1. SEAQUAM SECONDARY Course Planning for Grade 7’s to 8’s 2017-2018
(note: this presentation will be posted on Seaquam.ca – For parents – Parent Connect)

2. Info. For Parents . . .
Grade 8 Parent night – April 6 6:30 p.m. Seaquam
Grade 8 counsellors 2017/2018:
Rob Rickey
Monique Costin
Don Kidd
Harvir Lalli
Norma
Where to access Parent Connect: your elementary school website

3. HOW MANY COURSES DO I NEED IN GRADE 8
HOW MANY COURSES DO I NEED IN GRADE 8? (in highschool, a ‘subject’ is now called a ‘course’) YOU HAVE 8 CLASSES TOTAL

4. 6 (out of 8) Needed Courses for Next Year
English (language arts) 8
Social Studies 8
Science 8
Math 8 or Math 8 Challenge or Math 8 Core
(Essentials is usually recommended by your gr. 7 teacher))
Physical Education 8 CO-ED
A Second Language French 8 or Japanese 9  If you have been recommended for a support block it will usually replace the second language

5. A note about 2nd languages:
Want to try something new? You can start with Japanese 9 in grade 8! You then take Japanese 10, 11 (and sometimes 12) Or
French You then take French 9, 10, 11 (and sometimes 12)
Keep your options open! Some UNIVERSITIES require a language at the grade 11 level (SFU, UBC) but colleges do not

6. But what about the ‘OTHER stuff’ – the ‘fun’ stuff!
Courses that are not required and at this level, are not ‘academic’ are called ‘electives’
You get 2 elective blocks (out of your 8 blocks)

7. Electives cont
Electives are offered as either a subject area that runs ALL year course (band or choir) in the same ‘block’ or
‘EXPLORATIONS’- 3 different areas that rotate through the year within the same elective ‘block’ (ie graphics, wood, computers)

8. Electives . . . What might my 2 elective blocks look like?
one of the blocks and the other block
Band Explorations or
Choir Explorations
Explorations another Explorations Or
Sports Academy Explorations

9. Specialty Courses ELL Support:
English Language Development Levels 1 & 2
ELL Strategies – academic support/study skills
Learning Support (SP200)
STUDENTS NEED TO BE RECOMMENDED FOR THESE COURSES – when we visit your teacher later in the spring they will let us know if you need these courses and we will adjust your schedule accordingly after discussing it with your parent/guardian

10. OTHER ACADEMY OPTIONS Soccer (Sands) Dance (Delta Secondary)
Film and Film Production (Delta Manor)
Baseball (Sands – boys)
Hockey Team (South Delta)
Hockey Skills (Burnsview)
Lacrosse (Delta Secondary)
Opera (Delta Manor)

11. Specialty Courses within the needed Courses
PE 8 Girls (Softball Academy) (PE260A)
If interested you need to apply through Seaquam Secondary by the end of May (sooner the better!)
Two blocks are used within your timetable (ONE block replaces PE, and this the other replaces ONE of your elective choices)
More info and application forms can be found at

12. What are Explorations? Group 1 Group 2 Group 3
Expl 8A – Graphics, Info Tech, Art
Expl 8B – Graphics, Business, Drama
Expl 8C – Business, Art, Dram
Group 2
Expl 8D – Woodwork, Textiles, Metal
Expl 8E – Woodwork, Foods, Music
Expl 8F – Engineering, Textiles, Film
Group 3
Choir (Full Year) and/or Band (Full Year)
Choose one from Group 1 and one from Group 2 OR
Choose one from Group 2 and one from Group 3 OR
Choose two from Group 3 OR
If taking an Academy choose one from Group 1 only

13. Exploration’s area: ADST
Woodwork 8:
Woodwork will help you explore, plan, use tools, and build interesting projects; you can make a wooden pen plaque, key rack, or even create a puzzle.
Metalwork 8:
Learn how to use hand tools, power tools, and machines to drill, cut, weld, file, and bend metal into works of art. You can create a sheet metal tool box, a custom piece of pewter jewellery, and a metal sculpture of your own design. Students who are motivated may also have time to create a unique piece of chainmaille jewellery.

14. Exploration’s area: ADST
Graphics 8:
Learn the basics of communicating through images and
type. Graphics teaches you how to design and produce
business cards, and even make your own mouse pad, tote
bag or t-shirt.
Computers(Info Tech) 8:
Welcome to the world of Web 2.0. In ICT 8 students will
explore several web based applications and experiment
with iPad applications. Students will create digital stories
with Social Media, Blogs, Digital Timelines as well as
explore their creative sides with iPad photography and
video. Students will learn the skills that they will need
to be good digital citizens and the boundaries of sharing
online.

15. Exploration’s Area: ADST
ENGINEERING 8
This course will introduce students to the engineering process through interesting design challenges. Students will enjoy building and racing steam boats from recycled materials as well as looking at aerodynamics and flight with our tumble wing glider project.

16. Exploration’s Area: ADST
Home Economics 8: Textiles
This course is an introduction to the creativity and skills of sewing. Students learn to use sewing machines and sergers as they make personalized projects.
Home Economics 8: Foods
An introduction to exploring foods and nutrition. Students will learn the skills needed to prepare snacks, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Textiles
Culinary

17. Exploration’s area: Arts Education
Drama 8:
This introduction aims to develop in students: self confidence, teamwork skills, basic presentation skills and creative thinking skills. Assignments involve working in small groups on short-term projects to be presented for the class only. Students usually create their own scenes based upon guidelines set by the teacher.

