Experiences in the arts – dance, drama, media arts, music, and the visual arts – play a valuable role in the education of all students. Through participation in the arts, students can develop their creativity, learn about their own identity, and develop self-awareness, self-confidence, and a sense of well-being. Since artistic activities involve intense engagement, students experience a sense of wonder and joy when learning through the arts, which can motivate them to participate more fully in cultural life and in other educational opportunities. 

DRAMATIC ARTS

ADA1O Drama, Grade 9, Open

This course provides opportunities for students to explore dramatic forms and techniques, using material from a wide range of sources and cultures. Students will use the elements of drama to examine situations and issues that are relevant to their lives. Students will create, perform, discuss, and analyse drama, and then refl ect on the experiences to develop an understanding of themselves, the art form, and the world around them. Prerequisite: None

ADA2O Drama, Grade 10, Open

This course provides opportunities for students to explore dramatic forms, conventions, and techniques. Students will explore a variety of dramatic sources from various cultures and representing a range of genres. Students will use the elements of drama in creating and communicating through dramatic works. Students will assume responsibility for decisions made in the creative and collaborative processes and will refl ect on their experiences. Prerequisite: None

ADA3M Drama, Grade 11, University/ College Preparation

This course requires students to create and perform in dramatic presentations. Students will analyse, interpret, and perform dramatic works from various cultures and time periods. Students will research various acting styles and conventions that could be used in their presentations, and analyse the functions of playwrights, directors, actors, designers, technicians, and audiences. Prerequisite: Dramatic Arts, Grade 9 or 10, Open

ADA4M Drama, Grade 12, University/ College Preparation

This course requires students to experiment individually and collaboratively with forms and conventions of both drama and theatre from various cultures and time periods. Students will interpret dramatic literature and other text and media sources while learning about various theories of directing and acting. Students will examine the signifi cance of dramatic arts in various cultures, and will analyse how the knowledge and skills developed in drama are related to their personal skills, social awareness, and goals beyond secondary school. Prerequisite: Dramatic Arts, Grade 11, University/College Preparation or Open

MUSIC

AMU1O1 Music, Instrumental, Grade 9, Open

This course emphasizes the creation and performance of music at a level consistent with previous experience and is aimed at developing technique, sensitivity, and imagination. Students will develop musical literacy skills by using the creative and critical analysis processes in composition, performance, and a range of reflective and analytical activities. Students will develop an understanding of the conventions and elements of music and of safe practices related to music, and will develop a variety of skills transferable to other areas of their life. Prerequisite: None

EMPHASIS COURSES

These Courses will cover the same Ministry expectations as AMU1O1. Students will also have the option of focusing their studies in: • Vocal AMV1O

AMU2O1 Music, Instrumental, Grade 10, Open

This course emphasizes the creation and performance of music at a level consistent with previous experience. Students will develop musical literacy skills by using the creative and critical analysis processes in composition, performance, and a range of reflective and analytical activities. Students will develop their understanding of musical conventions, practices, and terminology and apply the elements of music in a range of activities. They will also explore the function of music in society with reference to the self, communities, and cultures. Recommended preparation : AMU1O1.

EMPHASIS COURSES

These Courses will cover the same Ministry expectations as AMU2O1. Students will also have the option of focusing their studies in: • Vocal AMV2M

AMU3M1 Music, Grade 11, University/ College Preparation

This course provides students with opportunities to develop their musical literacy through the creation, appreciation, analysis, and performance of music, including traditonal, commercial, and art music. Students will apply the creative process when performing appropriate technical exercises and repertoire and will employ the critical analysis processes when refl ecting on, responding to, and analysing live and recorded performances. Students will consider the function of music in society and the impact of music on individuals and communities. They will explore how to apply skills developed in music to their life and careers. Prerequisite: AMU1O1, OR AMU2O1.

EMPHASIS COURSES

These Courses will cover the same Ministry expectations as AMU3M1. Students will also have the option of focusing their studies in: • Vocal AMV3M • Guitar AMG3O

AMU4M1 Music, Grade 12, University/ College Preparation

This course enables students to enhance their musical literacy through the creation, appreciation, analysis, and performance of music. Students will perform traditional, commercial, and art music, and will respond with insight to live and recorded performances. Students will enhance their understanding of the function of music in society and the impact of music on themselves and various communities and cultures. Students will analyse how to apply skills developed in music to their life and careers. Prerequisite: AMU3M1.

