Please view the following video regarding the options we hope to offer for the 2025-2026 academic year at SJT.
The following represents the options offered for the 2025-2026 school year.
Grade 8 Option Offerings
Drama
Students will experience a variety of roles and games to develop skills in acting, improvisation, movement and speaking. They will study the elements of drama and theatre, including staging a successful production. Sound, lighting, costumes, set design and props will also be experienced. Learning is assessed using a variety of tools and strategies within the classroom and not solely on performance.
Food Studies
Grade 8 & 9 Food Studies continue to develop these skills, further focusing on meal planning and nutrition, and other cooking techniques. The student’s complete food modules, which may include Baking Basics, Simple Snacks and Appetizers, Fast, Healthy and Convenience Foods, Cultural and Ethnic Foods or Meal Planning for Enjoyment
Fashion Studies
Fashion Studies is a hands-on course where students will develop practical skills in both hand sewing and machine sewing. They will be learning techniques and a variety of hand sewing stitches. They will also gain proficiency on a sewing machine. The course introduces basic design concepts, fabric selection, and the creative process behind making original pieces. Perfect for beginners, this class builds a strong foundation in sewing and personal expression
CTF
Students have the opportunity to work individually or collaboratively on projects and often times do so in a cross-curricular manner. It is common for a CTF student working on a construction project to incorporate concepts from mathematics and art into their project.
Our program includes: Programming, Construction (Co2 Cars, skateboards, and long boards), Video Editing, Robotics, 3D Design/Printing.
Music
Music instruction at Sir John Thompson takes place in a wind ensemble setting. This is an activity-oriented class whereby students explore music through the use of modern-day concert-band instruments. These instruments are separated into three distinct categories: woodwind, brass, and percussion. Students also explore a variety of musical styles ranging from Classical and Baroque through Latin American and into Pop and Rock genres of music.
French
The aim of the program of studies for French as a Second Language is to encourage the learning of French as a means of communication and as an integral part of students’ general education. This orientation, in which French is not only the subject, but also the medium of instruction, promotes a multidimensional approach composed of four component experience/communication, culture, language and general language education.
Environmental Stewardship
This program allows students to recognize the importance of our environment and their roles, as stewards of God’s creation. Students will also gain a greater appreciation for the environment, by contributing to group projects and discussions relating to the ecological process. With the knowledge students’ gain in this course, they will learn, and be able to demonstrate basic skills and knowledge necessary for safe, comfortable outdoor experiences. Students will also, gain an appreciation for healthy living and have a sufficient understanding of their overall ability, as it pertains to outdoor activities, which they will be involved in on a regular basis through field trips and classroom activities.
Art
In Art, students will explore a variety of artistic techniques and materials. This including graphite, ink, charcoal, pastels, watercolor paint, and acrylic paint. Along the way, they'll learn techniques to elevate their art, about famous artists, and how to express themselves through visuals. This course encourages imagination, builds confidence, and helps students develop their own artistic style in a fun and supportive environment
Film Studies
The Film Studies program at SJT is focused on developing the ability of students to think critically about films in terms of content, filming techniques and theme through viewing a multitude of genres of film. Through a variety of projects and film reviews, students will develop an understanding and appropriate usage of the terminology/language specific to the film industry and understand the contributions of prominent film makers to the industry and the art form itself.
Cosmetology
Cosmetology is a hands-on course designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and training necessary in the beauty industry. Covering a wide range of topics including hair styling, skin care, nail technology, and makeup application, students will gain both practical experience and theoretical foundations. Students will learn industry-standard techniques and best practices in sanitation, safety, and client care. The program also includes training on the latest trends and tools in the cosmetology field.
Grade 9 Option Offerings
Drama
Students will experience a variety of roles and games to develop skills in acting, improvisation, movement and speaking. They will study the elements of drama and theatre, including staging a successful production. Sound, lighting, costumes, set design and props will also be experienced. Learning is assessed using a variety of tools and strategies within the classroom and not solely on performance.
Foods
Grade 8 & 9 Food Studies continue to develop these skills, further focusing on meal planning and nutrition, and other cooking techniques. The student’s complete food modules, which may include Baking Basics, Simple Snacks and Appetizers, Fast, Healthy and Convenience Foods, Cultural and Ethnic Foods or Meal Planning for Enjoyment
Fashion Studies
Fashion Studies is a hands-on course where students will develop practical skills in both hand sewing and machine sewing. They will be learning techniques and a variety of hand sewing stitches. They will also gain proficiency on a sewing machine. The course introduces basic design concepts, fabric selection, and the creative process behind making original pieces. Perfect for beginners, this class builds a strong foundation in sewing and personal expression
CTF
Students have the opportunity to work individually or collaboratively on projects and often do so in a cross-curricular manner. It is common for a CTF student working on a construction project to incorporate concepts from mathematics and art into their project.
Our program includes: Programming, Construction (Co2 Cars, skateboards, and long boards), Video Editing, Robotics, 3D Design/Printing.
Music
Music instruction at Sir John Thompson takes place in a wind ensemble setting. This is an activity-oriented class whereby students explore music through the use of modern-day concert-band instruments. These instruments are separated into three distinct categories: woodwind, brass, and percussion. Students also explore a variety of musical styles ranging from Classical and Baroque through Latin American and into Pop and Rock genres of music.
French
The aim of the program of studies for French as a Second Language is to encourage the learning of French as a means of communication and as an integral part of students’ general education. This orientation, in which French is not only the subject, but also the medium of instruction, promotes a multidimensional approach composed of four component experience/communication, culture, language and general language education.
Recreation Leadership
This program will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to be effective young leaders within the school and surrounding community. This course is meant to encourage students to learn how to successfully plan, organize, and implement programs in the school and community. Developing these skills will facilitate students in becoming positive life-long contributors to our society. PE Leadership allows participation in a variety of activities in the areas of team building, self-awareness, communication skills, and group roles & responsibilities.
Art
In Art, students will explore a variety of artistic techniques and materials. This including graphite, ink, charcoal, pastels, watercolor paint, and acrylic paint. Along the way, they'll learn techniques to elevate their art, about famous artists, and how to express themselves through visuals. This course encourages imagination, builds confidence, and helps students develop their own artistic style in a fun and supportive environment.
Film Studies
The Film Studies program at SJT is focused on developing the ability of students to think critically about films in terms of content, filming techniques and theme through viewing a multitude of genres of film. Through a variety of projects and film reviews, students will develop an understanding and appropriate usage of the terminology/language specific to the film industry and understand the contributions of prominent film makers to the industry and the art form itself.
Cosmetology
Cosmetology is a hands-on course designed to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and training necessary in the beauty industry. Covering a wide range of topics including hair styling, skin care, nail technology, and makeup application, students will gain both practical experience and theoretical foundations. Students will learn industry-standard techniques and best practices in sanitation, safety, and client care. The program also includes training on the latest trends and tools in the cosmetology field.
Design Studies
Develop your digital foundation through fun and exciting projects! In this class we will practice our written language, photography, and computer graphic skills. Projects will include developing and planning the school yearbook and learning the foundational knowledge of the yearbook digital software. Other projects can include a school newsletter and contributing to the SJT social media platforms. Problem-solving and creative thinking are a must for this new and exciting course!