STEM Program at St. John’s Academy

Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Math

The STEM subjects are important because they form the basis of a huge number of careers. Teachers of STEM subjects are chiefly responsible for educating global 21st-century citizens who are prepared and equipped for rapidly changing world. STEM subjects prepare the student to come up with solutions to problems – and problem-solving is often about thinking creatively or “outside the box”. Students will delve into the latest research-based data while learning to complete challenging calculation tasks. We encourage students to explore the world of science, which includes both pure and applied science.

Learning Strategies for Science
Academic language is central to all students mastering the common core subject leading to the Dogwood Diploma Accreditation. Learning Strategies in Math and Science course provides an opportunity for English-language learners to acquire rich, academic language at the same time they are learning rigorous science and mathematics content. With modified curriculum and instruction, students will understand advanced concepts and learn subject related vocabulary to engage in discussion from evidence; construct explanations; obtain, synthesize, evaluate, and communicate information; and build a knowledge base through content-rich texts. Students will acquire language required to understand inquiry-based science principles to conduct experiments, discuss, and argue their findings. They will be exposed to opportunities for hands-on learning and observation.

Science 10
The goal of this course is to help students to build and connect their understanding of science in the context of daily life, as well as to introduce them to the disciplines of science that they might study in senior courses. The objective of Science 10 is to develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes required for scientific literacy and understanding, both by working scientifically and studying theory. Topics of Study will include: Chemistry and Radioactivity; Physics; Geology (Energy Transfer in Natural Systems and Plate Tectonics); Biology (Sustainability of Ecosystems).

Physics 11
Students will learn to see the world through the “eyes” of physics and to reason as a physicist does. In the process, they will learn how to apply physics principles to a wide range of problems. The course requires that the students have a good background in mathematics. Work in Physics 11 includes the development of following competencies: questioning and predicting, planning and conducting, processing and analyzing data and information, evaluating, applying and innovating and communicating.

Physics 12
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of the concepts and theories of physics. Students will explore further the laws of dynamics and energy transformations, and will investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields; electromagnetic radiation; and the interface between energy and matter. They will further develop inquiry skills, learning, for example, how the interpretation of experimental data can provide indirect evidence to support the development of a scientific model. Students will also consider the impact on society and the environment of technological applications of physics.

Biology 11
Students will study the characteristics of living things, the process of evolution, and taxonomy. They will discuss problems and issues related to a biosocial context involving values or ethical consideration. The students will cultivate an understanding of biologically based personal or social problems and issues, such as health, nutrition, environmental management, and human.

Chemistry 11
Chemistry 11 explores the world of science on an atomic level and is designed to build students’ knowledge of core chemistry concepts. The course focuses on big ideas related to atoms, molecules and moles, chemical reactions and energy, and solution chemistry. Chemistry 11 emphasizes real-life applications of chemistry and helps students connect their learning to the world around them. Several virtual and hands-on classroom labs deepen student understanding of content and scaffold important lab skills that will be required for future science courses and a variety of post-secondary programs. Chemistry 11 provides a solid foundation for students continuing to Chemistry 12.

Chemistry 12
Chemistry 12 enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of reaction rates, chemical systems and equilibrium and electrochemistry. Students will further develop their problem-solving and laboratory skills and their ability to communicate scientific information. This course is intended for students wishing to study science, engineering, medicine or technology at the post-secondary level.

Learning Strategies for Math
Mathematics is one way of understanding, interpreting and describing our world. There are several characteristics that define the nature of mathematics, including change, constancy, number sense, patterns, relationships, spatial sense and uncertainty. This course is designed for ELL students to develop their language and literacy skills related to mathematical concepts. The instructional strategies that focus on math and language skills support ELL students as they become proficient in English. The learning strategies such as extensive use of visual cues, manipulative, pictures, diagrams, graphic organizers; attention to the clarity of instructions; pre-teaching of key specialized vocabulary; encouragement of peer tutoring and class discussion; strategic use of students’ first languages make it easy for the ELL students succeed in this course.

Pre-Calculus 10
This course prepares students for advanced mathematics and knowledge needed for successful completion of calculus courses in the future. A variety of extra-curricular materials are employed to prepare students for Math 11 and 12. Through many activities, students will gain an understanding of why mathematics is represented in many applications in our daily life activities. At the end of this course, students will be able to perform operations with the laws of exponents, simplify radicals and rational expressions, factors and solve systems of linear equations and solve word problems, the applications of linear equations. Students will study Trigonometry with three primary Trigonometric ratios: the sine, cosine, and tangent. Further, students will be able to solve various financial problems.

