10-12 Course Catalogue

Grade 10 Courses

Career and Life Education

Career Life Education helps students to develop the skills they need to become self-directed individuals who set goals, make thoughtful decisions, and take responsibility for pursuing their goals throughout life. The course encourages students to explore a range of pathways beyond secondary school, develop health and wellness goals, and polish their employability and financial planning skills.

The CLE and CLC curricula are designed to help students learn how to effectively manage their life journey toward several possible preferred futures. Through purposeful career-life development, students learn to recognize their evolving interests and strengths, refine their learning goals, and apply this self-knowledge to exploration of postgraduation possibilities in diverse education, work-related, and personal life contexts. In this way, students are able to advance toward who and how they want to be in the world.

English Language Arts 10: Composition

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. Students will read and study compositions by other writers and consider a variety of styles as models for the development of their writing. The course builds students’ writing competencies by introducing them to varied structures, forms, and styles of compositions. Students have opportunities to individually and collaboratively study, create, and write original pieces, exploring audience and purpose. They also develop their craft through processes of drafting, reflecting, and revising.

English Language Arts 10: Creative Writing

Creative Writing 10 is designed for students who have an interest in creative expression through language. The course provides students opportunities to build their writing skills through the exploration of identity, memory, and story in a range of genres. Within a supportive community of writers, students will collaborate and develop their skills through writing and design processes. This course is intentionally grounded in the sampling of writing processes, inviting students to express themselves creatively as they experiment with, reflect on, and practice their writing.

Math 10 Foundations and Pre-Calculus

This course is designed to provide students with the mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills identified for entry into post-secondary programs. In this course the Foundations stream and Pre-calculus stream are combined, and topics include geometry, measurement, logical reasoning, relations and functions, algebra and number, and trigonometry.

Math 10 Workplace

Workplace Mathematics 10 prepares students for math in the work place and focuses on real-world applications of mathematics including: Financial literacy-gross and net pay; Computational Fluency: puzzles and games for computational fluency; Patterning; Geometry and Measurement: primary trigonometric ratios; metric and imperial measurement; developing spatial sense through direct and indirect measurement and conversions; solving problems involving surface area and volume; angles; Data and Probability: create, interpret, and critique graphs; developing spatial sense; developing number sense and critical thinking skills.

Physical and Health Education 10

(PHE 10) is designed to develop educated students who have the knowledge, skills, and understandings to be safe, active, and healthy citizens throughout their lives. The PHE curriculum emerges from two areas of learning, physical education and health education, that are brought together in order to promote and develop all aspects of well-being. Student are required to log 80 hours of activity throughout the course, the types of activities logged are personalized to the spaces and places each student lives and plays.

Science 10

Science 10 is the last opportunity students have to experience all the major branches of science in one course-Earth Science, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. As such, Science 10 helps students chart their future path through senior science course offerings. Science 10 can be considered preparation for the senior sciences, with a focus on furthering development of good, independent work habits. Science 10 consists of four modules: Biology: DNA and patterns of Inheritance, Chemical Reactions and Radioactivity, Physics: Law of Conservation of Energy, and Earth Science: formation of the universe and astronomical data.

Social Studies 10

Social Studies 10 involves an exploration of Canada and the World, from 1919 to the present, focusing on four Big Ideas.

Global and regional conflicts have been a powerful force in shaping our contemporary world and identities.
The development of political institutions is influenced by economic, social, ideological, and geographic factors.
Worldviews lead to different perspectives and ideas about developments in Canadian society.
Historical and contemporary injustices challenge the narrative and identity of Canada as an inclusive, multicultural society.

Grade 10 Electives: It is possible to do some additional electives which are not online. These are usually portfolio-based electives, typically in the fine arts, performing arts and applied skills. Please consult with the administrators if you are interested in these.

