All grade 8-10 students at Carson Graham as part of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program.

Grade 8 students are enrolled in a minimum of 8 courses over the course of the year.

• Language & Literature Year 3
• Individual & Societies Year 3
• Sciences Year 3
• Mathematics Year 3
• Physical & Health Education Year 3
• A Language Acquisition Year 3 course
• Design Year 3 Rotation
  • Computational Thinking Year 3
  • Textiles Year 3
  • Woodwork Year 3
• Fine Arts Year 3 Rotation
• Arts Education Music Year 3
• Arts Education Drama Year 3
• Arts Education Visual Arts Year 3​
  

​Grade 8 Course Descriptions

LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE YEAR 3 - MEM--08IB

Students will explore the writing process through a variety of means: journal entries, expository paragraphs, narrative stories, dramatic scripts, poetic forms, notes and letters. Students will also investigate a variety of literary forms and genres: short stories, poetry, novels (historical and contemporary) and mythology. Oral skills will be enhanced through a variety of formal and informal discussions, debates, speeches and dramatic presentations. The course also includes: research skills, vocabulary building, spelling rules, parts of speech, sentence types and punctuation.

INDIVIDUALS AND SOCIETIES YEAR 3 - MSS--08IB

This curriculum focuses on world civilizations from the 7th century to 1750. This course is framed by both Curricular and the Core Competencies of Communication, Thinking and Personal and Social. By the end of Individuals and Societies Year 3, students are expected to know the social, political and economic systems and structures of societies, including at least one indigenous civilizations, scientific and technological innovations, the exchange of ideas, goods and the arts by different civilizations. In addition, students will examine exploration, expansion and colonization, as well as changes in population and living standards. The Big Ideas that students will be examining are:

• Contacts and conflicts between peoples stimulated significant cultural, social, political change.
• Human and environmental factors shape changes in population and living standards
• Exploration, expansion, and colonization had varying consequences for different groups
• Changing ideas about the world created tension between people wanting to adopt new ideas and those wanting to preserve established tradition

SCIENCES YEAR 3 - MSC--08IB

In Science 8, through the MYP framework, students will begin to develop skills and attitudes necessary to become scientists. Students will discover three key concepts underlying many scientific processes: systems, relationships, and change, through exploration of the following topics: Cell Theory, Immunity, Kinetic Molecular and Atomic Theories, Optics, and Plate Tectonics. Students will also discover methods for collecting, processing and evaluating data in order to draw their own conclusions in these fields. Throughout this course, students will show evidence of their learning in many ways. Knowledge and understanding of key concepts will be demonstrated through individual and group assessments. Experimental design and analysis skills will be highlighted in laboratory investigations. Students' ability to reflect on ethical, social, economic, political, cultural, or environmental impacts of science on society will be assessed through real-world research activities.

MATHEMATICS YEAR 3 - MMA--08IB

Mathematics 8 is a course that bridges the arithmetic from Elementary School with the curriculum that will form the core of Senior Mathematics. This course will introduce students to developing the ability to conjecture, reason logically, employ quantitative and spatial information, and apply a variety of mathematical methods to solve problems and make decisions confidently and independently.

PHYSICAL & EALTH EDUCATION YEAR 3 - MPHE--08IB

At Carson Graham, PHE students learn about their physical, emotional, and mental health with the goal of building lifelong participation in physical activity. Key concepts that are explored are change, communication, development, and relationships. The focus of PHE 8 is to build a positive mindset around participation and health and build relationships with peers. Students are also introduced to creating personal fitness goals, building fitness plans, and reflecting on their performance. Students will develop physical literacy through a variety of physical activities, such as team games, individual and dual activities, gymnastics, dance and fitness. Health topics include: relationships, sexual health and decision making, and substance use.

LANGUAGE ACQUISITION YEAR 3 - FRENCH - MFR--08IB

This course is designed for building the basics in the French language and create some skills for simple conversations as well as skills useful for getting around French speaking countries. There is also a focus on culture in the French speaking world with an IB lens and getting a snapshot of some practices where French is spoken. The course will develop simple reading, listening, writing and speaking skills in assessments and classroom activities.