Pre-Calculus 11
This course is designed to provide students with the mathematical understandings and critical thinking skills identified for entry into postsecondary studies in programs that do require the study of theoretical calculus. This course will provide students with the critical-thinking skills to develop, demonstrate, and apply a conceptual understanding of mathematical ideas. Topics covered include: Algebra – absolute value, radicals and radical expressions, rational Expressions Trigonometry – primary trigonometric ratios, sine law, and cosine law; Relations and Functions – polynomial factoring, absolute value graphs, quadratic functions, quadratic equations, systems of linear–quadratic and quadratic-quadratic equations, linear and quadratic inequalities, arithmetic and geometric sequences and series, reciprocal linear and quadratic functions.

Pre-Calculus 12
Pre-calculus 12 is a course designed for students who plan to continue studying calculus or may require calculus during any post-secondary education. This typically includes students pursuing studies in math, science, or economics. The aim of Pre-Calculus 12 is for students to use communication in order to learn and express their understanding, make connections among mathematical ideas, other concepts in math, everyday experiences and other disciplines, demonstrate fluency with mental math and estimation. Students are encouraged to develop and apply new mathematical knowledge through problem-solving, develop mathematical reasoning, select and use technology as a tool for learning and problem solving, develop visualization skills to assist in processing information, making connections and solving problems.

Calculus 12
This Course is intended to meet the needs of students with a special aptitude, interest, and/or ability in mathematics, who have successfully completed Pre-Calculus 12 and will most likely study calculus at the post-secondary level. This course has a demanding workload in terms of content and delivery pace. Calculus 12 covers most general topics, all of the learning outcomes of the B.C. Ministry of Education Calculus 12 curriculum, as well as a few additional concepts.

Music, Fine Art, and Design Program at St. John’s Academy

The Arts Department helps students to see the value in promoting creativity and originality. Participating in experiences of performing, creating and interacting with works of art and design are vital for the development of multiple intelligences in all students. Musical and visual arts education develops unique, powerful and multiple ways of perceiving, interpreting, knowing, representing and communicating understandings about self and the world. Through art experiences, students discover a larger world of real and imagined places, people and ideas. The department will prepare students to enter art events or competitions.

Art Foundations 11/12
Art Foundations 11/12 is designed to educate learners in the fundamentals of Visual Art, its terminology, approach, artistic thought, and design process, its execution and fundamental skills. Students will be introduced to various forms of Art, have the opportunity to consider numerous styles, periods, artists and focus on key examples in Art history. The class will regularly visit Art galleries and current Art exhibitions, participate in group discussions, write their responses to, share their creative experiences and enjoy “Art for Art’s Sake.”

3D Art 10, 11, 12
This course explores advanced art techniques and theories. Emphasis is placed on individual expression and personal growth. Students will explore many techniques while investigating personal ideas and interpretations of art. Students will develop an awareness of the balance between critical and creative thinking while investigating mediums, styles techniques, and personal focus. Students will be able to articulate their ideas and opinions utilizing the skills and vocabulary gained in the major art sequence. The course reinforces an independent work ethic and encourages learners to take initiative. Through a range of problem-solving tasks, practical and conceptual approaches to creativity are fostered. Following aspects of 3D Art will be explored: Drawing Skills; Painting; 3D Studies; Combined Materials; Design Skills; Life Drawing; etc.

Media Arts 11/12
Media Arts 11/12 is designed to focus on analyzing and critiquing various forms of media and composing imagery that is both active and reactive. Students will be exploring digital photography, image editing with Photoshop and basic movie-making techniques in an effort to better understand the world of media. Personal expression through imagery is constantly encouraged and students learn to express their individuality through their media artwork. A variety of individual and group/collaborative projects will be part of the discovery process and student success depends on maturity and a willingness to complete the learning tasks and assignments in an orderly and timely manner.

Dramatic Arts 11/12
This course provides opportunities for students to explore dramatic forms and techniques, using material from a wide range of sources and cultures. Students will use the 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.

Instrumental Music: Jazz Band
Students’ development as musicians is dependent on perseverance, resilience, and reflection. They will have the opportunity to explore their identity and sense of belonging through individual and collective expression. The students will expand their worldview by being exposed to various genres of music from different times and cultures.

Contemporary Music
Students will study the basic written aspects of musical language, including notation, intervals, major and minor scales, basic chord structures, rhythm, and basic musical terms. They will be exposed to works by innovative artists from a variety of genres, contexts, time periods, and cultures. The students will cultivate an understanding of the process of music and its effect on connectedness with others.

