Introducing the newest addition to the Brockton curriculum – Discovery Elective Courses for Grades 8 and 9!
Something that Brockton School prides itself on is understanding that every student who comes through our school’s doors is unique, with their own aspirations, interests, and talents. As such, we are always exploring ways in which students have choice and agency over their own learning journeys, which is why we are excited to add to our curriculum with the Discovery program.
The Discovery program is an elective program for our Grade 8 and 9 students. Each term, students are given a choice of courses that will broaden their studies and offer a deeper dive into extended areas of learning and interest.
This term, students are offered 5 courses in varied subject areas. Read all about the options below!
Mandarin for Beginners
Chinese is spoken by about one-fifth of the world’s population, and it is estimated that there are currently 30 million people around the world learning Chinese as a second language. Learning a second language is a rewarding and worthwhile endeavor. This beginners’ course is designed for students who are in the early stage of language acquisition. It aims to provide students with a motivating and meaningful learning experience of Mandarin and Chinese culture. The communicative approach is used to introduce vocabulary and structures through the functions of the language. The course provides an introduction to Mandarin phonetics and essential daily expressions, with a focus on speaking and listening skills.
Hiking, Trail Running, & Strength and Conditioning
This course offers the opportunity for students to discover the joys of personal fitness and conditioning in a way that suits them. Students learn about a range of training methods with a focus on resistance training in the Brockton fitness room, and/or hiking or trail running in our beautiful Lynn Valley surroundings. The course focuses on developing the intrinsic motivation required to establish regular training habits, improve levels of physical fitness, and experience the myriad benefits of overall health and wellbeing.
Improv
Improv is a skill that develops an actor’s ability to be present, creatively think “outside the box”, and act on impulse. This course provides a safe space for positive risk-taking, and focuses on building confidence and positivity in the face of uncertainty. Students participate in team activities that help generate ideas, develop creative thinking skills, and allow for constructive criticism from peers in a supportive and encouraging environment.
Yearbook Club
The Yearbook Discovery course gives students the opportunity to get involved with the documenting of school life throughout the year. A year-long option, this course introduces students to photography, journalism, and graphic design. Students are trained in Adobe Photoshop and InDesign, and develop time and project management skills as they plan and work towards deadlines. This is a engaging course that caters to many interests and strengths, and leaves students with a tangible outcome for their learning (the annual yearbook!)
Textile Art
This course covers textile-based skills such as knitting, crocheting, and weaving techniques and processes. Students explore different applications for these skills, and the course culminates in a collaborative installation that is exhibited at the end-of-year Visual arts Exhibition. Students also have the opportunity to create products such as scarves and blankets which will be donated to charity.
