• Catalog of Electives 

    2024 – 2025 

    The Arts-integrated Experience

    Numerous Studies over the past Decade Have Demonstrated the Benefits of Arts-infused Education. Students Who Have Access to the Arts Benefit from Creative Outlets, Find Greater Success in Mastering Core Subjects, Have Fewer Disciplinary Problems, and Show Significantly Higher Graduation Rates. a 2011 Study, “Reinvesting in Arts Education”, Found That Integrating the Arts with Other Subjects Also Raises Academic Achievement Levels. an Arts-based Education Doesn’t Just Raise Test Scores, but Also Supports the Learning Process Itself. Studies Show That Students Participating in the Arts Have Been Found to Improve Their Iq Scores by Several Points. Other Studies Have Reported Similar Scientific Findings on the Arts’ Impact on the Brain, Showing That Sustained Arts Education Is an Essential Part of Adolescent Social and Intellectual Development.

    Using a Unique Balance Between Challenging Academic and Arts Curriculums, Ladera Vista Students Experience an Arts-infused Common Core Curriculum, Through Which You’ll Connect to a Rigorous Academic Curriculum While Integrating the Arts. These Courses Include a Strong Emphasis on 21st Century Learning and Preparedness, with Our 1:1 Ipad Program Providing Round-the Clock Access to Technology.

     

    Ladera Vista Junior High School of the Arts – Electives

    We Offer so Many Wonderful Electives for Students to Select from at Ladera Vista! Students May Select to Be a Part of Our “Triple Threat Program” (Dance, Choir, and Theatre), Participate in Our Many Visual and Digital Arts Classes, Be a Part of Our Instrumental Music Program, Learn a Foreign Language, or Try a Little Bit of Everything. This Is Your Time to Explore! Learn! Achieve! Listed Below You Will Find Detailed Descriptions of Our Electives Classes. 

    Requirements and Prerequisites: Please Note That some Electives Require a Full Year Commitment While Others Require a Semester Commitment. the Course Descriptions Indicate If There Are Prerequisites for Each Particular Course. some Courses Require Students to Complete an Application. Please See the School Website to Find Application Links. 

     

    Culinary Arts Elective

    Culinary I – Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester) 

    Students Explore World Cultures, Artists, and Art History, and Use of the Latest Technology to Demonstrate Their Understanding of Cultural Connections to the Arts and Gastronomy. This Class Offers Unique Opportunities for Students to Create Artistic Three-dimensional Works Based upon the Elements of Design, While Exploring Cultural Connections in the World of Culinary Arts. 

     

    Culinary Arts Ii – Grade 8 (Full Year Commitment) 

    Students Will Build on the Skills from Culinary I to Go Even More In-depth into the Study of Culinary Arts. Please Note: Students Must Have Already Completed Culinary I and Have Approval from the Teacher Through an Application in Order to Participate in This Specialized Class.

     

    Digital Arts Electives

    Cybersecurity 1 - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester) 

    Cybersecurity Is Defined As the Steps and Processes Taken to Protect Networks, Devices, Programs, and Data from Unauthorized Access That Can Result in Theft or Damage.  Designed for Students with No Security Experience or Background, This Course Covers Basic Terminology and Concepts of Cybersecurity. This Course Introduces Students to Problem-solving Skills, Reasoning, Cybersecurity Careers, Iot (Internet of Things), and Basic Online Cybersecurity Skills Needed in an Increasingly Connected World. This Is the Prerequisite for Cybersecurity 2. 

     

    Cybersecurity 2 - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester) 

    This Course Is a Continuation of Cybersecurity 1, Exploring Deeper into Concepts and Skills. the Course Is Foundational to Many Pathways in Cybersecurity and/or Technological Careers and Certifications. Students Will Develop Critical Thinking and Problem-solving Skills As They Learn Security Principles and Practice Using Packet Tracers.  Prerequisite: Successful Completion of Cybersecurity 1.

     

    3d Design and Print Lab - Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment) 

    This Course Will Introduce the Basics of Three-dimensional Design and Processes. Students Will Explore the Principles and Meaning of Form, Space, Function, Mass, and Structure As They Relate to Three-dimensional Design. It Will Cover Topics That Include Mechanical Drawing, Hand-building Models/Sculptures, Mold Making, and an Introduction to Creating, Editing, and Analyzing 3d Models Using Software Programs like Tinkercad and Blender. Students Will Develop Foundational Skills to Work with and Navigate the Digital 3d Modeling Workspace to Create 3d Objects to Print on 3d Printers.

