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Technology & The Skilled Trades

In the Grade 9 Exploring Technology course (TAS101), students will have the choice of three different packages, based on their area of interest and/or career pathway. Each package comprises four units that are approximately 4.5 weeks long. These units are designed to give students a taste of what full classes in those subject areas would be like in Grades 10 through 12.

Below is a brief description of the packages and individual units in the packages.

  • TAS101-OC = Cosmetology/Business/Woodworking/Communications
  • TAS101-OD = Automotive/Business/Woodworking/Tech Design
  • TAS101-OE = Tech Design/Business/Computer Engineering/Communications

Why are Technical Education Classes Important for Every Student?

  • They help students explore and possibly choose a career or field of interest.
  • They give students a greater appreciation of how products and services are designed, built, and implemented.
  • They help students focus on real-world soft skills that employers say many young people are missing, like leadership, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills necessary in an ever-evolving job market.
  • They allow students to move forward within a pathway and deepen their knowledge of their chosen field, which helps them determine a future career and gain further skills needed for that career.
  • They serve the increasingly diverse student body and give every student a chance for success after high school.
  • They provide students with meaningful, cross-disciplinary academic opportunities that connect to real careers and hobbies.
  • They encourage students to focus on what they are passionate about, making school more enjoyable and relevant in their lives.

Technology and the Skilled Trades Units

This unit is designed to give students basic skills using hand tools and power machinery to create two small wood projects. Each project represents the focus courses in Grades 10–12: Construction and Custom Woodworking. *These courses are part of our EVT&E SHSM program. Safety is always a priority and instruction and testing are necessary before tool use.

  • Projects: Wall Framing Model – shows how houses are constructed
  • Wooden Speaker: Uses resonance to amplify phone sound without power
  • Pathway: Construction → Custom Woodworking
  • Courses: TCJ20C / TCJ20W → TCJ3E/C / TWJ3E1 → TWJ4E1

This unit gives students basic design skills through sketching, computer-aided design, and creative problem solving. The focus is on architectural and interior design. *These courses are part of our ICT and EVT&E SHSM programs.

  • Projects: Orthographics, Cottage Design, 3D Keychain
  • Pathways: Architectural/Mechanical Design → Interior Design
  • Courses: TDJ2O1 → TDA3M1 / TDV3M1 → TDA4M1 / TDV4M1

This unit introduces students to vehicle ownership and maintenance. Tasks include fluid checks, tire maintenance, spare tire changes, and other life skills. Students must complete safety passports before using tools. *Part of our EVT&E SHSM program.

  • Courses: TTJ201 → TTJ3C1 / TTJ3O1 → TTJ4C1 / TTJ4E1

This unit introduces hairstyling and aesthetics. Students complete 10 tasks such as braiding, updos, shampooing, blow-drying, and safe use of thermal irons. Safety passports are required before tool use.

  • Courses: TXJ201 → TTJ3E1 → TXJ4E1

This unit introduces digital photography and photo editing using Adobe Photoshop Elements. Students learn picture composition and manipulation. In Grades 11–12, they choose between Communication Technology and TV, Video & Movie Production. *Part of our ICT SHSM program.

Communication Technology Stream

  • Focus: Media production and film studies (excluding TV Studio)
  • Courses: TGJ201 → TGJ3M1 → TGJ4M1

TV, Video & Movie Production Stream

  • Focus: Audio, video, graphic production, and live studio broadcasts
  • Courses: TGJ201 → TGV3M1 → TGV4M1

This unit introduces basic coding and electronics. Students build simple circuits and design software-based projects. *Part of our ICT and EVT&E SHSM programs. Safety is emphasized with required instruction and testing.

  • Pathways: Computer Science and Computer Engineering
  • Courses: ICS201 / TEJ201 → ICS3U/C1 / TEJ3M1 → ICS4U/C1 / TEJ4M1

This unit introduces students to core business and productivity skills. Students use Google tools (Forms, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Sites, Calendar) to create a business and pitch it in a "Dragon’s Den"-style presentation. These skills can be applied across classes to solve problems and complete assignments.

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