- Visual Arts
- Business Studies
- Canadian & World Studies
- English
- Mathematics
- Music
- Modern Languages
- Physical Education
- Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Technologies
Valley Heights Secondary School
The Library Learning Commons provides a safe, friendly environment, offering a balanced collection of print and digital resources to meet both curricular and personal interest needs. Through virtual and physical learning partnerships, we provide integrated learning opportunities, which are global, connected, social, cross curricular and interdisciplinary. In partnership with classroom teachers, the teacher-librarian teaches guided inquiry, whereby students learn to define problems, form questions, explore ideas, analyse, synthesize and evaluate information and communicate new understandings. We strive to challenge students to think critically about the information they find, to instill in them a passion for reading and learning, and to equip them with multiple literacy skills for success in life after secondary school.
The J.H. Atkins School Library Information Centre (SLIC) at VHSS is a hub of activity, learning and sharing. Our Library Technician and Teacher-Librarian have created an inviting atmosphere in which students can study, research, share and learn. As the SLIC team, our aim is to teach students the research skills they need to succeed in an information-rich future. We provide students with access to a wide range of print, non-print and electronic learning resources to support the curriculum. We encourage reading for pleasure, self-knowledge and ultimately a life-long love of reading. We inspire students to create, innovate, and collaborate by using technologies in our learning commons such as the 3D printer, robots, and coding kits. Our overall goal is to foster learning and to improve student achievement. Students are encouraged to use the SLIC resources for both school and recreational purposes.
Visual Arts offers many opportunities for artists and art enthusiasts. We offer a wide variety of courses from the basics of drawing and painting, to design, to digital media, to photography and sculpture. There are opportunities to work on community projects, as well as within the school with the yearbook, and clubs like Purple and White. Our students progress to careers in art, animation, design and other art-related fields. We offer many trip possibilities locally, in Toronto (OCAD, the AGO, the Design Exchange), and even New York City and Europe.
The Business Department engages and challenges VHSS students by exposing them to real-world problems and current technologies. Grade 9 students work with industry standard software giving them the tools they need to succeed in other high school courses and in future years. Former VHSS Business students have started successful careers as webpage designers, computer programmers, network administrators, and computer security experts.
The Canadian and World Studies program encompasses four subjects: civics, geography, history, and law. In studying these subjects, students learn how people interact with and within their social and physical environments today, and how they did so in the past. Students develop the knowledge and values they need to become responsible, active, and informed Canadian citizens in the twenty-first century.
In addition, students develop practical skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, research, inquiry and communication skills. Courses in Canadian and World Studies contribute significantly to students’ understanding of Canada’s heritage and its physical, social, cultural, governmental, legal, and economic structures and relationships. Students learn to apply and transfer these skills and understandings in other secondary school subjects, in their future studies, and in today’s rapidly changing world.
Canadian and World Studies courses are the interest forming ‘stepping stones’ to rewarding careers as teachers, lawyers, law enforcement officers, museum and art gallery curators, conservation officers, geologists, military personnel, librarians, civil engineers, journalists, town planners, and real estate agents. Canadian and World Studies provides the tools and skills for students to succeed not only in the classroom, but also in life!
At Valley Heights, the study of English is an adventure into the world of the imagination, into the world of great writers, into the world of ideas and ultimately into the world of wisdom. Taking an English class is much more than learning a subject; it is exploring oneself.
Classes from Grades 9 to 12 study many genres of literature: short stories, poetry, drama, essays, and novels. English courses are designed to help students develop their skills in reading, writing, speaking/listening, and viewing/representing. In all English courses, a variety of resources are used to promote skills and strategies for reading and to develop proficiency in oral and written communication.
Our English teachers are energetic and creative and incorporate many exciting activities, including drama and role play, into learning. Experiential learning is incorporated through field trips, such as to the theatres in Stratford. In recent years, we have enjoyed To Kill A Mockingbird, Romeo and Juliet, Crazy For You and Camelot.
We encourage students to express themselves in their writing and to enter contests which interest them. Research has shown that reading for pleasure is key to academic success in all subjects. To ensure their success, we also encourage our students to read for pleasure outside of school.
The Mathematics Department at Valley Heights is committed to preparing students for the future by fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and strong problem-solving skills. Through relevant and meaningful real-world tasks, students engage in learning that connects mathematics to their lives beyond the classroom. Our curriculum is delivered by enthusiastic and knowledgeable teachers who create dynamic, media-rich learning environments that make full use of the technology available in every classroom.
