Curriculum handbook for parents. Catholic School version

56 Pages·2001·2.3 MB·English

by  Alberta. Alberta Education

Curriculum Handbook
Parents
for
T
2000-2001
Catholic School Version
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
LB
1564
C3
A3 ydlbcrra
C872
senior LEARNING
2000/
2001
CURRGDHT
ml
Ex
LIBRIS
UNIVERSITATIS
ALBERTENSIS
»
^pr. -mrm*i
This document, along with most Alberta Learning documents, can be found
on the web site at <http://www.learning.gov.ab.ca>.
The parent documenttitles referenced in this handbook may be purchased from:
«,iffliii;ijiiMmi.Bj;iminffl»
12360 -142 Street
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5L 4X9
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Internet: <http://www.lrdc.edc.gov.ab.ca>
Telephone numbers of branches referred to in this handbook can be reached, toll free, inside Alberta, by
dialing 310-0000.
Curriculum Branch
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: <[email protected]>
French Language Services Branch
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: <[email protected]>
Special Programs Branch
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Learner Assessment Branch
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: 780-422^200
Email: <[email protected]>
ISSN 1481-9406
©
Copyright 2000, the Crown in Right of Alberta, as represented by the Minister of Learning.
Alberta Learning, 11160 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5K 0L2. Additional copies may
be purchased from the Learning Resources Distributing Centre, 12360 - 142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta,
Canada, T5L 4X9, telephone [phone]; or, from one of the Queen's Printer Bookstores, telephone
780-427-4952, Edmonton; or, telephone [phone], Calgary. Inside Alberta, dial 310-0000 to be
connected toll free.
Permission is given bythe copyright ownerto reproduce this handbook for educational purposes
and on a nonprofit basis.
Curriculum Handbook
Parents
for
2000-2001
Catholic School Version
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Table of
Contents
Message from the Minister of Learning Hi
Letterfrom Archbishop Collins iv
Introduction to the Senior High School Curriculum
Handbook for Parents v
Guidance and Counselling v
Special Needs v
Transitions from High School into Work and Further Learning vi
Post-secondary Learning vi
Program Overview 1
Courses, Numbers and Sequences 1
Alberta High School Diploma Program 2
Provincial Diploma Examinations 2
Alberta High School Diploma Requirements 3
Immersion/Bilingual Programs 3
Certificate of Achievement Program 4
Completing the Senior High School Program Planner 5
Senior High School Program Planner 6
Off-campus Education 7
Registered Apprenticeship Program 7
RAP Scholarship 7
Green Certificate Program 8
Distance Learning 8
Post-secondary Information 8
Admissions, Scholarships, FinancialAssistance 8
Senior High School Programs of Study 10
Religious Education 10
Core (Required) Courses 12
English Language Arts 13
Mathematics 15
Science 20
Social Studies 24
Career and Life Management 20 28
Physical Education 10 28
Information and Communication Technology 30
Optional Courses 32
Career and Technology Studies 32
Fine Arts 33
Physical Education 20-30 35
Second Languages 36
Frequently Asked Questions 41
Feedback 43
///Senior High Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000
IV/FRQITY I IRR/*RY ©AlbertaLearning, Alberta, Canada
'FRSITY OF ALBERTA
Messagefrom the
Minister of Learning
High school represents the time when young people begin to take on the
responsibilities of adulthood. As students move through high school, they
are faced with decisions that will determine future opportunities and
endeavours.
While students are at the centre of the education system, parents are vital
partners. Your involvement in your son's or daughter's education is critical
to his or her success. The Curriculum Handbook forParents: SeniorHigh
Schooloutlines the different options students can choose to best suit their
future needs. hope this handbook will be one basis on which you and your
I
children discuss what course of action they should take to achieve their
goals.
When you know what is expected at school, you can provide the home
support yourchildren need. By reading about what they are learning at
school and discussing it a—t home, you are sending a very important
message to yourchildren that you value education. As well, encourage
I
you to continue working closely with theirteachers who can provide you with
invaluable information and guidance.
Education is afundamental part of the Alberta Advantage, and
government's goal is forAlbertato have the b—est-educated students in the
world. We can accomplish this only one way by working together. We are
—
all partners in educati—on parents, teachers, trustees, administrators,
community members and we must work to address issues and help
ensure Alberta students acquire the knowledge and skills they need for a
successful future.
Our children are ourfuture, and our most important investment.
Dr. Lyle Oberg
M.L.A. Strathmore-Brooks
Ministerof Learning
Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000 Senior High /Hi
©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada
Dear Parents and Guardians:
On behalf ofthe Catholic Bishops of Alberta, I welcome this opportunity to affirm you in your role as
parents in theeducationofyourchildrenand wishtoexpress my appreciation totheGovernment ofAlberta
and Alberta Learning for this 'Curriculum Handbook for Parents'.
The Church has always recognized with confidence that you, parents, are the first and primary educators
ofyourchildren, especially with regards toeducation in the faith. This isa noble, yet, challenging calling
that is rightfully yours. Today, therefore, because ofthe many diverse pressures and influences on our
children, your role is vital in working with our schools to continue to provide the best possible education
for our children. To those ofyou who have entrusted your children to a Catholic school be assured that
it is with great respect for these facts that we support you in your role. 1 encourage you to work closely
with our Catholic schools byjoining your local school councils or parent groups. Be a strong voice for
the Catholic identity of schools. In this regard, you will share in a concrete and invaluable way in the