Visual Arts Studio

Visual Arts Media

Humanities Program at St. John’s Academy

The department shapes and nurtures critical thinking, analytic mind, and thoughtful reflection in learners through the study of how people process and document the human experience, to understand our world. Study of humanities develops within a student a tolerant and open self-identity and connects them to the past, fosters personal and social development empowered to change the future. Humanities department encourages students to be civil-minded and contributing citizens on the international scene.

Learning Strategies for Social Studies
To help ELL students master the basic concept of Social Studies. Learning Strategies for Social Studies Course will use modified and adapted content to make it accessible to language learners. Clear instruction in oral skills, vocabulary, grammar, communication, and themes will provide the pre-requisite background knowledge of Canada, and address explicit and implicit cultural values which help students understand relationships among self, community, and society. Its objective is to simultaneously develop communicative and academic language skills and conceptual content knowledge and enhance critical thinking skills necessary for decision making and problem-solving in a complex and diverse country.

Social Studies 10
The study of Social Studies contributes to the important goal of preparing students for their lives as Canadian citizens and members of the international community. Through participation in Social Studies, students are encouraged to:

1. Develop an appreciation of democracy and what it means to be Canadian.
2. Demonstrate respect for human equality and cultural diversity.
3. Think critically, evaluate information, and practice effective communication.

Social Studies 10 will be examining the social, political and economic features of Canada between 1812 and 1914. The Social Studies 10 course is divided into four main sections:

1. Geography of Canada
2. Development of the Canadian Nation
3. The Development of the Canadian West
4. Defining Canada

Social Studies 11
The aim of social studies is to develop thoughtful, responsible, active citizens who are able to consider multiple perspectives and to make reasoned judgments. The Social Studies 11 curriculum provides students with opportunities to reflect critically upon events and issues in order to examine the present, make connections with the past, and consider the future. Through their participation in Social Studies 11 course, students are encouraged to:

1. Understand and prepare to exercise their roles, rights, and responsibilities within Canada and the world;
2. Develop an appreciation of democracy and what it means to be Canadian;
3. Demonstrate respect for human equality and cultural diversity;
4. Think critically, evaluate information, and practice effective communication.

First Nations 12

Economics 12

Marketing 12

Anatomy and Physiology 12

Language Arts Program at St. John’s Academy

The Language Arts department focuses on language acquisition and proficiency. The school takes responsibility for instilling and fostering an appreciation for various forms of language arts, such as poetry and prose writing. SJIS ELL team leads students through a rigorous program of acquiring second language skills to transit to academic English learning. We support and instruct the student in preparation for English 12 Provincial Exam to assure their success on the examination.

Composition 10
Composition 10 is designed to support students in their development of written communication through a critical process of questioning, exploring, and sampling. Within a supportive community of writers, students will work individually and collaboratively to explore and create coherent, purposeful compositions. The course builds students’ writing competencies by introducing them to varied structures, forms, and styles of compositions.

Literary Studies 10
The goal of this course is to help students further develop their academic English language skills and move toward mastery of grade-level-appropriate academic language. Literary Studies develops the theme of personal discovery. Conventions of language—grammar, usage, and vocabulary—are applied to descriptive, narrative and expository paragraph and essay compositions. Critical and inferential thinking are key areas of development. Emphasis is placed on the development of the formal literary analysis as students read more challenging fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Through discussion, creative opportunities, and writing, students are challenged to demonstrate comprehension to produce critical analyses of works studied.

Composition 11
Composition 11 course focuses on the basic elements of the academic essay: thesis statement, topic sentences, paragraph structure, and basic grammar and style. Gaining an understanding of these elements, practicing using them, and getting feedback, leads to produce better essays. The process of planning, preparing, and writing an academic essay helps students engage with a topic, think critically about it, find their own perspective and opinion on it, and present that perspective to readers in a clear, logical way.

Literary Studies 11
This course prepares the student to respond to and critique a variety of short texts, to experience literature from a more intimate perspective and to empathize through the words and actions of the characters in the play. It promotes familiarity with history’s most influential writers and what makes them still relevant today through the use of a modern storytelling device. The goal of this course is to incorporate and seek out new, diverse perspectives into one’s own thinking.

English 12
English is about so much more than being able to identify literary devices; it is about seeing the world through the experiences of others. It is about having an opinion about the politics, history and social struggles that created the world we live in. Literature can be an escape from the world, but great literature is also an examination of it. In order to succeed in English 12, and English 12 Provincial Exam, students will need to be able to see these connections and express what they clearly and concisely within their own writing. THE COURSE OF STUDY consists of Poetry; Novel(s); Shakespeare; Provincial Exam Practice.