LANGUAGE ACQUISITION YEAR 3 - SPANISH - MSP—08-IB

This course is part of a three-year comprehensive MYP program that can extend Spanish language learning to Grade 12. The course will focus on extensive classroom use of high-frequency Spanish to learn personal expression and communication, as well as exploration of both Hispanic and home cultures. We will participate in class discussions, storytelling and a variety of cultural activities to develop confidence in acquiring the language.

LANGUAGE ACQUISITION YEAR 3 - FIRST NATIONS - XAT--08FNI

This course is a study of the aboriginal language of the Squamish people. The Squamish Nation is a distinct First Nation with a unique Language and culture. The expectations of language and of Squamish societal understandings become increasingly complex with each grade level and students will focus on cultural elements to learn the Squamish language. Students will learn the alphabet and the proper pronunciation of letters and simple sight words, as well as the names of traditional territories. Students will focus on cultural elements to learn the Squamish language. This will include: learning the history of the land and the people, understanding protocols for celebrations and ceremonies, and the sharing of stories and legends. A comparison to other Aboriginal languages and cultures is included. Students will be encouraged to write Squamish words and practice conversation skills in class. As an elective, this course would also serve to educate non-Squamish students through a Squamish world view as expressed through its distinct language. This course is open to all students.

DESIGN YEARS 3 - COMPUTATIONAL THINKING - MADCT08-IB

Computational Thinking 8 (CT8) explores some of the foundational concepts in programming while applying elements of the Design Cycle, which is at the heart of the Designs component for the Middle Years Programme. After learning essential programming concepts like developing algorithms, manipulating loops, calling for user inputs and using variables, students will approach summative project ‘design challenges’ to demonstrate their understanding. In doing so, they will investigate a ‘design problem’, design an appropriate solution to that problem, create their solution based upon their plan, and evaluate their solution to ensure it has appropriately addressed the design problem. True to the creative process, students will be encouraged to evaluate their work at all stages and to accept design failure as a necessary step to achieve a successful design solution. Projects throughout the course follow the “Introduction to Computer Science” curriculum from Microsoft’s TEALS (Technology Education and Learning Support) Program and learning is supported by teacher-lead demonstrations, sequentially more complex assignments and student experimentation. The block programming language Snap! is used in this course.

DESIGN YEARS 3 - WOODWORK - MADW-08-IB

The Design and Wood Technology 8 course is an investigation into the multiple fields of technical education. Students will be introduced to common technical skills such as hand and machines tools use and attitudes towards working safely. Through use of the IB Design Cycle, students will learn in a hands-on, practical setting. The intention of Design and Technology 8 is for students to use their newly acquired skills to investigate technical problems, brainstorm possible solutions and build solutions to those identified needs. Students will be using a variety of procedures to work with wood, plastic and metal in this introductory course.

Supplemental Fee: $10.00

DESIGN YEARS 3 - TEXTILES IB - MADT-08-IB

The aim of Home Economics 8 is to provide students with experience in the area of Textiles. The course explores multiple units of work and will cover a wide variety of skills, knowledge, and creative processes. These will include the following: sewing basics and the creation of a simple textile item. In this course, students will be introduced to the IB Design Cycle (Investigate, Plan, Create, and Evaluate). Students will begin to develop the knowledge, skills, and curiosity in order to address design challenges concerning project creation. All students begin to work through the Design Cycle and document their work in their Design Folder.

Supplemental Fee: $10.00

ARTS YEAR 3 - MUSIC - MMU--08IB

This is a music course that explores aspects of guitar performance, notation, composition, history, and technology. Students in this course will learn skills in open chords, strumming, notation, and composition. A variety of repertoire will be studied. Students will develop their skills in guided group practice, as well as individual and group work. Students in this class are encouraged to bring their own material to work on in class, so long as their in class assignments are attended to first. Students are also encouraged to bring relevant guitar​ songs to the instructor's attention that can then be shared with the class.

