ADA3O
Drama, 11
This course requires students to engage in dramatic processes and the presentation of dramatic works, and emphasizes the application of drama skills in other contexts and opportunities. Students will interpret and present works in a variety of dramatic forms, create and script original works, and critically analyse the processes involved in producing drama works. Students will develop a variety of skills related to collaboration and the presentation of drama works.
Prerequisite: None
AMI3O / AMS3O
Instrumental Music - Band or Strings, 11, Open
This course emphasizes the creation and performance of music at a level consistent with previous experience. Students will develop musical literacy skills by using the creative and critical analysis processes in composition, performance, and a range of reflective and analytical activities. Students will develop their understanding of musical conventions, practices, and terminology and apply the elements of music in a range of activities. They will also explore the function of music in society with reference to the self, communities, and cultures.
Recommended: Grade 9 or 10 Instrumental Music (or approval by the instructor)
Rockway Highlights:
- Play a string or wind instrument within an ensemble
- Develop ensemble skills such as listening, tuning and watching
- Discuss current issues in Music
- Perform at concerts throughout the school year
- Listen to instrumental performances, respond and reflect
- Develop music literacy skills
AMI3M / AMS3OM
Instrumental Music - Band or Strings, 11, College/University Preparation
This course provides students with opportunities to develop their musical literacy through the creation, appreciation, analysis, and performance of music, including traditional, commercial, and art music. Students will apply the creative process when performing appropriate technical exercises and repertoire and will employ the critical analysis processes when reflecting on, responding to, and analysing live and recorded performances. Students will consider the function of music in society and the impact of music on individuals and communities. They will explore how to apply skills developed in music to their life and careers.
Prerequisite: Grade 9 or 10 Music, Open
Rockway Highlights:
- Play a string or wind instrument within an ensemble
- Develop ensemble skills such as listening, tuning and watching
- Discuss current issues in Music
- Perform at concerts throughout the school year
- Listen to instrumental performances, respond and reflect
- Develop music literacy skills
AMR3O
Vocal Repertoire Music, 11, Open
This course emphasizes the performance of music at a level consistent with previous experience. Students will develop musical literacy skills by practicing and performing a selection of repertoire at various events throughout the year. Students will develop their understanding of musical conventions, practices, and terminology and apply the elements of music in a range of activities.
Recommended: Grade 10 Vocal Music, (or approval by the instructor)
AVI3M
Visual Art, 11, University / College Preparation
This course enables students to further develop their knowledge and skills in visual arts. Students will use the creative process to explore a wide range of themes through studio work that may include drawing, painting, sculpting, and printmaking, as well as the creation of collage, multimedia works, and works using emerging technologies. Students will use the critical analysis process when evaluating their own work and the work of others. The course may be delivered as a comprehensive program or through a program focused on a particular art form (e.g., photography, video, computer graphics, information design).
Prerequisite: Visual Arts, Grade 9 or 10, Open
Rockway Highlights:
- Develop further skills in drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture
- Discuss overview of Western Art History
AWT3M
Yearbook, 11, University / College Preparation
The yearbook course is a grade 11 or 12 course with the primary, team focus of producing the school yearbook. Each team member will produce pages of the yearbook, take photographs, produce write-ups, complete various tests and assignments and analyze and reflect on the quality and progress of the book. Students will learn and use design applications as well as learn principles of graphic design, desktop publishing, and photography.
Prerequisite: Visual Arts, Grade 9 or 10, Open
Rockway Highlights:
- Be part of the team that designs and produces the yearbook
- Create layouts, take photos, and write captions and stories
- Build skills in graphic design, photography, writing, and design software
- Collaborate, problem-solve, and bring school stories to life
CGF3M
Forces of Nature: Physical Processes and Disasters, 11, University / College Preparation
In this course, students will explore physical processes related to the earth’s water, land, and air. They will investigate how these processes shape the planet’s natural characteristics and affect human systems, how they are involved in the creation of natural disasters, and how they influence the impacts of human disasters. Throughout the course, students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process and use spatial technologies to analyse these processes, make predictions related to natural disasters, and assess ways of responding to them.
