Grade 9

Music - Small Ensemble AME1O
This course invites students to explore, create, and perform music through the study of brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Students will develop their individual and ensemble performance skills while building confidence, creativity, and musical literacy. Through a variety of styles and genres, students will learn how the elements of music work together to communicate ideas and emotions. Students will engage in activities such as rehearsal, composition, improvisation, and listening analysis, using technology and modern resources to enhance their learning. The course emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and reflection, helping students connect music to their personal experiences and the world around them. Please note this is an introductory course, no previous experience is necessary.

Grade 10

Music - Small Ensemble AME2O
This course builds on the musical skills developed in Grade 9 Instrumental Music and is also open to new students interested in learning brass, woodwind, or percussion instruments. Students will continue to explore, create, and perform music while refining their ensemble and solo performance skills, musical literacy, and creative expression. Through rehearsal, composition, improvisation, and listening activities, students will deepen their understanding of how the elements of music are used to convey meaning and emotion across diverse styles and cultures. The course integrates the creative and critical analysis processes, encouraging students to think reflectively and make artistic choices. Collaboration, creativity, and personal connection remain central to the learning experience as students use traditional and digital tools to explore music’s role in their lives and in the global community.
Music – Guitar AMG2O
In this course, you will develop your musical skills and creativity through the study of the guitar. You will explore a range of techniques including chording, melody playing, tablature, fingerstyle, improvisation, and composition. Through individual and group performance, you will build ensemble skills and develop confidence as a musician. You will strengthen your musical literacy by learning about the elements of music, the creative process, and the critical analysis process, applying these concepts in performance, listening, and composition activities. The course will also explore the social and cultural roles of music in diverse communities and global contexts, helping you understand how music connects people and reflects identity. Please note this is an introductory course to the guitar, no previous experience is necessary.
Music -Music for Creating AMM2O1
Create, record, and mix your own music using digital tools! In AMM 2O1, students will use digital tools to record, create, mix, and explore sound in innovative ways. No matter what your previous level of experience is with music, you will have opportunities to create and perform digital musical works. You will use current technology and the creative process to design, produce, share and market digital music both on your own and in collaboration with your peers. You will also learn to critically understand music by reflecting, responding to, and analyzing musical forms from diverse cultural contexts, genres and time periods. You will develop collaboration, project planning, project management, and innovation and ideation skills which are transferable, and can be useful to you in your life and future careers.

Grade 11

Music for Creating (Univ./College) AMC3M
Join a high-energy music experience where you’ll perform popular music, rock out with your band, and create your own songs. This course will provide you with opportunities to further develop musical literacy through the creation, appreciation, analysis, and performance of contemporary and popular music. Through collaborating with other musicians in various roles as a performer, composer and producer, you will learn to arrange music using recording techniques that reflect the current music industry. You will study and apply theoretical and performance techniques, including the elements of music, score notation, and song structure of popular music. You will consider the function of music in society and the music industry, reflecting on the impact of music on yourself and on diverse communities. To take this course, students should be experienced on either the guitar, bass, piano or drums and have an understanding of basic music notation.
Prerequisite: Grade 9 or 10 Music
Music - Guitar (Univ./College) AMG3M
This course builds on the skills and concepts developed in Grade 10 Guitar. Students will continue to develop technical proficiency, musical literacy, and creative expression through performance, composition, and analysis. Emphasis is placed on intermediate to advanced guitar techniques, ensemble performance, and creative projects that integrate modern styles and technologies. Students will explore how music functions in various social, cultural, and historical contexts, and will apply the creative and critical analysis processes to their performances and compositions. The course encourages students to take greater ownership of their musical growth, develop leadership skills in group settings, and connect music to personal and global perspectives.
Prerequisite: AMG1O or AMG2O
Visual Arts - Ceramics (Open) AWC3O
Do you want to get your hands messy and create something beautiful and functional in the process?
In AWC3O, you will work through the creative process with a special focus on clay. Studio work will include both hand-building and throwing on the wheel to create functional, decorative, and innovative works of art using clay. Through the study of ceramics, you will develop your ability to work through creative problems and apply design fundamentals in your work. You will also have the opportunity to learn about contemporary and historical ceramic artists and artisans globally, and apply the critical analysis process to understand and interpret their work.
Visual Arts - Interior Design (Univ./College)AWH3M
Do you love design? In AWH3M, you will use the creative process to explore design challenges that will develop your understanding of interior design fundamentals. Studio work will include drawing, painting, mixed media, and digital design, all focused on designing spaces that consider function and form, as well as the impact design can have on communities, culture and the environment. You will develop your knowledge of interior design across diverse cultural contexts, genres, and time periods, and analyze them using the critical analysis process. Whether you want to pursue postsecondary studies or a career in interior design or not, this course will build transferable skills in collaboration, innovation, and project planning and management.
Prerequisite: Grade 9 or 10 Visual Arts
Visual Arts - Photography (Univ./College) AWQ3M
Throughout this course, students will learn the fundamentals of photography, with a focus on using the Creative Process to refine your photography skills and vision. You will explore the world of digital imaging, editing software, and online photo sharing. You will also experiment with new technologies, discovering how these innovations are transforming the field of photography. Creative projects, both individual and group-based, will challenge your creativity and technical skills.
Prerequisite: Grade 9 or 10 Visual Arts

Grade 12

Music for Creating (Univ./College) AMC4M
This course builds upon the foundation developed in AMC3M. Through collaborating with other musicians in various roles as a performer, composer and producer, you will learn to arrange increasingly complex music using recording techniques that reflect the current music industry. You will study and apply theoretical and performance techniques, including the elements of music, score notation, and song structure of popular music. You will consider the function of music in society and the music industry, reflecting on the impact of music on yourself and on diverse communities. You will also prepare for post-secondary pathways in music.
Prerequisite: AMU3M or AMC3M
Photography and New Technologies (Univ./College) AWQ4M
In this course you will develop your knowledge and skills in photography and new technologies in visual arts, with a focus on the operation of DSLR cameras, lighting, digital imaging and editing, composition and the presentation of photographic images. You will focus on studio activities and use the creative process to further explore a wide range of themes and subject matter, as you develop your understanding of visual storytelling. Through the use of the critical analysis process you will evaluate your own work and the work of others, as well as examine historical and cultural contexts of photography. Supporting the development of the Maple Ridge yearbook through documentary photography and the use of digital tools to create, edit, curate, and organize photos, is a major component of this course.
Prerequisite: AWQ3M or AVI3M or AWH3M or AVI2O (with teacher approval)
Visual Design - Yearbook (Univ./College) AWD4M
In this course you will develop your knowledge and skills in visual design and new technologies in visual arts, with a focus on the elements and principles of design, the presentation of finished design projects, and the creation of the Maple Ridge yearbook. Using the creative process in the digital studio, you will work collaboratively with peers and staff to create the yearbook, and further develop your visual storytelling skills. You will use the critical analysis process to deconstruct designs and explore connection between art and society, with a focus on production.
Prerequisite: AVI3M or AWH3M or AWQ3M or AVI2O (with teacher approval)

Additional course descriptions