SHIFT

SHIFT is a blended learning program at GISS that provides opportunities for grade 10-12 students to take courses not offered in the classroom. Students may also enroll in certain core academic courses. All Shift courses are built into a student's timetable. As such, students who take a Shift course are expected to attend their Shift block.  

Is SHIFT right for you? Characteristics of Successful SHIFT Students:  

In our experience, student who are successful in SHIFT have the following characteristics: 

Technology & Organization 

can log on to GISS computers and access the student Wi-Fi (if using your own device). 

can access and navigate Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Suite and school email 

can create Microsoft Word docs and Powerpoint presentations 

can correctly label and submit assignments 

can use a search engine to locate information and resources. 

Communication & Self-Advocacy 

maintains constant contact with the teacher, via a mutually agreed upon form of communication  (this is generally email 
checks school email regularly) 
asks for help from their teacher or other students 
 
Time Management & Work Habits 
starts work as soon as they arrive to class 
uses class time efficiently 
can work independently 
organizes weekly/monthly schedules to stay on pace (most courses have a Progress Guide with due dates 
monitors distractions (social media, socializing, etc.) 

Elective Courses 
Comparative Cultures 12 
Creative Writing 12 
Genocide Studies 12 
Independent Directed Studies 11-12 
Interpersonal & Family Relationships 11 
Intro Languages 11 † 
† Language options: German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Punjabi 
Philosophy 12 
Psychology 12 
Physical Geography 12  
20th Century World History 12 

Dual Credit Academic Courses  
 
Core Academic Courses 

English 10: Composition and Literary Studies 

English 11: Literary Studies 

English Studies 12 

Social Studies 10 

Social Studies 11: Explorations 

Course Descriptions - Electives only offered in SHIFT 

Creative Writing 12 

In this course, you will read and write contemporary poetry and short fiction. For students with a particular interest in another genre (such as screenwriting, novel writing, memoir, graphic novel writing, etc.), we offer an independent study in Unit 3: Writing Explorations. Please note that Creative Writing 12 does not meet the requirement for a Language Arts 12 for graduation but will count as a grade 12 elective credit. 

Genocide Studies 12 

We live in a time of unparalleled instances of democide, genocide, and ethnocide. Indeed, the 20th century was so bloody that some have entitled it the "Century of Genocide." Unfortunately, the advent of the 21st century did not usher in a century of peace. Genocide Studies 12 examines the psychological, cultural, and societal roots of genocide as well as the means to identify and prevent it. Genocides studied include the Armenian genocide, the Holocaust, Cambodia's Killing Fields, the Rwandan genocide, and others. 

Independent Directed Studies 11-12

Students who wish to pursue a passion on a deep learning level are encouraged to see one of the SHIFT Teachers, School Admin or Counsellors about developing an IDS proposal.  This course is designed by the student based on fewer learning outcomes from an existing Ministry of Education course.  This allows a student to delve deeply into a topic that they find fascinating.  Students must write a proposal, which starts with an interesting question, find a sponsor teacher with expertise in the subject area, and have it authorized by the Principal.  

Interpersonal & Family Relationships 11 

This course intends to provide you with a broad overview of how relationships form and change. You will explore a variety of relationships, including family relationships, friendships, and committed relationships, as well as examine how these relationships evolve or end. This course also provides an overview of effective communication, wellness, and safety in relationships. 

Intro Languages 11 

GISS offers many languages at the beginner level through SHIFT. Languages available are German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Punjabi. Students study the language of their choice through the online immersion program Duolingo which includes listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Duolingo is accessed over the Internet and can be used both at school and at home. Cultural studies are included as part of the course. *S H I F T languages do not meet the requirement for university entrance. 

Philosophy 12 

Existence. Reality. Knowledge. Philosophy 12 in SHIFT is a course in which students will discuss a broad array of issues related to the nature of our beliefs and experiences in the world. Content will include perspectives from thinkers across many cultures, including major Western and Eastern schools of thought, as well as indigenous philosophies. The class will compare and contrast these ideologies, assessing their development and impact upon the world, and their relevance today. 

Physical Geography 12 

As an ever-increasing world population puts more and more demand on the planet’s resources, there is a need for a society that is geographically literate and able to make informed decisions about the sustainability of the earth’s resources and the future of the planet. Through the study of geography, students can develop an understanding of how local, regional, and global environments affect them. Physical Geography, also known as physiography, is one of the main branches of geography. It is a natural science, focused on the study of the natural environment, such as the atmosphere or the geosphere, as opposed to the study of built environments, as in human geography. 

Dual Credit Courses 

Dual credit, or courses that give you both high school and post-secondary credit, are often completed in SHIFT. See the Dual Credit page for more information.