Students at the Valley take part in rich experiential learning opportunities that develop their mathematical thinking through exploration, inquiry, and real-world connections. Problem-based learning is a key instructional approach, encouraging students to collaborate, communicate their thinking, and apply mathematical reasoning to authentic challenges. Students also participate in a range of enrichment activities such as STEM competitions, Mohawk College’s SIGMA math competition, and University of Waterloo mathematics contests at all grade levels. These opportunities promote perseverance, creativity, and confidence by challenging students to think deeply and engage in mathematics beyond the classroom.
The department is committed to inclusive and responsive teaching practices that honour the diverse needs and strengths of all learners. Instruction is guided by Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, differentiated instruction, and student voice and choice to ensure that every learner has equitable access to mathematical understanding. Supporting student success is a top priority at Valley Heights, where a collaborative network of teachers works alongside Student Success Teachers and a Learning Resource Teacher to provide targeted intervention, one-on-one support, and personalized learning strategies. Together, we strive to help every student build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to succeed in mathematics, in future pathways, and in life.
Instrumental Music, Guitar and Music Theatre courses offer students various ways to practice and perfect their musical ideas. Whether it is playing an instrument, singing, strumming a guitar, composing, or acting on stage, our students are given the opportunity to learn and practice in a comfortable learning environment. They perform for themselves, their peers, and in front of live audiences. Students also learn to read music notation and will listen to and appreciate music from a wide variety of musical sources. Extra Curricular Activities include Guitar Club, Vocal Ensemble and Music Council, and Field Excursions are taken to see concerts, musicals and other cultural experiences in places like Toronto, New York City and Europe.
In French, learning takes place in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. Aside from building their vocabulary and fluency, students experience authentic French cuisine. Interested senior students have the opportunity to prepare for and write the DELF (Diplôme d'études en Langue Française) certification test.
The Physical Education Department offers the students the opportunity to develop lifelong physical skills, total fitness, and social interaction among their peer group. In addition, health concepts dealing with drugs, mental health, sexuality and personal growth are studied.
Our Grade 9 and 10 courses provide the foundation for more personal and independent sport and health development in Grade 11 and 12. Field studies are an important component of this course as well as CPR training. Successful completion of CPR will allow students to receive their wallet card as proof of their knowledge of the modalities of CPR. New for 2023-24 is a fitness class that will run out of our new fitness facility!
The Science Department at Valley Heights offers a variety of topics that may be of interest to you. After two years of general science, you can continue to explore in the fields of chemistry, physics, and biology. Diverse learning provides different opportunities for students to explore and demonstrate their skills. Extracurricular activities may include wind turbine competitions, University of Waterloo’s Grade 11 Avogadro Test, STEM Olympics and many more.
The unique location of Valley Heights allows easy access to local agencies, like Bird Studies Canada and Long Point Regional Conservation Authority, to enhance the learning of students. Partnerships with community schools, businesses, and organizations support many of the initiatives put forward by the science department.
We are known as an environmental school and students take pride in that label. Decorative gardens, vegetable gardens and a year-round greenhouse are maintained by the Environmental Science class, with the support of the Environmental club. Seed collection, at risk tree propagation, Eco-school certification, and spring plant sales are a few ways you can get involved. Enroll in science today and become a part of our team!
The Social Science and Humanities Department, or Family Studies Department, teaches “the science of smart living.”
Social sciences and humanities at VHSS offer a variety of courses in family studies and general social science. Designed to be stimulating and relevant, courses give students the opportunity to acquire practical skills, increase self-confidence, and improve interpersonal relationships needed to function effectively in a family and societal context. Learning experiences will prepare students for post-secondary education, employment, and the realities of daily living.
Social science, humanities and family Studies courses give students essential knowledge and transferable skills that are applicable in various areas of their lives. Individual courses provide students with a foundation for a variety of possible post-secondary destinations: positions in the retail and service industries; community college programs, creative arts, or business and university programs.
Social sciences and humanities give you many options. Choose the courses that teach you about life and will help prepare you for the next step in your journey.
If technology is your interest, the courses offered at Valley Heights all involve an emphasis on hands-on learning. This means that most of the class time is spent working in the ‘shops’. Transportation students work on cars and the manufacturing classes design and build small trailers and other useful projects. Our hospitality course caters many events both in and outside the school, and it is a tasty way to earn a credit! If woodworking is your talent, then make sure you sign up for construction courses. The construction class students build many projects around the school, thereby gaining valuable hands-on experience. The communications class is always creating innovative films and photographic exhibits. Tech at VHSS is where it’s at!
Three things to highlight in VHSS Tech Dept are the Dual Credit (high school and college credit) and SHSM opportunities:
