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Students will begin their interdisciplinary studies with a focus on science-based courses which may include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, the Environment, and Space.
Students will learn to think critically and test their theories and predictions with hands-on activities.
To achieve balance in this SPARC focus, students will also take a variety of other courses such as Physical Education, Arts, Humanities, and Technology.
How does this affect my timetable?
A SPARC entitles a student to reach ahead in their subject area of choice. Typically, it means taking 2 courses in your favourite subject each school year.
Student voice is important to creating the timetable of your dreams. Any extra elective courses will be chosen by the students based on interest.
Sample Grade 9 & 10 Timetable*
*subject to enrollment and student choice
Science
Grade 9 SCN 1D
This course enables students to develop their understanding of basic concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and to relate science to technology, society, and the environment. Throughout the course, students will develop their skills in the processes of scientific investigation. Students will acquire an understanding of scientific theories and conduct investigations related to sustainable ecosystems; atomic and molecular structures and the properties of elements and compounds; the study of the universe and its properties and components; and the principles of electricity.
Big Ideas (click icon to learn more)
Biology
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Ecosystems are dynamic and have the ability to respond to change, within limits, while maintaining their ecological balance.
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People have the responsibility to regulate their impact on the sustainability of ecosystems in order to preserve them for future generations.
Chemistry
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Elements and compounds have specific physical and chemical properties that determine their practical uses.
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The use of elements and compounds has both positive and negative effects on society
and the environment.
Earth & Space Science
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Different types of celestial objects in the solar system and universe have distinct properties that can be investigated and quantified.
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People use observational evidence of the properties of the solar system and the universe to develop theories to explain their formation and evolution.
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Space exploration has generated valuable knowledge but at enormous cost.
Physics
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Electricity is a form of energy produced from a variety of non-renewable and renewable sources.
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The production and consumption of electrical energy has social, economic, and environmental implications.
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Static and current electricity have distinct properties that determine how they are used.
Grade 10 SCN 2D
This course enables students to enhance their understanding of concepts in biology, chemistry, earth and space science, and physics, and of the interrelationships between science, technology, society, and the environment. Students are also given opportunities to further develop their scientific investigation skills. Students will plan and conduct investigations and develop their understanding of scientific theories related to the connections between cells and systems in animals and plants; chemical reactions, with a particular focus on acid–base reactions; forces that affect climate and climate change; and the interaction of light and matter.
Big Ideas (click icon to learn more)
Biology
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Plants and animals, including humans, are made of specialized cells, tissues, and organs that are organized into systems.
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Developments in medicine and medical technology can have social and ethical implications.
Chemistry
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Chemicals react with each other in predictable ways.
Chemical reactions may have a negative impact on the environment, but they can also be used to address environmental challenges.
Earth & Space Science
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Earth’s climate is dynamic and is the result of interacting systems and processes.
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Global climate change is influenced by both natural and human factors.
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Climate change affects living things and natural systems in a variety of ways.
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People have the responsibility to assess their impact on climate change and to identify effective courses of action to reduce this impact.
Physics
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Light has characteristics and properties that can be manipulated with mirrors and lenses for a range of uses.
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Society has benefited from the development of a range of optical devices and technologies.
SPARC focus courses
How will you define your SPARC?
Biology
Grade 11 SBI 3U
This course furthers students’ understanding of the processes that occur in biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of biodiversity; evolution; genetic processes; the structure and function of animals; and the anatomy, growth, and function of plants. The course focuses on the theoretical aspects of the topics under study, and helps students refine skills related to scientific investigation.
Grade 12 SBI 4U
This course provides students with the opportunity for in-depth study of the concepts and processes that occur in biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of biochemistry, metabolic processes, molecular genetics, homeostasis, and population dynamics. Emphasis will be placed on the achievement of detailed knowledge and the refinement of skills needed for further study in various branches of the life sciences and related fields.
Chemistry
Grade 11 SCH 3U
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of the properties of chemicals and chemical bonds; chemical reactions and quantitative relationships in those reactions; solutions and solubility; and atmospheric chemistry and the behaviour of gases. Students will further develop their analytical skills and investigate the qualitative and quantitative properties of matter, as well as the impact of some common chemical reactions on society and the environment.
Grade 12 SCH 4U
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of organic chemistry, the structure and properties of matter, energy changes and rates of reaction, equilibrium in chemical systems, and electrochemistry. Students will further develop their problem-solving and investigation skills as they investigate chemical processes, and will refine their ability to communicate scientific information. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of chemistry in everyday life and on evaluating the impact of chemical technology on the environment.
