Options courses

D.S. MacKenzie, is pleased to offer a wide variety of option "Complimentary" programming for students, including both Fine Arts and CTF courses. Here at DSM we construct options a bit differently than your typical junior high!

We run options on a trimestered basis. That means students get to choose a set of brand new options, three times per school year. 

We offer the main core courses for options that every junior high does as well. An example of those are the following:

• Band (Full Year) - In music at DS MacKenzie, students get to learn an instrument of their choice while playing tons of different kinds of music. We play everything from classical music, movie themes, to songs you hear on the radio. You do not need any musical experience to join this class in grade 7 or 8. *Please note this is a full year course and is not trimestered
• Foods - In the CTF Foods option, students will be introduced to some basic processes and recipes that will allow students to contribute to meal prep at home as well as independent meal prep. Health and nutrition, and meal planning and balance will also be focused on.
• Construction - Construction class develops skills related to the design, creation, and evaluation of projects in response to challenges. The focus of the course is on student safety while designing and building personal projects made from wood, plastic or metals. Elements of artistic design, collaboration, decision making, effective relationships, problem solving, environmental stewardship, and communication are learned and applied.

A list of the other options we will be offering for the 2025-2026 school year are as follows:

• Art - In this course students are exposed to drawing, painting and sculpture.  Students explore the use of mediums such as paper mache, plaster, watercolors, acrylics, printmaking and more. Opportunities for mixed media projects such as Indigenous loom beading may also be introduced. Exposure to the elements of art principles of design gives students the tools to learn the process of learning to make art.

• Cosmetology - Brush up on the art, science and industry of all things beauty. Learn about occupational and business opportunities in the beauty sector and explore lessons related to esthetics, makeup artistry, salon services and practices, health and safety, styling, nails, skincare, products and application, etc

• Drama - Drama students engage in creative theatre exercises to develop imagination, observation, and concentration.  Students also condition their bodies and voices to be flexible, coordinated   and    expressive. Students are introduced to drama through activities such as improvisation, tableau, pantomime, storytelling and characterization. By the end of the course, students will have an understanding of the basic elements of dramatic productions. 

• E-Sports - “Step into the world of competitive gaming with this high-energy Esports option course! Students will explore the exciting and fast-growing world of Esports while building key skills in teamwork, communication, digital citizenship, and strategic thinking. Whether you're playing console games, Minecraft, or engaging in friendly in-class tournaments, this course blends gameplay with reflection and analysis to help you grow as a player—and a leader.”

• Extra PE - Students will learn about and participate in different activities, both indoor and outdoor. This course is all about keeping active and having fun! The main focus is the importance of being active for life and reinforcing the many ways it is achievable.

• Film Studies - In this option, you will explore the development of movies over time. You will learn about various genres of movies and explore elements of stories that moviemakers use to create their stories, settings, characters and themes. You will also be introduced to terminology used in the movie industry and how it pertains to movie development.

• Guitar - Students get a chance to learn how to play the guitar, no previous knowledge necessary!  Students will learn about the different components as well as the language of the guitar, and learn introductions to chord structures, guitar theory, and strumming patterns.  In an effort to keep the pace of the course fun and engaging, students will be able to learn a variety of songs fairly quickly, some even at their own request! 

• Leadership - In Leadership, students will learn what it is to be a leader and develop their leadership and communication skills through presentations and various activities. Student leaders will develop an understanding of the importance of service and contributing to their communities.

• Logic Puzzles/Games - Students will learn about a variety of logic puzzles and games, how they work, strategies for solving, and how to create their own puzzles or games within different frameworks. Some ideas that we will explore include Chess, Escape Rooms, Choose Your Own Adventure, Open-ended STEAM problem solving, Sudoku, and other logic-based games.

• MakerSpace DIY - In Makerspace DIY you will take on projects of interest using all the tools, materials and technology the Makerspace has to offer.  You will learn how to work with a variety of tools and materials in order to create projects.  Some of these projects include costuming, 3D printing, graphic design,  laser cutting, found crafting, repair, and much more.  This course will give you the opportunity to explore how the act of creating can be turned into a career.  Join in to learn all sorts of new skills to add to your creative toolbelt!

• Outdoor Education - Through respect and appreciation for oneself, for the environment and for others and their views, students will develop the understanding, skills and attitudes necessary for safe and comfortable participation in outdoor experiences, sports and activities. Some activities may include team building, knot tying, firebuilding, orienteering, sledding, soccer, golf, archery, career exploration, environmental investigation, etc.

• Photography - Digital Photography focuses on the history and techniques of photography as well as the study of how to create stunning images with the digital medium.  Students will learn basic operations of the camera, framing and focusing techniques, as well as a look into different lighting. Students will also explore how to use a variety of tools to create video clips that tell an interesting story. The story might be of things to come (like a commercial) or of things that have passed (like a vlog) and it might include live actors or it might be animated. By the end of the course, students will know how to write, produce and share awesome video clips that have clear messages and look great!

• Robotics and Coding - In this Introductory Robotics course students will learn foundational skills in robotics using Spheros and block coding. Over the trimester, students will engage in a number of challenges designed to explore computer logic. Students will explore the technical and process skills necessary to deploy controlled, automated, and autonomous control robots.

• Sewing - In Sewing, students are introduced to basic hand-sewing techniques. Students will learn how to properly thread a needle and tie the thread, followed by introduction and practice of the running stitch, overcast stitch, and back-stitch. After practicing, these stitches will be used to create projects that can be taken home at the end of the quarter. The basic sewing techniques that you will learn can be used for mending and creating a variety of products. 

• Strategic Games - The Strategic Games Course is an opportunity for you to learn about board game design by playing different styles of high-level modern board/card/dice games. Students will experiment with different board game mechanics and then design and build their very own prototype board/card/dice game. Students will develop competencies in relation to leadership, positive social interactions, developing strategy, collaboration, decision-making, communication, adaptation, critical reflection, and problem-solving.

2025-26 Option Descriptions

Grades 7, 8 and 9