GRADE 7 PROGRAM BOOK - Allendale- Allendale Schoolallendale.epsb.ca/media/elementaryjuniorhighschools/allendale/data... · GRADE 7 PROGRAM BOOK ... pre-enrol to tell us the school

GRADE 7 PROGRAM BOOK 2016-2017

www.allendale.epsb.ca

6415 – 106 Street, Edmonton, AB T6H 2V5 Phone: 780-434-6756

2

Getting Started You need to do the following:

1. Select your School in SchoolZone.

2. Locate the Allendale “Program and Course Registration” form

(included as the last page in this booklet).

3. Use the Allendale Program Book (this booklet) to guide your

decisions.

Instructions

1. Select Your School in SchoolZone

Each spring, parents across the District pre-enrol to tell us the school they’d like their child to attend

next year. Pre-enrolment helps schools and families plan for 2016-2017.

We’re making the process faster and easier by moving it online!

Between March 14 and April 15, sign in to your parent SchoolZone account to select your

child’s preferred school.

Need help? If you can’t connect to SchoolZone to pre-enrol, or you have questions about choosing a

school, talk to your child’s current school principal.

2. Please refer to the “Program and Course Registration Form” on the last page of this

booklet.

a. Allendale has four junior high programs: the Regular Academic Program, the

German Bilingual Program, the Cogito Academic Alternative Program and the

Interactions Program. Indicate your choice of program by checking the box

beside it on the Program and Course Registration form.

b. Note: German Bilingual students most often choose to take their core subjects

(other than Social Studies which is taught in German) in an enriched Cogito

setting. Students who choose to be in both the German Bilingual and Cogito

program will participate in a more rigorous, faster paced and challenging

program. Contact the office if you would like your child to be exempt from Cogito

curricular extensions, otherwise we will automatically mix them in core classes of

Cogito students.

c. Carefully read the choices of complementary courses (“options”) in this booklet.

On the Program and Course Registration form, select your choices for options.

d. Select the language course in which you wish to enroll.

e. A parent signature is required on the Program and Course Registration form.

3. Cogito only: Complete the “Student Commitment to the Cogito Program” form (page 16).

4. Return the Program and Course Registration Form along with the Cogito Form (if

applicable) to your present elementary school by Friday, April 15, 2016. Your own

elementary school will then forward both forms to Allendale School.

3

ALLENDALE SCHOOL

Allendale School is a friendly, caring school focused on academics and opportunities. We

are a school that offers many unique and dynamic educational programs for students in

grades seven, eight and nine. Very successful students choose to come to Allendale from

many areas of the city. E.T.S. bus routes provide easy access from many communities in

South Edmonton.

Our motto at Allendale School is “The Small School with Big Opportunities.” We get to know

our students well and provide them with very personalized programming. We provide

students with a challenging, enriching and safe school environment.

Academic achievement is our number one priority. Students are expected to do their best in

all course work and pursuits. Our students consistently achieve above provincial averages

on Provincial Achievement Tests.

All of our students are enrolled in at least one second language course and an active

Physical Education program. To accompany our strong academic program, we offer a

diverse and high quality selection of complementary courses.

Allendale School provides four programming opportunities for students: Regular Academic,

Cogito Academic Alternative, German Bilingual and Interactions. Each provides students

with exceptional opportunities for learning.

Regular Academic Program: All students from within our attendance area are welcomed

into our Regular Academic Program. Our students cover all aspects of the Alberta Program

of Studies and achieve well on provincial tests. In addition to the core areas of Language

Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, our students all take Physical Education, a

second language, and Health and choose from a variety of complementary courses. All

students in our Regular Academic Program will be invited to be part of a fall overnight camp

experience.

