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.

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.

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.

Photography

Course Description:

Students will get the chance to learn basic photo construction and editing. Editing skills will include techniques such as black and white, changing hair/eye color, superimposing images, creating posters, etc. In order to display all of their created and edited photos, students will learn how to design their own website (photography portfolio).

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.

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.  

Cosmetology

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.

Biological Basis of Movement (Anatomy and Physiology, Biomechanics)

Course Description: 

Students will engage in a number of hands-on activities that prepare them to describe the structure and function of the body and of physiological principles related to human performance; demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which nutrition and training principles affect human performance.

Human Performance (Nutrition, Weight Management, Avoiding Harmful Substances)

Course Description: 

This unit focuses on the factors and fuels that affect human performance. Through a wide range of interactive experiences students will be prepared to describe the relationship between nutrition and activity (e.g. caloric balance, nutrient balance, hydration); analyze the effects of performance-enhancing methods and substances on human performance; evaluate the effects of various training methods on performance (e.g., effects of sports or activity-specific and non-specific training, effects of overtraining; adapt physical fitness and activity programs to address personal needs.

Motor Development (Growth and Development; Motor Learning)

Course Description:

Learning is development. Over time what we learn to do influences our development - socially, physically, intellectually, and spiritually. In this unit students will explore materials and their own life experiences in order to demonstrate an understanding of individual differences in performance, growth, and development; and demonstrate an understanding of the principles of motor learning.