2026-2027 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.
• 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 a 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

CBE Career and Technology Foundations

3D Printing and Engineering Design (Grade 7)

In this hands-on course, Grade 7 students will learn how to turn ideas into real objects using 3D modelling, 3D printing, and engineering design. Students will explore measurement, scale, structure, function, and basic design tools as they create simple prototypes and custom objects. Through creative challenges, they will brainstorm, build, test, and improve their designs while learning how engineers solve problems and bring new ideas to life.

3D Printing and Engineering Design (Grade 8)

In Grade 8, students will build on their design skills by creating more advanced and purposeful 3D printed prototypes. Students will learn about precision, constraints, tolerances, structure, user needs, and functional design as they work through engineering challenges. This course is ideal for students who like inventing, improving ideas, and creating objects that are not only creative but useful, strong, and thoughtfully designed.

3D Printing and Engineering Design (Grade 9)

In Grade 9, students will apply 3D printing and engineering design to create more advanced, functional, and innovative prototypes. Students will explore multi-part design, precision measurement, material efficiency, design optimization, and real-world problem-solving. Through larger design challenges, they will research, plan, prototype, test, refine, and present their work, making this course ideal for students who want to design meaningful solutions and bring ambitious ideas off the screen and into their hands.

Creative 2D Art Grade 9

2-D Art is a creative and skill-focused course where students develop their ability to represent the world realistically through drawing, using shading, contour, proportion, perspective, and the study of light and shadow. Through observational drawing and hands-on studio projects, students will strengthen foundational techniques while learning how artists create depth, texture, form, and realism on a two-dimensional surface. Students will work with a variety of traditional media including graphite, charcoal, ink, pastels, and paint, while also exploring expressive and experimental approaches to artmaking. Throughout the course, students will build confidence using techniques such as blending, value rendering, contour drawing, cross-hatching, and composition. Projects may include still life drawing, portraiture, landscape studies, and painting explorations that encourage both technical growth and personal expression. Students will also examine artists and artistic styles from around the world to better understand how art reflects culture, history, and individual perspectives. The course emphasizes creativity, observation, craftsmanship, and visual problem-solving in a supportive studio environment where students are encouraged to take creative risks and refine their artistic voice. There is a $20 fee associated with this course.

Art (Grades 7 and 8)

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, analysis, 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.

Ceramics 9 (3D Art)

This engaging and hands-on sculpture course introduces students to a wide range of three-dimensional art techniques and materials. Through a balance of foundational skill development and creative exploration, students will build confidence in designing, constructing, and evaluating sculptural works. Using kiln-fired clay, students will practice essential hand-building techniques such as pinching, coiling, and slab construction, followed by glazing to complete their pieces.

In addition to clay work, students will explore a variety of alternative sculptural media, which may include plaster casting, wire, cardboard, and plasticine. These experiences encourage experimentation with form, structure, and texture while fostering problem-solving and creative thinking skills.

Students will have opportunities to work both independently and collaboratively, developing artistic voice alongside teamwork skills. This course encourages a willingness to take creative risks, embrace new challenges, and engage fully in the artistic process in a supportive, dynamic environment. - There is a $30 fee associated with this course.

Band (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).

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. Fifth and Sixth-grade students will primarily work with hand tools, while students in grades 7-9 will use designated hand and 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 (Grade 7)

No dance experience is required for Dance 7- beginners are welcome! The dance program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to discover various forms of dance and to develop an appreciation for dance as an ongoing life experience. The course emphasizes movement as a form of self-expression as thoughts and feelings are conveyed in physical forms, fostering personal well-being, personal growth, and a supportive class community. This course works with companies such as Eastside Dance to provide training and performance opportunities for dancers seeking high-level training. There is no fee for this course.

Drama (Grade 7)

This course introduces students to drama and theatre. Students will develop fundamental performance and theatre skills through active participation in movement, speech, improvisation, and introductory playwriting. The course is designed to foster a positive self-concept and build social awareness by exploring roles and developing dramatic skills, while also learning to analyse dramatic works. Students will perform short, small-group pieces for their peers and for small groups of Grade 5 and/or 6 students. Full participation and a positive attitude are essential for success. There is no fee for this course.

Drama/Technical Theatre (Grades 8–9)

Drama and Technical Theater is a comprehensive course that explores both the creative and technical aspects of theatrical production. Students develop performance skills through acting exercises, improvisation, and script work, while also gaining hands-on experience in the behind-the-scenes elements that bring a production to life. Areas of study include stagecraft, set and prop design, lighting and sound, costume development, and basic theater production techniques.

Students will have opportunities to pursue areas of personal interest, allowing them to place greater emphasis on either performance (drama) or technical theater as the course progresses. Through collaborative projects and practical application, students build confidence,

communication skills, and an understanding of how performance and technical elements work together to create engaging theatrical experiences.

Throughout the term students will collaborate to produce and present a theatre performance for a live audience. Full participation and a positive attitude are essential for success.

