2025-2026 Complementary Courses Grades 7-9

Dr. George Stanley School

These courses reflect student interest, essential knowledge in the modern era and staffing realities.  We are very excited to be offering a wide variety of Complementary courses, providing opportunities for students to develop and to enhance individual expression, creativity and imagination through an exploration of new curricular areas. Please note that Complementary courses offered next year will be determined by student demand.

• Grades 7-9 students will be placed in TWO Complementary courses in semester 1 and TWO Complementary courses in semester 2.
• Students will be given the option of selecting their top 5 choices. When students are placed, consideration will be given to these selections but their selection does not guarantee that the student will be placed in these particular Complementary courses.
• Choosing an Complementary will be based on interest of the topics
• The movement of students between Complementary courses will not be entertained based on who the teacher is nor other students that are also enrolled in the class.
• If a student chooses Band, which is a full year Complementary, they will get ONE other Complementary course in semester 1 and ONE other Complementary course in semester 2.
• Grade 5 and 6 students will participate in a Complementary course wheel that involves students being exposed to: Construction, Foods, Digital Literacy, Drama, Music and Art during 2 rounds of 3 to 4 weeks in each Complementary.

Complementary Course Descriptions

Art (Grades 7-9)

Art class is a dynamic and engaging space where students explore creativity through hands-on projects and a wide variety of materials. From drawing and painting to mixed media, sculpture, and even sound as a creative medium, students will express themselves while developing fundamental artistic skills such as composition, shading, texture, and colour theory. Projects may include work with graphite, charcoal, pastels, paint, and non-traditional materials, offering opportunities to experiment and discover personal artistic styles. Students will also study artists and art forms from Alberta and around the world, gaining a deeper understanding of art’s role in society and its cultural context. The course emphasizes creativity, observation, visual problem-solving, and craftsmanship in a calm and supportive environment, where students can reflect on their work and connect artistic concepts to other areas of learning. By the end of the course, students will have built a portfolio that showcases their artistic growth and creative journey. There is a $30 fee associated with this course. 

Band - FULL YEAR COURSE (Grades 7-9)

At DGS, the instrumental band program follows the format of a “concert wind band”, which includes flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, and percussion. This is a very valuable experience as it exposes students to playing music at a higher level and creates the opportunity to play in a functioning band. In the program, students will have the opportunity to work with the band director as well as professional musicians to develop specific instrumental skills. In later grades, there will also be the opportunity to go to band camp or other trips. There is a $50 course fee in addition to the cost of renting an instrument.

Due to the overwhelming interest in the program, we do have to put a capacity on Band classes. To be enrolled in the class, parents must sign our Band Contract to ensure that students are committed to the program and acknowledge that they are taking responsibility for their spot in the ensemble. This contract will include specific details regarding fees, rentals, practice requirements, etc. A copy of this contract can be found HERE. Students at the grade 7 level are not expected to have any previous music experience, however, at this time, we are not able to bring in any additional students at the Gr. 8/9 level who were not in band in previous years. This course is a full year commitment (both semesters).

Communication Technology/ Media (Grade 7)

This course introduces students to communications technology from a media perspective. Students will work in the areas of video/audio production, print and graphic communications, and photography. Student projects will include computer-based activities such as creating videos, editing photos, working with audio, and designing web pages. Students will also develop an awareness of environmental and societal issues related to communications technology. There no course fee.

Communication Technology/ Media (Grade 9)

Discover and develop skills related to technologies used to design, construct and relay a message for the purpose of connecting, informing, entertaining or selling products. This course will support students’ understanding of the media, the techniques that are used to catch someone’s attention. Students who are interested in learning about television reporting, social media, photography, editing, animating, illustrating, curating, cinematography, graphic design, and audio technicians would enjoy this class. Activities and lessons will vary between possibly combining the use of photography skills and writing to support informing the student body of events that are happening at the school to creating soundscapes to create mood for a media platform like apps, websites or television. There is no fee for this course.

Communication Technology/ Yearbook (Grade 8)

This course is designed to develop students’ skills in yearbook production by providing experiences in selected aspects of yearbook production. Students learn basic principles of yearbook production and develop skills that include writing, captions and headlines; digital photography; desktop publishing and using appropriate technology tools for media production. The yearbook course has a primary, team focus of producing the school yearbook. Each team member will produce pages of the yearbook, take photographs, produce write-ups and analyze and reflect on the quality and progress of the book. Yearbook Production supports student’s development as writers, photographers, editors, independent users of technology. When the yearbook work is complete, students will focus on marketing, advertising, and digital media knowledge. All students who take this class and have their fees paid will receive a yearbook at a discounted price at the end of the year. There is a $35 fee associated with this class.

Construction (Grade 7-9)

This course is designed for creative, independent middle school students to explore and develop skills through hands-on learning. All students will initially be introduced to shop safety and responsibilities. They will extensively practice proper techniques for using hand and power tools. Sixth-grade students will primarily work with hand tools, while students in grades 7-9 will use designated power tools. Students will design, plan, and create both original and provided projects, learning about all elements of project creation from drafting to building in a safe environment. No previous experience is required. There is a $30 course fee.

