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. At the beginning of every trimester, teachers choose what options they will teach for that term. Every trimester varies in terms of what is offered.

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.

An example of options we have offered in the past, and may offer again (if we haven't come up with something even more amazing) are the following:

3D Printing -This class is an introduction on how to use 3D drawing programs and 3D printing technologies. Students will earn how to create and print objects serving a range of needs from personal interest to completing challenges and solving real world problems
Acrylic/Oil Painting - Students use a range of different acrylic and oil techniques to create a variety of well-balanced compositions on different subjects. Students become familiar with different styles of art such as impressionism, post-impressionism, expressionism and pop art. There is a focus on the elements of value, shape, form and texture.
American Sign Language - In this class, students will obtain a broad understanding of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture. Emphasis will be placed on general communication skills, using basic vocabulary and clarification techniques. Students will also learn about Deaf Culture, both abroad and locally. The purpose is to give a linguistic and cultural foundation from which to grow and continue to independently develop the language. Furthermore, students explore different types of careers that utilize ASL and other languages beyond English.
Archery - students will develop the proper safety skills needed to handle the equipment. The goal for each student is to correctly handle the bow and arrows using the proper technique to constantly improve on target accuracy.
Astronomy - Students will be introduced to the many amazing things that exist outside Earth’s atmosphere. Starting with a tour of our own solar system, we will then move further and further into deep space. We will also explore how telescopes work, as well the best places to point them. Supermassive Black Holes, Quasars, Pulsars and Supernovas are just some of the amazing things in our universe that truly are stranger than science fiction.
Badminton - This option is designed for students who enjoy participating in the game of Badminton. Students will develop skills such as various forms of shots (drop shots, smash shots, forehand and backhand shots, and so on), serving, as well as learn defensive and offensive strategies and develop skills to work effectively with various teammates in doubles play. The focus is continual skill development and enhancing individual and team work skills.
Basketball - This course is designed to teach students the skills and fundamentals of team play, rules and etiquette of the game and principles of basic strategy involved in basketball. Emphasis will be placed on skill development, rules and training and the importance of working within a team.
Beading - In this class, students will be introduced to the skills and fundamentals of bead work. Various beading projects and designs will be available for viewing and students will have the opportunity to create their own project(s). Possible projects include (but not limited to) beading on a loom, medicine bags, lanyards, bracelets and earrings.
Careers - Using the career based web site: myblueprint.ca, students can explore their learning styles, investigate career matches from personality assessments, research educational requirements for various job interests, build resumes and complete academic and personal life goals. Career games such as the “Game of Life” are also played to give students some virtual life experiences.
Cartooning - Students learn the basics of creating their very own caricatures and cartoon characters. Students focus on proportions, facial and body expression, and line techniques by placing their characters in a variety of environments and situations.
Computer Coding - In this course students are introduced to the discipline of computer coding; the thinking processes and core elements required for the development of functional applications. Students will explore block, interpretive and object oriented approaches to coding.
Creative Art - In the Creative Art Option, students explore visual imagery, using various medium, to investigate, communicate and articulate their ideas. They will learn about how to use abstraction, use personal symbols, and how to use their imaginations to create images. Students will explore their interests and passions while making personal connections to career possibilities, create products, performances or services in response to challenges, appraise the skills, knowledge and technologies used to respond to challenges, communicate their learning, and collaborate to achieve common goals.
Creative Writing - Creative writing is anything where the purpose is to express thoughts, feelings and emotions rather than to simply convey information. Students will use the stages of the writing process to plan, write and revise a short work of fiction on a topic of their choosing
Cycling - Students will be going on a weekly cycling adventure throughout The City of Edmonton and its river valley trail system. We will learn how to ride safely in a group, obey traffic laws and signals and build our physical fitness. Cycling will be a rain or shine activity and will require participants to have a bike and helmet.
Dance - Students get to research and practice various dance styles, learn basic choreography and work in groups to create a dance combo.
