Exploring the Arts provides students with opportunities to study the arts in a variety of ways, focusing on areas that particularly interest them. This course emphasizes the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills related to the creation, interpretation, and production of works involving dance, drama, media arts, music, and/or visual arts. Since students enrolled in this course will not necessarily be proceeding to post-secondary study of the arts, consideration is given to arts as an avocation, as well as a career possibility. Students will study, evaluate, create, and promote works of art and productions, and use a variety of established and experimental techniques and various technologies in individual and/or group projects. Because students come to the course with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, the course begins with an exploration of the elements, techniques, and principles, common and unique, of all the arts. Following this, students experience the various arts from historical and contemporary perspectives. An original production concludes the course to provide a demonstration of skills and knowledge – students put it together and make it happen.

This course builds upon the skills introduced and explored in Grades 9 and 10. Students apply skills and research various acting styles when preparing both original work and selected scripts. Students explore theatre conventions and are introduced to the works of selected major playwrights from the turn of the 20th century. Script analysis prepares students for dramatic presentations, and exploration of the many roles in theatre production introduces students to the professions associated with theatre. Building upon cooperative skills and creative collaboration, students work within the culture of ‘ensemble’ and experience the creative dynamics of a theatre company. They develop research skills through independent study.

This course requires students to experiment with forms and conventions in dramatic literature, and to create/adapt and present dramatic works. Students will do research on dramatic forms, conventions, themes, and theories of acting and directing from different historical periods, and apply their knowledge of these in analysing and interpreting dramatic literature, including Canadian works and works from various cultures in the late twentieth century. Students will also examine the significance of dramatic arts in various cultures.
This course also engages students in active learning. They apply their theory and knowledge in genuine theatrical contexts by working as actors, playwrights, and discerning audience members. The intent of the course is to make learning experiential to the greatest extent possible, while meeting the academic demands presented by the expectations and suitable for the university/college destinations of students taking the course.

This course emphasizes performance of music at an intermediate level that strikes a balance between challenge and skill. Student learning will include participating in creative activities and listening perceptively. Students will also be required to develop a thorough understanding of the language of music, including the elements, terminology, and history. This course has an increased focus on the use of technology with music. This is accomplished through three strands:
1.   Theory. The study of theory involves learning the symbols, concepts, and conventions used in music.
2.   Creation. Creative work involves the practical application of performing skills and knowledge of theory as they relate to the performance medium, as well as composition.
3.   Analysis. Analysis involves listening to live or recorded performances to understand the language of music, its historical context, and how effectively its composers and performers communicate to the audience. The music analyzed will be drawn from a range of cultures.

This course emphasizes performance of music at an intermediate level that strikes a balance between challenge and skill.  Student learning will include participating in creative activities and listening perceptively.  Students will also be required to develop a thorough understanding of the language of music, including the elements, terminology and history. 
This focus course in Vocal Music will provide students with the opportunity to learn vocal music skills in intonation, projection, tone quality, breath control and diction.  Students will also have the opportunity to learn to sing three and four part repertoire, to read, perform and appreciate music as well as to continue their study of music theory, history and analysis.

This focus course in Vocal Music will provide students with the opportunity to learn to further refine their vocal music skills. Students will also have the opportunity to learn challenging repertoire as they continue their study of music theory, history and analysis.

This focus course in Vocal Music will provide students with the opportunity to learn to further refine their vocal music skills. Students will also have the opportunity to learn challenging repertoire as they continue their study of music theory, history and analysis.