Career & Technology Foundations (Options)

Overview of Junior High CTF Options at Gibbons School

At Gibbons School, we strive to offer a diverse range of complementary courses that cater to the varied interests of our students. Junior High options are scheduled across three terms.

Course availability may vary depending on Alberta Education’s CTF guidelines, student interest, teacher availability, and timetable limitations. Please note that course fees are subject to change.

Junior High students have two option blocks, running on a Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Friday schedule. If a course is full, it will not be available for selection during that term.

  • STEAM and Advanced Band are full-year commitments on Monday/Wednesday, with STEAM also requiring a Tuesday/Friday block. Students enrolled in STEAM will need to choose a Tuesday/Friday option for each term.

  • Hockey is a two-term commitment (Terms 1 and 2) on Monday/Wednesday only.

  • Beginner Band is a full-year commitment on Tuesday/Friday. Students enrolled in Beginner Band will need to select a Monday/Wednesday option for each term.

Full-Year Commitment

Hockey

Course Description:

The Gibbons Grizzly Hockey program is designed to promote both hockey skills and life skills. It is the program’s intention that students will continue to develop their hockey skills in a highly structured, motivating, safe and challenging environment. Developing on-ice skills, time management, independence, organization and academics are the key factors that will be stressed in cultivating the total athlete. Not only will the program improve the student's athletic hockey skills, it will provide the necessary tools needed to be successful in moving forward with their life. This fee includes all material, field trips and transportation costs.

STEAM

Course Description: 

Challenge-based learning with real-world, globally relevant applications, S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics) Academy gives students learning opportunities and specialized instruction to prepare for the challenges of the future. Some of the activities and projects in this class will be 3D Printing, Animation, Augmented Reality, Coding, Digital Citizenship, Green Screen, Leadership, Robotics, Websites, Drone Challenges, and Video Creation.

Advanced Band

Course Description: 

The Band program is a practical course aimed at preparing students for musical performance.  In this course, students will develop a competency on a specific instrument, work on team building, self-discipline, listening, and performance and reading skills. Students have the opportunity to attend Music Festivals, perform at various assemblies and concerts, attend an overnight Band Camp in the spring, and the possibility of a year-end band trip. Participation in Grade 6 Band or Junior High Band is highly recommended to join the Gibbons School Advanced Band.

Beginner Band

Course Description:

The Band program is a practical course aimed at preparing students for musical performance starting with the basics such as tone production, instrument care, music notation and fingerings.  In this course, students will develop a competency on a specific instrument, work on team building, self-discipline, listening, and performance and reading skills. Students have the opportunity to attend Music Festivals, perform at various assemblies and concerts, attend an overnight Band Camp in the spring, and the possibility of a year-end band trip. No prerequisite skills are required to join the Gibbons School Beginner Band.

Single Term Commitment

Animal Health & Wellness

Course Description:

Students will learn about the range of careers in the animal health field and the roles each one plays - such as diagnostic procedures, veterinary work, and the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of injury and disease in large and small animals. Some of the information covered will be first aid, behavior, nutrition, anatomy, and terminology. The focus of the program will be on equines (horses, ponies, donkeys). Students will attend multiple field trips to Mission Ridge Stables to practice getting comfortable handling and working with animals. Students will learn what steps they need to take to enter an animal health career after high school. This fee includes all materials, field trips, and transportation costs.

Foods

Course Description: 

Do you love to cook? Then Foods Class is for you. In Foods you will learn these key concepts, gain knowledge to enhance your daily living skills, and enlighten your potential career opportunities. Students will begin with introductory safety, baking skills and meal planning.

Creative Writing

Course Description: 

Students will be able to explore a variety of storytelling techniques, as well as different types of writing - from short stories, news articles, digital storytelling, to graphic novels/comics. Students will have the opportunity to write about the topics that interest them and let their creativity shine through. We will learn and discuss the fundamentals of different types of writing, and the importance of distinguishing between fiction and not-fiction stories. There will be a media literacy component - as learning to distinguish between fiction and non-fiction writing, and fact checking are essential skills in many of the online environments students encounter today.

