Spiritual
Devotions - take place each morning and the children share a devotional time that includes activities such as Bible reading, prayer, or singing in their classroom.
Chapels/Assemblies - are a regularly scheduled part of FSCS. They are designed to be inspirational, devotional, and educational. Students are to act in a dignified, respectable, and appreciative manner.
Bible - is taught as a subject at FSCS, as well as biblical principles being integrated throughout our curriculum. Students memorize scripture verses on a regular basis and are requested to have a New International Version Bible.
Music - is an important aspect of life in a Christian school. Music is a tool with which we can worship our Creator. Besides the usual singing and music through our chapel and devotional times, students in elementary receive two formal music classes each week.
Academic
Report Cards - are issued 3 times per year.
Interviews - take place twice a year in November and March. Parents are encouraged to contact teachers to discuss their child's performance throughout the year.
Provincial Achievement Tests - are written each year in May and June by our Grade 6 and 9 students in Mathematics, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies.
Field Trips
The rules of the school regarding conduct and dress are applicable to field trips to maintain a high standard of conduct and protect the reputation of the school. Advance notice will be sent home and permission slips must be signed and returned to the teacher. There may be a small charge for transportation or admission to the field trip event. Each class in grades 1-9 may have up to 3 field trips.
Grade 7 Options
Art 100:
Students will be exposed to a wide range of art materials and processes. Through hands-on projects, students will learn basic art principles, exploring drawing techniques, experimenting with colour theory, and creating compositions. As well, students will learn the basic vocabulary of art and building viewing skills as they learn to think and respond as artists.
Construction Technology 7:
There are 2 parts to this course:
- This course is an introduction to basic tool use, shop safety and vocational opportunities in the field of construction. A variety of small woodworking projects, including CO2 cars, will expose the student to many different hand and power tools and teach them how to use them in a productive and safe manner. We will also be looking to serve our local school community in a practical, hands-on manner.
- Students will be introduced to media production and photography through instruction on using various cameras (still and video), media software, and project creation.
Drama 100:
This class covers the facets of dramatic art: movement, speech, and improvisation. The overall goal of this class is to foster an awareness of self – physically, emotionally, socially, creatively, and spiritually. This course, while fun in many aspects, is also intended to help students challenge themselves. The fuel of this challenge is risk. The students who stretch themselves and show a willingness to push beyond boundaries of personal comfort will be highly successful. Students will participate in “improv,” reader's theatre, and dramatic monologues, and will also collaborate in groups to create an original script for a skit!
Food and Fashion 7:
There are 2 parts to this course:
- Students learn safe and sanitary food-handling procedures, comprehension of recipes and the importance of efficient work habits. Foods 100 is an introduction to measurement, equipment use and care, food safety and handling of tools and equipment in the Foods lab. Students will practice planning and preparing simple flour mixtures like biscuits, muffins, pancakes or waffles. Canada’s Food Guide will be discussed in terms of serving sizes and recommendations. Careers in the Foods Industry will be explored.
- Students learn how to safely use and care for sewing and pressing equipment, and apply these skills during project assembly. Students will complete two projects: a library bag for FSE kindergarten students (supplies provided by school) and an apron for personal use. Careers in the fashion and sewing industry will be explored.
Leadership 100:
Students will learn skills to develop and enhance their leadership capacity and serve as our student council. Students will assist in leadership within the school and community. Activities will include liaising with school staff, leadership skills including public speaking, event/activity planning and implementation, humanitarian involvements, promotions, mentoring, and school spirit.
Film Studies 7/8/9:
Do you love movies? This class will develop skill in the analysis of film, an understanding of the influences at work behind its production and consumption, and an exploration of the cultural and historical knowledge necessary for critical engagement. In this course we will watch a variety of movies, television episodes and short films, considering the impact of the stories being told and why people tell them. We will also consider what it takes to create a quality, entertaining film, studying production techniques such as directing, storyboarding, camera angles, visual imagery, and editing in order to create your own short film by the end of the course.
