Grade 10 Academics
Below you will find information about the Elective Courses offered at Brentwood at the Grade 10 level, along with details about some of the options about the courses in the Standard Grade 10 Program.
Required Courses
Every Grade 10 student will be enrolled in the following academic courses (unless they are deficient or advanced in any one particular subject area*):
- English 10 or English First Peoples 10**
- Mathematics 10
- Social Studies 10
- Science 10
- A Language 10***
Elective Courses
Additionally, one elective must be selected:
- AP Seminar 11
- Beginner French
- Beginner Mandarin
- Beginner Spanish
- Coding 11: Python
- Design 11
- Earth Science 11
- Marketing & Promotion 11
- Or another Grade 11 Elective that is deemed appropriate for the student
* If Brentwood students entering Grade 10 are advanced in subject, for example they completed Math 10 in Grade 9, then they would be free to select the next course in the sequence of that subject, as long as the timetable allowed the student to access the course as part of their academic schedule.
** The British Columbia Ministry of Education mandates that all students in the province need to fulfill an Indigenous-Focused Graduation Requirement (IFGR). We offer the option of fulfilling the requirement in Grade 10 through this distinctive English option. Students can choose instead to fulfill the requirement in Grades 11 or 12 with Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12 (that also satisfies the senior Social Studies graduation requirement) or in Grade 12 with English First Peoples 12.
*** If Brentwood students entering Grade 10 have no background in a second language, they will be required to select a second course from the electives list (or an appropriate elective from the Grade 11 elective list) to enroll in SIX courses in total. They would be encouraged, but not required, to take a beginner level language elective.
Whether you are a Returning or New Grade 10 student, it might be useful to review the quick presentation that the University Counselling team gave to Grade 9 students that covers the Course Selection process and the important considerations involved, including the new Indigenous-Focused Graduation Requirement and how to fulfill that. Here is the link to the presentation slides.
English Options
Students have the option of pursuing English First Peoples 10 instead of English 10, thereby fulfilling the Indigenous-Focused Graduation Requirement.
English 10
English 10 students are concurrently enrolled in both Literary Studies 10 and Composition 10. Students will read independently and be assigned nonfiction, novels, short fiction, verse, and Shakespeare. Students will write frequently in a variety of styles, with particular attention to expository essays, synthesis, and journalism. The year-long course concludes with the four-week genre studies unit, during which students are reassigned to specialized classes to study topics such as the romance novel, Stephen King, David Sedaris, children’s literature, or photojournalism.
English First Peoples 10
This course fulfills the Indigenous Studies graduation requirement that all students must complete. English First Peoples 10 students will write in a variety of different styles, investigating oral traditions and the function of storytelling within communication, art, and culture. They will consider a variety of texts and media across a wide selection of genres and explore First Peoples’ principles of learning in their explorations. Towards the end of the year, English First Peoples 10 students will have the opportunity to dive into a genre studies unit, where they complete a passion project in an area of their choice.
Science Options
There is one compelling alternative to regular Science 10 for interested students.
Geology 12
Science 10
Science 10 is all about giving students a broad foundation in science. The skills they learn in this course will give them an understanding and appreciation of how science is done and how it impacts our world. Science 10 is divided into four big ideas; energy change during chemical reactions, DNA as the basis for the diversity of living things, the law of conservation of energy and its applications in our lives, and that the formation and evolution of the universe can be explained by the Big Bang theory.
In chemistry, different types of chemical reactions are examined and described in terms of word and symbol equations. Lessons will regularly be brought out of the classroom to explore how reactions affect us and our environment. Radioactivity of various kinds is explored.
Problems associated with radioactivity are discussed and linked to such things as the development of atomic power and nuclear weapons alongside the fight against cancer, to name a few.
The biology portion of Science 10 examines DNA, how it functions and how it is passed down from generation to generation in all living things as the carrier of heritable traits. Students will learn the theoretical framework of genetics and then work to apply it to themselves and the environment around them, including how it relates to natural selection as a mechanism for evolution.
Energy is a major topic in physics. In Science 10, students learn how to quantify different forms of energy and explore how those energy types are transformed from one form to another, especially the conversion of potential energy to kinetic energy, and vice versa, in systems in motion.
The questions asked in astronomy are some of the grandest in scale in all of science. Students will learn how modern astronomical observations are made and learn how the timeless practice of looking at the stars has differed through time and across societies.