Cogito Academic Alternative: Allendale was the first junior high school in Edmonton Public

Schools to offer the Cogito Academic Alternative Program. The program is designed for all

students who are willing to work with teachers and parents to develop their capacity for

academic excellence. Many of our Cogito graduates enroll in academic programs in high

school such as Advanced Placement (A.P.) and International Baccalaureate (I.B.). For more

information please see our school website or our school’s Cogito brochure.

German Bilingual Program: Allendale is proud to be the only junior high school in

Edmonton that offers the German Bilingual Program. Typically, students from the

elementary German Bilingual program continue their German language studies at Allendale

School. However, students with a strong background in the German language are welcome

to enroll. The German Bilingual Program fosters an appreciation for the culture and

language of the German people. A highlight of the German Bilingual Program is the annual

grade eight Germany Exchange trip. For more information, please refer to our school’s

website.

Interactions Program: Allendale School is fortunate to be a district site for the Interactions

Program. Our program is well-supported by outstanding staff and facilities and students are

provided individualized opportunities both within the Interactions classroom and throughout

the school. Students enrolled in our Interactions Program are referred to us by the school

they are presently attending.

4

In addition to a focus on high academic achievement and a broad selection of

complementary courses, Allendale offers intramurals, team and extra-curricular activities.

These are listed in this Program Book and on our website. During the 2015-2016 school

year, all students will participate in cross-graded house activities and weekly homeroom

time focused on citizenship, character development and bullying prevention.

Allendale School, “The Small School with BIG Opportunities,” offers a high standard of

education, many complementary courses and the very best in athletics, arts and activities –

something for everyone!

The Allendale Advantage

Academic excellence in all curricular areas

Outstanding, motivated and respectful students

Friendly, highly-educated and understanding staff

Extensive intramural, noontime and after-school activities

Amazing choice of Fine Arts and Career Technology Foundation (CTF) Options

Homeroom activities promoting citizenship, character development and bullying

prevention

Competitive and diverse junior and senior athletic programming

Exceptional student leadership opportunities

Updated technologies and access to technology to support learning

Strong parent and community support

CORE ACADEMIC COURSES

LANGUAGE ARTS

There are two basic aims of English Language Arts. The first is to encourage an

understanding and appreciation of the significance and artistry of literature. The second is

to enable each student to understand and appreciate language and to use it confidently and

competently for a variety of purposes, for a variety of audiences, and in a variety of

situations for communication, personal satisfaction and learning.

Students in junior high develop knowledge, skills and attitudes in the six strands of

language arts: listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing and representing. Students

learn to compose, comprehend and respond to oral, print and other media texts.

5

In junior high, students encounter and respond to a variety of both fiction and non-fiction

texts including short stories, novels, plays, poetry, news articles and film. Students engage

in a variety of narrative, expository and descriptive writing.

Since language arts learning is a cumulative process, students develop their capacity to

think in abstract and analytical terms throughout the three years of junior high. As texts

become more sophisticated, students learn to write and think in increasingly more complex

ways. Specifically, students listen, speak, read, write, view, and represent to

explore thoughts, ideas, feelings and experiences

comprehend and respond personally and critically to oral, print and other media texts

manage ideas and information

enhance the clarity and artistry of communication

respect, support, and collaborate with others.

Assessment of student learning includes tests, exams, written compositions, oral

presentations and graphic representations.

COGITO LANGUAGE ARTS

(Cogito Students Only)

The Cogito Language Arts program complements the Alberta Program of Studies. An

emphasis is put on the study of classic literature, including the works of Shakespeare when

appropriate. Classic literature has withstood the test of time and provides students with the

background to understand references made in future studies. Furthermore, the classics

provide students with excellent models for their own writing. Students develop their writing

skills further through the explicit teaching of English grammar and vocabulary development.

Attendance at a live theatre performance is attempted depending upon the suitability of

productions offered at city venues.