Art

Course Description:

Students develop an appreciation for a variety of art forms and colour techniques. They will create their own art using: drawing, painting, mosaics, sculptures and other art forms. The class may also involve craft projects such as scrapbooking, beading, origami, or décor.

Sports Leadership - Volleyball Skills and Fitness

Course Description:

The Volleyball Option at Gibbons School will focus on building students skills through FUNdamental work! They will do small games to build on skills as well as learn the rules of the game. We will break down small individual movements that lead to success, as well as some team strategy on both offense and defense.  All skill levels are welcome, no previous game or practice time required!

Sports Leadership - Basketball Skills and Fitness

Course Description:

The Basketball Option at Gibbons School will focus on building students skills through FUNdamental work! They will do small games to build on skills as well as learn the rules of the game. We will break down small individual movements that lead to success, as well as some team strategy on both offense and defense.  All skill levels are welcome, no previous game or practice time required!

Sports Leadership - Badminton Skills and Fitness

Course Description: 

The Badminton Option at Gibbons School will focus on building students skills through FUNdamental work! They will do small games to build on skills as well as learn the rules of the game. We will break down small individual movements that lead to success, as well as some team strategy on both offense and defense.  All skill levels are welcome, no previous game or practice time required!

Sports Leadership/Recreation

Course Description: 

Strong evidence exists that physical activity contributes to the overall well-being of individuals. People of all ages can substantially improve their health and quality of life by including a moderate amount of physical activity into their daily routines. A wide range of activities and sports will be played and will change as the season does.

Academic Skill Builders

Course Description: 

This course is designed to help students avoid too heavy a workload by providing them with a homework block.  Students have a wide range of abilities and skills. While a vast array of learning strategies are taught within each course, students benefit through development of their personal learning skills, as well as work and study habits. When students become actively involved in their learning, they take greater responsibility to plan, monitor and assess their achievement.

Drama

Course Description: 

In a drama class, students explore acting techniques, script analysis, stagecraft, directing, theater history, improvisation, performance skills, and collaboration. They delve into character development, stage design, lighting, and sound, while also honing their creativity, communication, and teamwork through performances and productions. Drama classes provide a space for students to express themselves, build confidence, and develop a deeper appreciation for the art of theater.

Construction

Course Description:

The CTF construction option provides students with opportunities to explore, create, plan and evaluate different techniques and strategies related to the world of woodworking. Students identify safety hazards in the construction lab. They operate both hand and power equipment appropriately and demonstrate their construction skills by completing various assigned tasks as they complete chosen projects. Students work in a safe environment where they can apply new skills successfully. Students will have an opportunity to demonstrate their comprehensive knowledge and understanding of wood construction including planning, creating, modifying and evaluating progress as well as demonstrate their problem solving skills as they work through their challenge.

Cosmetology/Theatre Makeup

Course Description:

In this course, students will explore the world of Esthetics and Beauty. This course is designed for students interested in learning essential skills for personal grooming as well as exploring cosmetology as a potential career path. Throughout the course students will delve into topics such as skincare basics, hairstyling techniques - braiding and updos, salon cleanliness and safety, and more. Practical hands-on experience will be part of the learning experience with students actively engaging in trying new skills on themselves and their peers.

Golf/Weightlifting

Course Description:

During term 1 and 3, students will have the opportunity to learn basic golf skills.

Outdoor Education

Course Description: 

Students will participate in a variety of angling based activities which will include, how to tie a variety of fishing knots, learning how to cast, explore different types of techniques to target specific fish, and how to read the water to improve angling success. If a field trip is planned, there will be an associated fee at that time. 

Yoga

Course Description: 

A course offering students the opportunity to study yoga as a subject in its own right. It is designed to introduce students, safely, to the basic asanas, breathing techniques, and relaxation methods of yoga. It will also introduce students to the historical roots of yoga, and give them a basic understanding of anatomy and physiology as it applies to this discipline.

Students should come wearing comfortable/flexible clothing and have an open mind, ready to try new things.