2008-2009 Course Descriptions

MATH - Year 1
The course material is divided into 3 main areas of study; Number and Operation Sense, Geometry, Statistics. Special emphasis is placed on problem solving and students will work throughout the year on developing and applying strategies to facilitate problem solving. "Mental Math" is another practical skill that is useful in our everyday lives and students will devote time each term to improving this skill.

MATH - Year 2
The course material places an emphasis on problem solving techniques in the following four topic area; Algebra, Proportional Reasoning (qualitative decisions concerning ratios and rates, solution of problems involving proportions and percents), Geometry, and Probability (random experiments, probability of an outcome or an event).

FRENCH - FRANCAIS - Cycle 1
The French Second Language program in Cycle 1 is geared to the English speaking Quebec student to learn to communicate in French typical everyday situations. The student is required, through various forms of communication such as reading, writing, listening and speaking to interact and socialize in French. By the end of the school year the student must be able to: ask questions, inform, identify and describe themselves and others: express their feelings: give and receive directions.

ENGLISH - Year 1
Novel reading is encouraged through silent reading sessions of twenty minutes in class and thirty minutes at home. Students choose what they read from a wide selection of novels at school, home or the library. There are also class novel studies (everyone reading the same novel) and small group novel studies during the year. Responses (analysis) of what has been read are written throughout the year and are the focus of the exams. Various types of writing are practices during the year, such as autobiography, short stories, personal experiences, descriptive and letter. A poetry unity is also done where students are introduced to various types of poetry and then asked to write samples of each to include in a poetry booklet. The last project of the year is usually a "How To" booklet e.g. How to Skateboard, a technical type of writing. Students compile a portfolio of their work at the end of the year choosing several of their best pieces. A letter to the next teacher is included explaining why these pieces were chosen.

ENGLISH - Year 2
The English program concentrates on the reading and writing components. Students read, discuss, reflect and write responses to literature where they demonstrate an understanding of story meaning, comment on author's style, make connections and critical analyses. In addition to independent reading, students are exposed to a variety of genres where various elements of literature (setting, plot, character, and theme) are examined through a study of short stories, novels, poetry and plays. A variety of writing forms is taught which include: biographical, narrative, description, character sketches, newspaper, journal, poetry, and persuasive essay. Students learn to use the steps in the writing process from planning, writing a draft, revising, and conferencing, self-editing to the final product. The importance of grammar is stressed in order to have a polished piece of writing. Final pieces of writing are kept in a showcase portfolio, which illuminates the students' progress throughout the year.

SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY - TECHNOLOGIE et SCIENCE - Cycle 1
At Hadley Junior High, Physical Science is an introductory science course that deals with the following topics: Meteorology, Rocks and Minerals, Mixtures, Heat, and Phase Change. Practical aspects of science as they pertain to the environment, society and technology are studied. Science consists of laboratory experiments and demonstrations. The practical knowledge student's gain from the laboratory provides them with invaluable resources and experience for future studies.

GEOGRAPHY - GEOGRAPHIE - Cycle 1
Geography at the Secondary Cycle 1 level introduces various components of human and physical geography to students and explain how the earth has evolved to affect their lives today. Course objectives are as follows: Discovering and Exploring the Planet Earth, Locating places in the world, Mapping the Earth.

HISTORY - HISTOIRE - Cycle 1
History at the Secondary Cycle 1 level briefly examines the Past in order to understand the influences upon the Present. The course of study looks at the transition of Early Man from hunter & gatherer to farmer. It examines the Ancient civilization of Egypt, Greece and Rome. It shows how and why they developed and what contributed to their eventual decline. After the Ancient world the shift is to the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the age of discovery which signifies that global growth has begun. The student navigates the course using visuals, text assignments and research projects.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION - Cycle 1
The aim of the physical education program is to encourage physical fitness, cooperation and team play through a variety of individual and group activities in an environment promoting positive self-image, confidence, responsibility and respect for self and others. We incorporate fitness throughout our units and hope to initiate and/or expose our students to a wide range of sports. We place a lot of emphasis on participation and fitness. We will also work on the development of skills for most of the following sports units: Ultimate Frisbee, handball, lacrosse, Badminton, basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, floor hockey, track & field, and softball.

MORAL EDUCATION - EDUCATION MORALE - Cycle 1
Moral education is a course offered to students that provide an opportunity to discuss and research information that will directly and indirectly affect their lives on may different levels. Students will focus on the student as an individual, completing autobiographies, a lesson on study habits, and their role model. They will look at careers and future goals, and what steps they would have to take to achieve those goals. They will deal with communication and listening, as well as moral issues drawn from a few inspiring movies.

DRAMA
Drama is an active enjoyable and non-threatening program that will help students improve their personal and social talents in mime, and improvisation. Drama develops these skills further, with more work on voice, mime, improvisation, and individual acting.

ART
Year 1 is designed to introduce students to aesthetics through the production and perception of works of art. Year 1 also encompasses the elements of art. Each element will be studied and applied practically using a variety of media forms. Year 2 is designed to continue to give students an aesthetic experience through the production and perception of works of art. In addition to building on previously learned concepts and skills, students will have a chance to explore different periods and genres in art history.

MUSIC
At Hadley Junior High School, we look at Music as an art. We feel that students are better suited if they are exposed to all types of music as an art. Throughout Year 1 we will be discussing different facets of music from classical to popular music today. We will take the students on a journey back to the classical time period and bring them back to the present. The hope for Hadley students and music is that by the end of Year 2 the students will have a wide range of knowledge and interest in all varieties of music.

DANCE
At Hadley Junior High School, we look at Dance as an art. We feel that students are better suited if they are exposed to all types of Dance. Throughout Year 1 we will be discussing are forms of Dance - from classical forms to more popular Hip-Hop forms of Dance. The hope for Hadley students and Dance is that by the end of Year 2 the students will have a wide range of knowledge and interest in all varieties of Dance.