MATHEMATICS

Students learn by attaching meaning to what they do, and they must be able to construct

relevant meaning of mathematics. This meaning is best developed when learners encounter

mathematical experiences that proceed from the simple to the complex and from the

concrete to the abstract. The learning environment values and respects each student's way

of thinking so that the learner feels comfortable in taking intellectual risks, asking questions

and posing conjectures.

The main goals of mathematics are to prepare students to use mathematics confidently to

solve problems, to communicate and reason mathematically, to appreciate and value

mathematics, to commit themselves to lifelong learning, and to become mathematically

literate adults using mathematics to contribute to society. Students develop positive

attitudes toward mathematics and a strong understanding of numbers, patterns and

relations, shape and space, statistics and probability.

Student assessment is based on classroom work, quizzes, common unit exams, three

common mid-terms and a final examination.

6

COGITO MATHEMATICS

(Cogito Students Only)

The Cogito Math program expands upon the Alberta

Program of Studies to provide students with a deeper

and richer understanding of the subject. It is

designed to develop critical thinking skills and

prepare the student for real world problem solving.

Emphasis is placed upon understanding the

foundational principles of numbers, number

relationships and accuracy in performing basic

operations upon which all problem solving and other

sophisticated math applications depend. Studies are

further enhanced with a locally developed geometry

program which includes history of geometry,

constructions, triangles, circles, trigonometry and proofs. Students are engaged with

manipulatives to further enhance their understanding of mathematics.

SOCIAL STUDIES

Social Studies is the study of people in relation to each other and to their world. It is an

issues focused and inquiry-based interdisciplinary subject that draws upon history,

geography, ecology, economics, law, philosophy, political science and other social science

disciplines. Social Studies provides opportunities for students to develop the attitudes,

skills and knowledge that will enable them to become engaged, active, informed and

responsible citizens. Recognition and respect for individual and collective identity is

essential in a pluralistic and democratic society. Social Studies helps students develop their

sense of self and community, encouraging them to affirm their place as citizens in an

inclusive, democratic society.

Contemporary Canadian issues (current events) are addressed throughout the courses,

either as separate studies or linked with their historical context.

Grade Seven students explore the origins, histories and movement of peoples who forged

the foundations of Canadian Confederation. Grade Eight students examine issues related to

contact between societies with differing worldviews. Grade Nine students will analyze the

relationship between Canada’s political and legislative processes and their impact on issues

pertaining to governance, rights, citizenship and identity.

Assignments and evaluation include content quizzes and exams, various written responses,

map work, role playing, presentations and note taking.

Students enrolled in the German Bilingual program will have their Social Studies taught using

the German language whenever possible.

7

COGITO SOCIAL STUDIES

(Cogito Students Only)

The Cogito Social Studies program covers the Alberta Program of Studies and is taught

within the context of History. To further enhance student appreciation of history, our Social

Studies program is enriched by the addition of separate History courses in grade seven,

eight and nine. Students have instruction in History for two blocks during a six day rotation

based on locally designed History courses.

World History Grade Seven – A Survey of World History Pre-History to 1500: This locally

developed course introduces students to the study of world history from pre-historic times

and to approximately 1500 C.E.

World History Grade Eight – A Survey of the World 1500-2013: This course introduces

students to the study of world history from approximately 1500 C.E. to the contemporary

era.

World History Grade Nine – A Survey of 20th

Century History: This locally developed

course explores topics in 20th

century world history.

SCIENCE

The Alberta Science curriculum has three components: The Nature of Science, Science and

Technology, and Social and Environmental Contexts of Science and Technology. Students

develop knowledge, skills and positive attitudes so that they will be confident in making

informed decisions in their day-to-day science based experiences.

The Science curriculum is designed to develop students' critical thinking abilities and skills.

Students learn to identify scientific questions, technological problems and Science and

Technology in Society (STS) issues as they gather data, draw inferences and analyze issues.

This course is a multidisciplinary and practical approach to the study of science. Group

work promotes an awareness of the diversity and value of the opinions of others. A wide

range of resources support each unit of study.