Design & Innovation - In this course you will be challenged to design and/or invent solutions to real-world problems. The problems you tackle can include anything from personal challenges (e.g., constantly losing your pencil) to problems that involve the entire world (e.g., climate change). Over the quarter you'll have the opportunity to bring your designs to life using makerspace technologies such as 3D printing, electronic circuits, and laser cutting.
Digital Illustration - Students will examine different ways in which they can create art digitally using their choice of several programs. The class will welcome both new and experienced digital artists and focus on highlighting the different tools available to enhance their artistic toolbelt.
DIY (Do it Yourself) Crafts - In this option, students will work on simple, cost-effective and beautiful handmade crafts and gifts. Crafts will be based on student preference, seasonal events and availability. Students will work hands-on to express their creativity, while developing problem solving skills, communication skills and potential career pathways. Some examples of crafts may include gift boxes, knitted wall art, cards, wrapping paper and picture frames.
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.
Drawing - Students use various instruments and techniques to record and represent subject matter in a two-dimensional format. Drawing students work with materials such as graphite, charcoal, pastels, ink, coloured pencils and scratchboard.
Engineering and Design - Students will be exploring the world of engineering and design. We will focus on understanding and implementing the design thinking process to complete a variety of engineering style challenges. This course will be fun, hands-on and oriented towards building a growth mindset!
Fitness - Fitness is a course that focuses on providing students with a good background on elements that ensure a healthy lifestyle. Students will learn about goal setting and nutrition, while creating workout plans and using them in our fitness center.
First Nation, Metis and Inuit Art - This class will examine various art forms and aesthetic expressions of select indigenous peoples of Canada’s Prairie Provinces. Students will be introduced to various techniques and protocols for the gathering and preparation of materials and the use of ethnographic materials and will provide learning through hands-on practice. Students will have the opportunity to create (and not limited to) hand drums, rattles, lanyards, moccasins, medicine bags and willow art.
Flag Football - Flag Football focuses on developing football skills by practicing passing and receiving through various drills. Students will also learn both offensive and defensive strategies. Classes will consist of a mixture of drills, scrimmages and short games. All students must arrive prepared to participate and willing to learn skills as a member of a team.
Floor Hockey - In Floor Hockey, students will have the opportunity to participate in organized drills and games to improve their hockey skills. Students will play games to work on stick- handling, passing, shooting, offense and defense. The games cover everything from 3-on-3 short gym to 5-on-5 full gym with a goalie. Floor Hockey is a great way to be active while having fun playing a sport that you love whether you have played outside school or not.
Get A Job/Young Entrepreneur - Students are introduced to the world of volunteerism and employment while developing the necessary interpersonal and communication skills required for working with others.
Girl Power - This course focuses on teaching girls to be confident, strong and independent. Students will study the ways in which girls are represented in media and how that influences the way they view themselves. Students will work towards feeling empowered through discussions, projects and hands-on experiences. Students will consider their own views on self-esteem and self- worth, with a goal of improving the way they see themselves and other women around them. We will study how beauty techniques can be used to enhance natural beauty and express confidence, without over shadowing the woman beneath it all.
Indigenous Games - Indigenous games provide a highly interactive setting, in which students have the opportunity to play Traditional Indigenous games of all ability levels. Games of stamina and dexterity, games of intuition and chance, as well as Northern Games will be covered. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in games such as double ball, run and scream, and knuckle hop.
Knitting - Students are introduced to common stitches and the maneuvering of knitting needles. They practice these skills using various types of yarn and needle sizes, while enjoying a calming environment.
Learning Strategies -Students engage in high impact literacy and numeracy strategies to aid them across all subjects. Students will have time and support in working on reviewing concepts and targeted interventions to aid in skill development.
Making Money Work - Students will get a chance to learn all about money! In this course, we will focus on monetary know-how in order to empower students to make great decisions with their financial futures. What is a credit card? What kind of bills could I expect to pay as an adult? How do taxes work and where does all of that money go? What should I know about banking? How can I pay for big items like cars or houses? What does investing mean? (And how does any of this relate to what I’m doing in math class right now?)