Prerequisite: Issues in Canadian Geography, Grade 9, Academic or Applied
Rockway Highlights:
- Go on different field trips related to the course content
CGG3O
Travel and Tourism, 11, Open
This course focuses on issues related to travel and tourism within and between various regions of the world. Students will investigate unique environmental, sociocultural, economic, and political characteristics of selected world regions. They will explore travel patterns and trends as well as tensions related to tourism and will predict future tourism destinations. Students will apply the concepts of geographic thinking and the geographic inquiry process, including spatial technologies, to investigate the impact of the travel industry on natural environments and human communities.
Prerequisite: Issues in Canadian Geography, Grade 9, Academic or Applied
Rockway Highlights:
- Go on different field trips related to the course content
- Take part in different cultural activities, including cuisine
CHW3M
World History to the End of the Fifteenth Century, 11, University / College Preparation
This course explores the history of various societies and civilizations around the world, from earliest times to around 1500 CE. Students will investigate a range of factors that contributed to the rise, success, and decline of various ancient and pre-modern societies throughout the world and will examine life in and the cultural and political legacy of these societies. Students will extend their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking and the historical inquiry process, including the interpretation and analysis of evidence, when investigating social, political, and economic structures and historical forces at work in various societies and in different historical eras.
Prerequisite: Canadian History, Grade 10, Academic or Applied
EMS3O
Media Studies, 11, Open
This course emphasizes knowledge and skills that will enable students to understand media communication in the twenty-first century and to use media effectively and responsibly. Through analysing the forms and messages of a variety of media works and audience responses to them, and through creating their own media works, students will develop critical thinking skills, aesthetic and ethical judgement, and skills in viewing, representing, listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Prerequisite: English, Grade 10, Academic or Applied
Rockway Highlights:
- Be a film critic, unpack news bias, navigate online media, understand the impact of advertising, think critically, question, and occasionally geek out about the media driven digital age we live in
- Plan and create ad campaigns for the “Nebulous Widget”, a mystery product with no apparent features
- Explore marketing strategies and stylish camera and editing techniques to make the product as appealing as possible
FSF3U
Core French, 11, University Preparation
This course offers students extended opportunities to speak and interact in real-life situations in French with greater independence. Students will develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, as well as their creative and critical thinking skills, through responding to and exploring a variety of oral and written texts. They will also broaden their understanding and appreciation of diverse French-speaking communities, and will develop skills necessary for lifelong language learning.
Prerequisite: Core French, Grade 10, Academic
HRT3M
World Religions and Belief Traditions: Perspectives, Issues, and Challenges, 11, University / College Preparation
This course provides students with opportunities to explore various world religions and belief traditions. Students will develop knowledge of the terms and concepts relevant to this area of study, will examine the ways in which religions and belief traditions meet various human needs, and will learn about the relationship between belief and action. They will examine sacred writings and teachings, consider how concepts of time and place influence different religions and belief traditions, and develop research and inquiry skills related to the study of human expressions of belief.
Prerequisite: None
Rockway Highlights:
- The students in this course will benefit from many guest speakers and field trips to different religious sites.
HSP3U
Introduction to Anthropology, Psychology, and Sociology (Human Behaviour), 11, University Preparation
This course provides students with opportunities to think critically about theories, questions, and issues related to anthropology, psychology, and sociology. Students will develop an understanding of the approaches and research methods used by social scientists. They will be given opportunities to explore theories from a variety of perspectives, to conduct social science research, and to become familiar with current thinking on a range of issues within the three disciplines.
Prerequisite: English, 10, Academic or Canadian History, 10 Academic
Rockway Highlights
- Explore why humans behave as they do
- Tackle relevant topics like addictions, mental health, and substance abuse
- Have an opportunity to dig into a topic that you find fascinating, then interview an expert and teach our class all about it
ICS3U
Introduction to Computer Science, 11, University Preparation
This course introduces students to computer science. Students will design software independently and as part of a team, using industry-standard programming tools and applying the software development life-cycle model. They will also write and use subprograms within computer programs. Students will develop creative solutions for various types of problems as their understanding of the computing environment grows. They will also explore environmental and ergonomic issues, emerging research in computer science, and global career trends in computer-related fields.