The goal for Science 10 is to prepare students to make informed decisions about their place in the world. Regardless of whether students pursue science at the senior or post-secondary levels, this course fosters the foundational scientific literacy critical to being a well-informed, thoughtful citizen in our modern, global society.
Science 10: Sustainable Engineering
This course provides students with an introduction to sustainable engineering by integrating the main principles of physics, chemistry, biology, and astronomy, aligned with the Science 10 curriculum. Through project-based learning, students will learn the basics of the engineering design process while exploring sustainability challenges our planet faces and investigating possible solutions. This option for Science 10 is designed for students who are passionate about science, interested in sustainability topics, comfortable with the challenge of a faster-paced science course, comfortable with project-based learning, and interested in learning both in and outside of the classroom.
Math and Social Studies
There is not much to say about these foundational courses that are part of the Standard Grade 10 Program.
Mathematics 10
Math 10 starts students on the pathway designed to provide them with the mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills identified for entry into post-secondary programs. Main topics include algebra, geometry, trigonometry, number operations, and data analysis. Primary emphasis is placed on symbolic manipulation, sophisticated generalization of mathematical concepts, and the development of formal mathematics. The following mathematical processes are emphasized throughout the year: communication, problem solving, connections, reasoning, mental mathematics, technology, estimation, and visualization.
Social Studies 10
Social Studies 10 engages students in social studies inquiry to examine the social, political, economic, and global forces that have shaped Canada and the world from 1918 to the present. Students explore the influence of political ideologies and institutions, the effects of domestic and international conflict, and the development and roles of Canadian, First Nations, and other political systems. The course also addresses the impact of discriminatory policies and historical injustices on both Canadian and global populations. Through this study, students develop the ability to analyze diverse perspectives, evaluate evidence, and make reasoned judgments about past and contemporary issues. In addition, the course situates Canada within a global context, emphasizing Canada’s foreign policy as a middle power, its peacekeeping, its participation in twenty-first-century conflicts, and its international economic relationships.
Language Options
Beyond the core language courses offered at the Grade 10, students can elect to take any language course that is suitable to their level. For example, students coming out of Immersion French in Grade 9 are most likely prepared for AP French Language 12. If a student believes they are advanced in a language, they should select the grade level that fits their language skills:
- For Returning students, this means considering the course you are in presently and speaking with your teacher.
- For New students, this will most likely mean completing an assessment after your Course Selections are made to confirm the right language level.
Please access information about more advanced language courses on the Grade 11 and Grade 12 Course Information pages (see the links below).
French 10
Reading and listening comprehension, creative writing, and oral expression are developed throughout the course, with regular exploration of cultures and perspectives from Francophone countries. Students are assessed through a combination of individual work and collaborative projects. Learning is supported through interactive stories and novels that incorporate the core grammatical structures needed to become confident, effective communicators. French is used as the primary language of instruction.
Course Prerequisite: French 9 or equivalent
Mandarin 10
This course builds on the areas of language competency (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) developed in the previous year. Students will develop these skills by immersing themselves in a Mandarin-rich classroom environment supported by visual aids such as posters, signs, and gestures. Language acquisition is fostered through storytelling and engaging classroom discussions. Cultural exploration is an integral part of the course. Activities include making bubble tea, crafting mooncakes for the Moon Festival, writing Spring Couplets, traditional paper-cutting, and participating in a field trip to Victoria’s Chinatown for the Lunar New Year.
Course Prerequisite: Beginner Mandarin or its equivalent. Students should have completed at least 1 year of Mandarin studies.
Spanish 10
In this course, students learn through listening to, reading, and writing stories, with language instruction further supported by songs, games, and short videos. Both individual and group work are incorporated, including projects based on novels read in class. Stories and novels are used to introduce more advanced grammatical structures in meaningful contexts, supporting deeper understanding. Instruction is delivered primarily in Spanish, using a communicative approach grounded in comprehensible input and emphasizing both oral and written communication. The course also places significant emphasis on culture, as students continue to explore the diverse traditions of the Spanish-speaking world.
Course Prerequisite: Spanish 9 or equivalent.
Elective Options
This is the list of the electives available in the Standard Grade 10 Program.
If students are interested in taking more advanced courses from the Grade 11 (or Grade 12) elective lists, they will have to make their case that those selections are appropriate. Please access information about more advanced electives on the Grade 11 and Grade 12 Course Information pages (see the links below).