EMPHASIS COURSES

These Courses will cover the same Ministry expectations as AMU4M1. Students will also have the option of focusing their studies in: • Vocal AMV4M • Repetoire AMR4M

MEDIA ARTS

ASM2O Media Arts, Grade 10, Open

This course enables students to create media art works by exploring new media, emerging technologies such as digital animation, and a variety of traditional art forms such as film, photography, video, and visual arts. Students will acquire communications skills that are transferable beyond the media arts classroom and develop an understanding of responsible practices related to the creative process. Students will develop the skills necessary to create and interpret media art works. Prerequisite: None

ASM3M Media Arts, Grade 11, University/ College Preparation

This course focuses on the development of media arts skills through the production of art works involving traditional and emerging technologies, tools, and techniques such as new media, computer animation, and web enivironments. Students will explore the evolution of media arts as an extension of traditional art forms, use the creative process to produce effective media art works, and critically analyse the unique characteristics of this art form. Students will examine the role of media artists in shaping audience perceptions of identity, culture, and values. Prerequisite: Media Arts, Grade 10, Open or Information Consumer Design, Grade 10.

ASM3O Media Arts, Grade 11, Open

This course enables students to create media art works using available and emerging technologies such as computer animation, digital imaging, and video, and a variety of media. Students will explore the elements and principles of media arts, the connections between contemporary media art works and traditional art forms, and the importance of using responsible practices when engaged in the creative process. Students will develop the skills necessary to create and interpret media art works. Prerequisite: None

ASM4M Media Arts, Grade 12, University/ College Preparation

This course emphasizes the refi nement of media arts skills through the creation of a thematic body of work by applying traditional and emerging technologies, tools, and techniques such as multimedia, computer animation, installation art, and performance art. Students will develop works that express their views on contemporary issues and will create portfolios suitable for use in either career or postsecondary education applications. Students will critically analyse the role of media artists in shaping audience perceptions of identity, culture, and community values. Prerequisite: Media Arts, Grade 11, University/College Preparation or or Information Consumer Design, Grade 11.

ASM4E Media Arts, Grade 12, Open

This course emphasizes the development of the knowledge and skills required for the production of interactive media art forms (e.g., interactive art installations, interactive videos, simulations, network art). Students will analyse and evaluate media art works, and will create their own works using a variety of technologies and processes (e.g. computer graphics, photo-imaging, digital video production techniques, electro-acoustics). Students will maintain a portfolio of their media art works. Prerequisite: Any Grade 11 course in the arts

VISUAL ARTS

AVI1O Visual Arts, Grade 9, Open

This course is exploratory in nature, offering an overview of visual arts as a foundation for further study. Students will become familiar with the elements and principles of design and the expressive qualities of various materials by using a range of media, processes, techniques, and styles. Students will use the creative and critical analysis processes and will interpret art within a personal, contemporary, and historical context. Prerequisite: None

AVI2O Visual Arts, Grade 10, Open

This course enables students to develop their skills in producing and presenting art by introducing them to new ideas, materials, and processes for artistic exploration and experimentation. Students will apply the elements and principles of design when exploring the creative process. Students will use the critical analysis process to refl ect on and interpret art within a personal, contemporary, and historical context. Prerequisite: Recommended AVI1O1

AVI3M Visual Arts, Grade 11, University/ College Preparation

This course enables students to further develop their knowledge and skills in visual arts. Students will use the creative process to explore a wide range of themes through studio work that may include drawing, painting, sculpting, and printmaking, as well as the creation of collage, multimedia works, and works using emergent technologies. Students will use the critical analysis process when evaluating their own work and the work of others. The course may be delivered as a comprehensive program or through a program focused on a particular artform (e.g. photography, video, computer graphics, information design). Prerequisite: Visual Arts, Grade 9 or 10, Open HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

EMPHASIS COURSES

These Courses will cover the same Ministry expectations as AVI3M. Students will also have the option of focusing their studies in: • Information/Consumer Design AWE3O • Industrial Arts AWF3M • Fashion & Textile Design AWI3M • Photography AWQ3M & AWQ3O • Digital Media: Video Game Design AWS3M • Information & Consumer Design; Yearbook AWE3M

AVI4M Visual Arts, Grade 12, University/ College Preparation

This course focuses on enabling students to refine their use of the creative process when creating and presenting two- and three-dimensional art works using a variety of traditional and emerging media and technologies. Students will use the critical analysis process to deconstruct art works and explore connections between art and society. The studio program enables students to explore a range of materials, processes, and techniques that can be applied in their own art production. Students will also make connections between various works of art in personal, contemporary, historical, and cultural contexts. Prerequisite: Visual Arts, Grade 11, University/College Preparation.

EMPHASIS COURSES

These Courses will cover the same Ministry expectations as AVI4M. Students will also have the option of focusing their studies in: • Information/Consumer Design: Yearbook AWE4M • Photography AWQ4M & AWQ4E • Portfolio AWT4M • Digital Media: Video Game Design AWS4M • Fashion Design AWI4M