     

    Graphic Design: I and Ii - Grade 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment)

    In This Elective, Students Are Introduced to the Latest Technology in Graphic Design.  at the Same Time, They Are Taught About Elements of Art, Principles of Design, Color Theory and Typography. Students Will Utilize These Skills to Develop Compositions to Express Ideas, Communicate Messages or to Create Pleasing Art for Self-expression.  Students Also Create Projects That Promote School Productions, Concerts and Events. Apple Pencils, Ipad Pros, the Adobe Creative Suite and the Procreate App Are Used.  This Year-long Course Combines Beginning and Advanced Graphic Design into One Class.

     

    Performing Arts Electives

    (Please Note: Attendance at All Performances Is a Required Component of All Performing Arts Classes) 

     

    Beginning Band - Grades 7 & 8 (First Semester Commitment)

    This Course Is Open to All Students.  No Previous Musical Experience Is Required, Although Experience on Piano or Other Instruments, or Voice Experience Can Be Helpful. Students May Choose Any Woodwind or Brass Instrument. This Class Includes Note Reading and Basic Instrumental Techniques on Band Instruments. Successful Completion of Beginning Band Leads to Intermediate Band, Depending on Ability, Instruments Needed in Upper Groups, and Student Responsibility. Students Wishing to Study a Secondary Instrument Can Also Take Beginning Band with Teacher Permission. Students May Be Placed in Either Intermediate or Advanced Band in the Second Semester Based on Individual Improvement.

     

    Intermediate Band - Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment)

    This Course Is Open to Students Who Are Definitely Beyond the Beginning Stages of Learning How to Play a Musical Instrument. Successful Completion of Intermediate Band Allows Students to Audition for Advanced Band. some Intermediate Band Members Have the Opportunity to Move to Advanced Band in the Spring Semester If They Show Marked Improvement. Participation in Rehearsals and Performances Outside of Class Time Are a Required Part of This Class. Director Recommendation Is a Prerequisite for This Class.

     

    Advanced Band - Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment)    

    This Group of Musicians Is Made up Primarily of 8th Grade Students with some Very Advanced 7th Grade Students. the Class Focuses on More Complex Musicianship, with an Emphasis on Mastery of a Variety of Musical Styles. Students Must Be Available to Go on Field Trips (District Approved) for off Campus Performances. Participation in Rehearsals and Performances Outside of Class Time Is a Required Part of This Class. Director Recommendation Is a Prerequisite for This Class.



    Guitar - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester - May Be Repeated) 

    Mastering the Guitar Is an Innovative, Exciting Way to Learn Music. in This Class Students Will Learn a Variety of Musical Styles and Techniques Found in Today's Music. Students Will Learn Notation and Tablature Along with a Vast Array of Guitar Solo, Duet and Accompaniment Styles.  Guitars Are Available for Student Use.  Material Is Designed for Students to Work at Their Own Pace, so This Class Is Appropriate for All Levels Beginning Through Advanced. Voluntary Donations Are Accepted.

     

    Choir I  - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester - May Be Repeated) 

    This Is a One-semester Class for 7th and 8th Graders with Little or No Previous Singing Experience.  Students Will Sing Various Styles of Music from Different Cultures and Different Historical Periods.  They Will Study All Musical Elements Including Music Vocabulary, History and Theory.  Students Will Compare and Contrast Musical Works to Apply Their Skills in Aesthetic Valuing and Artistic Perception. They Will Perform a Varied Repertoire of Music and Begin to Compose Original Works. This Is a Performance-based Class. Students Will Perform at the Winter Concert in December and Spartan Sweets in the Spring. Voluntary Donations Are Accepted to Offset the Costs of the Class.

     

    Choir Ii - Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment)

    This Yearlong Class Is an Auditioned Group for Experienced Singers Only. Students Are Placed in One of Two Advanced Choirs, Women’s Ensemble, or Mixed Vocal Ensemble. Students Apply Their Skills in Aesthetic Valuing and Artistic Perception and Will Compose Short Pieces in Various Meters.  They Will Perform a Varied Repertoire and Will Be Evaluated for Their Accuracy and Expressive Quality.   Students Are Expected to Participate in Many Events Both on and off Campus over the Course of the Year.  This May Include Disneyland, Festivals and Special District Events.  Students Will Participate in the Winter Concert and Spartan Sweets. Voluntary Donations Are Accepted to Offset the Costs of the Class. Audition and Teacher Approval Is a Prerequisite. 

