ÉCOLE DUCHESS PARK SECONDARY
2015 - 2016
Grade 8
Course Description Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
1
WELCOME!
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DUCHESS PARK PROGRAMS
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HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS OVERVIEW
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French Immersion and Francophone Program
Educational Pathway Chart
SUPPORT PROGRAMS
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SKILLS UPGRADING PROGRAM
PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
LEARNING ASSISTANCE
SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT
ALTERNATE EDUCATION
HONOURS PROGRAM
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: GRADE 8 CORE COURSES
MATHEMATICS 8
Math Pathways: Apprenticeship & Workplace, Foundations,
Pre-Calculus & AP Calculus
ENGLISH 8
SCIENCE 8 / SCIENCES 8
SOCIAL STUDIES 8 /SCIENCES HUMAINES 8
FRENCH 8/ FRANCAIS 8
P.E. 8
HEALTH AND CAREER EDUCATION 8
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: GRADE 8 ELECTIVES
BAND 8 and INRODUCTORY BAND 8
DRAMA 8
GUITAR 8
HOME EC: FOODS 8, TEXTILES 8, TEXTILES ARTS & CRAFTS 8
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 8
SOCCER 8
TECHNOLOGY: WOODWORK 8, METALWORK 8, ELECTRONICS 8, DRAFTING 8
VISUAL ARTS 8
CONTACT INFORMATION
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COUNSELLORS
ABORIGINAL SUPPORT
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Welcome to ÉCOLE DUCHESS PARK SECONDARY !
This guide introduces grade 7 incoming students and their parents or guardians to our grade 8
program. We also provide a snapshot of information about the courses students require in
order to graduate in grade 12.
Duchess Park Secondary School values the support of parents and guardians:
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We publish a monthly newsletter to keep you informed about upcoming events/ deadlines.
We look forward to seeing you at parent/teacher night, which we host twice a year.
Check out the Duchess Park Website for helpful information, including a sample of our
rotating time table, upcoming events, test dates, and much more.
We encourage parents and/or guardians to maintain an e-mail connection with teachers
and counsellors: All DPSS staff e-mail addresses are listed on the Duchess Park Website.
Many teachers post their course outlines, assignments, due dates and marks on line.
Duchess Park also encourages parent involvement in:
 school events
 PAC or SPC
 tournaments
 coaching a team
To help students be successful at high school, we ask them to:
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Talk to parents/guardians about what they are doing in school.
Use a planner to keep on top of deadlines: Turn work in on time.
Ask for your help in selecting a good time and central place for homework:
o 20 minutes per night per core subject in grade 8,
o 45 minutes per night per core subject in grades 9 & 10
o 1 hour per night per core subject in grades 11 & 12
 Stay organized
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Do corrections
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Study for tests
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Seek out help if needed
Get enough sleep – Know when to turn off “screens” (it takes an hour for the brain to shut
down after using a computer, video game, or cell phone for social networking before they
can actually sleep).
Turn off cell phones during class.
Turn off cell phones and other screens while doing homework.
We recommend grade 8 students stay “on campus” during lunch: Most students bring a
lunch and eat in our “central canyon”. We do not have a full concession. Most
Wednesdays, however, restaurant food may be offered for sale. Pizza is sometimes offered
for sale during student fund raisers. A “meal plan” is available for those who need it.
We encourage students to regularly check school monitors for opportunities such as intermurals or other school events.
Please feel free to contact Duchess Park Secondary at (250) 563-7124 if you have any questions
or concerns. We look forward to hearing from you.
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DUCHESS PARK PROGRAMS
Duchess Park proudly offers a diverse Educational Program to meet the needs of our students.
Duchess Park offers three academic streams: English, French Immersion and Francophone.
French Immersion and Francophone Programs
Duchess Park continues the French Immersion programs of Lac Des Bois, College Heights Elementary
and Heather Park Middle School. This program provides opportunities for students to achieve functional
competency in the oral and written use of the French language and familiarizes them with the culture of
the Francophone community in Canada and throughout the world.