Student assessment is based on class work, homework, quizzes, unit tests and acquired

skills.

COGITO SCIENCE

(Cogito Students Only)

The Cogito Science program provides students with many opportunities to develop strong

laboratory skills and connect scientific concepts to real situations. By covering the Alberta

Program of Studies at an accelerated pace, Cogito students have more time for hands-on

experiments that apply and enrich the topics that are studied. Projects are focused on the

ideas and discoveries of famous scientists, past and present, as they relate to what is

learned in class. Cogito students become experienced with applying the steps of the

Scientific Method, often designing and conducting their own investigations and refining their

processes. Through this program, Cogito students cultivate strong problem solving and

reasoning skills while engaging in exciting learning experiences!

8

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All students in Physical Education

participate in activities within the

following curricular dimensions:

Games (basketball, soccer,

volleyball, slow pitch, rugby,

handball, lacrosse, badminton, flag

football and other competitive and

cooperative games)

Dance (jazz, social and ballroom,

folk and creative)

Individual activities (track and

field, wrestling, cross-country

running, gymnastics, mission

impossible)

Fitness (an integral component of all physical education curriculum dimensions)

The assessment of student performance will be reported in terms of physical skills,

knowledge and understanding, effort and attitude.

HEALTH

The aim of the Health and Life Skills Program of Studies is to enable students to make well-

informed, healthy choices and to develop behaviours that contribute to the well-being of self

and others.

The Health Curriculum is organized around three general outcomes:

Wellness: encouraging students to make responsible and informed choices to maintain

health and to promote safety for self and others.

Relationships: addressing the development of effective interpersonal skills that

demonstrate responsibility, respect and caring in order to establish and maintain healthy

interactions.

Life Learning: facilitating student use of available resources to effectively manage and

explore life roles, career opportunities and challenges.

The Health curriculum includes a unit on human sexuality (including growth and

development). Parents have the right to decide whether or not their child will participate in

this portion of the course.

Assessment in Health is based on participation in class discussions and activities as well as

projects, exercises and quizzes.

9

LANGUAGES

GERMAN LANGUAGE ARTS

(German Bilingual Students Only)

German is not only one of the most important

languages worldwide for business, tourism and

diplomacy, it also offers students the chance to travel,

study and work in numerous German speaking

countries. The aim of the German Language Arts

program is to give students the necessary tools and

experiences to confidently speak, read, write and

understand German. This goal is achieved by using

authentic tasks and resources to increase understanding of German language structures as

well as various German speaking cultures. The German Language Arts class is

complemented by a two-three week trip to Germany at the end of Grade Eight and the

opportunity to take the “Sprachdiplom1Exam,” a worldwide recognized B1 language

proficiency exam, during the Grade Nine school year.

FRENCH

The French Second Language program focuses on authentic, real-life experiences through

which students improve their listening, speaking, writing and reading fluency. This is

achieved by following the Alberta Program of Studies which is enriched by the use of

multiple resources such as French literature, film, music, history and geography, as well as

DELF (Diplôme D'études en Langue Française) programming. DELF is an international

standardized exam which offers successful students the opportunity to earn an

internationally recognized French language diploma. Every two years, Grade Eight and Nine

students at Allendale School have the opportunity to visit Quebec where they can immerse

themselves in authentic French culture.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING (ELL)

This course is intended for students who are in the early stages of learning the English

language. Students who take ELL will continue to improve their basic English

communication skills. Writing, reading, speaking and listening are all emphasized using a

variety of resources, including novel studies, computer programs and regular in-class

writing. The understanding of academic vocabulary is an important aspect of the course

and students will receive extra help with homework and assignments.

10

COMPLEMENTARY COURSES (Options)

FULL YEAR FINE ARTS

Art – Grades Seven, Eight and Nine

Art at Allendale School is a full year program

designed to inspire and engage the young

artist in expanding personal creativity and

imagination. Students explore many

opportunities to develop their art skills, learn

about art elements and principles, study art

history and featured artists and see their art

exhibited throughout the year.

