The high-quality artwork displayed around Gleneagle demonstrates the success of our visual arts students. We offer a selection of courses at each grade level so that students with a variety of interests and abilities can succeed by creating artwork of which they are proud. Students will learn fundamental techniques and how to express themselves visually while developing artistically. Grade 9 courses are designed to provide a basic overview of skills and techniques as well as a working knowledge of artistic terms and principles. In Grade 10, 11 and 12, students can choose from a variety of general and specialized senior art courses. This allows both the new and experienced art student a program suited to their individual interests and needs. The JumpstArt program is an exciting option for Grade 9 students seeking an in-depth art experience that thematically integrates art with their Humanities courses. The Artistic Practice 12 program (formerly known as Art Careers) is unique to Gleneagle and provides guidance for serious Grade 12 art students as they plan and prepare for post-secondary entrance to an art-related program. Take the opportunity to develop your creativity, learn how to decipher your visual environment and try a variety of art mediums. Take an art course and see where it takes you!
Visual Art 9: Introduction
Grade 9
If you have always wanted to learn how to draw, this is the course for you. ‘Art 9’ is an introductory art course designed to accommodate all skill levels. Students will be introduced to a variety of materials and techniques. You will learn about the Elements and Principles of Design and discover techniques for arriving at creative solutions. Major projects will include a formal drawing, graphic design, and collage. This course is for Grade 9 and 10 students who don’t have previous art experience
Ceramics and Sculpture 9
Grade 9
Do you like to focus on hands-on learning? Then consider exploring three-dimensional art in Ceramics and Sculpture 9. Students complete several projects in the semester working primarily with clay. Focusing on hand building techniques, students will learn pinch, slab and coil methods of forming clay. Finishing techniques will include using oxides, underglazes and glazes as well as unfired options. Opportunities to work in other sculptural media may also be provided. The elements and principles of design as well as the influences of different artists and cultures will be applied in student artwork.
Graphic Arts 9
Grade 9
This is a unique digital art course, for art beginners and art keeners alike! Learn to create different original art pieces with fast computers, industry software, cameras, scanners, and drawing tablets. Become a creative expert in digital design, drawing and painting, photo retouching, photomontage, and working with type. This is an excellent opportunity to explore and work in-depth with professional Adobe software, the favorite tool of most graphic and digital artists!
JumpstArt 9
Grade 9
Note: Students register for both Visual Art 9: JumpstArt AND Graphic Art 9: JumpstArt. This integrated Humanities and Visual Arts Program is a unique opportunity only offered at Gleneagle that combines English, Social Studies (Humanities), and Visual Arts in a thematically enriched program. Click here to see the program description.
Photography 10
Grades 9 and 10
This hands-on foundation course teaches basic beginner skills in both digital and film photography, and dark room, while trying traditional, new, and emerging technologies. This will prepare you for interdisciplinary studies such as Media Art, and Media Design. Digital and film cameras will be made available, however you are also welcome to use your own manual single lens reflex (film and/or digital) camera
Animation 11 (2D)
Grades 10, 11, and 12
Click here to see the course description.
Art Studio 11
Grades 10, 11, and 12
‘Art Studio 11’ is an introductory senior art course open to both experienced art students and grade 10/11/12 students taking art for the first time. It offers students opportunities for personal expression and visual communication. Projects will include drawing, painting, and sculpture using a variety of materials and techniques. Integral to the course are the Elements and Principles of Design and the expression of creative ideas.
Studio Arts 3D 11
Grades 10, 11, and 12
The primary medium used in this course will be clay with a focus on ceramic techniques. Studio Arts 3D 11 is worthwhile for both experienced art students and those interested in a ceramics course for the first time. Studio Arts 3D 11 offers students active hands-on opportunities to explore 3D Design and a variety of ceramic hand building techniques. A wide range of projects will be completed using a number of glazing and alternate finishing techniques. Works will explore personal and cultural themes touching historical and social contexts. Students may have opportunities to work with other traditional and non-traditional sculptural media.
Digital Film Making 11
Grades 10, 11, and 12
Click here to see the course description.
Studio Arts 2D 11
Grades 10, 11, and 12
This is an introductory senior course for students who wish to focus on the 2-dimensional aspect of art. The course emphasizes drawing and painting techniques, composition, the use of colour and the development of personal imagery in a variety of media. Major projects include large-scale drawings and an introduction to watercolour and acrylic painting. Students will complete several projects in a variety of mediums while building and developing their drawing and painting skills.
Photography 11
Grades 10, 11, and 12
This course helps you improve and refine your basic photo skills for both digital and film. Learn how to take full control of the digital SLR camera, carefully crafting every shot, in all kinds of light conditions. Gain experience with tripods, studio lighting, and lens attachments. You will be taught techniques and strategies to improve the quality of the photographs you take. You will learn the essentials of photo editing, use a variety of important design elements and principles, and seek inspiration from the best photographers in history. Opportunities for an off-campus shoot will be provided. Photography 11 is a prerequisite for Photography 12. Cameras are provided for the course, although students are welcome to use their own DSLRs with manual settings.
