Departments

Arts

Our Business/Art/Career Studies Department includes multiple disciplines—Career Studies, Visual & Media Arts, Music, Dance, Drama and Business Studies.

Experiences in the arts – dance, drama, media arts, music, and the visual arts – play a valuable role in the education of all students. Through participation in the arts, students can develop their creativity, learn about their own identity, and develop self-awareness, self-confidence, and a sense of well-being. Since artistic activities involve intense engagement, students experience a sense of wonder and joy when learning through the arts, which can motivate them to participate more fully in cultural life and in other educational opportunities.


Business/Art/Career Studies

Our Business/Art/Career Studies Department includes multiple disciplines—Career Studies, Visual & Media Arts, Music, Dance, Drama and Business Studies.

Business Studies in the Curriculum

Business activity affects the daily lives of all Canadians as they work, spend, save, invest, travel, and play. It influences jobs, incomes, and opportunities for personal enterprise. Business has a significant effect on the standard of living and quality of life of Canadians, and on the environment in which they live and which future generations will inherit. Eventually, all students will encounter the world of business, whether they work in urban or rural areas. They must be prepared to engage in business activity with confidence and competence. Young people need to understand how business functions, the role it plays in our society, the opportunities it generates, the skills it requires, and the impact it can have on their own lives and on society, today and in the future.

The business studies program will build a strong foundation for those who wish to move on to further study and training in specialized areas such as management, international business, marketing, accounting, information and communication technology, or entrepreneurship. It will also provide practical skills for those who wish to move directly into the workplace.

In terms of common curriculum in all Business Studies courses, we try to cover 5 critical areas:

  • Skills required in the modern workplace
  • Positive Communication in a business environment
  • Digital literacy
  • Financial literacy
  • Ethics—moral/legal considerations

Overall Goals of Business Studies Curriculum

  • Understanding of concepts (related to our courses)
  • To Develop:
    • business, economic, financial and digital literacy
    • research and communication skills
    • apply knowledge & skills to local, national, and global business levels (by taking a current events approach)
    • develop life-long learning skills in our changing world—help develop awareness of available avenues in career pursuits

Career Studies, Grade 10, Open (GLC2O)

This course teaches students how to develop and achieve personal goals for future learning, work, and community involvement. Students will assess their interests, skills, and characteristics and investigate current economic and workplace trends, work opportunities, and ways to search for work. The course explores postsecondary learning and career options, prepares students for managing work and life transitions, and helps students focus on their goals through the development of a career plan. (The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 and 10, Guidance and Career Education, 2006 [revised], Ministry of Education, pg 33)


Canadian and World Studies

The Canadian and World Studies department would like to take our students and their learning on journey around the world in geography, history, law and politics. Our students will be introduced to a variety of topics while making connections to people, places and current events. We try to ensure that our students receive experiential learning, putting their skills and knowledge in action through field trips in several of our courses. The teachers try to ensure that the skills and content learned in all courses are reliant to the lives of our students through all grades and transferable to all future job areas.

Senior Courses

Geography

Grade 11

  • CGF3M: Forces of Nature
  • CGG3O: Travel and Tourism

Grade 12

  • CGW4U: Word Issues
  • CGR4M: The Environment and Resource Management

History

Grade 11

  • CHA3U: American History
  • CHW3M: World History to the 15th Century
  • CHT3O: 20th Century World History

Grade 12

  • CHI4U: Canadian History, Identity and Culture
  • CHY4U: World History Since the 15th Century
  • CHY4C: World History Since the 15th Century

Law/Politics

Grade 11

  • CLU3M: Understanding Canadian Law
  • CLU3E: Understanding Law in Everyday Life

Grade 12

  • CLN4U: Canadian and International Law
  • CLN4C: Legal Studies
  • CPW4U: Canadian and International Politics
  • Cooperative Education

English

Welcome to the English Department at CtK!  This department offers a variety of courses designed to prepare students to be effective communicators in their post-secondary pathways.

In English class, students will create, imagine, analyze, learn, and discover, and that’s just the beginning…

Students who are successful in English are those who:

Read: Read anything and everything – newspapers, books, websites.  Just keep reading!

Write: Just like any other skill, great writing takes practice.  The more you write, the better your writing will become, so grab a pen (or a keyboard) and get going: keep a journal, write a story, or send e-mails.

Think: Try to be an active learner.  Take in all of the information that the world throws your way, and figure out what it means.  Think critically about the messages you see and hear.


French


Modern Languages

The study of a foreign language is an important part of the secondary school curriculum. Knowledge of a second language is valuable for a number of reasons. Through learning a second language, students can strengthen their first-language skills and enhance their critical and creative thinking abilities; they also tend to become more tolerant and respectful of other cultures.