Drama – Grades Seven, Eight and Nine

The Drama program at Allendale School provides

students with a learning environment in which to

discover that drama is an art form as well as a medium

for teaching and learning. It develops the whole

person, allowing students to enhance their poise, self-

esteem and social communication skills. An

understanding and awareness of theatre is fostered.

Students will have opportunities to explore theatre

games, creative movement, voice, story theatre,

improvisation and scripted work and attend live

professional performances.

Instrumental Music (Concert Band) – Grades Seven, Eight and Nine

Students at Allendale in the Instrumental

Music program will improve their musical

abilities by choosing an instrument to

perform in a concert band. This course

encourages students to love and

understand performing and listening to

music. Students will explore music

creatively, theoretically and historically.

Regular field trips including opera, music

festivals, and band camp enhance the

overall experience in this course.

Instruments are available to rent from the

school. All students are welcome to join,

regardless of musical background. However, due to the sequential nature of the course, any

grade eight or nine students wishing to enter the music program must meet with the band

teacher before enrolling.

11

CAREER TECHNOLOGY FOUNDATIONS (CTF)

Students will enroll in one CTF course each term, for a total of 3 CTF courses per

school year.

Construction – Grades Seven, Eight and Nine

Construction helps students develop skills that they can

apply in their daily lives, now and in the future.

Construction at the Grade Seven level helps students

develop the skills of using hand tools and then applying

those skills to create two or three different types of

projects of varying difficulty. Grade Eight and Nine

students use the skills developed in previous years and

move on to use power tools. Students refine their skills

and project types to produce high quality final projects.

The courses focus on three main areas of study:

Safety: tools, environmental, chemical

Hand and power tool operation

Wood construction

Hand and power tool safety and use are taught in a safe and comfortable environment for all

students. Wood used as the medium of expression in construction is forgiving and durable.

Students learn to appreciate the excellent qualities of wood as a hobbyist or large project

material of choice.

Film Making – Grades Seven, Eight, and Nine

This course will introduce students to the topics of film critique and film making. Students

will be engaged in a variety of projects related to film making. These may include studies of

film equipment, editing techniques, camera angles, framing, story-boarding, shot planning

and creating a short film of their own.

Foods – Grades Seven, Eight and Nine

Foods is an enjoyable and practical course that will

introduce students to a variety of life skills and future

career possibilities. In this course, students will gain

knowledge and techniques on how to prepare a

number of recipes of increasing difficulty as they

progress through Foods from Grade Seven to Grade

Nine. In addition, students will learn about Canada’s

Food Guide and how to make healthy food choices.

Foods is part of the provincial CTF program designed

to help young people develop daily living skills and nurture a flexible, well-qualified work

force.

12

Video Game Design – Grades Seven, Eight, and Nine

Scratch is a programming language and an online community where children can program and share interactive media such as stories, games, and animation with people from all over the world. As children create with Scratch, they learn to think creatively, work collaboratively, and reason systematically. Scratch is designed and maintained by the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab.

Digital Art – Grades Seven, Eight and Nine

This Paint.Net course for beginners will teach you the fundamentals of Paint.Net with easy to follow, practical examples. Starting with the basics, in this Paint.Net tutorial for beginners, you will learn how to setup your work environment, open files, and perform various editing functions that Paint.Net has to offer.

Green Screen Photography – Grades Seven, Eight and Nine

This course will show you how you can use a simple green screen set up to increase your creativity - and profits - as a photographer. Yes, green screen is not only for video, and with gear from Westcott and PhotoKey software there's a world of photographic opportunities. This course shows everything from set up to 5 different projects that show just some of the amazing possibilities.