     

    Theatre Arts I - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)

    Interested in Acting and What Goes on Backstage in a Theater? Need some Help with Public Speaking? or, Do You Just Want to Build Confidence? Theater I Goes into All of This, and More. This Class Introduces Students to the Basics of Theater and Acting--Character Development, Acting Techniques, Theater History, Public Speaking and More. Students Will Have the Opportunity to Write Their Own Scripts, Work with Makeup, and Design Sets, Costumes and Lighting for in Class Projects. We Learn Through Playing Games and Team Building Activities, Class Exercises and by Watching Others Perform on Stage. They Will Work Together Through Acting and Technical Theater Units of Study to Write Stories, Present Creative Designs, and Create Imaginative Presentations for the Class. This Class Is a Prerequisite to Theater 2. 

     

    Theatre Arts 2 - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)

    In This Secondary Level Elective, Students Build on Skills Learned in Entry Level Performing and Speaking Classes, and Learn How to Use Technology to Create Video Productions. Students Will Write, Act in and Produce Their Own Projects, Including News Reports, Voice over Projects, Instructional Videos, Soap Operas, Telenovelas, and Various Popular Film Genres. Working with Imovie and Recording Devices, Students Will Use Green Screens, Special Effects, Movie Trailer Programs and More to Create Engaging and Entertaining Visual Productions.  Prerequisites: Students Must Successfully Complete Theater 1, Lvp, or Speech and Debate Before Taking This Course.

     

    Ladera Vista Productions - Grades 7 & 8 - (Full Year Commitment - May Be Repeated)

    Students Will Perform a Full Length Broadway Style Musical in the Spring and Will Participate in All Aspects of Production, Including Acting, Singing, Dance and Various Aspects of Technical Theatre, Such As Stagecraft, Lighting and Sound. Strong Ability Is a plus, but Is Not a Prerequisite. All Students Must Have a Desire to Be a Vital Part of a Production and Must Work Well As Part of a Team. Auditions and Teacher Approval Is Prerequisite. 

     

    Visual Arts Electives

    Art I - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)

    This Beginning Course Serves As an Introduction to Two-dimensional Art Making Practices. Art 1 Is Designed to Introduce the Art Elements and to Develop the Artistic Skills of the Students. Projects Include Drawing and Shading Techniques, Painting, and Color Exploration. Students Will Explore Various Types of Media. Visual Vocabulary Will Be Used in Classroom Discussion. Voluntary Donations Are Accepted to Offset the Costs of the Class.

     

    Art Ii - Grade 8 (Full Year Commitment)

    Advanced Art Students Will Learn How to Improve Their Drawing and Painting Skills.  They Will Experiment with Different Types of Media and Be Expected to Take a More Independent and Responsible Approach to Exploring the Elements and Principles of Art.  Voluntary Donations Are Accepted to Offset the Costs of the Class. Successful Completion of Art 1 and Teacher Recommendation Is a Prerequisite. Students Must Also Fill out an Application.

     

    Arts and Crafts - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)

    This Course Serves As an Introduction to Three-dimensional Art Making Practices.  a Wide Range of Media Is Used in This Course Including, but Not Limited to, Wire, Cardboard, Paper Mache, Tooling Metal, Yarn Printing Ink, Origami, and Paint.  Projects May Include Sculpture, Assemblage, Mask Making, Coil Basket Weaving and Printmaking.  Voluntary Donations Are Accepted to Offset the Costs of the Class.

     

    Ceramics – Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)

    Calling All Makers! in This Introductory Class, Students Will Learn the Basics of Hand-building Skills in Ceramics. Beginning with Learning About the Art Medium, Students Will Make Decorative and Functional Ceramics Using Pinching and Coiling Techniques, As Well As Slab Construction in Their Labs. Students Will Explore the Use of Different Techniques in Decorating Clay in Various Clay Stages Using Underglaze As Well As Glaze. All Student Projects Made in the Classroom Will Be Returned Back Home.