Dance / Yoga (Grade 7)

This course offers a creative and mindful exploration of movement through both dance and yoga. Students will develop kinesthetic awareness, coordination, and strength while engaging with a variety of global dance styles and foundational yoga practices. Through dance, students will use the elements of body, space, time, energy, and relationship to create expressive works that explore themes, issues, and concepts. Yoga practice will introduce postures (asanas), meditation, breathing techniques, and relaxation methods to promote mindfulness, flexibility, and focus. The course emphasizes movement as a form of self-expression and moving meditation, fostering both personal well-being and a supportive class community. A positive attitude and full participation are essential for success. There is no fee for this course.

Digital Literacy/ Computer Science (Grades 7-9)

Technology and new mediums of communicating are growing every year. This class will provide technical skills, media source awareness, digital citizenship topics, programming and design opportunities at each level. However, there will be some unique focuses: Students will explore and meaningfully use a variety of programs and applications. Through this process connections will be made between skills learned and real world or career applications. Topics that may be covered include: Coding, Minecraft education, robotics, 3D design and printing. There is a $5 fee associated with this course.

Design Studies (Grade 7-9)

Design Studies is a dynamic and creative course that introduces students to the world of design through both traditional sketching and modern 3D modeling tools such as Tinker Cad and SketchUp. Students will explore a variety of design disciplines, including architecture, interior design, industrial design, engineering, sculpture, and landscaping. The course emphasizes the full creative process—from identifying a problem or need to developing and refining a solution—while building core skills in balance, proportion, functionality, and aesthetics. Students will design functional and visually appealing spaces and objects, gaining insight into how designers shape the environments in which we live, work, and play. No prior experience is needed, and the course includes discussions about careers in architecture, civil engineering, interior and industrial design, urban planning, and related fields. There is a $40 fee associated with this course.

Drama (Grade 7-9)

This course is an introduction to drama and theatre. Students will develop fundamental performance and theatre skills through active involvement in the theatre disciplines of movement, speech, and improvisation. This course is designed to help foster a positive self-concept in students by encouraging them to explore life by the assumption of roles and by the acquisition of dramatic skills. They will also apply this knowledge to analyze dramatic works. Full participation and a positive attitude are essential for success. There is no course fee.

Foods (Grades 7-9)

Food studies is an introduction to kitchen techniques as well as nutritional considerations when preparing meals. Students will build foundational skills in food preparation, planning meals and food safety. Technical skills will focus on measuring, knife skills, stove top skills such as sautéing, and baking. Students will learn proper sanitation and handling skills. Students will have the opportunity to create a variety of dishes and consider how food science, global issues, budget and nutrition are involved in recipe selection or development. There is a fee of $35 associated with this class.

French (Grade 7/8)

This fun and interactive course will focus on learning to speak French. Students will also begin to read and write in French. Students will learn the alphabet numbers, greetings, months/seasons/holidays, basic sentence structure, verb conjugation and vocabulary related to school supplies, calendar, school subjects, school personnel, school activities, home, family, friends, time, expressing likes/dislikes, personality traits, hobbies, weather, question words and holidays. In addition, there will be a small cultural component to this course. There is no fee for this course.

Leadership (Grade 7-9)
Do you want to get more involved in your school community? Do you want to help plan and implement fun activities, mentor others, and make a difference at school? Leadership is a class for students who want to think creatively, take initiative, and lead by example. In this course, you will participate in a variety of activities that help you develop your own personal leadership style while contributing to a positive school culture. Responsibilities may include planning and running assemblies and after-school events, organizing intramural tournaments and spirit days, mentoring younger students, supporting school-wide initiatives, and fundraising for charities and school projects. There is no fee associated with this course.

Outdoor Education (Grades 7-9)

Enjoy the outdoors and connecting with nature? The main objective of this course is to develop an appreciation for the outdoors. This course will offer a variety of opportunities to explore outdoor activities and experiences. As they participate in this course, they will develop their leadership and teamwork skills, students will become familiar with ideas connected to preparation for trips and safety outdoors. There may be opportunities to participate in community and off-site activities such as backpacking, climbing, skiing/snowboarding, cross country skiing and hiking, and more.  Each of these experiences may have a field trip fee associated that will cover transportation, substitute coverage and program fees. For those students that are experienced outdoors people or those looking for an introduction to what the outdoors has to offer this course will be for you. There is a $20 fee associated with this course.

Power Up Your Learning 7

This class is ideal for students who require extra time and support to develop skills related to the learning process. Students will identify and strengthen the focus of their learning goals. They will learn how to use their learning preferences and strengths as a learner. Students will participate in small group and/or individual instruction of new strategies to support their personal learning style, including organizational skills, study strategies, remedial math, reading, and writing. They will be provided opportunities to apply their learning about their learning to complete assignments from their core classes. There is no fee for this course.

Sports Performance (Grade 7-9)

Do you have a strong interest in sport and how to achieve a high level of performance? The main objective of this course is to provide students involved in sports with the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to understand the factors related to sports performance. Student’s will be exposed to both the theoretical and practical nature of sports. Students will be expected to demonstrate outcomes in a variety of areas. These include current training principles; basic sport nutrition and hydration; performance evaluation; goal setting; leadership fundamentals; and sport psychology. Note: this class will include minimal playing sports or games. There is no fee associated with this course.

2025-2026 Grade 5 and 6 Exposure Wheel

Grade 5 and 6 students will take part in a cycle of Complementary courses so they can gain some insight, learn about safety and decide which classes are best for them as they move forward. Students will sample courses like: Music, Fine Arts, Digital Literacy, Drama, Construction and Foods.