Applied Skills
3D Printing & Laser Cutting 9 (New course as of 2025-26)
This course introduces students to drafting and 3D design, where they learn to create and refine objects using computer-aided design (CAD) tools like Autodesk Inventor and Adobe Illustrator. Students will bring their designs to life by producing them with 3D printers and laser cutters. The course focuses on the design-thinking process, guiding students from understanding a problem to developing and fabricating practical solutions.
3D Printing and Laser Cutting 10 - 12
This course introduces students to drafting and 3D design, allowing students to create and refine more advanced objects using computer-aided design (CAD) tools like Autodesk Inventor and Adobe Illustrator. Students will bring their designs to life by producing them with 3D printers and laser cutters. The course emphasizes the design-thinking process, encouraging students to approach problems critically, develop innovative solutions, and fabricate functional, high-quality creations.
Arduino Robotics 10 – 12 (Redesigned course as of 2025-26)
This robotics course teaches electrical theory, breadboard circuitry, and text-based programming through project-based learning. Students will solve problems by creating schematic diagrams, building circuits, and programming Arduinos using C. The course also focuses on using CAD skills to 3D print or laser cut enclosures for their projects. It is strongly recommended that students have already taken 3D Printing and Laser Cutting, as these skills will support their work in this course. Students will also learn how to integrate sensors, control motors, and implement decision structures and loops in their Arduino programs.
Culinary Arts 10-12
Cooking is about teaching. It is the passing of knowledge, recipes and science from one generation to the next. Teaching is not just about conveying information but also how the information is received. Cooking involves not just thought, ingredients and measurements but passion, dedication and inspiring creativity. The GISS culinary program prides itself on the importance of educating students on healthy choices, fresh food, including taking an active role in caring for our greenhouse and garden.
Computer Studies 9 (New course as of 2025-26)
In Computer Studies 9, students learn about computer hardware, including how to assemble and understand the components of a computer. The course also includes a unit on Excel, where students learn to use spreadsheets for data organization and analysis. The second half of the semester focuses on Python programming, introducing students to coding concepts and guiding them through the process of designing and creating their own video games.
Computer Studies 10
In this course, students explore computer hardware and gain an understanding of the key considerations when building their own computer. They also develop their skills in software applications, with an emphasis on intermediate features of spreadsheets using Excel. Additionally, students continue learning text-based programming with Python, applying their knowledge to plan and create computer programs, including games.
Computer Programming 11/12
Computer Programming 11/12 is designed for students who want to expand their programming skills and delve deeper into Computer Science. Students will learn to break down complex problems, design algorithms, and program effective solutions. They will also develop the ability to read, trace, and create code, with a focus on game development. Additionally, students will be introduced to version control using Git, enabling them to collaborate on projects and manage their code efficiently.
Engineering 11 & 12 (New course as of 2024-25)
In Engineering 11 & 12, students will use the applied design process of identifying context, defining, ideating, prototyping, testing, making and sharing as they learn concepts relating to engineering products. Designing for the complete life cycle, from resource extraction to build to recycling will be considered. Students will learn about math, physics, and computer programming related to engineering processes, and use tools and technologies that support the engineering process.
Media Lab 10-12 (Yearbook, School Newspaper and more. Redesigned course as of 2025-26)
Join the Creative Team Behind the Scenes!
Are you ready to make your mark and tell the story of Gulf Islands Secondary School? This is the class where creativity meets real-world skills! By integrating the Graphic Production and Media Design curriculum, we’ll design and deliver meaningful projects that reflect the identity and spirit of our school community—students, staff, and families.
From designing a stunning yearbook, producing a school newspaper, and creating school merchandise, to managing social media content, launching a YouTube channel, and producing podcasts, this course is your backstage pass to real-world collaboration and creativity. You’ll also develop essential project management skills, ensuring that each project is delivered with professionalism and impact.
Whether you're a budding photographer, a sharp-eyed editor, a skilled graphic designer, a savvy social media influencer, a passionate writer or videographer, or someone excited by the idea of leading and organizing creative projects, there’s a place for you on our team. You’ll document the events, achievements, and moments that make our school unforgettable, working with like-minded creatives to leave a lasting legacy.
Ready to make headlines, memories, and media that matter? Bring your ideas, build your skills, and help tell the GISS story—your way.
Metalwork 9/10
This is a course for grade 10 students interested in learning metal shop skills, through using materials and machines to make useful projects. Shop practice, safety and cleanup and service of tools and equipment are emphasized. Operations and procedures in all metal practices such as: arc welding, oxyacetylene welding, lathe work, drilling, forging, grinding sheet metal work and scroll work are introduced. This is a comprehensive basic metal course. Skill and craftsmanship, with safety, is stressed.
Metalwork 11 & 12
The Metal Fabrication & Machining program is a general metalwork program which emphasizes the development and mastery of skills associated with bench work, hand tools, and machine work. Later, emphasis is on the extensive use of machines such as lathe, milling machine and arc welder. The set of courses provides valuable experience for those going on in the machine, sheet metal or automotive trades.
Photography 10-12
Photography - Beginner
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of digital photography and photo editing. It covers camera care, composition, and Photoshop basics. Throughout this course, students will apply critical, creative, and reflective thinking skills to their work. They will also create an on-line portfolio.
Photography - Intermediate
This course is designed to take students' digital photography and photo editing to the next level. It covers shutter speed, aperture, ISO, manual exposure, long exposure and intermediate Photoshop techniques. Throughout this course, students will understand the purpose of a critique and choose when to apply suggestions. They will also create an on-line portfolio.
Photography - Advanced
This course is designed to introduce students to studio portrait lighting. It covers the behaviour of light, types and sizes of lights, reflections, main lights, fill lights, background lights, hair lights, kickers, and rim lights. Throughout this course, students will understand the purpose of a critique and choose when to apply suggestions. They will also create an on-line portfolio.
VEX Robotics 8-12 (Outside the timetable – Tuesdays 4:10 – 6:30)
VEX Robotics is for students who want to learn about engineering or continue to develop their skills in engineering and robotics. No previous experience is necessary. Students work in small teams and use the engineering design process to design, build, and program a robot to compete in this year’s VEX Robotics Competition. This course helps students develop creativity, teamwork, leadership, communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Local Engineers, Industrial Designers, and Computer Scientists mentor the team and as a result, students also become more knowledgeable about future career and educational pathways.
Woodwork 9/10
The junior Woodwork program introduces students to various aspects of the cabinet making trade. We begin by studying, designing and constructing a project within specific design guidelines. Emphasis will be given to: awareness and application of wood design; working knowledge of wood (wood species, products, structures, fastenings, and finishing application); safe and correct use of all power equipment and hand tools; a responsible attitude towards fellow students; and maintenance and responsible care of equipment.
Woodwork 11 & 12
This senior Woodwork program includes: exploring aspects of past and present examples of good industrial design and relating this in the design, planning and construction of wood products to a high standard of craftsmanship; using wood and other related materials as they are used in the industry; using various methods of wood surface protection and finishing; discussing difficulties as related to the mass production of wood products in our industrial world. It also includes the refining of design and cabinet making techniques. Students design, plan and craft their own projects.