Grade 11 Courses

Active Living PE 11

Physical Education helps students enhance the quality of their life through the exploration of active living, movement and the development of both personal and social responsibility. Topics and activities include looking at personal choices and goal setting, dance, games, gymnastics, individual and/or team activities and leadership skills. In consultation with the teacher, students may choose to focus more on Active Living, Fitness & Conditioning or Outdoor Education.

Chemistry 11

Chemistry 11 will introduce students to the study of matter. In this course you will learn about topics ranging from the structure of atoms and atomic nuclei, to the behaviour of complex organic molecules that make up all living things on our planet. The online course contains many special features to make learning easier. These include video clips, animations, an online glossary of important terms, home based labs, virtual labs, fun projects, and links to many interactive Chemistry web-sites. This is a good preparation for future chemistry courses.

Earth Science 11

Earth Science 11 is an introduction to the diverse aspects of earth and space science. Earth Science is an applied science course that introduces geology and other Earth sciences—ecology, oceanography, atmospheric science, and astronomy—with an emphasis on relevance to British Columbia and each student’s region and interests. If you like learning about our planet, this course will be an interesting way to obtain Grade 11 science-course credit toward graduation. If you are considering an earth science as an academic field, career, or a vocation, this course will also give you the basis for an informed decision.

English Language Arts 11

ELA 11 continues to build upon the skills and knowledge of previous English courses. The core big ideas for ELA 10, 11 and 12 is that “People understand text differently depending on their world views and perspectives. Texts are socially, culturally, geographically, and historically constructed.” In ELA 11, students will chose to pursue their studies in 1 of 5 themes: Composition 11, Creative Writing 11, Literary Studies 11, New Media 11, or Spoken Language 11.

Explorations in Social Studies 11

This course uses 7 learning standards built around 6 historical thinking concepts: Establish historical significance; Use primary source evidence; Identify continuity and change; Analyze cause and consequence; Take historical perspectives; Understand the ethical dimension of historical interpretations

Food 11

How do you take a Foods & Nutrition course online, you ask? It’s simple. Several resources such as an online textbook, web sites, and videos help you experiment with cooking while developing knowledge, skills, and attitudes for present and future applications. You will be given opportunities to show your knowledge in a variety of ways. Having a digital camera to photograph you with your finished products is essential. This course is meant to be creative and fun!

Independent Directed Studies 10, 11, or 12

Combine your passion with your talent to earn up to four course credits in Independent Directed Studies! You can work with the IDS teacher to build your own course based on training that you wish to take locally and at least one learning outcome from a Ministry approved course. Example: create an outdoor education focus by combining other courses such as Wilderness First Aid, Swift Water Rescue, and C. O. R. E. hunter training to focus on the PE 12 learning outcome of safety in alternate physical environments. Or you can pursue your own learning (by working with your online teacher/mentor) to develop a project that meets at least one learning outcome from a senior Ministry approved course. Examples: write and direct your own play, design and create a hologram, design and conduct your own science experiments, design and build a useful invention, create a documentary.

You are only limited by your imagination, available materials, and one course connection. Each thirty hours of work earns another credit to a maximum of four credits (120 hours). Students may begin an IDS course at any point in the year.

Interpersonal and Family Relationships 11

This course replaces Family Studies 11. Learning standards related to aspects of interpersonal relationships (including families), organized conceptually to address: Forming and ending relationships; Legislation related to personal relationships; Healthy and unhealthy relationships; Community and cultural influences; Forming Relationships; The Committed Relationship; Changes in Relationships; Effective Communication in Interpersonal Relationships; Wellness and Safety in Interpersonal Relationships; Career Opportunities. Focus includes local and global perspectives on interpersonal relationships

Life Sciences 11

This course used to be called Biology 11 and is a study of the relationships and differences among living creatures and the ways in which unity and diversity are used in the classification of organisms. In Biology 11, students focus on the following topics: basic cell biology, ecology, biodiversity, evolution, microbiology, botany and zoology.

