Arts

STUDIO ARTS

Visual Arts 9 and Art Studio 10-12

The art studio at Gulf Islands Secondary School offers students a unique opportunity to explore their creative potential and refine their technical skills within a supportive and hands-on environment. Participants work together in a beautiful studio space situated on the traditional territories of the Hul’q’umi’num and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples. Throughout the course, students examine the vital role of visual art within Indigenous cultures of the West Coast and are guided by the First Peoples Principles of Learning. These principles emphasize that learning is a holistic and experiential process that connects individuals to themselves, their community, and the land.

The primary learning objective is to demonstrate that artistic growth requires time, patience, and thoughtful reflection. Students will experiment with various materials, express original concepts, and engage in meaningful creative challenges that extend into the community. Additionally, a research project will bridge the gap between the studio and the broader art world. The course begins with a collective discussion on how to foster a shared studio environment rooted in creativity, respect, and collaboration.

Studio Arts 2D 10-12

The Studio Art 2D course at Gulf Islands Secondary School provides a comprehensive environment for students to investigate the foundational principles of two-dimensional expression while working on the traditional territories of the Hul’q’umi’num and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples. This program is built upon the understanding that an artist's intention transforms simple materials into meaningful art, reflecting the deep interconnectedness of the individual, community, and history. Students are encouraged to view their artistic works as a physical, emotional, and cognitive articulation of our shared humanity, offering unique aesthetic experiences across a variety of social contexts. By following the First Peoples Principles of Learning, students recognize that their growth as a 2D artist is a journey that requires perseverance, resilience, and consistent reflection.

During the course, students explore and create using sensory inspiration and inquiry to develop their skills in a wide range of two-dimensional media. The curriculum focuses on the intentional selection of materials and processes to convey specific moods and ideas while challenging students to take creative risks and resolve complex design problems. Participants will document and share their progress, developing a personal voice that reflects their own values and cultural contexts. Furthermore, the course examines the influences of visual culture and the contributions of both traditional and contemporary artists, with a specific focus on First Peoples perspectives and worldviews. Through this balanced approach of technical practice and theoretical reflection, students maintain a safe and responsible studio environment that prepares them for diverse opportunities within the world of visual arts.

Studio Arts 3D 10-12

The Studio Arts 3D program at Gulf Islands Secondary School invites students to explore the transformative power of materials as they shift from artistic intention into physical, three-dimensional forms. Working within the beautiful studio space on the traditional territories of the Hul’q’umi’num and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples, students engage in a practice that reflects the deep interconnectedness of the individual, the community, and society at large. This course emphasizes that three-dimensional works provide unique aesthetic experiences across a variety of contexts, serving as a physical and emotional articulation of our shared humanity. Students are guided by the First Peoples Principles of Learning to understand that growth as an artist is a process deeply dependent on perseverance, resilience, and consistent reflection.

Throughout the semester, students intentionally select and combine various materials, technologies, and processes to convey complex ideas and emotions. They explore the physical properties and impacts of their chosen media while resolving creative challenges and taking informed artistic risks. The curriculum encourages students to document and share their work while investigating First Peoples perspectives and the relationship between art and the land. By examining the influences of traditional and contemporary artists, students develop a personal voice and a sophisticated understanding of symbols, metaphors, and the ethics of cultural appropriation. The course begins with an essential focus on health and safety protocols, ensuring a responsible and collaborative studio environment for all creators.

Graphic Arts 11-12

The Graphic Arts course offers a dynamic environment where students use sensory inspiration, imagination, and inquiry to design and refine impactful visual communications. Situated on the territories of the Hul’q’umi’num and SENĆOŦEN speaking peoples, the program explores how graphic forms reflect the history and social fabric of our community. Students learn that an artist's intention is the catalyst that transforms raw materials into purposeful art, creating works that offer unique aesthetic experiences in both physical and digital realms. Through this practice, participants realize that artistic expression is a cognitive articulation of humanity that requires patience and a commitment to the creative process.

Participants in Graphic Arts develop a diverse range of skills related to printmaking, image development strategies, and various graphic technologies. The curriculum challenges students to take creative risks as they explore cross-cultural perspectives and the contributions of both traditional and innovative graphic artists. In addition to technical mastery, students analyze design choices and respond to social and environmental issues through their art making. There is emphasis placed on understanding First Peoples worldviews and stories as they are expressed through graphic media. By documenting their progress and engaging in professional critiques, students prepare for future opportunities in visual arts while maintaining a safe and responsible work space that respects moral rights and intellectual property

Advanced Placement Studio Art: Drawing (Outside the Timetable)

Grade twelve Students wishing to pursue post-secondary studies in Visual Art can gain first year university transfer credits by submitting a portfolio exam of fifteen college level pieces in May of each year. The program is an extension of the grade twelve visual arts curriculum, but is considerably more rigorous; students are expected to produce additional work at home, participate in extra-curricular Art activities, and demonstrate leadership in the studio. There is also an exam fee payable upon acceptance into the program (approx. $160 CDN). Please contact Peter Legun (plegun@sd64.org) for more information or visit https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/apcourse/ap-studio-art-drawing

DRAMA

Drama 9-10

Drama 10 is a process based, developmental course. This course provides students with the opportunity to acquire and develop a range of drama skills and a repertoire of vocabulary and forms including: improvisation, role dramas, script work, actor training, ensemble building and collective creation. A final production is often created as a final product to the process.

