BRHS 2023-24 Option Descriptions

Art

Art is a “hands on” course where students are encouraged to think, look, talk about, and solve problems related to ideas, creativity, and processes of making art.

Ideas and problems concerning artistic design and making art are presented in a context of art’s relevance to our culture.  Lessons are based on what is seen in our society today and what has been seen throughout the history of art.  Students create their ideas, design solutions, and interpretations of culture by looking, thinking, discussing, experimenting, and ultimately, creating with imagination.

Students participate in art by experimenting with a variety of traditional and not so traditional art tools and materials.  For example:  charcoal, pencils, pens, pastels, brushes, inks, paints, papers, cards, glues, glass, wood, wire, and clay are some of the many materials and tools used in the art room.

Emphasis in the art room is to always think creatively, work industriously, and be proud of your results.

Construction Technology

Students develop skills in the use of tools and materials used in construction processes.  They will learn to safely transform common wood materials into useful products.  Students are encouraged to develop personal skills in the shop that can be applied to future work. The program will reinforce learning developed in other subject areas and enhance self-motivated abilities.

Cosmetology

 Cosmetology is an interesting course where you get to learn many personal care and grooming tips that will be of benefit the rest of your life.

Students have a real opportunity to pursue a career in this elective class by the time they graduate as many of the modules offered are requirements for the Hairstylist apprenticeship program.  

Creative Writing 

This series of courses provides students the opportunity to develop their writing interests and passions with practice in a variety of genres. They are encouraged to experiment with new ideas and concepts as they learn to manage and market their writing portfolios.

Fashion Studies

 Fashion affects all aspects of our daily lives – in the home, the workplace and the environment.

Fashion Studies involves the study of clothing and textiles in a variety of contexts.  It is concerned with the design, production and merchandising of clothing, textiles and accessories.  The curriculum prepares students for their roles as consumers, enables them to explore and prepare for fashion related careers, and enhances their personal lives by providing a creative outlet.

Students may choose from a variety of modules that will allow them to specialize in career paths such as digitizing embroidery designs, pattern development, costuming for theatre productions, or development of clothing suited to a specific environment.

Film Studies (Film and Media Art)  

This course combines elements of literature and cinema study.  Media with literary merit will be examined through a study of a variety of contexts including short features, cartoons, television, documentaries and feature films.

Food Studies

Food Studeis is offered in modular format with an emphasis on project-based learning.  Students will begin with core modules in Food Basics and Contemporary Baking and will examine the role of food in daily life.  Emphasis will be on skill development, visual appeal, nutrition, meal planning, and preparation techniques.

French

French is an excellent option both for your mind and for future scholarship and post-secondary applications, since it counts as a core subject.

You do not need any prior French knowledge, because we start back at the beginning of language learning. The French as a Second Language Three-year Program of Studies (Grades 10-12) outlines expectations for students during the course of their study of the French language.  This program of studies is for students who have had very little or no French instruction prior to beginning French 10.  Students starting with French 10 may exhibit varying degrees of fluency in languages they may have learned at home or in elementary and junior high school.  It is hoped that exposure to aspects of the Francophone world, through this program of studies, will spark an interest in lifelong learning about a range of other peoples and cultures. We also offer DELF international language competency exams that certify students for what level of French they are able to communicate it. This is an internationally recognized certification.

French 30 can be included in your average for the Rutherford Scholarship or university entrance for most degrees.

Health and Fitness

Health and Fitness is a module based course covering a variety of concepts regarding personal health, wellness, and fitness. Time is split between the classroom, fitness center, gymnasium, and outdoors. Topics discussed will be: determinants of health, dimensions of wellness, principles of anatomy, support systems available, importance of nutrition and hydration, maintenance of physical, mental, emotional, and social health and wellness throughout life. A significant portion of the class will also involve students preparing a personal fitness plan and implementing that for the duration of the course.

Introductory Computer Coding

Introductory Computer Coding is a module based course that begins with an introduction to a general programming environment in which students write simple structured algorithms and programs that input, process and output data, and follow a sequential flow of machine control.  Following that, students use an appropriate Robot Control Language to design, develop, implement, and debug robotics programs that employ standard structured programming constructs and simple data structures. In the process, they develop a general understanding of robots and the robotics environment.

Leadership (Career and Transitions Leadership)

Leadership class provides students with an opportunity to learn and to practice the key elements of leadership through peer and mentorship learning opportunities.  The three main areas of learner expectation are:  character and servant leadership skills, interpersonal skills, and project management skills.   Many aspects of the course are student driven.  Students are given the opportunity and are encouraged to develop their own leadership skills, to take risks, and to grow in positive, productive ways in an active, non-threatening environment. 

Legal Studies

Through the study of actual cases, Legal Studies students explore family law, criminal law, and negligence.  They will debate controversial issues such as euthanasia and reproductive technologies, and learn how landmark court decisions change the law and our society.  There will be mock trials and guest speakers, as well as field trips to the local RCMP detachment and to the courthouse in Grande Prairie.

Media Design

Students discover and develop skills to relay a message effectively using various forms of media, including animation, print, photography and audio/visual.

Outdoor Ed & Finance (Combined Course)

In Outdoor Ed, students learn how to properly navigate, cook, build sustainable shelters, as well as many other survival skills required to be out in the wilderness. Due to the constraints of our environment, we can not always expect mother nature to cooperate with us. Because of this we must also learn the skills to survive in the financial world.

In Introductory Finance, students will learn how to manage their personal finances, how to prepare a tax return, and basic bookkeeping skills to service a small business.

Psychology

The objectives of psychology will focus on the scientific approach to understanding human behaviour so that students may appreciate more fully the reasons that underlie one’s own acts and those of one’s fellows.

Sports Medicine

In this course students learn the knowledge & skills related to sports injury prevention, assessment and management. Basic principles of anatomy, physiology and the structure and function of the musculoskeletal system will be studied. Students will explain and apply various taping fundamentals/techniques, explore the role of the athletic therapist, identify first-aid supplies and describe common sports injuries and treatment plans.

Sociology

The objectives of the course in sociology are designed to develop within the student a better understanding of group behaviour.  They should feel themselves to be a part of society, understand its influence on their lives, and visualize their roles in societal change.

Yoga

This course will introduce students, safely, to the basic postures, breathing techniques, and relaxation methods of yoga. Yoga is great for athletes who want to improve their sports performance, and for people who struggle with anxiety and stress. Students will develop an enhanced appreciation for, and acceptance of, their bodies. The program is designed to allow students to experience the benefits of increased flexibility, strength, focus and concentration. They will learn to be non-judgmental about their own and others’ yoga practice. Through continued practice, they will relieve stress, learn to relax, improve their flexibility and stamina and experience the many more health benefits of a yoga practice. Mindfulness and the physical practice of yoga are wonderful lifelong coping skills everyone should work to develop.

High School Planning Sheet. Note that each course selected will run for the entire semester