In addition, the ability to communicate in another language provides students with a distinct advantage in a number of careers, both in Canada and internationally. The aim of the modern languages curriculum is to prepare students to perform effectively in the challenging world they will face by providing them with the skills they will need to communicate in a second language.

To make the curriculum relevant to students’ lives, knowledge and skills are taught in contexts that reflect their interests and experiences. Students will be able to choose from courses that lead to study at the postsecondary level or to the workplace, depending on their individual interests, strengths, and aspirations.


Health and Physical Education

The health and physical education program promotes healthy active living, enjoyment and regular, enthusiastic participation in physical activity.The courses will help students understand how their personal actions and decisions will affect their health, fitness, and well-being.

All courses in this curriculum address relevant health issues and provide students with a wide variety of activities that promote fitness, the development of living skills, and personal competence.

Grades 9 and 10 are made up of four strands: physical activity, active living, healthy living, and living skills. In each course, students will develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to enjoy a healthy lifestyle and to build a commitment to lifelong participation in physical activity.They focus on positive and responsible, personal and social behaviour in physical activity settings.

The courses offered in Grades 11 and 12 include open courses, as well as a university preparation course and a college preparation course.


Learning Commons

Librarian: Mr. Fredette B.A., M.S.L.S.

Reference Questions: fredettem@hcdsb.org

Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Mission

To promote the Learning Commons as the hub of the school and to foster a love of reading and writing while focusing on traditional and 21st-century informational literacy skills within a Catholic framework. The librarian and teachers work collaboratively to enable students to become successful lifelong learners in an inclusive and engaging environment.


Mathematics

Required Calculator: TI-30Xa

All grade 9-12 applied and academic math students require their own TI-30Xa calculator for all assessments.

Math Extra Help – On Line Math Extra help


Religion, Social Sciences and Humanities

In an address to Catholic students, Pope Francis said that students in Catholic schools need to learn three languages: the language of the head, heart and hands – To know, love and to do.

The Catholic approach to education is a holistic one where the entire person is educated. A quality education extends past skills acquisition and vocational training and seeks to form the entire person by striving to nourish all the gifts God has given a particular student. This is what we endeavour to do here at Christ the King.

An integral part of a Catholic school is its religion program. Not only is the Catholic faith infused into all classes and activities of our school, but the focused study of religion is a rich opportunity for students to explore matters of faith, morality and service. Our religious studies classes are designed to provide a lively and engaging opportunity for students to grow in their Catholic faith and to mature in both ethics and virtue. Our religious studies courses also provides opportunities to learn about other world religions and service to the community. Our chaplaincy leader also works with the religion department to provide opportunities for prayer, reception of the Sacraments and to attend class retreats.

In addition to a dynamic selection of religion courses, our school offers a wide variety of courses in the social sciences and humanities. Courses such as philosophy, anthropology, psychology, sociology, family studies, food and culture and Native studies allow students to develop a deeper appreciation of the human person, the family and Canada’s diverse multi-cultural society. CtK has one of the largest social sciences and humanities departments in the school board and offers a extensive range of classes for students to explore.

We consider it both an honour and privilege to journey with your students as they grow into the young adults God has created them to be.


Science

The Goal of the Science Program

Achievement of both excellence and equity underlies the three major goals of the secondary science program.  The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 9 through 12, therefore outlines  not only the skills and knowledge that students are expected to develop but also the attitudes that they will need to develop in order to use their knowledge and skills responsibly. The three goals of the science program are as follows:

  • to relate science to technology, society, and the environment
  • to develop the skills, strategies, and habits of mind required for scientific inquiry
  • to understand the basic concepts of science

Special Education

At the Halton Catholic District School Board, every effort is made to provide programs and services to support pupils with exceptionalities in the regular class setting.  We believe that pupils with exceptionalities should:

  • Receive appropriate special education programs and services;
  • Have regular opportunities to interact with their peers, to enjoy the life of the school, and to participate in local community activities.

Please access the following link for further information:


Student Services


Technology Education

Design, Build, Create and Maintain

Technological education provides students with useful and valuable skills. These skills provide them with the tools that our technology driven world demands. From drill bits to computer bits, students will get hands-on experience with a wide variety of technical possibilities. Safe work practices are learned in all shops and on all equipment.

Technology classes provide immediate skills and prepare our students for post-secondary paths such as trades & apprenticeship, college technology programs and university fields such as engineering. Many of our graduates have gone on to successful careers because of their technical skills.