Math 11 Foundations

This course is meant for students going into arts, humanities, and other post-secondary programs not requiring calculus. Many universities and colleges in BC will accept Foundations of Mathematics 11 for general admissions. Students going into math, sciences, or engineering should take Pre-Calculus 11 instead of, or in addition to, this course. The key concepts covered in this course are as follows:

Measurements – rates, scale diagrams, proportional reasoning; relationships between scale factors, areas, surface areas, and volumes for 2-D and 3-D objects
Geometry – properties of angles and triangles, the cosine and sine laws
Logical reasoning-proving conjectures, inductive and deductive reasoning, puzzles and games that involve spatial reasoning
Statistics – normal distributions, standard deviations, interpreting statistical data, confidence intervals, confidence levels, margin of error
Relations and Functions – solving systems of linear inequalities, characteristics of quadratic functions

Math 11 Pre-Calculus

This course is meant for students going into math, science, engineering, and other post-secondary programs that require calculus. The key concepts covered in Pre-Calculus 11 are as follows:

Algebra and Number – absolute value, operations on radical numbers and expressions, solving and applying radical equations, using rational expressions, solving and applying rational equations
Geometry – angles in the standard position, trigonometric ratios, using the sine and cosine laws
Relations and Functions – factoring polynomial expressions, using absolute value functions, analyzing quadratic functions, solving and applying quadratic equations, solving and applying linear-quadratic and quadratic systems of equations, applying linear and quadratic inequalities, analyzing and applying arithmetic sequences and series, analyzing and applying geometric sequences and series, reciprocal functions.

Math 11 Workplace

This course is meant for students who intend to take trades or apprenticeship training, or need a course dealing with more everyday math. It fulfills Grade 11 math requirements for graduation, but cannot be used as a prerequisite for Pre-Calculus 12 or Foundations of Mathematics 12. Check post-secondary math requirements to see if the Apprenticeship and Workplace pathway is best for you. Apprenticeship and Workplace Mathematics 11 covers the following main topic areas:

Measurement- how to solve problems involving surface and volumes
Geometry- solving problems that involve right triangles and scale, and drawing and analyzing diagrams
Numbers- puzzles and games involving numbers, personal budgets, compound interest, managing finances and credit options
Algebra – solving problems involving formulas, understanding slopes of lines, using proportional reasoning and unit analysis.

Photography 11

Have you ever wondered how professional photographers manage to take such sensational pictures? How are they able to find just the right way to capture an image or moment in time? Perhaps you’ve even wondered why your own pictures don’t meet that standard. Digital Photography I: Creating Images with Impact! will answer these questions and help you understand more about the basics of photography. Learning about aperture, shutter speed, lighting, and composition is key for any serious photographer and will help you gain the confidence and knowledge you need to become one. You will not only follow photography through its history but also gain a basic understanding of camera functions, techniques and what it takes to shoot quality portraits, close-ups, action shots, and landscapes.

Psychology 11: The Road to Self-Discovery (OL, BAA, YPSYC1A)

Have you ever wondered why you do the things you do? Have you asked yourself if self-knowledge is the key to self-improvement? Are you interested in how behavior changes as we age? Psychology can give you the answers! In Personal Psychology I: The Road to Self-Discovery, you will trace the development of personality and behavior from infancy through adulthood. You will come to learn more about perception and consciousness and better understand the role of sensation. Are you ready to explore the world of human behavior? Come explore all that psychology can offer to help you to truly understand the human experience.

Physics 11

Physics 11 explores the world of motion and energy. It is designed to build students’ knowledge of core physics concepts. The course focuses on four big ideas. An object’s motion can be predicted, analyzed and described. Forces influence the motion of an object. Energy is found in different forms, is conserved, and has the ability to do work. Mechanical waves transfer energy but not matter. Physics 11 emphasizes real-life applications and helps students connect their learning to the world around them. Several virtual labs and one hands-on home lab deepen student understanding of content and scaffold important lab writing skills. Physics 11 provides a solid foundation for students carrying on to physics 12.