Outdoor Education 100:
This Outdoor Education course will focus on introducing skills and attitudes necessary for safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences in all seasons. Students will go through the Alberta Hunters Education program with the ability to get their Hunting licenses. Students will be expected to know concepts such as hunting ethics, wildlife management, firearms safety and archery. A canoe trip and an overnight campout will take place.
Physical Education Option 100:
This course is designed to promote lifelong personal fitness with a variety of physical activities, games, sports, and overall performance knowledge. Emphasis will be placed on helping students become exposed to lifelong activities and various fitness principles. This will be mainly an activities-based course. The expectation is to have 1-2 off-campus activities per month.
Some of the possible activities will include: Team sports, running, swimming, weight training, curling, bowling and tennis. Most activities will have equipment provided, however students need to have access to indoor/outdoor runners, a tennis racket, winter attire, and swimming attire.
Grade 8/9 Options
Art 100:
Students will be exposed to a wide range of art materials and processes. Through hands-on projects, students will learn basic art principles, exploring drawing techniques, experimenting with colour theory, and creating compositions. As well, students will learn the basic vocabulary of art and building viewing skills as they learn to think and respond as artists.
Art 200:
In this course, students will build on the skills learned in Art 100 and develop a sound understanding of the elements of design (line, colour, texture, shape, form, space, and value). Students will develop drawing/painting skills and methods by studying classic illustrations, creating compositions in both two and three dimensions. As well, students will develop their viewing skills as they use the vocabulary of art criticism to develop a positive analysis of their work.
Art 300:
In this course, students will further refine the skills learned in Art 200, building on the understanding of the elements of design (line, colour, texture, shape, form, space, and value). Both realistic and abstract art will be explored through a variety of mediums as they use the elements of design to communicate expressiveness and meaning. As well, students will develop their viewing skills as they encounter and study art from many different cultures and time periods.
Communication Technology 200:
Modular-based course where students will have the ability to work with various forms of media including video production, photography, scratch, iMovie and other school media needs. Students are required to have headphones.
Communication Technology 300:
Modular-based course where students will be challenged to work on student choice/school projects with various forms of media including Adobe Creative Suite, photography, animation, and other media outlets. Students are required to have headphones.
Construction 200:
Students will further their woodworking skills through the design and construction of handcrafted wood projects. The students will be exposed to a range of tools, including air nailers, sanders, and a variety of different saws. Safety will be paramount, while confidence will be instilled to use power tools in a competent and productive manner. We will also be integrating our shop experience with community service. We will be involved in projects outside of the school that will be an opportunity to impact our community for Christ.
Construction 300:
This course is designed for students who look to further their woodworking skills in a more self-directed manner. Building on the prerequisite of Construction 200, students will be responsible for choosing, budgeting, planning, designing and constructing their projects. These projects will be vetted by the teacher but will allow the student to build items which: reflect student interests, reinforce student learning in other courses and increase exposure to vocational opportunities.
Culinary Tourism 8/9:
This course is design to explore the variety, complexity and uniqueness of foods from around the world. We hope to gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of other cultures by learning about the origins of their food and how it reflects their history, geography and climate. We will have the opportunity to “visit” countries such as Italy, Thailand, Greece, India and others. We will accomplish this by bringing in guest chefs, taking field trips to local restaurants, cooking our own meals and of course enjoying the fruits of our labour!
Drama 100:
This class covers the facets of dramatic art: movement, speech, and improvisation. The overall goal of this class is to foster an awareness of self – physically, emotionally, socially, creatively, and spiritually. This course, while fun in many aspects, is also intended to help students challenge themselves. The fuel of this challenge is risk. The students who stretch themselves and show a willingness to push beyond boundaries of personal comfort will be highly successful. Students will participate in “improv,” reader's theatre, and dramatic monologues, and will also collaborate in groups to create an original script for a skit!
