Introductory Level (Industrial Arts 10)
Grade 10 or first-year students must take 5 pre-requisite courses at the 100 series level. They may choose from either a Construction (Woods) or Fabrication (Metals) pathway depending upon their level of interest and chosen projects.
- Construction Technologies: Students will learn basic tools and materials, project management, solid stock construction, turning operations, and manufactured materials, and apply them to the construction of a project.
- Fabrication Studies: Students will learn basic fabrication principles, tools and materials, semi-automated welding, basic electric welding, sheet fabrication, and bar & tubular fabrication, and apply them to the fabrication of a project.
Intermediate/Advanced Level (Industrial Arts 20/30)
Prerequisite: Introductory Level Industrial Arts 10
Students will further develop the understandings from the introductory level. This course is "project driven" and students will select a project to which they will apply one or several credits of study during completion. A minimum of five credits will be completed in the semester. Common courses selected at this level include furniture construction, cabinetry, multiple materials, finishing and refinishing techniques, and product development. Students may also complete either construction or fabrication courses not previously attempted at the introductory level. Course selection will be determined in consultation between the student and the instructor. Costs for project materials are the responsibility of the student.
The Cosmetology program is designed to engage students in developing an appreciation for the significance of personal grooming in various life situations. Students learn techniques in hair and nails, skin care practices, make-up artistry, hair removal, and eyebrow and lash tinting.
Participation in lab work is mandatory for successful completion of the course. Students will be expected to demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviors, be responsible, work safely and demonstrate positive teamwork skills and professionalism as they participate in partner work.
The Fashion program is designed to engage students in creative skills that are practical and useful in their independent lives. Students create clothing and other textile products as well as study history, culture, and the industry of fashion. Students will learn garment construction skills, characteristics fabrics and their care, and a variety of fabric manipulation techniques. Choices in course selection are based on individual areas of interest in sewing and fashion.
Students complete five projects beginning with simple techniques and moving to more advanced. Students construct garments, fashion accessories, and create unique projects in the lab. Students develop skills and confidence in sewing to develop an appreciation of the craft. Students will select some courses in consultation with their instructor based on their interests and skill level.
Introductory (Fashion 10)
Students complete five projects beginning with simple techniques and moving to more advanced. Students construct garments, fashion accessories, use digital embroidery software and commercial equipment, and create unique projects in the lab. Students develop skills and confidence in sewing to develop an appreciation of the craft. Students will select some courses in consultation with their instructor based on their interests and skill level.
Intermediate/Advanced (Fashion 20/30)
Prerequisite: Fashion 10
Students in the Intermediate and Advanced levels can further develop skills and interests explored at previous levels. Techniques and concepts gain complexity as students challenge themselves with increasingly more difficult projects. There is a considerable amount of flexibility in course selection based on student interest and skill development. Home Decor, embroidery, fashion illustration, complex garment construction, textile arts, and fashion design are just a few areas students may select to study. Many students even choose to complete unique and personal gowns they wear with pride to graduation. Students will select courses in consultation with their instructor to best meet their needs, skills, and potential career interests.
The Food Studies Program integrates the Career and Technology courses suggested by Alberta Education. Students will develop an interest in food and nutrition to develop the skills necessary to become independent citizens. The classroom focus will include food preparation, the role of food, food production, visual appreciation, health and wellness, global food awareness, meal planning, and economics. Whenever possible, guest speakers and field trips enhance classroom instruction.
Introductory (Foods 10)
Students will begin at this level with FOOD BASICS. There is an emphasis on safe and sanitary practices in food preparation. Courses completed include a theory and a lab component. Students will learn concepts related to food preparation of snacks, baked goods, milk products, eggs, meal planning, and nutrition. Students will apply these concepts in lab while preparing nutritious and delicious recipes. Students will develop the skills and knowledge to increase confidence and independence in the kitchen.
Intermediate/Advanced (Foods 20/30)
Prerequisite: Foods 10
A variety of topics are introduced at the intermediate and advanced levels including meat cookery, cake decorating, soups and sauces, vegetable and fruit preparation, food presentation, and international cuisine. Courses completed include a theory and a lab component in which concepts are reinforced through practical application of skills. Students learn about and explore viable careers and post secondary opportunities in the food industry. Students further develop culinary skills to increase confidence and independence in the kitchen.