Improv 11 (*New Course offering in 2026-27)

Improv Theatre is a collaborative, play-driven course where learning happens through action, risk, and discovery. Build scenes, characters, and stories together by balancing impulse with ensemble awareness, curiosity with craft, and courage with care. Do you want to:

-Play games,

-Learn short and long-form improvisation,

-Master story structure,

-Create original characters,

-Develop fluency in theme work,

-Acquire high performance techniques,

-Have a good time acquiring skills that could make you rich in ways you couldn’t imagine

Learn to think creatively and critically, communicate clearly, and take personal and social responsibility within a group. This class asks you to show up, participate fully, dare to suck, and discover, together, what’s possible when you give everything you’ve got.

Theatre Company 11 & 12

Formerly Acting 11/12, Theatre Company 11 and Theatre Company 12 are performance-based courses focusing on actor training. Units include a more sophisticated exploration of the rudiments developed in the jr. program with an emphasis on performance technique and producing a show. Theatre history, script analysis, acting styles, design elements and theatrical structure combine to enable students to produce a final production.

Theatre Production 11 & 12

Theatre production 11 and 12 focus on unifying design elements such as sets, props, costumes, lights, sound, make-up, promotion and theatre structure and is often offered to facilitate the production of Theatre Company 11/12 students’ final productions.

Directing and Scriptwriting 11 & 12 (by permission)

Directing 11/12 is for the students who have done everything else in the program and are ready to take the reigns and create their own show. From the directorial play analysis through to auditions, rehearsals, design elements and production details the directing students do it all and often out side of the timetable.

The GISS Dance Program:

Our Dance program is a demanding curriculum of Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet and Hip Hop Dance styles and choreography. Full class and small group choreography for the stage are included, as well as dance history and anatomy. The program is designed so dancers work at their skill level, regardless of grade. Placement is determined by recommendation of previous dance teachers, or by performance assessment before the semester begins.

Equipment required:

Clothing: Dance clothes are required for every class. (Clothes that you can move in, such as sweatpants, T-shirt, leggings, leotard, tights, etc.)(No jeans, shorts, rivets or zippers)

Shoes:

Black Jazz dance slippers, these are Jazz Oxford style shoes with laces
Non-Marking Hip Hop shoes
Ballet slippers with elastics

Dance 9

Dance Technique is studied in order to build a foundation for movement, to increase the range of motion, and to develop an understanding of the body. Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet and Hip Hop dance styles are explored, as well as safe dance practices. This is a course in teamwork and relationship building. Students learn to value strengths in each other and to work together in a physical, emotional and creative manner. Students learn the fundamentals of choreography. Full class and small group choreography for the stage are included, as well as dance history and anatomy.

Dance Foundations 10, 11, 12

This course is designed for the student that is new to dance. Everyone is welcome to explore dance! Jazz, Contemporary, Ballet and Hip Hop dance styles are explored, as well as safe dance practices. This is a course of teamwork and relationship building. Students learn to value strengths in each other and to work together in a physical, emotional and creative manner. Students learn the fundamentals of choreography. Full class and small group choreography for the stage are included, as well as dance history and anatomy.

Dance Technique and Performance 10, 11, 12

This course is designed for the student with some dance experience. Students focus on development of Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop and Ballet techniques at increasingly complex levels in full class and small group choreography. Students will explore their own choreography in small groups. Students learn terminology, stagecraft, dance history, anatomy, physiology, and injury prevention.

Dance Choreography 10, 11, 12

This advanced level course can be taken by permission of the teacher. The demanding curriculum investigates elements of movement and theories of dance composition. Students are responsible for creating several small & large group choreography pieces. At times, the student will work within the framework of the Technique and Performance class, and sometimes the student will work independently on projects.

MUSIC

At GISS, students have a range of Music courses to choose from. Students planning to enter university directly after high school (ie without transfer from college) are normally required to have a fine art credit at the Grade 11 level. Many music courses meet this requirement. Some faculties may waive this requirement. Check with the individual institutions. All music students are required to wear black, formal attire for semester end performances and bring their own instrument to use in class

Concert Band 8

Concert Band 8 is for any students wishing to learn a new instrument or continue to develop their skills on an instrument they already play. We will learn instrumental techniques, develop music reading skills, ensemble techniques, and play a variety of concert band repertoire. Concert Band 8 is a performance course and students will be expected to participate in a number of performances throughout the year.

Concert Band 9-12

Concert Band is for any students wishing to continue to develop their skills on an instrument they already play. We will learn instrumental techniques, develop music reading skills, ensemble techniques, and play a variety of concert band repertoire. Concert Band is a performance course and students will be expected to participate in a number of performances throughout the year.

Concert Choir 10 - 12 (outside the timetable)

Choir is open to students from grades 10 – 12 and explores several concepts in vocal music, including ear training and work in 3 – 4 part harmony or even 6 part harmony in the advanced choir. It is expected that students will participate in performances and formal black performance clothing is a requirement. Placements are determined in September.

Jazz Band 10 -12 (outside the timetable)

Jazz Band is for students with at least two years experience on their instrument (woodwinds, brass, and rhythm section instruments - piano, bass, guitar, drums). We will work on instrumental techniques, ensemble techniques and improvisation in a variety of styles (swing, big band, Latin, rock, fusion, etc). Jazz Band is a performance course and students will be expected to participate in a number of performances throughout the year.

Music Composition 9 - 12

This series of courses explores classical, pop, rock, and world music genres with increasing complexity. In addition to the playing and theory components of the course, students are expected to use technology and participate in public and classroom performances. Students will be assessed through their classroom participation, theory work, performances, and the compositions they create.

Guitar 10-12

In these courses, students will explore different styles of music, ranging from pop, rock, to classical music. Students will learn theory, composition, symbols, rhythm, and technical terms, in addition to reading notes and chords. There is a focus on performance, compositions and reading music. While students do not need experience to enter this course, they need to bring an acoustic or classical guitar to use in class.