     

    Advanced Ceramics – Grade 8 (Full Year Commitment) 

    Students Will Build on the Skills from Ceramics to Deepen Hand-building Techniques As Well As Wheel Throwing on the Potter’s Wheel. Please Note: Students Must Have Already Completed Ceramics and Have Approval from the Teacher in Order to Participate in This Specialized Class. Students Must Also Complete an Application.

     

    Mosaic Arts – Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester - May Be Repeated)

    In This Exploratory Class, Students Will Learn How to Work with Art Glass and Make Individual Art Projects Using Glass As the Medium.  Love to Work with Color, Shape, and Patterns? Starting with Learning How to Nip, Students Will Learn the Various Processes of Making Mosaics, and Use the Traditional Mosaic Patterns Called Andamento. All Student Projects Made in the Classroom Will Be Returned Back Home.

     

    Advanced Mosaic Arts – Grade 8 (Full Year Commitment)

    Students Will Build on the Skills from Mosaic Art to Deepen Skills in Andamento. Students Will Be Learning About Public Art Working on 3-D Surfaces As Well As Completing a Collaborative Community Project.  Please Note: Students Must Have Already Completed Mosaic Art and Have Approval from the Teacher in Order to Participate in This Specialized Class. Students Must Also Complete an Application.

     

    Jewelry - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester - May Be Repeated)

    Make Wearable Art in This Class. Students in This Exploratory Class Will Make Wearable Jewelry Using Fused Glass, Ceramics, and Resin. Come Explore the History of Jewelry in Various Cultures World-wide, Practice Art-making, and Discover the Fun and Effective Ways to Present Jewelry in Merchandising and in Packaging.

     

    Fine Arts Electives

    Creative Writing  - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)

    Do You Dream About Being a Writer, Screenwriter, or Poet?  Do You Want to Discover Your Hidden Potential? Creative Writing Is a Semester-long Course Designed to Inspire Students to Develop Original Pieces Through Exploring Genres of Writing Such As Short Stories, Screenplays, Poetry, and Fables. Students Will Explore Basic Elements of Writing Including Voice, Tone, Word Choice, Dialogue, Setting, Plot, and Film Components. They Will Also Develop Their Style Using Descriptive and Figurative Language. Through an Array of Activities – Freewrites, Musical Inspiration, Living Tableaux, and Art Pieces, Among Others – Writers Will Unlock Their Imaginations and Gain the Confidence and Skills to Create More Dynamic Writing. 

     

    Speech and Debate - Grades 7 & 8 (One Semester)

    Speech and Debate Is a One-semester Introductory Course That Covers Different Public Speaking and Formal Debating Skills. Through Instruction, Research, and Practice, Students Will Be Able to Use Their Presentation Skills and Knowledge of Information to Deliver Well Thought out Speeches and Debates . Opportunities to Take Their Knowledge and Skills to Competition at the Local and State Level May Be Made Available to Students Through Extracurricular Programs, like Speech and Debate Club

     

    World Languages Electives

    Speaking, Listening, Understanding, Reading and Writing Are the Communication Skills Emphasized in Learning a Foreign Language.  the Culture of the Countries in Which the Target Language Is Spoken Will Be Taught.  Oral and Written Practices Are Stressed in Individual and Group Assignments.  Homework Assignments, from 20 to 30 Minutes Each, Are Assigned Each School Night. upon Completion of 1a and 1b, with a “B” or Better Average in the a Foreign Language, and with a Recommendation from the Instructor, the Student May Qualify for Advanced Placement in the 2nd Year Class As a High School Freshman.

     

    Spanish Ia (Full Year Commitment) and Spanish Ib  (Full Year Commitment)

    Spanish 1a & 1b Are the Equivalent of Spanish 1 in High School. Students Learn the Language, and About the Culture of Spanish Speaking Countries. the Emphasis of This Course Is Beginning Level Mastery of Oral Communication. Students Will Also Be Able to Read and Write in Spanish by Focusing on Learning New Vocabulary and Grammar. Students Must Score a Level 6 or Higher on the Ela Iready to Be Approved for This Class.

     

    Spanish Language Arts  (Full Year Commitment)

    In Spanish Language Arts,  Students Will Read, Write, Speak, and Listen in Academic Spanish Through a Variety of Engaging Activities and Projects. They Will Explore the Spanish-speaking World, Its Culture, and Traditions While Continuing to Develop Their Language Skills. Students Will Engage in Meaningful Communication and Learn to Express Themselves Confidently in Spanish.  Students Must Be Enrolled in the Dual Language Academy to Be Approved for This Class.



