Complementary Course Descriptions

Steele Heights Complementary Course Descriptions  2025 - 2026

Art & Design (Term option) $25

The Art program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to explore a variety of media.  Students will develop an understanding of the elements and principles of design while participating in personal projects which include drawing, painting, and sculpture.  Course fees pay for specialized media materials including clay, brushes, 3D printer filaments, watercolor paper, and a variety of different painting and drawing materials.  At the completion of the term, students are able to take home all of their projects. 

Communication and Media - Broadcasting

Students learn the sequential steps of news broadcast production. They are introduced to the hardware and software programs that are used to create a live broadcast, as well as writing, shooting, and editing pre-recorded segments. There is a focus on group work, peer-collaboration, and meeting hard deadlines. Students will be part of the crew that produces a live news broadcast for the school.

Computer Science - Coding

Students enrolled in Computer Coding will engage in multiple coding languages and activities based upon grade level. Students will work through block based programming languages which serve as an introduction to text based coding. Students will practice basic coding concepts such as utilizing loops and conditional statements, implementing incremental change through mathematical operations, and efficiently implementing coded solutions. 

Construction $30

Students use a variety of hand tools and power tools to create projects using wood and other material.  Course fees cover the cost of materials used in creating each project.  Projects that may be completed are skate and longboards, bird houses, dog houses, and signs.  At the completion of the term, students are able to take home all of their projects.

Drama 

The Drama program is a study of elements of drama and theatre, including the many aspects that go into staging a successful production such as stage contractions, sound, lighting, makeup, costumes, sets, and props.  Students will play a variety of dramatic roles to develop skills in acting, improvisation, movement and speaking.

E-Sport

This option is a holistic training environment for competitive and coachable eSports student-athletes in grades 7 to 9. Steele Heights eSports student-athletes aren’t sitting on the couch playing their favourite game to pass the time. Student-athletes will be required to participate in fitness sessions that focus on general fitness, injury prevention and to train energy systems and reflexes needed to gain a competitive edge. Mental health will be a major focus, where an exploration of working within a team and communication techniques will go hand-in-hand with discussions of toxicity and burnout in the eSports world.   

Exploration of Film

The aim of the Exploration of Film 7-8-9 course series is articulated through three general outcomes.  These three general outcomes serve as the foundation of Exploration of Film 7-8-9 and identify what students are expected to know and be able to do upon completion of the course series.  Students will understand and appreciate the social, cultural, and historical perspective that are reflected in film.  They will also understand how films are constructed through story structure and filmmaking techniques.

Food Studies (Consumable Supplies) $35

Students will learn basic cooking skills and techniques and make connections to careers and practical life applications for their learning.  In their practical lab experiences, students will learn: to understand and follow recipes, proper use of kitchen equipment, kitchen safety, care in handling food, teamwork, and efficient work habits.

Guitar $20

Students learn the basics to playing popular style guitar. A common sense approach of teaching students how to read chord diagrams and strumming patterns prepares them for using online resources to learn how to play their favorite songs. There is a focus on individual preference while also becoming proficient at playing together as a group.

Instrumental Music (Band) $65

Students in Instrumental Music 7, 8 and 9 will develop skill on one of the wind or percussion instruments and learn to play in a band.  Different styles of music will be explored with performances in a variety of band settings.  To join Band, students must start in grade 7 unless the student has previous band or musical instrument experience.  The course fee covers instrumental rental, maintenance, and accessories such as reeds and valve oil.

Leadership

Students will learn basic theories and styles of leadership.  Students also take part in planning and executing school wide activities that support citizenship and local charities.

Outdoor Education $30

This is an activity based course which provides opportunities for in-depth practical studies and experiences. This direct approach should appeal to students who learn best from physical involvement. Students will be required to assume many responsibilities for their learning by building personal skills and through assuming responsibility for individual and group welfare. Decision-making skills will be emphasized. This includes involving students in examining the personal and interpersonal consequences of their actions, as well as the importance of their relationship with the environment.  Activities will include shelter construction, wide games, and bushcraft skills. The course fee covers some field trips, speakers, and expendable materials used in class.

Photography

Photography 7-8-9 course series is articulated through three general outcomes.  Students will develop an understanding of the elements of art and the principles of design.  Students will use media, techniques and equipment appropriate for photography and students will create artwork based on established criteria for a collaborative exhibition or installation.

Sports Performance $30

Sports performance teaches skills to enhance athletic development.  Through a combination of theoretical and practical lessons, students will learn essential skills in fitness, nutrition, sport psychology, training principles and health wellness.  Students will use a variety of training methods to increase athletic performance.

Technical Design

This is a hands-on course that uses challenges based on real world problems to engage students in problem solving and engineering.  Students spend the majority of their time constructing and programming Lego EV3 model robots to perform specific tasks, working in a cooperative learning environment.

Yoga/Mindfulness

Students will experience the health benefits of yoga and develop skills that enable them to develop well-being, balance multiple aspects of their lives, and manage priorities. Yoga is a holistic pursuit of wellness where students are encouraged to challenge their limits, both physically and psychologically. By experiencing these challenges, while learning in a supportive group setting, students will gain a better sense of identity, both as individuals and as active agents of a broader world.

*It is important to note that a course may not be offered due to low enrolment.