Mixed Media Arts - Students will explore combining a variety of media in a single piece. For example, using ink with watercolour paint or collage with acrylic. Students will have the opportunity to explore these various mediums through numerous projects and assignments
Myth Busters - This elective is an opportunity to take the things we learn in science outside the classroom to solve some of life’s myths and mysteries. Students get to use a hands-on approach to the scientific method they study in class.
Outdoor Art - Students are introduced to the development of drawing skills in the "plein air" tradition. Students explore line, value, texture and form through observations of objects and scenes in the outdoors. Some of the assignments include close observations of leaves and trees, using one point perspective in drawing a street scene, and, when the weather is not conducive to drawing outside, studies of the portrait and other drawing projects.
Outdoor Education - Students learn the basic skills required for navigating the great outdoors during this hands-on option class. Teamwork skills will be key as we learn the basics of shelter, weather preparedness, meal preparation, orienteering, as well as water and fire safety.
PAT Prep -This course will allow grade 9 students the opportunity to receive additional time and targeted practice to prepare for their upcoming Provincial Achievement Tests. Classes will be targeted to either literacy (ELA and Social Studies) or Numeracy (Math and Science) streams and focus on the essential learning outcomes of each course. Students will have the opportunity to work independently and collaboratively on sample PAT questions, study guides and review material. Students will also learn helpful study tips and tricks as well as stress management and mindfulness.
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.
Robotics - Students will develop a global appreciation for the value of robotics in our society from both practical and economic perspectives. 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.
Sculpture - Students use a variety of malleable materials to represent subject matter in a three-dimensional format. Sculpture students work with many materials including plasticine, ceramic clay, Fimo polymer clay and wire.
Soccer - Soccer is designed for students who enjoy participating in the World's most popular game. Students will develop skills like passing and receiving the ball, learn defensive and offensive strategies and develop skills to work effectively with various teammates. This class is activity based and all students are expected to show up to class prepared to practice and play games. The focus is continuous skill development and enhancing teamwork skills
Sports Performance - Sports Performance: Students are introduced to the fitness center and how it can be an important part of an athlete’s development. They will learn how to safely perform a variety of cardiovascular and strength building exercises using equipment and materials found in the fitness center. Students will set physical activity goals for themselves during this quarter and will encourage each other to achieve their goals. They will learn the importance of being active for life and that there are many ways people can get fit.
Strategy Games - Students will be introduced to various classic games in different formats (card, board, dice, etc.). Game play and strategy will be taught as students work through the different games.
Study Skills and Learning Strategies - Learning Strategies is an opportunity for students to enhance their study skills, organizational skills and learn strategies that work best for their learning style. Students are given an opportunity to catch up on late assignments, or to spend extra time practicing in the areas they may find difficult. Students learn about goal setting and ways to reach their goals as well as time and stress management practices.
Watercolour - Students use a range of watercolour techniques to create compositions exploring transparency and opacity.
Weaving - Weaving Crafts incorporates a variety of projects, allowing students to experience both following a pattern and creating their own. These activities require patience, dexterity and an eye for detail. Due to their hands-on nature, these crafts are gaining popularity worldwide. The creative and cultural variations allow for multiple types of artistic expression and practical use.
Yarn Crafts - In this option, students engage in a variety of crafts involving a number of materials, predominantly yarn. Students employ problem solving skills, creativity and collaboration while pursuing their artistic designs in an engaging and supportive environment.
Yoga - Yoga is a course that allows students to practice fundamental yoga poses in a calm and welcoming environment. Students are also introduced to breathing techniques and mindful meditation as a means of stilling the mind and the body.
Young Entrepreneur/Get A Job - In the Young Entrepreneur Business option, students must come up with a business venture based on the theme: "Let's Make a Difference!" These young entrepreneurs are responsible for coming up with a business plan that features a mission statement, logo, slogan, financial projections, etc. Each group will then present their business in a "Dragon's Nest" forum with other competitors from various schools.