Course Descriptions

English Language Arts (ELA)

 A 30-level ELA course is a requirement for graduation.

 Information on Alberta’s high school English language arts curriculum, including sequencing and prerequisites, can be found here.

All ELA courses are 5-credit.

 ELA 10-4, 20-4, and 30-4 are not available through Palliser Beyond Borders.

Social Studies

 A 30-level Social course is a requirement for graduation.

Information on Alberta’s high school Social Studies curriculum, including sequencing and prerequisites, can be found here.

All Social courses are 5-credit.

Social Studies 10-4 and 20-4 are not available through Palliser Beyond Borders.

Science

 A 20-level Science course is a requirement for graduation.

 Information on Alberta’s high school Science curriculums (including Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), including sequencing and prerequisites, can be found here - Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Science.

All Science courses are 5-credit.

 Science 10-4 and 20-4 are not available through Palliser Beyond Borders.

Mathematics

 A 20-level Math course is a requirement for graduation.

 Information on Alberta’s high school Mathematics curriculum, including sequencing and prerequisites, can be found here.

All Math courses are 5-credit.

 Students wishing to enroll in Math 10-3 should enroll in Math 15.

Math 10-4 and 20-4 are not available through Palliser Beyond Borders.

Career & Life Management (CALM) Bundle

CALM is a requirement for graduation.

Information on Alberta’s CALM curriculum can be found here.

Offered with: CTR1010 Job Preparation

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 4 credit bundle

Physical Education (10/20/30)

Physical Education 10 is a requirement for graduation

Information on Alberta’s high school Physical Education curriculum, including sequencing and prerequisites, can be found here.

Credits: Each course can be completed for 3, 4, or 5 credits

Astronomy

Students will explore the vastness of space by making observations of the sun, moons, planets, and stars. They will track the movement of these objects through the sky through various times of day and year to get a better understanding of our place in the universe.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

Computer Science

This course covers an introduction to electronic circuits (both theory and practical), an introduction to computer programming using the Arduino programming boards and breadboards. The course will end with a major project designed and planned by the student to encompass everything that they have learned in the course.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: up to 6 credits

Ecology

Students will investigate Canadian ecology, including the diversity of wildlife, the structure and function of trees, and the various ecoregions and forest regions of Canada.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

Performative Broadcasting

You and I both know that when you don’t think anyone is listening, you make all kinds of interesting sounds!  What if you could be intentional about your goals and maybe use that lustrous voice to astound, to amaze, and to make bank!  Performative Broadcasting will explore some technical elements to sound recording, using your voice as a performance instrument and experience some of the ways in which voice actors are engaging their talents in the industry.  

Prerequisite(s): None.

 Credits: 3 credits

Financial Management

Resources from Enriched Academy are used to educate, inspire, and coach students to financial health.

Prerequisite(s): None

 Credits: 3

Food Studies

Students will explore their interests in food and nutrition to develop the skills associated with cooking, and meal preparation. 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.

Prerequisite(s): None

 Credits: Up to 8 credits

Forensic Science Studies

In this course, students learn about many different types of forensic evidence, how to collect this evidence using various techniques and how this evidence is analyzed. Students will participate in a variety of labs to put their knowledge to practical use.

Suggested Prerequisite: Science 10

 Credits: up to 6 credits (3 credits per course)

French - 3 year plan

The goal of this program is that by the end of French 30-3Y, students can understand and express themselves in basic situations, provided the language they encounter is clear and based on familiar topics and structures, and can use the cultural and strategic knowledge they have gained to sustain their communication.

 Prerequisite(s): None; This program of studies is designed for students who have had no prior instruction in French before entering high school

 Credits: Each course is 5 credits

Journalism

In this course students will explore the many aspects of journalism including the history, basics of journalistic writing, foundations of AP writing style, and sourcing. They will practice writing across all mediums including print, online, radio, and TV broadcasting.

Prerequisite(s): None

 Credits: 5 credits

Creative Writing 

By following their writing interests and passions, students in Creative Writing & Publishing will write in a variety of specific creative writing genres. Students will build and manage their own digital portfolios, practice their editing skills, and participate in the publishing process.

Prerequisite(s): None

Credits: 3

General Psychology

The aim of this course is to provide you with a general background in psychology including the history of psychology and the principles of learning and thinking. You will learn about stress and aggression, the influence of small groups, the status of roles, and some insights regarding neurosis and psychosis.

Prerequisite(s): None

 Credits: 3 credits

Personal Psychology

This introductory psychology course is designed to help students develop an explanation of human intelligence, an understanding of personality theories and personality inventories, and biological influences on behavior, including the brain and its role in sensation and perception involving sight, sound, touch, taste and smell.

Prerequisite(s): None

 Credits: 3 credits

Abnormal Psychology

Students in Abnormal Psychology gain a comprehensive understanding of current mental illnesses, along with extensive etiology, DSM-5 criteria, treatments and prevalence in society.  Particular focus is from a current and Canadian perspective.  Students study the major types of mental illness using videos, interactive websites, class activities, and case studies.  Students develop an understanding of mental illness and the stigma still associated with many illnesses.  Sensitive material will be treated ethically and appropriately both in class and outside of it. ***Note: Some of the content in this course is sensitive. Several mental illnesses result from abuse and trauma. Other mental illnesses result in behaviours that fall far outside the realm of what society considers acceptable.  Discuss with the teacher before enrolling to ensure you are prepared for both the content and the volume of reading and writing required of this learning.  

Prerequisite(s): General and/or Personal Psychology suggested

Credits: 3 credits

Sports Performance Bundle

Sports Performance Fitness 10 is a three-credit introductory  class, so no experience or prerequisites are necessary.   Students will develop and execute a thorough nutrition and fitness regime to enhance performance in sport(s) of their choice or to achieve personal goals.  This course is designed to be flexible and suit the needs of a variety of students.

Prerequisite(s): None

 Credits: 3 credit

Western World History

This course focuses on studying elements of World History including Ancient Civilizations, Medieval Times, Absolutism, Industrialism, and the fight for Equality.

 Prerequisite(s): None; this is a 30 level course and the expectations are students will be able to complete work at the 30 level. ELA 20 (-1 or -2) suggested

 Credits: 3

World Geography

This course focuses on elements of World Geography including examining political boundaries, forces of nature, and climate.

Prerequisite(s): None; this a 30 level course and the expectations are students will be able to complete work at the 30 level. ELA 20 (-1 or -2) suggested

 Credits: 3

Work Experience

 Provides opportunities for students to apply knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired through other course work in the workplace.

 Prerequisite : HCS3000 (Workplace Safety Systems)

 Students may earn up to 15 credits in WE towards their Alberta High School Diploma.

Credits: 1

Special Projects

Special projects credits are designed to recognize work undertaken by students on an individual or small group basis.

Students will plan and pursue activities in which they have considerable interest or ability but which are not within the scope of the regular curriculum or the programs being offered in the school.

Students may earn up to 15 credits in Special Projects towards their Alberta High School Diploma.

Dual Credit

Dual-credit programs provide high school students with the opportunity to explore post-secondary education and career pathways while earning credits at both the high school and post-secondary institution. Post-secondary tuition fees are paid by Palliser.

Dual-credit studies are available to full-time Palliser students, and are designed primarily for grade 11 and 12 students. Information on Palliser’s Dual Credit programming can be found here.