CTS

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.

GOALS OF OUR CTS PROGRAM:

DIGITAL ARTS AND DESIGN

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 AP

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

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.

METAL FABRICATION

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.

FITNESS AND WELLNESS

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.

FASHION STUDIES

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.

FOOD STUDIES

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.

COSMETOLOGY

Cosmetology 10 allows students to strengthen their personal grooming skills while learning how to
professionally approach beauty techniques. With this hands-on course design, students can develop the
care and safety necessary in cosmetology and begin to shape their leadership and communication styles
through practice and extensive theory in the beauty industry. Modules in this course include manicuring,
hair care, design, and techniques.

OUTDOOR ED 10 - CAMPING

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 ED 15 - SURVIVAL

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.

OUTDOOR ED 25 – HUNTING AND FISHING

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 $75 consumable fee. Each field trip will also have a fee

to cover the costs of the trip.

CTS Booklet 2021.pdf