3D Computer Assisted Design – Grades Seven, Eight, and Nine

SketchUp is a 3D modeling software. You can make anything you can imagine with this program. You can use what you have made in various ways. It's free for personal use, though its commercial version has a reasonable price, Architects use SketchUp to prepare their designs and present them. Designers use SketchUp in 3D printing Artists use the out-standing styles of SketchUp. Game developers use SketchUp to prepare models for their games; and so on. There are so many uses for SketchUp; we cannot count them all, but all of them have the same purpose: realizing your imagination.

Design/Publishing (yearbook) – Grades 8 and 9

This course focuses on the multifaceted needs of the beginning journalism by introducing students to all phases of yearbook production. Students in this course will learn the skills of Journalism, Layout & Design, Marketing, Sales & Advertising, Photography, and Graphic Design. Students will also master Adobe Photoshop the art of digital photography and photo enhancement. Classroom activities are closely related to the real world of interviewing, reporting, meeting deadlines and producing a widely viewed publication

13

Jazz Band – Grades Eight and Nine

Students in Jazz Band at Allendale School have the opportunity to explore a genre of music

made famous for its fun and energetic style. During the course, students will focus on the

performance of more advanced music as well as examining the history of Jazz. Students will

also develop skills in improvising on their instrument. Students who are not enrolled in

Concert Band must first speak with the band teacher in order to be accepted into the Jazz

Band course. Jazz Band instruction will likely take place outside the regular timetable.

Leadership – Grades Seven, Eight and Nine

Learning to Lead Nine allows students to study leadership through a comparison of basic

theories and styles of leadership. Students will be involved in the following:

Building the foundations of healthy relationships both in and outside of school

Developing community involvement

Building leadership skills in themselves and others

Discussing morals and ethics involved in the decision making process

Promoting a safe, caring and positive environment for Allendale students and staff

Promoting and integrating character attributes into the students’ daily lives

Orchestrating school spirit days and hot lunch Fridays.

Outdoor Education – Grades Seven, Eight and Nine

Outdoor Education students engage in adventurous activities to develop an appreciation of

themselves, others and the environment. In Grade Seven the focus is on the local

environment. Highlights include mountain biking, cross country skiing and learning how to

use a compass. In Grade Eight students focus on water and the ocean. Activities include

canoeing, a visit to the sea life exhibit and an introduction to scuba diving. In Grade Nine

the focus is on wilderness skills such as shelters, fire building and outdoor cooking.

Outdoor Education is concluded in Grade Nine with an adventurous overnight excursion.

Please note: The cost of extensive field trips makes the course fee higher for Outdoor

Education than other options: Grade Seven: $60.00, Grade Eight: $125.00, Grade Nine:

$200.00

Robotics – Grades Eight and Nine

Robotics in Grade Eight is a beginner course and no prior knowledge is required.

Throughout the semester, students will work in groups to build and program a robot using

LEGO Mindstorms and NXT Software. Working at their own pace, each group will investigate

ways to program their robot to perform a variety of basic tasks using a motor and sound,

touch, light and ultrasonic sensors. As a final project, they will direct their robot through an

obstacle course that combines all of the skills acquired during the semester.

Robotics in Grade Nine is an advanced course and is intended for students who have taken

Robotics in Grade Eight. Students will work in groups using the basic skills previously

acquired to investigate more complex challenges using LEGO Mindstorms and NXT Software.

Groups will have an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities in a school Robotics

competition. As a final project, they will use the Scientific Method to identify a problem,

design and build a robot prototype to solve that problem. They will give a formal

presentation on their investigation to the class.

14

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

"Be a Part of the Action"

Getting involved in extra-curricular activities is an important way to contribute to the school,

develop skills, meet new friends and make your stay at Allendale as rewarding as possible.

New events start up throughout the year so students should listen to announcements

carefully and keep an eye on both the “Allendale Calendar of Events” and the “Student

Activities and Clubs” calendars that are posted on SchoolZone.