Drama 200:
Students will develop concentration, cooperation, control and confidence. This class will focus on student creativity and participation in the major disciplines of movement, speech and improvisation. Students will participate in games and activities that will broaden their collaborative skills and imaginations. They will also explore theatre studies and technical theatre, collaborating in groups to create and present an original script.
Drama 300:
This course emphasizes creative drama. Students will continue to explore life through the assumption of roles and by the acquisition of dramatic skills. This class will focus on student creativity and participation in the major disciplines of movement, speech, improvisation, theatre studies and technical theatre. Students will also collaborate in groups to create a silent film based on an original script.
Fashion 200:
Students learn how to determine pattern size, choose a suitable pattern and fabric, and continue to develop sewing skills in the assembly of simple garments and accessories (e.g., pyjama pants or skirt with elastic or drawstring waist, purse, pillows). Hand sewing of buttons and hems will be demonstrated and samples completed. A ‘Sewing Kindness’ project will be completed for donation. Continued exploration of careers in the fashion and sewing industry will also take place.
Fashion 300:
Students learn how to determine pattern size, choose a suitable pattern and fabric, make pattern alterations, and prepare the fabric and pattern for layout. Students apply these skills during the assembly of simple garments requiring more advanced skills (e.g., zipper or buttons). Students will identify international care labels and determine appropriate laundering for various textile items. A ‘Sewing Kindness’ project will be completed for donation. Continued exploration of careers in the fashion and sewing industry.
Film Studies 7/8/9:
Do you love movies? This class will develop skill in the analysis of film, an understanding of the influences at work behind its production and consumption, and an exploration of the cultural and historical knowledge necessary for critical engagement. In this course we will watch a variety of movies, television episodes and short films, considering the impact of the stories being told and why people tell them. We will also consider what it takes to create a quality, entertaining film, studying production techniques such as directing, storyboarding, camera angles, visual imagery, and editing in order to create your own short film by the end of the course.
Foods 200:
Foods 200 is an intermediate course where students develop and demonstrate an understanding of traditional and contemporary baking focusing on basic measuring techniques, preparation methods, role of ingredients and the proper use of equipment for baked goods. Students will practice planning and preparing baked goods such as cookies, cakes, and yeast doughs, with at least one recipe modification for a dietary concern, e.g., gluten free, low fat, vegetarian, etc. Canada’s Food Guide will be discussed in terms of the role of micro and macro nutrients in a healthy diet. Continued exploration of careers in the Foods Industry.
Foods 300:
Foods 300 is an advanced course where students develop an understanding of planning, preparation and evaluation of balanced healthy meals using foods from all four food groups. Students will identify and demonstrate factors contributing to successful meal planning by planning, preparing and evaluating healthy meals for varying lifestyles and special occasions. Personal diet will be analyzed using Canada’s Food Guide and recommendations researched for various health concerns. Continued exploration of careers in the Foods Industry.
Leadership 100/200/300:
Students will learn skills to develop and enhance their leadership capacity and serve as our student council. Students will assist in leadership within the school and community. Activities will include liaising with school staff, leadership skills including public speaking, event/activity planning and implementation, humanitarian involvements, promotions, mentoring, and school spirit.
Outdoor Education 100:
This Outdoor Education course will focus on introducing skills and attitudes necessary for safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences in all seasons. Students will go through the Alberta Hunters Education program with the ability to get their Hunting licenses. Students will be expected to know concepts such as hunting ethics, wildlife management, firearms safety and archery. A canoe trip and an overnight campout will take place.
Outdoor Education 200:
This Outdoor Education course will focus on developing skills and attitudes necessary for safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences in all seasons. Seasonally appropriate activities such as orienteering, hiking, fire building, outdoor cooking and canoeing may occur. A two-day campout will be offered with survival camping and firearms practice. Archery may also be a component of this course.
Outdoor Education and Photography 300:
This Outdoor Education course will focus on developing skills and attitudes necessary for safe and enjoyable outdoor experiences in all seasons. Photography will also be used as an avenue to explore and capture creation. Seasonally appropriate activities, such as geo caching, orienteering, photography in nature, fire building, and hiking may occur. A two-day campout will be offered with survival camping and firearms practice. Archery may also be a component of this course.