George McDougall High offers a Hockey Canada Skills Academy option in which students from grade 9-12 have the opportunity to improve their knowledge of the game. The course will follow the CTS Curriculum as outlined by Alberta Education. The courses will vary from year to year and will be constantly developed. There will be a focus on hockey in the course content and students will benefit not only from increased on-ice instruction in individual skills but also from off-ice training specifically designed for hockey, as well as theory sessions on topics such as sport specific nutrition. The program takes up one option block during the semester (125 hours of instruction/ 30-40 hours on-ice). Off-ice training and theory classes will be held within the school and on-ice activities will be held at the adjacent Plainsman Arena. The fee for this program will be $350 (covering costs that include guest instructors, jersey, socks and T-shirt). The program is open to all male and female students attending GMHS who are or will become members of the Airdrie Minor Hockey Association. Applicants will be required to submit an application form, a current progress report and an attendance summary. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by the course instructor. Application forms are located on the school website. Payment for this option will be added to the school fees in September. The Hockey Canada Skills Academy must be paid in full by September 30 or the student will be taken out of the course and placed into another option.
*NOTE: Students who are for whatever reason, unable to participate regularly will be removed from the Skills Academy and will be assigned an “in-house” option. Due to the high cost of this option, course fees will not be refunded. Option fees for the re-assignment will not be charged.
The Leadership program encourages students to practice servant leadership through peer and mentorship learning opportunities. The program is student driven, meaning that students initiate projects and they learn from one another. They are encouraged to develop their own leadership skills and to take risks and grow in positive, productive ways Leadership is experiential learning. Students identify, develop, and refine their own positive leadership style. The program is in transition to CTS courses in the Health, Recreation, and Human Services Cluster. Students will complete five credits in community volunteerism, leadership fundamentals, mentorship, and speaking and presenting, and project management integrated over the full year course. Only students with a strong motivation to make a positive difference in the school environment are encouraged to apply.
Creative Media courses include learning in photography, audio and video production, design and animation, and are offered to grade 9 students as a half-semester introductory option, as well as 3-credit and 6-credit options at the 10, 20 and 30 levels. In 20 and 30 level classes, students have the opportunity to specialize or continue to explore multiple focus areas. The curriculum for these courses extends from the Communication Technology strand of the Alberta Career and Technology Studies curriculum, which introduces students to possible career paths in the creative industries.
Learning about creative media holds great value for all students, whether or not this may be a career path of interest. Beyond developing fluency in the tools and techniques of these technologies, students also have the chance to explore creativity as a means to tell stories, to pose questions, and to bring beauty and expression into the world. As students deepen their understanding of the methods of photography, audio and video production, design and animation, they also view media through a critical and ethical lens. This supports students to become more discerning consumers and responsible producers as they work and play in our media-saturated culture.
The Wildlife option at GMHS allows students to explore the outdoors while learning to care about our fragile environment. Outdoor pursuits including skiing and snowboarding, snowshoeing and hiking, navigational techniques and camping, fire and shelter building, and cooking are available to enhance in class learning. Lessons in the classroom include tourism, environmental impact, remote first aid, and basic survival skills. Come and explore, allowing yourself to fall in love with nature and the great outdoors. Remember, adventure is out there!
Learners will explore entrepreneurial opportunities and avenues. No matter if interested in owning their own business or looking for career ideas, this course will develop problem solving, communication, collaborative, and decision-making skills. Learners will engage in analyzing market opportunities, promotion, planning, finances and following business models. Learning will culminate in a Final Project that puts into practice the knowledge gained throughout the course.
Students will learn about the various facets of sports injuries, first aid care, training room management and career opportunities related to sports medicine, nutrition, anatomy and physiology. Instruction will utilize such processes as guided discovery, problem solving, independent research, computer technology, practical labs and application of acquired skills for field simulations and situations. This academic course will encourage individual learning styles focusing on both theoretical and practical situations of sports injury situations.
Sports Medicine 15
Sports Medicine is based on courses offered in the Health, Recreation, and Human Services cluster of the CTS Curriculum. Sports Medicine 15 offers a logical beginning for those students who are interested in such fields as sports medicine, physiotherapy, nursing, medicine, physical education and/or basic first aid.
Note: Students may not register in both Sports Performance and Hockey Skills Academy as there is duplication of CTS courses offered.
Specific course selections will be available to students upon enrolment. Generally, the goals of the program are to provide knowledge and practical fitness experience, enhancing fitness and strength training lifestyles. Student activities will be supplemented with knowledge of personal training and application of chosen fitness goals.
Sports Performance - For Females Only
This course is intended to provide opportunities for females to learn and apply all aspects of wellness and physical fitness. Throughout the semester, students will learn the importance of proper training and nutrition as well as the many benefits that physical well-being has on one’s life. Students will be expected to participate in varying forms of fitness activities, with the ultimate goal of establishing a commitment towards lifelong wellness. You do not need to be ‘athletic’ to take this class; however, you do need to be committed to setting personal wellness goals and working towards these goal throughout the semester.