Supplemental Fee $35

ARTS YEAR 3 - DRAMA - MDR--08IB

The duration of Theatre Company (Drama) 8 is one school term. This course is part of the grade 8 rotation for electives and includes a basic introduction to drama and theatre arts. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing the value of one’s own ideas and the importance of working together. This is an experiential course, so punctuality and participation are fundamental parts of success. Beginning performance skills will be developed through trust activities, theatre games, and improvisation. Non-verbal communication through movement, script creation, and storytelling are the topics for the larger drama units. Students can expect to gain self-confidence by sharing their voices and thoughts in a safe, caring and fun environment.

ARTS YEAR 3 - VISUAL ARTS - MVA--08IB

Art 8 enables students to develop curiosity, interest and enjoyment in their own creativity and that of others. The course explores two major units of work and will cover a variety of techniques and materials. These could include drawing, print making, painting and sculpture/ceramics. Students will be introduced to the language of art through examining the elements and principles of design. Images are central to the Visual Arts program. Students will perceive, respond, create and communicate through imagery. Students will respond to images in the way they reflect personal, social, cultural and historical contexts. All students will work in their Developmental Workbook on a weekly basis, exploring the creative process, documenting this process with images, and reflecting on personal discoveries. This is a course of approximately 40 hours that will be delivered in one term of the school year.

Supplemental Fee: $10.00

ARTS YEAR 3 - BEGINNER CONCERT BAND - MMU--08BBI

This is a year-long course that runs outside the timetable. This course is intended for students who appreciate music and would like to learn a concert band instrument (flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, bass guitar or percussion). Students will learn how to read music, how to play with the proper posture, embouchure, hand position, and other fundamental musicianship skills. Prior musical experience is not required, however students will prior musical skills, such as playing piano, will progress quickly. The Beginning Band students will have the opportunity to participate at the Loon Lake Music Retreat in January. Students will spend three days and two nights at the beautiful Loon Lake Retreat Centre in Maple Ridge learning music with other professional musicians.

ARTS YEAR 3 - CONCERT BAND - MMU--08CBI

This is a year-long course that runs inside the timetable. The concert band instrumentation is flute, clarinet, oboe, bass clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, bass guitar or percussion only, however guitarists and other instrumentalists may take this course to try band, with the intention of switching to a band instrument fairly soon. Fun and challenging music, from a variety of genres, will be performed. Students will continue to build on their technical facility, tone production, musicality and music theory skills. The Concert Band 8 students will have the opportunity to participate at the Loon Lake Music Retreat in January. Students will spend three days and two nights at the beautiful Loon Lake Retreat Centre in Maple Ridge learning music with other professional musicians.

Supplemental Fee: $35

ARTS YEAR 3 - CONCERT CHOIR - MMU--08CCI

This course will cover a wide range of choral repertoire from traditional to contemporary literature. Students will learn proper singing techniques, sight singing skills as well as music theory. No less than two concerts are part of this course. Uniform is mandatory. The supplemental fee allows the instructors to enhance and reinforce the regular curriculum through workshops with guest clinicians, as well as performances at festivals and concerts.

This class takes place in addition to all required courses and takes place outside of the regular timetable.

Supplemental Fee: $35

ARTS YEAR 3 - VOCAL JAZZ - MMU--08VJI

This course is for students committed to the study of jazz and who wish to explore challenging repertoire within the vocal jazz idiom. The course will cover some jazz theory and history. Beginning improvisation and solos are part of this course. Students must be enrolled in Concert Choir to participate in Jazz Choir. Jazz Choir takes place outside of the timetable. Uniform is mandatory. The supplemental fee allows the instructor to enhance and reinforce the regular curriculum through workshops with guest clinicians, as well as performances at Festivals and concerts. Taken outside of the timetable in addition to the eight core Grade 8 courses.

Supplemental Fee: $35

ARTS YEAR 3​- JAZZ BAND - MMU--08JBI

Jazz Band is open to students in grade 8 to 12 who are also in Concert Band courses. In any given year, Carson Graham will have up to three jazz bands at three levels of difficulty (typically Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Jazz Band). Students are placed into the appropriate level of Jazz Band depending on the experience.