Science for Citizens 11

Science for Citizens 11 is an update of Science and Technology 11 for the new Science curriculum. Science for Citizens is a multi-disciplinary course that explores the connections between science and your everyday life. Topics include the science of health and nutrition, safety of household and industrial chemicals, household technologies, disposal and recycling of household waste, the science of forensics, extreme weather and disaster preparation, and electricity generation and sustainability of resources.

Grade 11 Electives: It is possible to do some additional electives which are not online. These are usually portfolio-based electives, typically in the fine arts, performing arts and applied skills. Please consult with the administrators if you are interested in these.

Grade 12 Courses

Active Living PE 12

Anatomy and Physiology 12

This course replaces Biology 12, and is focused on human biology.The content is organized conceptually and includes expected knowledge in the following areas: Homeostasis; DNA and Cells; Organ Systems.

BC First Peoples 12

BC First Peoples 12 looks at how the identities, worldviews, and language of BC First Peoples are renewed, sustained, and transformed through their connection to the land. Students will investigate how the impact of contact and colonialism continues to affect the political, social, and economic lives of BC First Peoples. Students will study how cultural expressions convey the richness, diversity, and resiliency of BC First Peoples. Student will gain an understanding of how through self-governance, leadership, and self-determination, BC First Peoples challenge and resist Canada’s ongoing colonialism.

Career and Life Connections & Capstone Project

A person’s career is considered their “journey” through life, and Career Education in the 2018 Graduation Program encourages students to pursue this journey in personally meaningful and goal-oriented ways. In Career-Life Education (CLE) and Career-Life Connections (CLC), students learn how to effectively manage their life journey toward preferred future possibilities, developing the confidence, knowledge, and competencies necessary to succeed in an ever-changing world. Eight credits are dedicated to this area of learning and are a requirement for graduation. The CLE and CLC curricula are designed to help students learn how to effectively manage their life journey toward several possible preferred futures. Through purposeful career-life development, students learn to recognize their evolving interests and strengths, refine their learning goals, and apply this self-knowledge to exploration of post-graduation possibilities in diverse education, work-related, and personal life contexts. In this way, students are able to advance toward who and how they want to be in the world.

Chemistry 12

Chemistry 12 builds upon the knowledge gained in Chemistry 11, providing students with a much more detailed understanding of the structure and behavior of matter. Any students considering further studies in the fields of general science, medical sciences, agriculture, forestry, engineering, geology, etc., should investigate the requirement for Chemistry 12 as a prerequisite. The online version of Chemistry 12 offers many unique features to enhance student learning. These features include video clips, animations, interactive demonstrations, home based labs and virtual labs, instant practice questions and much more!

Child Development and Caregiving 12

This course replaces Family Studies 12, and focuses on aspects of child development and caregiving including: Child development; Essentials for healthy development; pregnancy and birth; child development to age 12 and the role of play; nutritional needs and feeding practices; regulations regarding child protection and child care; caregiving and childcare options; community resources. Focus includes local and global perspectives on child development and caregiving.

English Studies 12

This new course replaces English 12, although it differs in its purpose and content. All students are required to take English Studies 12. This comprehensive course represents essential learning in ELA for student success within and beyond school. A wide range of texts types, media, and digital forms is included. It ensures that students are exposed to the discourse related to a full range of texts (e.g.,critical literacy skills associated with engaging with literary, digital, and informational texts).

Food 12

Foods 12 is designed to develop student’s food preparation skills. The course includes many labs to be completed at home while helping students develop an array of recipes they can keep for future meals. Foods 12 covers Food Preparation Foundations and Techniques, Nutrition and Healthy Eating, Social, Economic, and Cultural Influences and Career Opportunities in the Food Industry. This course offers skills for every person that can be applied on a daily basis throughout their lives.