AP Seminar 11
This course is aimed at building and refining high-level reading, thinking, discussion and research skills. It explores contemporary issues and provides students with a framework for pursuing academically rigorous research in an area of personal interest. Students will explore their chosen themes through collaborative discussions and in-depth research papers, building a foundation for critical analysis. They will further refine their communication skills by mastering persuasive writing and practicing public speaking. This course is best suited for students with solid foundations in close reading and scholarly writing who want to lean into big research projects and who are passionate about exploring real-world issues across all subjects. Students will write the AP Seminar exam in May.
Beginner French
This course will offer students who did not begin Core French in the elementary grades the opportunity to pursue French at the secondary level. It is a course for beginners, designed for anyone with no French knowledge who wants to learn. The proficiencies acquired through the study of French at this level will equip learners with the communication skills to take French 11. This is an intensive course designed to cover essential learning standards from Grades 5 to 10 in an accelerated timeframe, preparing students for French 11.
Beginner Mandarin
This course covers all language competencies: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students will develop these skills by immersing themselves in a Mandarin-rich classroom environment supported by visual aids such as posters, signs, and gestures. Language acquisition is fostered through storytelling and engaging classroom discussions. Cultural exploration is an integral part of the course. Activities include making bubble tea, crafting mooncakes for the Moon Festival, writing Spring Couplets, traditional paper-cutting, and participating in a field trip to Victoria’s Chinatown for Lunar New Year.
Beginner Spanish
This course will offer students who did not begin Spanish studies in previous grades the opportunity to pursue them at the secondary level. It is a course for beginners, designed for anyone with limited or no Spanish knowledge who wants to learn. The proficiencies acquired through the study of Spanish at this level will equip learners with the communication skills to take Spanish 11. This is an intensive course designed to cover essential learning standards from Grades 5 to 10 in an accelerated timeframe, preparing students for Spanish 11.
Coding 11: Python
Programming is a powerful tool for applying computational thinking. Because problem-solving is inherently creative, many challenges can be addressed through coding applications. Classroom activities are project-based and centred on problem-solving, combining online learning to build foundational language skills with larger coding challenges that encourage hands-on learning. This course is well-suited to students who enjoy problem-solving and have strong math skills, as well as those with curious minds who like working both independently and collaboratively. It is designed specifically for beginners who are new to coding.
Design 11
This hands-on course explores the creative and practical applications of design across multiple disciplines, including interior design, graphic design, costuming, and event planning. Students will develop foundational skills in design principles, visual communication, and project execution through real-world, experiential projects. Through hands-on activities, students will explore spatial planning, colour theory, typography, fabric selection, and thematic event coordination. Each major area of design (graphic, clothing, product, and interior) prompts lectures and discussions, assigned analysis exercises, assigned presentations on group research topics, and studio-oriented projects. This course emphasizes creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration, preparing students for future studies or careers in design-related fields. Students with solid visual arts skills (such as drawing or digital illustration) may find that this helps them approach the course more confidently.
Earth Sciences 11
Earth Sciences 11 provides students with an opportunity to understand the scientific principles underlying these issues and to explore sustainable ways to address them. Through project-based learning, students learn the basics of astronomy, geology, hydrology, oceanography and atmospheric sciences while gaining an understanding of Indigenous perspectives on earth systems and their connections with our solar system.
This Grade 11 science elective is designed for students who are passionate about earth and space sciences, interested in sustainability topics, comfortable learning both in and outside the classroom, independent of weather conditions, and interested in learning about First Peoples’ perspectives.
Marketing & Promotion 11
This is a broad, fast-paced course that functions as an introduction to the Grade 12 and AP business courses offered at Brentwood. Students will practice and master essential skills, including effective group work, keyboarding, business writing, and presenting. They will also learn basic word processing, spreadsheet, and publishing skills using Google, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Products. Issues such as business etiquette, ethics, and social enterprise are also examined.
Grade 11 or 12 Course Information
Interested in other Grade 11 Courses/Electives?
- If you are advanced in a subject and are looking to take the Grade 11 level course in that subject, or
- If you are simply curious about taking an elective course beyond the Standard Grade 10 Electives that is normally offered to Grade 11 students.
Have a look at the information on other Grade 11 or even Grade 12 courses because you are looking to take courses beyond the Standard Grade 10 Program?
Start Academic Course Selection
Course selections are collected using Google Forms. Please log in with your Brentwood Google Account (user.name@brentwood.ca) to being Academic Course Selection.
Start Academic Course Selection
Course selections are collected using Google Forms. Please log in with your Brentwood Google Account (user.name@brentwood.ca) to being Academic Course Selection.
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