Physics
Grade 11 SPH 3U
This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore kinematics, with an emphasis on linear motion; different kinds of forces; energy transformations; the properties of mechanical waves and sound; and electricity and magnetism. They will enhance their scientific investigation skills as they test laws of physics. In addition, they will analyse the interrelationships between physics and technology, and consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
Grade 12 SPH 4U
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of physics concepts and theories. Students will continue their exploration of energy transformations and the forces that affect motion, and will investigate electrical, gravitational, and magnetic fields and electromagnetic radiation. Students will also explore the wave nature of light, quantum mechanics, and special relativity. They will further develop their scientific investigation skills, learning, for example, how to analyse, qualitatively and quantitatively, data related to a variety of physics concepts and principles. Students will also consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
Environmental Science
Grade 11 SVN 3M
This course provides students with the fundamental knowledge of and skills relating to environmental science that will help them succeed in life after secondary school. Students will explore a range of topics, including the role of science in addressing contemporary environmental challenges; the impact of the environment on human health; sustainable agriculture and forestry; the reduction and management of waste; and the conservation of energy. Students will increase their scientific and environmental literacy and examine the interrelationships between science, the environment, and society in a variety of areas.
Space
Grade 12 SES 4U (E Learning)
This course develops students’ understanding of Earth and its place in the universe. Students will investigate the properties of and forces in the universe and solar system and analyse techniques scientists use to generate knowledge about them. Students will closely examine the materials of Earth, its internal and surficial processes, and its geological history, and will learn how Earth’s systems interact and how they have changed over time. Throughout the course, students will learn how these forces, processes, and materials affect their daily lives. The course draws on biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics in its consideration of geological and astronomical processes that can be observed directly or inferred from other evidence.
Math
Courses Offered
MCR 3U Functions
MCF 3M Functions and Applications
MHF 4U Advanced Functions
ACV 4U Calculus and Vectors
MAM 4U Mathematics of Data Management
Electives
How will you balance your SPARC?
Phys. Ed
Courses Offered Click on an ICON to Learn More
Physical Ed
PPL 1O Healthy Active Living Education
PPL 2O Healthy Active Living Education
PPL 3O Healthy Active Living Education
PPL 4O Healthy Active Living Education
PAI 1O Healthy Active Living Education: Individual and Small...
Fitness
PAF 1O Personal and Physical Fitness
PAF 2O Personal and Physical Fitness
PAF 3O Personal and Physical Fitness
PAF 4O Personal and Physical Fitness
Outdoor Ed
PAD 2O Healthy Living and Outdoor Activities
PAD 3O Healthy Living and Outdoor Activities
PAD 4O Healthy Living and Outdoor Activities
Kinesiology & Anatomy
PSK 4U Introductory Kinesiology
Sports Leadership
PLF 4M Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership
HFA 4U Nutrition and Health
Arts
Courses Offered Click on an ICON to Learn More
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Music (Band)
AMU 1O Instrumental Music
AMU 2O Instrumental Music
AMU 3M Instrumental Music
AMU 4M Instrumental Music
AMR 4M Repertoire
Guitar
AMG 2O Guitar
Drama
ADA 2O Drama
ADA 3M Drama
ADA 4m Drama
Visual Art
AVI 2O Visual Arts
AVI 3M Visual Arts
AVI 4M Visual Arts
Strings
AMS 1O Strings
AMS 2O Strings
AMS 3M Strings
AMS 4M Strings
AMR 4M Repertoire
Creative Writing
EWC 4U The Writer’s Craft (E-Learning)
EMS 3O Media Studies (E-Learning)
ETS 4U Studies in Literature (E-Learning)
Film & Music Production
TGV 3M Comm. Tech.: TV, Video and Movie Production
TGR 3M Comm. Tech.: Radio, Audio and Sound Production
*based on interest in enrollment
Indigenous Art
NAC 1O Expressions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Cultures
Fashion
HNB 4M The World of Fashion
Photography
TGP 3M Communications Technology: Photography and Digital Imaging
TGP 4M Communications Technology: Photography and Digital Imaging
Humanities
Courses Offered Click on an ICON to Learn More
Geography
CGF 3M Forces of Nature: Physical Processes and Disasters
Canadian Law, Politics, & History
CGW 4U World Issues: A Geographic Analysis
CLU 3M Understanding Canadian Law (E-Learning)
CLN 4U Canadian and International Law
CPC 3O Politics in Action: Making Change (E-Learning)
Social Science
HPC 3O Raising a Healthy Family
HHD 3O Dynamics of Human Relationships (E-Learning)
HHG 4M Human Development through the Lifespan
HSP 3U Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology
HSB 4U Challenge and Change in Society (E-Learning)
HSE 4M Equity, Diversity, and Social Justice: From Theory to Practice (E-Learning)
HHS 4U Families in Canada (E-Learning)
HZT 4U Philosophy: Questions and Theories (E-Learning)
Design & Technology
Courses Offered Click on an ICON to Learn More
Exploring Technology
TIJ 1O Exploring Technologies
Communications Technology
TGJ 2O Communications Technology
TGJ 3M Communications Technology
TGJ 4M Communications Technology
Robotics
TEJ 3E Computer Technology
TEG 4M Computer Engineering Technology
Technological Design
TDJ 3M Technological Design
TDJ 4M Technological Design