Graphic Arts 11
Grades 10, 11, and 12
Are you curious about art? Do you wonder how artists and designers use software to digitally draw and paint, or compose posters, magazine covers and advertising, or creatively create and manipulate photographic images, and be innovative in the way they use type? In this course, you will become an expert with Photoshop and explore Illustrator and InDesign, all professional software from Adobe. You’ll also learn important design strategies; you’ll learn about colour theory and have a chance to explore the elements and principles of art/design. You will leave the course with a portfolio of your own original work – impressive for future employers and great for post-secondary opportunities!
Animation 12 (3D)
Grades 11 and 12
Click here to see the course description.
Art Studio 12
Grades 11 and 12
‘Art Studio 12’ is an advanced general art course which builds upon skills and techniques learned in ‘Art Studio 11’. Students will continue to explore art in both 2D and 3D areas, with emphasis on pursuing individual artistic interests using the techniques and art materials focused on in each project. Expect to use materials such as chalk and oil pastels, watercolour and acrylic paints, as well as a sculptural medium such as papier mache or plaster. ‘Art Studio 12’ students will produce a number of artworks that they will be proud of and may have the opportunity to display their work at a districtwide artshow.
Foundation: Art Studio 11 or Teacher permission
Artistic Practice 12
Grade 12
This study program is for serious art students who intend to continue their artistic practice for life, pursuing studies in an art-related career at the post-secondary level. Students will build their art portfolio (a requirement for entrance to post-secondary art institutions) and apply to several art facilities. They will also prepare for and enter artwork into an art show. Students work under the supervision of a specialist teacher focused on supporting their personal growth and success in the arts (i.e. painting, sculpture, graphic design). This intense course is for the serious art student.
Foundation: Teacher permission required. Must be taken concurrently with another Grade 12 art
course. Must have completed two Art 11 courses.
Digital Film Making 12
Grades 11 and 12
Click here to see course description.
Studio Arts 3D 12
Grades 11 and 12
Hooked on clay? ‘Studio Arts 3D 12’ offers students the opportunity to extend the skills developed in Studio Arts 3D 11 while learning to use complex building and finishing techniques. Course work will include more technical information and the opportunity for larger and more self-directed studio projects. Students will be introduced to working on the potter’s wheel as well as the use of clay extrusions. Students are encouraged to reflect their unique interests and abilities through their works, striving for a personal style.
Foundation: Studio Arts 3D 11 or Teacher Permission
Studio Arts 2D 12
Grades 11 and 12
‘Studio Arts 2D 12’ builds upon the drawing and painting skills and techniques learned in ‘Studio Arts 2D 11’. It is intended for students who wish to further develop their skills and imagery in a variety of exciting drawing and painting media. Students will have the opportunity to work on large-scale individual projects in an art studio atmosphere. Emphasis will be on composition, personal image making and individual instruction. Students will show their work in various displays.
Foundation: Studio Arts 2D 11 or Art Studio 11 or Teacher permission
Photography 12
Grades 11 and 12
Want to learn more? Want to master your skills? This advanced course builds on your intermediate skills and knowledge gained in Photo 11 while working on self-directed projects. You’ll explore photography as a powerful means of creative expression. You’ll learn more image-making strategies and techniques and you will be introduced to a wider variety of equipment and a wider range of lighting challenges. You may further explore film photography and darkroom work. Expect some innovative ways of manipulating both film and digital images. You will have opportunities for an off-campus shoot, including at least one field trip. As you prepare work for critique or display, correct mounting, matting and presentation methods will be demonstrated. You’ll end the course with a portfolio of diverse professional looking work. Digital and film cameras will be made available, however you are also you are welcome to use your own manual single lens reflex (film and/or digital) camera.
Graphic Arts 12
Grades 11 and 12
An extension of Graphic Arts 11, this course will allow you to experiment and grow in your exploration of creating original artwork, and graphic art pieces that emphasize communicating for specific purposes (such as information posters, campaign posters, and product advertising). This course encourages independent thinking and team-work, and allows opportunities to create work for real clients. You are encouraged to bring other creative strengths to the course (photography? drawing? painting? sculpture? 3-D modelling? creative story ideas?). Creating a strong portfolio of original pieces is one of the course goals. Your ability to draw, to work creatively, and think independently will be encouraged, since the emphasis is on each student developing a portfolio of original pieces.
Foundation: Graphic Arts 11
Yearbook 10/11/12
Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12
Yearbook (Graphic Production) is a class that offers both the design and business side of art. It is offered to all students in Grades 9-12. As a member of the school yearbook staff, you have an important role to photograph, design and document the Gleneagle community and events of the school year. You have the opportunity to meet and connect with many individuals of the school population. As a team member, you are allowed to attend all school events as a member of the press. The curriculum includes theme development, cover design, photo-journalism, editorial photography and page design. You also learn valuable advertising, marketing and business skills. This course benefits creative, committed students who are able to meet deadlines and work both independently and as part of a larger supportive team. Computers and camera equipment are provided. Join the Yearbook staff and contribute to your schools history and legacy!