 9 Exploring Creative Technologies - Open)
TIJ 1O0
Students will explore several areas of technology courses offered at Rick Hansen Secondary
School such as:
 Construction and woodworking
 Manufacturing
 Graphic design, and video
 Electronics and computer technology
 Tech design, Auto CAD
 Animation
This is a hands-on course where students will work on projects such as:
 Rocket and CO2 Car designing and building
 Create an animated movie and magazine cover
 Create a public service announcement commercial
 Basic camera skills, video shot types and editing techniques.
 Create orthographic drawings
Students will explore the design and problem solving steps used to complete these projects
Prerequisite: None
TFJ 1O (Grade 9 Hospitality and Tourism - Open)
In this hands on course students in our grade 9 program will prepare a variety of foods and baked
goods for the lunch program and school cafeteria. They will be immersed in all aspects of the
hospitality industry and be involved in learning about;
 basic knife safety and cutting techniques
 kitchen equipment recognition and safety
 understanding of measurement and recipe conversions
 understanding of different cooking methods and baking techniques
 food service health and safety compliance
 reading and following recipes accurately
 regional and local tourism attractions and destinations
 nutrition, food recognition and reading food labels
 careers in the hospitality and tourism sector
Students will demonstrate collaboration, responsibility, organizational and workplace skills as
well as group and individual projects throughout the semester.
Pre requisite: None