18. Exploration’s area: Arts Education
Visual Art 8:
This course provides students with the basic foundation for understanding how art has shaped (and continues to shape) our world. While there is some focus on skill building, the Art 8 program’s main purpose is to provide students with a space to develop their creativity as they explore new materials and techniques.

19. Exploration’s area: Arts Education
Film and Video:
Film and Video 8 explores the basic skills necessary to tell stories through moving visual images. Students will begin by learning the basics of camera/tripod operation and computer editing. The final project will involve students working in groups to storyboard, film, and edit a short narrative

20. Non-Exploration Electives: Arts Education
Band 8 or Choir 8  options for full year courses:
Concert Band – runs ALL year
This course is for students in grades 8. 9 and 10 who have already taken a beginning band course. Prerequisite: One year of elementary band (min)
Concert Choir – runs ALL year
This course is for all students interested in choral singing. No musical experience is necessary. Students will learn choral singing technique – vocal production, lyric diction, basic music theory and sigh singing.

21. So, an average timetable could look like….
English 8
Science 8
Socials 8
Math 8
French 8
PE 8
Band 8 (non-Exploration course)
Explorations: Graphics, Info Tech, Art

22. What is an alternate?
While we try to offer you what you ask for, sometimes it is not possible (usually in elective areas)
If you don’t get your first choice, we need to know what else you might want to take. By picking an alternate, the computer knows what else to try and fit in your timetable! (electives only)
Yes – there is always a possibility an alternate will be in your timetable so pick WISELY! If you pick it, you will required to stay in it.

23. How to pick your courses? *Online*Online*Online*
You need to pick your courses online through our system known as Student /Parent Connect on a program called CIMS
The System opens April 6th and stays open until April 12th
Go to or your school website which should have a link.
If you do not have a password you need to contact the elementary school office to get one.

25. Resources Your Teacher Rob Rickey (rrickey@deltasd.bc.ca);
Monique
Don Kidd
Harvir Lalli /Norma Brealey
Seaquam Website – This presentation will be posted on the website under for parents - parent connect - course planning
The Course Selection Booklet is under for students – course catalogue

26. What is a course catalogue?
This is an online resource available at Seaquam.ca - you can find it under ‘For Parents‘ then ‘Course Planning’
The course selection guide will tell a little bit about each course so that you can make careful choices

27. What else happens at Seaquam besides schoolwork?

28. Peer Mentorship
A program for grade 8’s that aims to foster a healthy, safe and happy environment in the Seaquam Community.
How does this happen??

29. Grade 8 Strong Start @ Seaquam!
Your first 2 weeks at Seaquam will involve more than traditional classes in order to integrate you into the Seaquam student community. You will participate in workshops such as:
Safeteen
Organization + Study Skills
Online safety
Research methods
Teambuilding
You will have access to grade peer mentors throughout the year
There will be a variety of fun activities planned to help you get to know each other!

30. Something for Everyone . . .

31. ATHLETICS . . . Visit seaquamathletics.com
Lacrosse
Water Polo
Tennis
Curling
Softball
Cross Country Running
Golf
Intramural sports at lunch (i.e. floor hockey)
Football
Rugby
Swimming
Volleyball
Basketball
Badminton
Soccer
Track and Field
Field hockey
Ultimate

32. Be a Hawks’ Fan . . .

33. Be a Seahawk . . .

34. Seaquam MUSIC

35. Seaquam Theatre –

36. Seahawks like to TRAVEL!!
Cambodia (2012)
Vegas
Costa Rica (2015)
Spain
Peru (2013)
Hawaii
Arizona
Japan (2014)

37. School Dances . . .

38. Student Council . . . Plans dances Plans ‘buddy day’
Special fundraisers
Fun days – pajama day – tacky tourist day – Halloween costume days etc.
Valentines – carnation day
Spirit Days
YES! Grade 8’s can get involved!!

39. Clubs . . . To name a few ! Kendo Photo Badminton Chess Environmental
Ski
Humanitarian
Rock and Roll
GET INVOLVED!!
Want a club but it doesn’t exist???
START ONE!!
Need a teacher sponsor
Approval from student council

40. BLACKCOMB RIDE TRIBE – We Want YOU!!
Become a Ski Club Member!! Sign up in NOVEMBER – 4 Saturday trips per year - Dec – Feb (bus, supervision, rental, instruction, FUN - all included!)
First Come First Serve – Don’t miss the NOV. Sign Up Meeting!!

41. Reminders . . . WHERE do I go to sign up for my classes?

42. Parent Connect : Your elementary school website will have a link!

43. WHEN do I sign up?
April 6th -12th

44. PARENT INFO MEETING IS ON THE EVENING OF THE 6TH @ 6:30pm – theatre @ Seaquam

45. HOW do I remember what to take?

46. This powerpoint will be uploaded on the Seaquam
This powerpoint will be uploaded on the Seaquam.ca website under: For Parents – Parent Connect – course planning

47. Large school so we can offer varied course options
Competitive sports program
Challenging acadmic program options (IB Program)
Strong emphasis on humanitarian and environmental issues
Language options (French, Spanish, Japanese) and advanced language courses (IB program)
Well developed music and theatre programs
Strong emphasis on community involvement
Strong emphasis on and work exp. And career development

48. QUESTIONS?

49. Want More. Watch Videos. ON YOUTUBE
Want More? Watch Videos! ON YOUTUBE . . .Check it out (using the following search words)
Fine Arts
Applied Skills
Seaquam theatre
Seaquam art
Seaquam graphics
Seaquam band
Seaquam woodwork
Seaquam metal
Seaquam culinary
Seaquam textiles