French Immersion students must take the following core academic courses in French: Sciences
Humaines in grades 8 to 11, Sciences in grades 8 to 10 and Français Langue Seconde in grades 8 to 12.
Students who successfully meet all French Immersion criteria will graduate with both a French
Immersion Graduation diploma and a regular B.C. Dogwood Graduation Diploma.
Our Programme Francophone continues the Programme Francophone offered by L’Ecole Franco Nord.
Core academic courses taught in French are: Sciences Humaines in grades 8 to 11, Sciences in grades 8
to 10 and Français Langue Premiere in grades 8 through grade 12. A student who graduates from
Programme Francophone will receive the Diplome de fin d'etudes secondaires en Colombie-Britannique
(French Dogwood Diploma). If the student successfully completes English Language Arts 10, 11 and 12,
he or she will also receive the regular BC Dogwood Graduation Diploma.
HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS OVERVIEW
Educational Pathways
REGULAR PROGRAMS
SKILLS UPGRADING
( English, Francophone
& French Immersion)
Gr 8 Math Skills
Grade 8
Gr 8 English Skills
Grade 9 Skills
Grade 9
Grade 10 Skills
Grade 10
Grade 11
Regular Program &
Learning Assistance
& Learning
Alternate Program
(pick up core classes)
classes).
Pre-Employment 11/12
AsAssistance)
Grade 12
Diploma
Grade 12
Diploma
Grade 12
Diploma
Grade 12
Diploma
Grade 12
Diploma
Leaving Certificate
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SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Students are identified for Skills Upgrading, Learning Assistance, or Special Needs Support through a
combination of consultations with grade 7 teachers, learning assistance teachers and parents, report
card marks, the standardized Canadian Achievement Test 4, and other assessments.
SKILLS UPGRADING PROGRAM:
Grade 8, 9 or 10 Skills Courses may be recommended for students who are not working at grade
level to give them the opportunity to upgrade their skills.
Skills English 8 is designed for students who have not demonstrated sufficient Language
Arts skill development in grade 7.
Skills Math 8 is designed for students who have not demonstrated sufficient Grade 7 Math skills.
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Students who successfully upgrade their English or Mathematics skills to grade level will be placed in
regular English 8 and/or Mathematics 8 classes in the following semester or year. Students may be
offered a Learning Assistance Block to support their transition to a regular program.
Students who need further upgrading will be placed in Skills 9.
Students who have been unable to transition into a regular program by grade 11 may be
transferred into the Pre-employment Program.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM (Grades 11 & 12)
The Pre-employment Program is for students unable to cope with regular course work.
 Students will focus on individualized academic programs, life skills, and work experience.
 Work experience consists of preparatory work and job experience.
 Pre-employment students will leave high school with a Leaving Certificate rather than a
Graduation Diploma.
LEARNING ASSISTANCE is a support program offered to students requiring assistance in core subjects.
 Students must be recommended for LA support through School Based Team (S.B.T.)
 “L.A.” offers study skills support, testing, and assistance for students with learning differences.
SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS SUPPORT: Students already in a special needs program in elementary
school will transition into Duchess Park’s Special Learning Resources Program.
ALTERNATE EDUCATION allows students to complete academic courses in a small group setting
according to their Individualized Educational Plan or Student Services Plan (that may also have a
behavioural or socio-emotional component). Students are expected to complete the same course work
as in the regular program and graduate with a Dogwood Certificate.
HONOURS PROGRAM: There is no Honours Program in grade 8. Honours programs are offered in
English from grades 9 to 11. Students are selected on the basis of teacher recommendations and grades
obtained in the previous level course. Students must therefore work hard and put in their best efforts.
If a student declines or is unable to take advantage of the opportunity, the seat will be offered to the
next person on the waiting list.
Advanced Placement English and Mathematics courses are available to students at the grade 12 level.