Independent Directed Studies 10, 11, or 12

Law Studies 12

Law 12 helps students to understand how laws and regulations are made, applied, and reviewed. It also helps them to understand the role of law and the benefits of the legal system. Law 12 fosters skills and attitudes that enhance students’ abilities to address legal, social, and ethical issues, and reflect critically on the role of law in society. The study of law also promotes the skills and abilities needed to clearly express ideas, argue effectively, logically and accurately interpret the written word. To meet career challenges, students need to make decisions, think critically, solve problems, work both independently and with others, and recognize their legal rights and responsibilities.

Math 12 Foundations

Foundations 12 is ideal for those who plan to enter post-secondary, and want to focus on a math/science light program. In Foundations 12 you will take a look at financial decision making that involves interest, rate of return and the benefits of whether to lease, rent or buy. You will be using a variety of problem solving strategies to solve puzzles and that involve logical reasoning and uncertainty. Lastly, there is a strong focus on relations and functions, where you will look into polynomials, exponentials, logarithmics and sinusoidals.

Math 12 Pre-Calculus

This course is meant for students going into math, science, engineering, and other post-secondary programs that require calculus. The key concepts covered in Pre-Calculus 12 are as follows:

Trigonometry – angles in standard position (degrees and radians), the unit circle, solve problems using the 6 trigonometric ratios (degrees and radians), graph and analyze the trigonometric functions (sine, cosine and tangent) to solve problems, solving first and second degree trigonometric equations (degrees and radians), prove trigonometric identities using various techniques.
Relations and Functions – operations on (and compositions of) functions, horizontal and vertical translations/stretches/reflections of functions and their graphs, inverse relations, logarithms (including product, quotient and power laws of logarithms), graphing and problem solving involving exponential and logarithmic functions, factoring/graphing/analyzing polynomial/radical/rational functions.
Permutations, Combinations, and Binomial Theorem – solving problems using the fundamental counting principle, solving problems involving permutations and combinations, expanding powers of a binomial using a variety of techniques including the binomial theorem.

Photography 12

In today’s world, we are surrounded by images. We are continually seeing photographs as they appear in advertisements, on websites, in magazines, and on billboards; they even adorn our walls at home. While many of these images have been created by professional photographers, it is possible for your photos to take on a more professional look after you discover how to increase your creative potential. In Digital Photography II: Discovering Your Creative Potential, you will examine various aspects of the field including specialty areas, ethics, and famous photographers throughout history. You will also learn how to effectively critique photographs so you can better understand composition and go on to create more eye-catching photographs on your own.

Physical Geography

Learning using the historical thinking skills used by geographers to study: plate tectonics and its effects on human and natural systems; tectonic processes; gradational processes; weather and climate; biomes; resources and environmental sustainability; gradation and its effects on human and natural systems; natural disasters and their effects on human and natural systems; climate, weather, and interactions between humans and the atmosphere o characteristics of global biomes; natural resources and sustainability.

Psychology 12: Living in a Complex World

Why do you sometimes remember song lyrics but can’t remember where you left your phone, your keys, or even your shoes? How does language affect the way we think? Why is your personality so different from (or so similar) your brother’s or sister’s personality? Personal Psychology II: Living in a Complex World will you to explore what makes you ‘you.’ Why do some things motivate you more than others? How can you determine your IQ? If you’ve ever wanted to dive right into the depths of who you are and how you got to be you, jump on board and start your exploration now.

WEX 12 A and B

Designed for Grade 11 and 12 students who wish to combine school with career exploration through practical, hands-on work experience. The school’s Career Facilitator will arrange volunteer work experience placements for you that fit your strengths and interests.

Grade 12 Electives: It is possible to do some additional electives which are not online. These are usually portfolio-based electives, typically in the fine arts, performing arts and applied skills. Please consult with the administrators if you are interested in these.

Looking for something different? We have that too! Check out other Blended Learning programs offered by the Cowichan Valley School District

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