Physical Education Option 100:
This course is designed to promote lifelong personal fitness with a variety of physical activities, games, sports, and overall performance knowledge. Emphasis will be placed on helping students become exposed to lifelong activities and various fitness principles. This will be mainly an activities-based course. The expectation is to have 1-2 off-campus activities per month.
Some of the possible activities will include: Team sports, running, swimming, weight training, curling, and bowling and tennis. Most activities will have equipment provided, however students need to have access to indoor/outdoor runners, a tennis racket, winter attire, and swimming attire.
Physical Education Option 200:
This course is designed to promote lifelong personal fitness with a variety of physical activities, games, sports, and overall performance knowledge. Emphasis will be placed on helping students grow in their knowledge of lifelong activities and fitness principles that they were exposed to in PE 100. This course will mainly be activities based. The expectation is to have 1-2 off-campus activities per month. Some of the possible activities will include: Team sports, running, cycling, swimming, rock climbing, weight training, curling, and bowling.
Most activities will have equipment provided, however students need to have access to indoor/outdoor runners, winter attire, and swimming attire. Students will be training for and participating in a sprint triathlon. Our fitness training will be centered on this event.
Physical Education Option 300:
This course is designed to promote lifelong personal fitness with a variety of physical activities, games, sports, and overall performance knowledge. Emphasis will be placed on helping students grow in their knowledge of lifelong activities and fitness principles that they were exposed to in PE 200. This course will mainly be activities based. The expectation is to have 1-2 off campus activities per month. Some of the possible activities will include: Team sports, running, cycling, swimming, rock climbing, weight training, curling, and bowling.
Most activities will have equipment provided, however students need to have access to indoor/outdoor runners, winter attire, and swimming attire. Students will be training for and participating in a sprint triathlon. Our fitness training will be centered on this event. In the 300-level course students will be required to write a research paper on training for triathlons. This will provide them the opportunity to look into the nutrition side of fitness as well as more deeply into the physical training.
Sports Medicine 8/9:
This course is intended to provide students with a background in first aid and athletic-therapy skills. This course would be especially beneficial to students with career plans in the medical field or those who are active in sporting activities. Students will be provided an opportunity to study introductory anatomy, exercise physiology, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and athletic-therapy skills including taping.
FSL (French as a Second Language)
An introduction and orientation to the French language occurs in grade 4. Students will also be offered French as a regular subject in grades 5 and 6.
Physical Education
Intramurals - Intramurals are scheduled throughout the year. The event will dictate the grades that will participate. In general, the intramural program is geared for upper elementary and junior high students.
Swimming
All students in grades 2 and 4 take swimming lessons each year at Harbour Pool. There will be a cost to the parents for the lessons.
Awards
1. Celebration of Learning (ECS-grade 6)
In keeping with our school vision and mission statements, and with Elk Island Public Schools' assessment policies and practices, Fort Saskatchewan Christian School will host a "Celebration of Learning" in each of the homeroom classrooms at the end of each school year. The purpose of the celebration will be to highlight and honor positive contributions students have made to the school, their peers, and to their own sense of character and well being.
2. Grades 7-8-9
A. Honours will be based on three criteria:
- 1. Four core subjects final marks average of 80% or greater.
- 2. CSL (Christian Studies and Living) mark is Satisfactory or greater.
- 3. Each complementary final mark is Satisfactory or greater.
B. Excellence in Bible
Awarded to students who have achieved a standard of excellence in Bible during all three terms. This includes completing all Bible memory work, and assignments, and meeting specific criteria on formal assessments.
C. Ambassador Award
Awarded to the student who most demonstrates a Christ-like attitude throughout the year. This award is given in grade 7, 8 & 9, and is voted on by the students.
3. Character Traits
These awards are presented to the students by their homeroom teachers. These awards display a significant character trait displayed by the student throughout the year.