INTRAMURAL ACTIVITIES

Intramurals are run at lunch time from September to June and

are planned with the intention of providing non-competitive

activities to students who would like to participate. Numerous

activities are planned which may include events such as

omnikin ball, infinity ball, beach ball volleyball, basketball,

badminton, floor hockey, flag football, lacrosse and soccer.

INTERSCHOOL ATHLETICS

Interschool teams are a very important component of the school community. They provide

opportunities for friendly contact and competition with other schools. The Allendale Eagles

teams whose colours are red, black and white, offer athletes opportunities to be involved in

many sports including cross-country running, volleyball, soccer, basketball, Journal Games,

cricket, curling, badminton, slow pitch, cheer team, and track and field.

Home of the Eagles

HOUSE GROUPS

Every student at Allendale is member of a House Group. Each House is named after a

Canadian prime minister and consists of students in Grades Seven, Eight and Nine. Students

meet in their House Groups to take part in school-wide activities and events. During the

school year, students will work in House Groups for activities such as intramurals, the

WalkCrawlRun event, Remembrance Day activities and the Edmonton Food Bank Drive.

House Groups are a wonderful way to get to know students in other grades and to develop

real pride in both the House and Allendale School.

15

CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES

Allendale School provides a wide range of clubs and activities for students before school, at

lunch and after school. Students are encouraged to join activities of interest to them and to

get to know other students. Some of these include:

Art Club

Chess Games

Science Olympics

Daily library drop-in at noon and before

school

Tutorials

School Play

Improv Team

Math Games, Puzzles and Contests

Fitness Centre Drop-in

Drop-in practice in the music room

Library Club

Daily Intramurals

Friday pizza lunch and bake sales

Drop-in sports in gym every morning

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

Many of the interesting and exciting events that happen at Allendale School are the result of

students taking the lead. We would like to see every student take the lead in some aspect of

our school life. We offer Leadership classes to grade nine students as complementary

courses. These students are very involved in the school and take the lead in such events as

selling pizza lunches, leading assemblies, leading student activities, and planning school-

wide events such as dances. Each homeroom also has the opportunity to lead one school-

wide event. These have included a Haunted House, Pancake Breakfast, Hawaiian Day,

Hockey Week and PJ Day. As well, we are always open to students taking the lead in a new

activity which they would like to see at Allendale School.

16

Allendale School Student Commitment to the Cogito Program

2016-2017

I understand that I am enrolling in the Cogito Alternative Program, with distinct characteristics and differences from main stream program education, within the Edmonton Public School District.

I understand that by making this choice I support and subscribe to the Cogito Alternative

goals, educational philosophy and teaching methods and practices as outlined in the Cogito Foundational Principles (reverse side of this sheet).

I understand that I will be presented with curricular expectations that exceed the Alberta

Education Program of Studies. I understand that behavioral expectations as outlined by Allendale School must be met and

contribute to a positive, orderly, safe and secure school. I understand that regular attendance is crucial to my success and frequent or extended

absences may jeopardize progressive grade placement or ability to continue in the program. I understand that regular homework is an important component of the Cogito program and

that I will be expected to complete all assigned homework. I understand that maintaining my academic standing is important and that if my marks fall

below 60% that I may be requested to consider other programming. I am interested in beginning or continuing in the Cogito program for the following reasons:

__________________________ ____________________________ Student Name – please print Student Signature __________________________ ____________________________ Parent/Guardian Name – please print Parent/Guardian Signature

Date: ___________________________

17

FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES FOR DEFINING METHODS AND PRACTICES OF A K – 12 COGITO ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM

1. Cogito upholds academic excellence for all students and encourages and expects their best possible work. Standards of achievement and measurable outcomes are clearly laid out for each grade level. The curriculum systematically builds the strong knowledge base essential for formulating meaningful opinions, analysis and processes.

