Cedars Christian School

Overview

The junior high years are the time when students consolidate their learning to date, begin to explore areas of personal interest and aptitude, and lay a foundation for their graduation years. Subjects are taught from a Christian perspective, using a variety of resources, including government recommended texts and textbooks produced by Christian publishers.

At Cedars, the junior high (grades 7-10) students enjoy the variety of moving from class to class for each subject. They also enjoy different teachers for each subject. At the same time, however, students get to know one group of students very well as they move together from room to room for most of their core subjects. The small school also results in teachers getting to know the entire junior high student body. In addition, the grade 7 and 8 programs have been modified to provide a "phase-in" period with less teacher change.

During elective blocks, students from different classes mix with each other, allowing them the opportunity to become friends with students who have similar interests.

Educational Objectives

At Cedars, students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and insights for responsible citizenship in BC. More importantly, they are equipped for responsible citizenship in the Kingdom of Christ.

It is our hope and desire that students will increase their understanding of the way in which God created our world - its beautiful unity and rich variety. They will see how all parts of creation are inter-related and how each has its own unique function. God through his creative and redemptive work are brought out in every subject taught at Cedars, not only in Bible classes and weekly chapels.

At Cedars, students learn that they can be special people, as children of the Lord, and they can have a special place in the world. They learn that to be really happy and joyful as Christians means living in the covenant relationship that God has given us in Christ and in working this out in their God-given tasks. They are also challenged to find ways to develop a transforming influence in our society, and develop a Christian culture and lifestyle according to the norms of God's Word.

Students are challenged to become responsible disciples of Jesus Christ. This means they will have to develop skills, knowledge and insights to live the full Christian life - through all occasions - as a church member, as a citizen, as a family member, as a neighbour, as a friend, as a worker and as a consumer.

The Junior High School Program At Cedars

Christian Perspectives (Bible/CAPP)

In the junior high grades, as in the rest of the grades, Bible is taught as a specific area of study, is integrated into the whole curriculum, and is emphasized in Bible classes and chapels.

At Cedars, the Bible is presented in a meaningful, relevant, and non-sectarian way. However, no apologies are made for presenting the clear-cut truths and claims of the bible.

In the career and personal planning portion of this course, students will learn how to set career and personal goals consistent with the teachings of the Bible. They will also learn the skills required to work toward those goals.

Science

Science courses at Cedars have a dual focus: developing concepts and skills needed for senior high science courses and developing an appreciation for God's mighty works in creating and sustaining the universe.

Math

In grades 7 and 8, students work through the Math program as a class.

Grade 9 and 10 students may select either the regular Math course of Math 9A or Math 10A. These alternate courses are less challenging and allow students to review basic skills.

English

Language is one of the significant ways in which man is created in the image of God. The English courses attempt to generate an appreciation for the many wholesome ways in which the English language has been used. They also attempt to teach the students the skills needed to produce quality written and spoken communication.

Physical Education

The junior high PE classes focus on both team sports and individual sports. Students learn recreational activities and healthy attitudes that will help them keep fit for life.

Social Studies

Social Studies focuses on how people, in relating to each other and relating to geography, shape cultural development. It also focuses on how God accomplishes His good purposes in spite of people's sinful attempts to accomplish their own purposes. In Social Studies, students learn how God can bless them as they mesh with His purposes and principles for culture.

French

All students in junior high (grade 7 & 8) are required to take French unless they are in need of additional work on basic English skills.

Applied Skills and Fine Arts

Students will be able to choose from a wide range of mini-electives, or "exploratories", in applied skills and fine arts. These electives allow students to explore a wide range of interests such as Art, Keyboarding, Drama, Computer Drafting, Foods, Textiles, Crafts, Model Making, Woodwork, Photography, etc. Electives are offered based on student interest and available resources.

Counselling

Cedars has a counselor who helps the administration assess students with social and personal problems in order to advise the staff on how to better serve these students' needs. A second counselor focuses on academic and career counseling. Where ongoing personal counseling is needed, students are referred to agencies outside the school for these services.

Field Trips

Special activities are planned as part of the curriculum at various grade levels. Students participate in such activities as skiing, swimming and other field trips. Junior high students annually go on a ski trip either to Purden or Ski Smithers. Some classes have traveled to the Queen Charlotte islands or the Bowron lakes. Our small school program allows us to take students on very creative and meaningful trips.

Junior High Program Requirements

All junior high students are expected to take a full course load of 32 credits per year.

Teaching Staff

All staff members at Cedars are committed Christians dedicated to delivering a Christ-centred curriculum. They all have either BC College of Teachers or Independent Schools certification.