Prerequisite: None (TGJ2O is strongly recommended)
Rockway Highlights:
- Learn how to program in Python
- Explore the impacts of artificial intelligence
- Wrestle with computer ethics through film and relevant documentaries
MBF3C
Foundations for College Mathematics, 11, College Preparation
This course enables students to broaden their understanding of mathematics as a problem solving tool in the real world. Students will extend their understanding of quadratic relations; investigate situations involving exponential growth; solve problems involving compound interest; solve financial problems connected with vehicle ownership; develop their ability to reason by collecting, analysing, and evaluating data involving one variable; connect probability and statistics; and solve problems in geometry and trigonometry. Students will consolidate their mathematical skills as they solve problems and communicate their thinking.
Prerequisite: Foundations of Mathematics, Grade 10, Applied
MCF3M
Functions and Relations, 11, University / College Preparation
This course introduces basic features of the function by extending students’ experiences with quadratic relations. It focuses on quadratic, trigonometric, and exponential functions and their use in modelling real-world situations. Students will represent functions numerically, graphically, and algebraically; simplify expressions; solve equations; and solve problems relating to applications. Students will reason mathematically and communicate their thinking as they solve multi-step problems.
Prerequisite: Principles of Mathematics, Grade 10, Academic OR Foundations of Mathematics, Grade 10, Applied
Note: This course is a prerequisite for MDM4U Data Management, Grade 12
MCR3U
Functions, 11, University Preparation
This course introduces the mathematical concept of the function by extending students’ experiences with linear and quadratic relations. Students will investigate properties of discrete and continuous functions, including trigonometric and exponential functions; represent functions numerically, algebraically, and graphically; solve problems involving applications of functions; investigate inverse functions; and develop facility in determining equivalent algebraic expressions. Students will reason mathematically and communicate their thinking as they solve multi-step problems.
Prerequisite: Principles of Mathematics, Grade 10, Academic
Note: This course is the prerequisite for MHF4U Advanced Functions, Grade 12 and MCV4U Calculus and Vectors, Grade 12. Students who complete MCR3U can also take MDM4U Data Management, Grade 12.
Rockway Highlights:
- Explore the representations of functions (algebraic, graphical, numerical, and verbal) and learn how these forms connect
- Analyze polynomial, rational, exponential, and trigonometric functions, developing skills in problem-solving, reasoning, and mathematical communication
- Model complex situations through real-world applications, technology, and collaborative learning
NBE3U
English: Understanding Contemporary First Nations, Mètis, and Inuit Voices, University Preparation
This course explores the themes, forms, and stylistic elements of a variety of literary, informational, graphic, oral, cultural, and media text forms emerging from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures in Canada, and also examines the perspectives and influence of texts that relate to those cultures. In order to fully understand contemporary text forms and their themes of identity, relationship, and self-determination, sovereignty, or self-governance, students will analyse the changing use of text forms by Indigenous authors/creators from various periods and cultures in expressing ideas related to these themes. Students will also create oral, written, and media texts to explore their own ideas and understanding, focusing on the development of literacy, communication, and critical and creative thinking skills necessary for success in academic and daily life. The course is intended to prepare students for the compulsory Grade 12 English university or college preparation course.
Required Course
Prerequisite Course: Grade 10, Academic
Rockway Highlights:
- Celebrate the voices of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultures and authors and their impact on Canada
- Apply critical thinking using methods typically studied in English classes: formal and informal writing and oral communication, exploring media techniques, and developing critical and creative thought
- Take on leadership roles in “book club” style novel discussion, exploring meaning, connections and cultural insights in a number of amazing novels by Indigenous authors
PAF3O
Personal and Fitness Activities, 11, Open
This course enables students to further develop the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy choices now and lead healthy, active lives in the future. Through participation in a wide range of physical activities, students develop knowledge and skills related to movement competence and personal fitness that provide a foundation for active living. Students also acquire an understanding of the factors and skills that contribute to healthy development and learn how their own well-being is affected by, and affects, the world around them. Students build their sense of self, learn to interact positively with others, and develop their ability to think critically and creatively.
