Career and Technology Studies

Austin O’Brien’s CTS department offers many practical classes that allow students to investigate career opportunities. Students learn theory and get first-hand experiences to many occupational areas by developing basic skills that are required in industry. CTS credits may be used to meet admission requirements for specific programs at post-secondary institutes.

For example, Foods 30 can be used for entrance to a Bachelor of Science program in Nutrition and Food

Science at the University of Alberta.

Our Communication and Design Makerspace offers over 40 individual courses for our students to choose from. Our students acquire many opportunities, skills and, gateways to career paths. Students explore the digital world through both communications and design studies. Students have the opportunity to engage in entrepreneurial activities as they explore their personal creativity and express their ideas through many forms of design, animation, screen, and 3D printing, electronics and through other media. Come find your passion in Digital Arts and Design! Using a project-based system, students can earn multiple credits for completing larger projects. For example: developing and designing their dream home, recording and producing a short film or documentary, or creating and printing graphic designs. Some of the examples of courses offered are: Visual Communications, Photography, Printing, Audio/Video Production, Computer Aided Design, and Electronics.

Computer Science courses teach students logical thinking and process-oriented skills that are valued by 21st century businesses. Students learn the skills to use foundational programming languages like Java and HTML. Students’ progress using the individual developer environment process. This allows students to construct more sophisticated simulations and solve more advanced problems. Most importantly, the collaborative student driven projects encourage creativity and systematic reasoning while developing important mathematical and computational skills. Computer Science 20-AP students will be able to challenge the Computing Science AP exam, thereby giving them the opportunity to obtain credit for a university level Computing Science course while still in high school. Computer programming languages are universal. Students interested in careers in technology, business, science, mathematics, or any of the engineering disciplines should strongly consider computing sciences, especially given the evolving role that computer programming plays in these occupations.

Wood construction classes explore hand and power tool techniques to create an array of products. Students gain an understanding of basic tools and materials and are carefully guided through safety practices. They learn processing such as basic box construction using plywood or man-made wood products. On top of the practical wood working skills, students practice project management skills as they brainstorm, design, and produce their projects.

With safety at the forefront, students use various tools and materials to practice different techniques to cut, shape, and assemble metal pieces creating a variety of simple projects. Their safety training is extensive and covers workplace safety systems and practices as well as agricultural safety. Students receive accredited certification from the Job Safety Skills Society. Students learn and perform basic welds using various welding processes, and also have opportunities to gain an understanding of the basic principles of Machining.

This energetic course is designed to give students the opportunity to learn fitnes concepts and conditioning techniques used for obtaining optimal physical fitness and overall wellness. Students will benefit from comprehensive weight training and cardiorespiratory endurance activities. Three to four times a week, students will learn the fundamentals of strength training, aerobic training and overall training. This course includes both classes and activity sessions that will prepare any student interested in post-secondary programs such as Kinesiology and Physical Education.

Sports Medicine focuses on the study of human movement and of systems, factors and principals involved in Sports Medicine and Kinesiology. Students will learn about the beneficial effects of physical activity on growth, development, health and performance. They will study the historical evolution of physical activity and sport and they will examine the factors that enable or constrain an individual’s participation in exercise and physical activity. This course offers students an opportunity to learn a wide variety of knowledge, skills and attitudes regarding the prevention and rehabilitation of athletic injuries. This is done through a combination of theory and practical exposure to areas of sports science. Fitness and Wellness 10 is a pre-requisite for Sports Medicine.

Fashion Studies involve an assortment of different CTS courses related to the study of fashion and sewing. Students will build foundational skills and knowledge during practical lab experiences. They will also be exposed to the theory behind sewing practices. Students begin using their skills and developing techniques to construct an accessory and assemble a simple garment. As students progress to an intermediate level, they will build on their basic skills with a focus on activewear while studying the evolution of fashion. In the Fashion 30 course, they will receive instruction in advanced sewing techniques, working with specialty fabrics, construction fundamentals, and be further exposed to theory and studying the history of fashion designers.

Foods Studies uses a deliciously practical approach to explore ingredients, food culture and history, nutrition, and meal planning as well as extensive hands-on cooking and preparation techniques. Students begin with developing food basics and lab safety before diving into various cuisines, cooking techniques, and equipment. After two levels of baking breads, pastries, and cakes and working with an array of meats and vegetables, Foods 30 students focus on more refined areas of food preparation such as presentational skills, advanced recipes, and techniques and creative specialties.

Outdoor Ed 10 introduces students to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to undertake a basic camping trip. Topics discussed include basic outdoor navigation skills, outdoor cooking practice, and trip planning. The course is delivered in a hands-on, practical manner with many activities taking place outdoors. Activities include archery, hiking, orienteering, and snowshoeing. The students will also have the opportunity to take part in a multi-day backpacking trip to the Rocky Mountains.

Outdoor Survival focuses on developing outdoor survival skills. Students will learn various skills required for survival in the outdoors including first aid and CPR, emergency navigation, finding and cooking food, emergency preparedness, and backcountry practices. The course is delivered in a hands-on, practical manner with many activities taking place in the outdoors. The students will be required to undertake an overnight camping trip where they will be required to demonstrate the skills and knowledge that are required for outdoor survival.

Hunting and Fishing education is a course for students who have already completed one of the prerequisite Outdoor Education courses. The course will allow the students to receive provincially recognized accreditation in Hunter Education, International Bowhunter Education, and will provide them with the skills required to receive their boater’s license. The students will be required to undertake an overnight fishing trip where they will be able to put their skills into practice. Note: Outdoor Education courses require a consumable fee. Each field trip will also have a fee to cover the costs of the trip.