Course Descriptions - Art
Art - Drama - Music 8 (Guitar) Wheel (MVA--08)
Discover Your Creative Potential!
Art 8 - 6 Week Course
Art 8 is a fun, welcoming foundations course designed for students of all artistic backgrounds - whether you are picking up a paintbrush for the first time or already love creating. Throughout the term, you will explore a wide range of artistic media, including:
Drawing
Painting
Printmaking
Sculpture
You will learn how artists use these tools to express ideas, tell stories, and connect to history and culture. This class focuses on experimentation, creative problem-solving, and developing confidence to bring your own ideas to life.
Materials: Basic supplies are provided. Students may choose to bring or purchase optional materials to personalize or extend their projects.
Art Studio 9 (MVA--09)
Build Skills, Explore New Media, Find Your Artistic Voice.
Art Studio 9 is perfect for beginners and returning students who want to explore both 2D and 3D art forms. You will work with drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, and sculpture while learning important design elements and artistic influences from around the world. Students also develop critical thinking skills by analyzing their own artwork and the work of others.
Basic supplies are provided. Optional enhancement materials may be purchased if desired.
Art Studio 10 (MVAST10)
For Students Who Love to Create!
This course is ideal for students who enjoy drawing, painting, and creating 3D artworks. Projects are organized into engaging themes that spark imagination and develop personal style. You will explore major art movements - such as Cubism, Surrealism, and Expressionism - through hands-on work in drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking.
Basic supplies are provided. Optional materials may be purchased for extended projects.
Art Studio 11 (MVAST11)
Grow Your Skills and Explore Meaningful Artmaking
Art Studio 11 welcomes both beginners and experienced artists. Students continue developing skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture while exploring the cultural and historical contexts of art. Personal and social relevance are emphasized, and students are expected to keep a sketchbook to track their ideas and visual thinking.
Basic supplies are provided. Optional materials may be purchased for extended projects.
Art Studio 12 (MVAST12)
Requisite skills are learned in Art 11
Create Your Own Studio Practice
This advanced course is designed for students who want to refine their artistic skills and develop a unique personal style. You will explore cultural and historical topics, build a strong portfolio, and maintain a sketchbook or journal to document your artistic growth.
Basic supplies are provided. Optional materials may be purchased for extended projects.
CERAMICS & SCULPTURE COURSES
Studio Arts 3D: Sculpture 10 (MVAC-10)
Hands-On Art for Grades 9 & 10
Perfect for students who love building and working with their hands, this course explores 3D art techniques. You will develop core skills in ceramics, along with projects using plaster, soapstone, wood, fabric, and more. Both traditional and contemporary approaches to sculpture are explored.
Basic supplies are provided. Optional materials may be purchased for extended projects.
Studio Arts 3D: Sculpture 11 (MVAC-11)
Take Your 3D Art to the Next Level
Students focus on 3D art through clay hand-building, sculpture, and an introduction to the potter's wheel. You will also work with sculptural materials like soap (stone), paper mâché, wood, wire, and upcycled materials.
Basic supplies are provided. Optional materials may be purchased for extended projects.
Studio Arts 3D: Sculpture 12 (MVAC-12)
Requisite skills are taught in Sculpture 11 (3D 11)
Develop Your Own Sculptural Style
Students continue their exploration of 3D art through in-depth work with 1-2 media of their choice (clay, plaster, wood, wire, paper, found objects, etc.). The focus is on developing personal imagery, technique, and a distinctive artistic voice.
Basic supplies are provided. Optional materials may be purchased for extended projects.
DRAWING & PAINTING COURSES
Studio Arts 2D: Draw & Painting 10 (MVAD-10)
For Grades 9 & 10 Who Love to Draw and Paint
This course builds strong foundational skills in drawing and painting while introducing students to various art styles and trends. A sketchbook will be provided, and extra projects may include printmaking, collage, and poster design.
Basic supplies are provided. Optional materials may be purchased for extended projects.