central mission of the Church which is to proclaim Jesus and his Gospel in the world today and, in so
doing, hand on our faith to our children.
I commend Alberta Learning forproviding parents with thispractical Curriculum Handbook. It is a clear
presentation of what parents can expect of our Alberta schools. Public and Catholic, and by its very
existence alsoacknowledges how important youareasparents inyourchildren'seducation. In it, you will
find a comprehensive presentation of the content and expectations of the Religious Education Program
written and approved by the Canadian Conference ofCatholic Bishops. It reflects the essential character
ofCatholic schools as communities oflearning where as an old friend wrote, "... God, God's truth and
God's life are integrated into the entire syllabus, curriculum and life ofthe school."
Thomas Collins
Archbishop ofEdmonton
President, Alberta Conference ofCatholic Bishops
8421 - 101 Avenue, Edmonton,Alberta. T6A0L1 Tel.: [phone] Fax: [phone]
iV/Senior High Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000
©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada
This handbook provides parents with information on
Introduction to the
the knowledge, skills and attitudes students in Alberta
Senior High School are expected to be able to demonstrate when they
have completed their senior high school programs.
Curriculum Handbook
This handbook includes the majortopics that students
study in each subject, and is based on Alberta
for Parents
Learning's Program ofStudies: SeniorHigh School
and related curriculum documents. A print copy of the
Program ofStudies is kept in all Alberta senior high
schools, and electronic copies of individual courses
and programs are available forviewing and
downloading from the Alberta Learning web site.
Students in Alberta have the opportunityto acquire
the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to be
self-reliant, responsible, caring and contributing
members of society. They are expected to assume an
ever-increasing level of responsibilityfortheir learning
as they progress through senior high school.
Guidance and Counselling Schools and school jurisdictions offer a
comprehensive guidance and counselling program for
helping individual students meet their growth and
—
developmental needs educational, personal, social
and career. This collaborative program involves the
school counsellor and other school staff and is based
on a close partnership among school, home and
community. Parents are encouraged to consult with
school counselling staff regarding the needs of their
children.
Special Needs School boards are required to provide each resident
student with an education program, including access
to special education programs. If you think that your
child may have special needs, talk to the teachers or
school counsellor. Partners During Changing Times
is an information booklet for parents of children with
special needs. It provides a general overview of how
you can be involved in the education of yourchildren.
This document is available on the Alberta Learning
web site or by contacting the Special Programs
Branch, Edmonton. As well, A Handbook for
AboriginalParents ofChildren with SpecialNeeds
provides information to assist Aboriginal parents in
working with schools to meetthe special needs of
theirchildren. This resource is available for purchase
from the Learning Resources Distributing Centre.
Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000 Senior High /v
©AlbertaLearning, Alberta, Canada
—
Transitions from High School into Preparing for life and work is a complex process that
Work and Further Learning begins in the early years of schooling and continues
throughout—our lives. Alberta schools are taking an
active role along with parents and the community
in helping students move successfully from senior
high school to further studies and/or the workplace.
To help prepare for their transition, students are
encouraged to build on the career planning done in
junior high school, and to develop a comprehensive
career portfolio. They should investigate several work
and learning opportunities and prepare several
transition scenarios.
All senior high school courses can assist students in
career planning through help—ing them develop their
perso—nal management skills essential/employability
skills explore learning and work options, and
contribute to theircareer portfolio. Some programs
that focus specifically on career development include:
Career and Life Management 20, Career and
Technology Studies and Work Experience 15-25-35.
The Registered Apprenticeship Program, Green
Certificate Program, and Integrated Occupational
Program also help students make a successful
transition into the workplace.
Information on occupations and post-secondary
programs is available on the Alberta Learning
Information Service web site at <www.ALIS.gov.
ab.ca>, through school career centres or counselling
offices.
Post-secondary Learning Learning opportunities beyond senior high school
include: university, college, technical institutes,
apprenticeship, technical training programs and
on-the-job training.
At each grade level, students select courses to meet
graduation requirements and build toward theirfuture
plans for further education and work/career goals. A
senior high school diploma does not guarantee
entrance into post-secondary programs. Students
wishing to apply for post-secondary educational
programs should begin early to make themselves
aware ofthe entrance requirements, application
deadlines and sources of funding at the
institutions oftheir choice.
w
/Senior High Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000
©Alberta Learning, Alberta, Canada
Some post-secondary programs recognize senior high
school courses for advanced standing, credit or
preferred entrance.
The Catholic Schools of Alberta offer students the
opportunity to receive an education within the context
of the Catholic culture. In addition to the Religious
Studies curriculum, Catholic values and attitudes
permeate every aspect of the school life: all
classroom instruction, extracurricular programs and
school celebrations.
Catholic Curriculum Handbook for Parents, 2000 Senior High /Vli
©AlbertaLearning, Alberta, Canada
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2012 with funding from
University of Alberta Libraries
http://archive.org/details/cathcurriculhandshs01albe