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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: GRADE 8 CORE ACADEMIC COURSES
GRADE 8 CORE ACADEMIC COURSES lead to the grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 foundation courses required
to meet BC Ministry of Education graduation requirements. Core Academics may be taken in English or
French, depending upon whether the student is enrolled in the English, French Immersion or
Francophone program. Successful completion of any of these regular programs leads to a B.C.
Graduation Diploma.
MATH 8 or (MATHEMATIQUES 8)
 Intended to reinforce and extend basic math skills including problem solving, number operations,
patterns & relations, space & shape, statistics & probability.
 Students require a grade 11 Math in order to graduate.
 Some students “elect” to take a grade 12 Math course in preparation for a post-secondary program.
MATH PATHWAYS THAT MEET GRAD PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Mathematics 8
Apprenticeship &
Workplace Math 9
Apprenticeship &
Workplace Math 10
Mathematics 9
Foundations & Pre-Calculus 10
Apprenticeship &
Workplace Math 11
Foundations 11
Apprenticeship &
Workplace Math 12
Foundations 12
Pre-Calculus 11
Pre-Calculus 12
Calculus 12
APPRENTICESHIP & WORKPLACE
MATHEMATICS PATHWAY
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Emphasis on basic skills,
fundamental concepts and
problem solving.
Enables students to become
discriminating consumers.
Suitable for some trades
programs and for admission
into the work force.
NOT SUITABLE for careers
requiring advanced math.
Students who struggled with
Math 8 may take Apprenticeship & Workplace Math 9.
Students requiring more
advanced math must pass
“regular” Math 9.
FOUNDATIONS OF MATHEMATICS
PATHWAY
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Emphasis on both a practical
and theoretical focus, which
prepares students for postsecondary studies in the arts
and social sciences.
For students who may pursue
post-secondary programs in the
arts, humanities, and social
sciences (e.g. psychology and
social work).
PRE-CALCULUS
PATHWAY
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Emphasis on a more theoretical
focus which prepares students
to study calculus at postsecondary.
For students who may pursue
post-secondary programs
requiring mathematics (e.g.
science, math, engineering).
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ENGLISH 8
English or Communications is a Ministry requirement through to grade 12.
English 8 integrates language skills in reading, writing, listening & speaking.
Visual communication is also studied.
SCIENCE 8 or SCIENCES 8
Science is a Ministry requirement through to grade 11.
Science 8 focusses on the exploration and discovery of the Scientific World.
 Students work in science labs to investigate:
o cells and systems.
o optics.
o fluids and dynamics.
o water systems on Earth.
SOCIAL STUDIES 8 or SCIENCES HUMAINES 8
Social Studies is a Ministry requirement through to grade 11.
Social Studies delves into past civilizations to examine their impact on current society and cultures.
 Social Studies 8:
o focusses on society and culture from about 500 to 1600 A.D.
o investigates characteristics of civilizations around the world.
o explores reasons for their rise and fall.
o explores geographical concepts.
FRENCH 8
The BC Ministry of Education deems it compulsory for students to take a second language from Grade 5
through Grade 8. French is the compulsory second language course offered in Grade 8 at Duchess Park.
Français 8 is required through to grade 12 in the French Immersion and Francophone programs.
 French 8:
o integrates language skills in reading, writing, listening & speaking by using a variety of
literature and media.
o increases vocabulary and knowledge of the Francophone world.
o note: A second language to grade 11 may be required for entry into specific Humanities
based university programs.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION 8
P.E. is a Ministry requirement through to grade 10.
 P.E. involves participation in a wide range of activities to develop personal well being
and provides a basis for lifelong healthy living.
 Activities may be selected from among games, dance, gymnastics and other activities.
HEALTH AND CAREER EDUCATION 8 (all students are required to take this course)
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Helps students understand the relevance of their studies in goal setting and managing their lives.
Provides students with study and time management techniques.
Incorporates discussions about topics relevant to teens including bullying, drugs, social networking,
gaming, peer pressure, and social interactions.
Helps students make informed decisions related to their health, education, and future careers.
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Guides students toward becoming informed participants, who take responsibility for their own lives.