2. Cogito actively fosters an orderly, disciplined and secure school environment based upon clear ethical principles (focused on

learning), that are firmly adhered to and enforced. Standards will be set for dress of both students and staff (which may include uniforms), classroom organization (desks in rows), as well as other features described in Effective Schools research.

3. Cogito approaches subjects as separate but inter-related disciplines necessary for a broad liberal arts education. The program

focuses on a solid foundation of English, mathematical concepts and other basic academic skills, as well as seriously attending to sciences, geography, second language, fine arts and physical education. History focus occurs at appropriate grade levels. Complementary courses are set and designed to enrich the core, often showing the connections between the disciplines.

4. Cogito challenges and encourages students to always produce the best work they can. Teachers assign, correct and return in a

timely fashion, regular homework that reinforces and applies what has been explicitly taught. Homework is meaningful and in measured amounts. Systematic attention is paid to teacher marking of student work and errors corrected by the student, thus promoting accuracy and precision in expressive language, mathematical solutions, penmanship and spelling, in addition to curricular content.

5. Cogito provides clear, timely and objective reporting of students’ progress and individual achievements to grade level, district and

provincial standards and norms in a quantified fashion. Student marks will be reported as percentages at appropriate grade levels.

6. Cogito recognizes that diligence, effort and scholastic achievement generate self-esteem, attention span and powers of concentration by providing a classroom environment where students work hard, spend their time on task and are actively engaged in learning.

7. Cogito limits instructional methods and practices to those that fit the school’s philosophy and are supported by Effective Schools

research. Whole group, teacher directed instruction is stressed. Cogito does not allow computer technology to be the focus of education; instead computer skills are taught directly as a practical art.

8. Cogito holds teachers, and the principal who leads the program, accountable for the effective teaching of a sound knowledge-

based curriculum, the ability to maintain an orderly, emotionally secure and productive environment, adherence to the Cogito philosophy, and the measured performance of their students. Parents recognize that the principal is the primary decision-maker on all instructional matters.

9. The principal ensures students, teachers and parents are instructed as to their roles and responsibilities as detailed in the School

Act and all foundational Cogito documentation.

10. Cogito realizes that the primary responsibility of the teacher is to deliver the curriculum, not to function as a social agency or as an instrument of social engineering. The work of teachers is compromised when they assume the role of parent, nurse or social worker.

11. Cogito recognizes that, while schools are set up to teach students, parents have a primary stake and rightful interest in the

education of their children and in the operation and performance of those schools in which their children are enrolled. Parents are true and valued partners in their children’s education and can look to the teacher and administration to foster this important role.

18

Allendale School – Grade 7 Program and Course Registration

Step 1: Student Information:

Student Name: ________________________________ Grade 6 School: _______________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ________________________ Contact number: _______________

Step 2: Choose Your Program:

Regular Academic Program *Students receive the full Alberta curriculum

Cogito Alternative Program *Enriched program. Please see our program guide.

German Bilingual Program *The vast majority of students in this program have traditionally requested

to be placed in Cogito core classes (LA, Math, and Science). Speak to administration if this is not your preference.

Step 3: Choose One Second Language to Study: (required for all students in EPSB)

French

German Bilingual *Only for students in the German Bilingual Program

English Language Learning *Only for students who are in the early stages of learning English

Step 4: Choose One Fine Arts Course:

Art

Drama

Instrumental Music (Band)

Step 5: Choose Three Career and Technology Courses (CTF) (You will be enrolled in three of these courses, one for each term. Please number your choices 1 through 8 in the boxes, with 1 being your top choice. We will try to enroll you in your top three choices, but rank the remaining courses in case one of your top choices is full or is not offered due to low enrollment)

Construction Outdoor Education

Video Game Design Leadership

Foods Film Making

3D Computer Design Digital Art/Green Screen Photography

Step 6: Submit this form (and Cogito form if necessary) to your current school by

April 15, 2016 so it can be sent to Allendale.