Prerequisite: None
Rockway Highlights:
- Build cardiovascular endurance
- Explore fitness trends and learn proper techniques
- Develop a personal fitness program
- Incorporate diverse activities (weight training, yoga, group fitness classes, circuits)
PPL3O
Healthy Active Living, 11, Open
This course enables students to further develop the knowledge and skills they need to make healthy choices now and lead healthy, active lives in the future. Through participation in a wide range of physical activities and exposure to a broader range of activity settings, students enhance their movement competence, personal fitness, and confidence. Students also acquire an understanding of the factors and skills that contribute to healthy development and learn how their own well-being is affected by, and affects, the world around them. Students build their sense of self, learn to interact positively with others, and develop their ability to think critically and creatively.
Prerequisite: None
Rockway Highlights:
- Focus on leadership through sport and physical activity
- Discover and play lesser-known games and sports
- Encourages an active lifestyle and helps students develop skills for lifelong health and fitness.
- Take the learning out of the classroom and incorporate field trips in this course.
- Go rock climbing, bowling, golfing, and curling.
SBI3U
Biology, 11, University Preparation
This course furthers students’ understanding of the processes that occur in biological systems. Students will study theory and conduct investigations in the areas of biodiversity; evolution; genetic processes; the structure and function of animals; and the anatomy, growth, and function of plants. The course focuses on the theoretical aspects of the topics under study, and helps students refine skills related to scientific investigation.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic
Rockway Highlights:
- Observe, describe and classify a variety of animals, based on their physical characteristics and connect these to their evolutionary history.
- Describe how various organ systems work in mammals, compare these to other examples of animals and dissect a fetal pig.
SCH3U
Chemistry, 11, University Preparation
This course enables students to deepen their understanding of chemistry through the study of the properties of chemicals and chemical bonds; chemical reactions and quantitative relationships in those reactions; solutions and solubility; and atmospheric chemistry and the behaviour of gases. Students will further develop their analytical skills and investigate the qualitative and quantitative properties of matter, as well as the impact of some common chemical reactions on society and the environment.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic
Rockway Highlights:
- Build on our knowledge of the periodic table and chemical reactions from Grade 10.
- Do more experiments relating to combustion, acid-base reactions and predicting amounts of products formed through calculations.
SPH3U
Physics, 11, University Preparation
This course develops students’ understanding of the basic concepts of physics. Students will explore kinematics, with an emphasis on linear motion; different kinds of forces; energy transformations; the properties of mechanical waves and sound; and electricity and magnetism. They will enhance their scientific investigation skills as they test laws of physics. In addition, they will analyse the interrelationships between physics and technology, and consider the impact of technological applications of physics on society and the environment.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic
SVN3M
Environmental Science, 11, University / College Preparation
This course provides students with the fundamental knowledge of and skills relating to environmental science that will help them succeed in life after secondary school. Students will explore a range of topics, including the role of science in addressing contemporary environmental challenges; the impact of the environment on human health; sustainable agriculture and forestry; the reduction and management of waste; and the conservation of energy. Students will increase their scientific and environmental literacy and examine the interrelationships between science, the environment, and society in a variety of areas.
Prerequisite: Science, Grade 10, Academic or Applied
Rockway Highlights:
- Explore the connection between environmental science, economics, politics, ethics and social influences.
- Explore the science behind our critical environmental challenges and situations.
- Study topics that include Rockway’s Solar Project, sustainable farming and food, green transportation technology, creating a circular materials economy, pollution and eco-home construction.
- Familiarize yourself with environmental policies and laws.
- Make evidence-based decisions.
TMJ3C
Manufacturing Technology, 11, College Preparation
This course enables students to develop knowledge and skills through hands-on, project-based learning. Students will acquire design fabrication, and problem-solving skills while using tools and equipment such as lathes, mills, welders, computer-aided machines, robots, and control systems. Students may have opportunities to obtain industry-standard certification and training. Students will develop an awareness of environmental and societal issues related to manufacturing and will learn about pathways leading to careers in the industry.
Prerequisite: None