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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: GRADE 8 ELECTIVES
Grade 8 students take a variety of elective (exploratory) courses to expose them to areas of
special interest that may lead to more detailed study in later grades.
 Grade 8 courses may be a prerequisite for some courses such as French 9 and Band 9.
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A fee may apply in some project-based courses, depending upon project choice & materials selected.
BAND 8
Pre-requisite: Students taking Band 8 must be able to read music. They must, therefore, have
prior music experience or have successfully completed Introductory Band 8.
(Offered as a grade 8 elective within the regular timetable)
 Students perform on their instrument. Tests have a performance component to them.
 Students will be led through carefully sequenced activities of increasing difficulty that prepare them
for band in grades 9-12.
 Students are expected to practice an average of 20 minutes per day (5 days per week).
INTRODUCTORY BAND 8
Students who wish to join Band 8 must have prior music experience or have successfully completed
Introductory Band 8. (Offered as a grade 8 elective within the regular timetable).
 Students without prior music experience are welcome.
 Students learn to read music and play a wind or percussion instrument.
 Students are expected to practice an average of 20 minutes per day (5 days per week).
 Tests will have a performance component.
DRAMA 8
 Introduction to creative drama: theatre games, mime, story-telling and short performances.
 Practice the basics of acting (voice, gesture, posture, facial expression) and how to create characters
and communicate their emotions to an audience.
GUITAR 8
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This course introduces students to guitar playing and reading music. Students are expected to
perform on the guitar and may be asked to compose simple songs.
Music reading is stressed. Both regular notation and TAB are taught in class.
Guitars are provided for instruction.
HOME ECONOMICS 8
These are introductory courses of basic study in three strands:
 Home Ec. Foods 8
 Home Ec. Textiles 8
 Home Ec. Textiles Arts and Crafts 8
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 8
 Computer Technology Applications
SOCCER 8 (offered outside the regular timetable)
This course is an X-block (early morning) elective. Soccer 8 will provide a formal training program within
the academic setting of the school with a commitment to excellence in soccer and academic
achievement. Students will receive outstanding instruction, allowing them to improve their skill and
fitness through a variety of physical activities associated with soccer development.
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TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION 8
4 different courses provide hands-on introduction to various “shop” /trade skills:
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Woodwork
Metalwork
Drafting
Electronics
VISUAL ART 8
Provides basic knowledge, skills and techniques.
Emphasis on imagery and individual production using a variety of media.
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COUNSELLING SUPPORT
Three counsellors are available to provide students with programming assistance and academic,
social, emotional and other support. Once transitioned to high school, we recommend that
students keep in touch with their counsellors to discuss questions regarding their selected
program of study.
ABORIGINAL SUPPORT
Emotional, social, and academic support for Aboriginal students will be supplied by our Counsellors,
Aboriginal Social Worker, Aboriginal Education Workers, Youth Care Workers and Education Assistants.
DUCHESS PARK SECONDARY CONTACT INFORMATION
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See the Duchess Park website for a list of e-mail addresses for all staff members
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Office phone number: (250) 563-7124
email: office@duch.sd57.bc.ca
Fax:
(250) 564-6592
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Steve Macrae, Principal
Sarah Petrisor, Vice Principal
Steve Baker, Vice Principal
Marilisa Leamy, Counsellor
Kirk Elliot, Counsellor
Lynne Pakenham, Counsellor
Jo-Ann Reid, Counselling Secretary
Melva Moore, Social Worker
Carol Kennedy, Youth Care Worker
Stacey Normand, Youth Care Worker
email:
email:
email:
email:
email:
email:
e-mail:
email:
email:
email:
smacrae@sd57.bc.ca
spetrisor@sd57.bc.ca
sbaker@sd57.bc.ca`
mleamy@sd57.bc.ca
kelliot@sd57.bc.ca
lpakenham@sd57.bc.ca
jreid@sd57.bc.ca
mmoore@sd57.bc.ca
ckennedy@sd57.bc.ca
snormand@sd57.bc.ca
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