Film Studies 8

Film Studies offers students the opportunity to explore the world of film in a deeper and more meaningful way. Throughout the course, students will watch and analyze films from around the world, examining a wide range of genres, styles, and storytelling techniques. Students will also investigate the key elements that bring films to life, including cinematography, sound, set design, and character development. By studying how these components work together, students will gain a stronger understanding of what makes a film effective and engaging. This course is ideal for students who love movies, as well as those interested in learning how films are created. In addition to viewing and analyzing films, students will have the opportunity to plan, produce, and create their own short films, applying the skills and concepts they have learned. FEE: $0

Foods (Grades 7-9)

Foods is an introductory course designed to develop essential kitchen skills and an understanding of the nutritional factors involved in meal preparation. Students will build a strong foundation in food preparation, meal planning, food safety, and kitchen organization while gaining confidence working in a culinary environment. The course emphasizes the development of technical culinary skills, including accurate measuring, knife techniques, stovetop and oven cooking methods such as sautéing, and fundamental baking techniques. Students will also learn proper sanitation and safe food handling practices. Through the preparation of a variety of dishes, students will explore how food science, global issues, budgeting, and nutrition influence recipe selection, meal planning, and food choices. There is a fee of $35 associated with this class.

French (Grade 7/8)

This fun and interactive course will focus on learning beginner French, including reading, writing and speaking basic French phrases. Students will learn the alphabet, numbers, greetings, months/seasons/holidays, basic sentence structure, verb conjugation and vocabulary related to various subjects such as school, calendar, home, family, friends, expressing likes/dislikes, food, travel, 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 8-9)

Do you 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.

Performing Arts (Grade 7)

Is a dynamic, performance-focused course where students explore three complementary art forms, including music, dance, and drama on one stage. This course emphasizes creative expression, collaboration, and skill development, allowing students to build confidence while performing as part of an ensemble. Students will develop foundational skills in:

• · Music: singing, playing instruments, and exploring rhythm, melody, and harmony while performing with expression and style
• · Dance: learning a variety of styles and techniques, creating choreography, and performing with control, energy, and creativity
• · Drama: developing acting and storytelling skills, building characters, and performing scenes with confidence

Through collaborative projects and performances, students will create, rehearse, and refine their work, gaining experience in combining multiple art forms into cohesive performances. This course encourages students to take artistic risks, express themselves authentically, and contribute to a supportive and inclusive creative environment where every voice and role is valued. There is a $10 Fee for this course.

Robotics and Coding (Grade 7)

In this course, Grade 7 students will explore the basics of robotics and computer coding using tools such as LEGO Mindstorms. Students will learn how to build and program robots using coding concepts such as sequences, loops, conditionals, and debugging. This course is perfect for students who enjoy building, experimenting, solving challenges, and seeing their code make something move, react, and complete tasks.

Robotics and Coding (Grade 8)

In this course, Grade 8 students will use CyberPi devices to explore coding, robotics, and interactive technology. Students will expand their programming skills through variables, inputs and outputs, loops, functions, sensors, and logical decision-making. They will create projects that respond to users, collect information, or complete automated tasks, making this course a great fit for students who enjoy technology, problem-solving, and building systems that react to the world around them.

Robotics, Coding, AI, and Machine Learning (Grade 9)

In this course, Grade 9 students will explore robotics, coding, electronics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning using Arduino-based devices. Students will develop programs that use inputs, outputs, sensors, data, functions, algorithms, and modular design to create interactive and automated systems. They will also explore how machines can recognize patterns, respond to data, and make simple predictions or decisions, making this course perfect for students who want to experiment with emerging technologies and build intelligent systems.

Sports Performance (Grade 7)

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.

Textiles & Fashion 7

This engaging and hands-on textiles course introduces students in Grades 7 students to the creative and practical world of fabric arts. Through a combination of foundational skills and creative exploration, students will develop confidence in designing, constructing, and evaluating textile projects. Students will begin by learning basic hand-sewing techniques as well as learning how to machine sew. In addition to sewing, students will explore fiber arts techniques

such as weaving and loom knitting. Using a variety of looms and materials, students will create projects that build understanding of texture, pattern, and structure. These activities encourage creativity while reinforcing patience, precision, and problem-solving skills. This course fosters creativity, independence, and practical life skills while introducing students to both traditional and modern textile techniques. There is a $30 fee associated with this course.

Textiles & Fashion 9

This engaging and hands-on textiles course introduces students in Grades 9 students to the creative and practical world of fabric arts. Through a combination of foundational skills and creative exploration, students will develop confidence in designing, constructing, and evaluating textile projects. In addition to learning basic hand-sewing techniques, students will explore fiber arts techniques such as cross-stitch/embroidery, felting, beading, and more. Using a variety of materials, students will create projects that build understanding of texture, pattern, and structure. These activities encourage creativity while reinforcing patience, precision, and problem-solving skills. This course fosters creativity, independence, and practical life skills while introducing students to both traditional and modern textile techniques. There is a $30 fee associated with this course.

2026-2027 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 into grade 7. Students will sample courses like: Music, Fine Arts, Digital Literacy, Drama, Construction, and Foods.