    School Community Electives

    Asb Leadership - Grade 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment - May Be Repeated) 

    Student Leaders Plan and Coordinate School Wide Activities While Developing Leadership Skills.  Students May Choose to Apply for an Elected or Appointed Position.  Qualified Students Should Complete an Application for Each Semester.  Application, References and Teacher Approval Required As a Prerequisite. 

     

    Avid - Grades 7 & 8 (2 Year Commitment)

    Advancement via Individual Determination (Avid) Is a College Readiness System Designed to Increase the Number of Students Who Enroll and Succeed in Higher Education and in Their Lives Beyond High School.  Today, Avid Is Implemented in Approximately 5,600 Schools in 44 States, the District of Columbia, 16 Countries/Territories, and Impacts More than 1.2 Million Students in Grades K–12 and in 40 Postsecondary Institutions. the Curriculum Features Critical Reading/Writing, Focused Note Taking, Inquiry, Collaboration, Effective Study Strategies, High School/College Research/Visits and Leadership Activities. Students Will Have Opportunities to Go on Field Trips to Local Colleges and Be Well Prepared for the High School Avid Programs. Must Complete a Thorough Application with References and Teacher Approval.

     

    Yearbook - Grade 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment - May Be Repeated)

    In This Class, Students Will Gain Skills in Content Planning, Writing Copy, Captions and Headlines, Digital Photography, Page Design, Editing, and Publishing in Order to Produce a Creative, Innovative Yearbook That Records School Memories and Events. There Is an Emphasis on Journalism Skills and Team Building in This Class. Students May Choose to Apply for an Appointed Position, Such As Editor or Business Marketing. Must Complete a Thorough Application with References and Teacher Approval.

     

    Physical Education Options

    The Physical Education Program at Ladera Vista Is an Integral Part of Our Instructional Program As We Promote the Health and Wellness of Each Student.  Our Programs Fulfill All Requirements of the Law for the State of California. All Physical Education Classes Are Co-educational. Every Student Must Take One Physical Education Elective Each Semester. 

     

    Physical Education – Grades 7 and 8 (Full Year Commitment - May Be Repeated) 

    Physical Education Includes a Variety of Sports and Fitness Experiences for Students of All Ability Levels, Covering Exercises, Flag Football, Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Track and Field, Field Hockey, Volleyball and More.  Physical Fitness and Health, Combined with Development of Individual Coordination Is Stressed Daily. Students Participating in This Class Participate in State-required Fitness Testing.

     

    Dance I - Grades 7 & 8  (Full Year Commitment - May Be Repeated) 

    In Dance I, the Students Learn to Execute Beginning Jazz Dance Isolations, Steps and Combinations to Music.  They Also Learn to Demonstrate the Relationship of Movement to Music (Count, Rhythm, Tempo, Time Signature, Polyrhythms). in Time, Students Are Expected to Choreograph Short Combinations and Conduct Self-evaluations.  the Class Also Highlights Different Forms of Dance (Tap, Lyrical, Modern, Ballet) and Includes some of the History of Dance. California Fitness Testing Is Included. 

     

    Dance Ii - Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment - May Be Repeated) 

    In Dance Ii, Students Build upon the Dance I Content with the Semester Culminating in a Student-choreographed Production, in Which Students Are Responsible for the Choreography and Presentation of a Dance Production Concert. Audition and Teacher Approval Is a Prerequisite Requirement. California Fitness Testing Is Included. Please Note: Students Must Audition and Be Accepted in Order to Participate in This Specialized Class.

     

    Dance Iii - Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment - May Be Repeated) 

    In Dance Iii, Students Build upon the Dance Ii Content with the Semester Culminating in a Student-choreographed Production, in Which Students Are Responsible for the Choreography and Presentation of a Dance Production Concert. Audition and Teacher Approval Is a Prerequisite Requirement. California Fitness Testing Is Included. Please Note: Students Must Audition and Be Accepted in Order to Participate in This Specialized Class.

     

    Strength Training - Grades 7 & 8 (Full Year Commitment) 

    This Course Will Help Develop the Three Principles of Fitness. These Principles Will Include Muscular Strength, Muscular Endurance, and Flexibility.  Designed to Be Fun and Active. California Fitness Testing Is Included.