Technology programs offered at Christ the King include:

Communication Technology

Offered in Grades 9 (TGJ1O1), 10 (TGJ2O1), 11 (TGJ3M1) and 12 (TGJ4M1), as well as Yearbook in Grades 11 (TGG3MY) and 12 (TGG4MY). We explore, study and create new media pieces. We work with various Adobe programs used in the industry, such as Photoshop, After Effects, and Premiere Pro to create graphic designs, print media, motion graphics, broadcast journalism and produce short films. Once these skills have been mastered, students can explore the Yearbook courses, where you capture memories from events throughout the school year. This course offers an emphasis on photography (using DSLR cameras) and photo journalism

Computer Engineering

Offered in Grades 10 (TEJ2O), 11 (TEJ3M) and 12 (TEJ4M).  We explore, study, and build Intel/AMD based personal computers from parts (motherboards, CPUs, RAM, and so on), install and configure operating systems such as Windows and Linux, network devices, assemble electronics, and build and program robots – LEGO and VEX.  We also work with microcomputers such as Raspberry Pi’s and microcontrollers such as Arduino’s.  If you love electronics and computers, this course is a must!

Computer Programming

Offered in Grades 11 (ICS3U/C) and 12 (ICS4U/C).  Also known as Computer Science or Coding, students will learn to read and write code in a variety of languages, primarily Python, Java, and Processing.  The ultimate goal is the individual creation of a program, usually a video game, students can proudly add to their coding portfolios.  In a world where we can control just about every electronic device from our smartphones, algorithms and coding are truly the language of the future.

Construction Technology

Offered in Grades 9 (TCJ1O), 10 (TCJ2O), 11 (TCJ3C, TCJ3E), 12 (TCJ4C, TCJ4E) college or workplace pathways we explore the exciting world of construction and woodworking.  Throughout the courses you will use industrial woodworking equipment to turn rough lumber into finished dimensional lumber and use in a variety of woodworking projects from small to professional grade advanced projects that will challenge you at every level. On the construction side you will learn using a variety of professional construction equipment and tools as you build your skills in residential construction, projects range from Framing to Landscaping and everything in between. This course will Build the foundations for an exciting and rewarding career in the many trade possibilities that woodworking and construction has to offer.

Hairstyling and Aesthetics

Offered in Grades 9 (TXJ10), 10 (TXJ20), 11 (TXJ3E), and 12 (TXJ4E).  Welcome to the World of Hairstyling and Aesthetics!!!!!  The art of and science of beautifying and improving skin, nails, hair and the studying of cosmetics and their applications, while following health and safety industry standards.  You will have the opportunity to showcase your creative skills, in Up-Do Wedding designs, Wild Hair colours, Braiding and Nail Art.  We will motivate, teach life skills, entrepreneurial skills, customer service skills, and networking skills. You will also learn what it takes to earn a six-figure salary. If you are interested in expressing your creative passion this is the course for you!

Hospitality and Tourism

Currently offered in Grades 9 (TFJ1O), 10 (TFJ2O), 11 (TFJ3C, TFJ3E), and 12 (TFJ 4C, TFJ4E) This course offers both college and workplace pathways into the exciting world of food, beverage and travel. Students learn from industry standards in knife training, cooking, baking and cake decorating. Most loved projects are the giant cookie bake off, “Let Them Eat My Cake” cake decorating competition, holiday themed treats, “Explore the World” family secret recipes. So, if you want to learn, or love, to cook, bake and eat, this is the perfect course for you!

Health Care

Currently offered in Grades 11 (TPJ3M), and 12 (TPJ4M). Understanding the importance of overall health and its relationship to various systems of the human body through nutrition, exercise, and disease. Using hands-on practical based learning to encourage innovation, creativity and critical thinking skills for our ever changing world. We explore a wide variety of professions related to the healthcare industry and prepare students for a successful career.

Interior Design

Currently offered in Grades 11 (TDV3M), and 12 (TDV4M). An introduction to innovate, create and inspire designs. Developing an understanding of how an interior designer will use the principles of design to create functional residential spaces. Exploring 2D hands-on skills like drafting, rendering, and creating mood boards. Students will then have the opportunity to bring their design to life when working in 2D and 3D online design programs like Google Sketch Up and building 3D models.

Technological Design

Offered in Grades 10 (TDJ2O), 11 (TDJ3M) and 12 (TDJ4M). We explore, study and create various products with respect to architecture and engineering. We create perspective drawings, learn how to represent and design 2D and 3D shapes, design blueprints and floor plans as well as create eco-friendly solutions using real-world contexts and projects. We also offer the ability to learn real industry software such as Google SketchUp and AutoCAD.

Transportation Technology

Offered in Grades 9 (TTJ1O), 10 (TTJ2O), 11 (TTJ3C/E), and 12 (TTJ4C/E). Prepare to get your hands dirty!  These courses enable students to develop technical knowledge and critical thinking skills as they study, diagnose, service, and repair powertrain management systems such as electrical, steering, suspension and braking systems relating to all different modes of transportation.  As transportation evolves students will be encouraged to use innovative skills in fabricating and welding, while incorporating the use of a wide variety of hand tools and up-to-date diagnostic equipment.

De Franco, RobDepartments