Studio Arts 2D: Draw & Painting 11 (MVAD-11)
Create Meaningful 2D Artwork
Students explore drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed media through personal, historical, and cultural themes. You will learn important techniques and be challenged to think creatively and experiment with new ideas. A basic visual journal will be provided.
Basic supplies are provided. Optional materials may be purchased for extended projects.
Studio Arts 2D: Draw & Painting 12 (MVAD-12)
Recommended: any Art 11
Advanced Techniques & Creative Exploration
This course challenges students to push their artistic boundaries through drawing, painting, printmaking, and mixed-media processes. Students explore creative strategies and produce artwork based on personal, historical, and cultural themes. A basic sketchbook will be provided.
Basic supplies are provided. Optional materials may be purchased for extended projects.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURSES
Photography Level 1 (MVAPH10)
Available to Grades 9-12
Learn the Art and Science of Photography
This beginner-friendly course teaches students the foundation of photography through hands-on practice with DSLR cameras, lenses, and studio lighting. You will explore the history of photography, master key technical skills, and learn digital editing using Adobe Creative Suite. Evaluation is based on shooting assignments and written reflections.
Requirements:
1. A DSLR or mirrorless camera is preferred (loaners available)
2. A journal is provided
Basic supplies are provided. Optional materials may be purchased for extended projects.
Photography Level 2 (MVAPH11)
Requisite skills are taught in Photography Level 1
Build Your Creative and Technical Masterskills
This course expands on the skills learned in Photography Level 1 with a focus on creative communication, conceptual photography, and advanced editing techniques. Students gain more experience with studio equipment and continue developing their visual journals.
Requirements:
1. DSLR or mirrorless camera preferred (loaners available)
2. Continue using the journal from Photography Level 1
Basic supplies are provided. Optional materials may be purchased for extended projects.
Photography Level 3 (MVAPH12)
Requisite skills are learned in Photography Level 2
Create a Professional-Quality Portfolio
Students focus on building a polished, diverse photography portfolio. you will choose a concentration topic and complete assignments that showcase a range of styles, skills, and techniques. In addition to digital photography, students learn film photography, including darkroom development. Optional opportunities for video production are available.
Requirements:
DSLR camera or Mirrorless camera
Access to a film camera (loaners are available)
Hardbound blank paged journal (same one used in Photography Level 2 if applicable)
HONOURS/AP ART COURSES
Art Studios Honours 11 (MVAST11-H)
Recommended: Any prior Art course
Prepare for AP Art 12 and Build a Strong Portfolio
Art Studios Honours 11 is a Pre-AP course designed for students who are interested in pursuing AP Art 12 Drawing &Painting. This course introduces students to the expectations, structure, and creative rigor of the AP Art & Design program while helping them build a strong foundation and portfolio.
Students will explore a wide range of techniques and media, identify their artistic strengths, and begin developing a personal artistic voice and cohesive theme. Much of the work in this course is student-directed, encouraging independence, creativity, and strong time-management skills. The teacher provides guidance and feedback aligned with AP 12 College Board criteria to support each student’s artistic growth.
By the end of the course, students will have begun a portfolio that reflects a clear artistic direction and thematic “thread.” This theme and body of work will continue and expand in AP Art 12, giving students a significant head start on the AP portfolio submission.
This course is highly recommended for motivated, self-driven students who plan to enroll in AP Art 12 and who are prepared to manage long-term projects independently.
Note: On the final transcript, this course will appear as Art 11, as the Ministry does not provide a separate designation for honours courses.
Basic art supplies are provided; optional additional materials are available for purchase.
YEARBOOK
Yearbook 11/12 (MVAMT11/MVAMT12)
Recommended: Photography Level 1 or Photo Level 2
Join the Team That Creates McMath's Yearbook!
This unique course gives students real-world experience in graphic design, photography, journalism, and digital publishing. Most of the work involves producing the school yearbook, requiring strong teamwork, creativity, and the ability to meet strict deadlines. Additional projects may include designing calendars, advertisements, magazine covers, and more.
Based on limited spaces, students may need to submit an application and participate in a brief interview.
Requirements:
1. Access to a DSLR camera preferred
2. Binder