English – Four Strands

1. Reading:
   Students will read, critically examine and analyze a variety of fiction and non fiction materials, for example, novels, short stories and various poetic forms. Students are required to participate in the independent reading program. Each month they will select a novel from a set of books and will complete a follow-up in-class activity. All students are expected to read 20 minutes every day.
2. Writing:
   Students will produce pieces of writing using a variety of forms (opinion pieces, short stories, and verbal visual essays). Students will strive to further increase vocabulary, utilize the correct grammar, spelling and punctuation conventions, and strengthen independent editing and revising skills.
3. Oral Communication:
   Students will explore and respond to a range of ideas and opinions through a variety of verbal and artistic assignments. Students will continue to identify the techniques and speaking skills necessary to enhance communication and will incorporate these components into their own oral presentations.
4. Media Literacy:
   Students will demonstrate an understanding of the meaning, purpose and intended audience of a variety of media texts, for example newspapers, internet articles, and magazine advertisements. Students will examine, identify and reflect upon messages and ideas presented in media texts, and express their own personal thoughts and feelings through both verbal and written assignments.

Mathematics – Five Strands

1. Number sense:  rational numbers, exponential notation, solving multi-step problems, fractions and integers             
2. Measurement:  developing circumference and area relationships for a circle, developing and applying the formula for the volume of a cylinder
3. Geometry & Spatial Sense:  investigating relationships among similar shapes, relating the numbers of faces, edges, and vertices of a polyhedron, determining and applying the Pythagorean relationship geometrically
4. Patterning & Algebra:  using algebraic equations, solving linear equations 
5. Data Management & Probability:  collecting data and displaying data using histograms, comparing and calculating probabilities

Geography

Students in Grade 8 Geography will explore the different types of economic systems and industrial activities and the factors that influence them. The students will investigate Canada’s economic relationship from regional perspectives. Students will study the process of manufacturing and distribution and compare aspects of economic development in different countries and communities.

History

The students in Grade 8 History will examine the major factors and significant events that led to the creation of Canada in 1867. The students will investigate regional interests and other factors that led to the growth of Canada as all the provinces and territories joined Confederation. Students will extend their interests at the time of Confederation with similar debates in Canada today.

French

1. Oral and Visual Communication:  Listen to and talk about simple oral texts in structured open-ended situations and express themselves in conversation and discussions
2. Reading:  Read a variety of simple material 400 to 600 words long and demonstrate understanding
3. Writing:  Use vocabulary, grammar and language conventions to write in a variety of forms

Science – Four Strands

1. Life Systems:  cells
2. Matter & Materials:  fluids
3. Structures & Mechanisms:  mechanical efficiency
4. Earth & Space Systems:  water systems

Health & Physical Education

Students study healthy living and fundamental movement skills. Through active participation students improve their physical fitness level. Students must wear their uniform to all physical education classes.

Visual Arts

Students explore the elements and principle of design, learn skills and techniques and the safe use of materials and tools.  Each student keeps a sketchbook to record visual arts vocabulary, notes and sketches. Artists from various cultures and storytellers both past and present are interwoven throughout the visual arts program. Cross-curricular themes are presented when the connections are appropriate.

Music

The music program is a continuation of the Grade 7 program. Students begin to analyze music in more depth and there are more advanced notes and rhythms. Creativity is developed into full composition. Practice is mandatory twice a week.