AVI1O
Visual Arts
This exploratory Grade 9 Visual Arts course gives students a foundation for further study in the arts. Students work with the elements and principles of design, explore expressive qualities of different materials, media, processes and techniques, and use both the creative process and the critical analysis process.
Grade
9
Credit
1.0
Delivery
Online
Prerequisite
None
About This Course
This exploratory Grade 9 Visual Arts course gives students a foundation for further study in the arts. Students work with the elements and principles of design, explore the expressive qualities of different materials, media, processes, techniques and styles, and use both the creative process and the critical analysis process. They also interpret art in personal, contemporary, cultural and historical contexts.
What You'll Learn
- Use the creative process to develop and complete original artworks.
- Apply the elements and principles of design to communicate ideas and express meaning.
- Explore drawing, painting, mixed media, printmaking, sculpture and digital/contemporary approaches.
- Use the critical analysis process to examine, interpret, evaluate and reflect on artworks.
- Understand connections between art, society, culture, values and opportunities beyond the classroom.
Skills You'll Develop
- Creative thinking and visual problem-solving
- Observation, drawing and expressive mark-making
- Use of art materials, tools, techniques and digital media
- Visual analysis, critique and reflection
- Portfolio development, presentation and artistic communication
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Apply the creative process to create artworks independently and collaboratively.
- Apply elements and principles of design for self-expression and communication.
- Produce and present artworks using a range of media, materials, technologies, tools and techniques.
- Use the critical analysis process to examine, interpret, evaluate and reflect on art.
- Explain how artworks reflect society and can influence personal values.
- Use appropriate visual-arts terminology, conventions and responsible studio practices.
Course Units
The following reflects the school’s planned organization of the course. Approximate time allocations may be adjusted while all curriculum expectations and required planned learning are maintained.
| Unit | Title / Major Learning Focus | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Creative Process, Visual Language and Elements of Design | 18 hours |
| 2 | Drawing, Observation and Expressive Mark-Making | 18 hours |
| 3 | Colour, Painting and Mixed Media | 18 hours |
| 4 | Printmaking, Sculpture and Three-Dimensional Exploration | 18 hours |
| 5 | Art, Society, Culture and the Critical Analysis Process | 18 hours |
| 6 | Digital/Contemporary Art, Presentation and Culminating Portfolio | 18 hours |
| Final | Mandatory Written Final Examination | 2 hours |
Assessment
Assessment uses evidence gathered over time from student work, conversations and observations. The final grade for 2026–2027 is determined as follows:
| Component | Weight | How It Is Determined |
|---|---|---|
| Course work throughout the course | 65% | Evidence gathered throughout the course, with emphasis on consistent and more recent achievement. |
| Mandatory written final examination | 10% | Written final examination completed during the designated final-evaluation period. |
| Culminating task | 10% | A culminating task/portfolio that demonstrates comprehensive achievement of course expectations. |
| Attendance and participation | 15% | Based on meaningful engagement and participation in planned learning. |
Examples of Assessment Evidence
Assessment evidence may include conferences, oral explanations, discussions, demonstrations, drafts, portfolios, projects, presentations, written work, tests and final evaluations.
Pathways
The course supports further learning and career exploration in fine arts, design, illustration, animation, photography, digital media, architecture, advertising, galleries, museums and creative entrepreneurship.
The course also develops transferable skills that can be applied in other subjects, postsecondary learning, community contexts and future employment.
Teacher Support
- Students learn primarily through the school’s secure online learning environment and receive ongoing support from qualified teachers.
- Teacher-supported conferencing, tutorials and scheduled live support are available as appropriate.
- Studio demonstrations and guided experimentation help students learn media, techniques and processes.
- Teachers use critiques, conferences, peer/self-assessment and portfolio review to support improvement.
- Learning goals and success criteria are communicated clearly, with timely descriptive feedback and next steps.
- Differentiated supports may include flexible pacing, modelling, guided practice, alternate formats and assistive technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the course code?
AVI1O — Visual Arts, Grade 9, Open.
How many credits is AVI1O?
AVI1O is worth 1.0 Ontario secondary school credit.
Is there a prerequisite?
No. There is no prerequisite or co-requisite for this course.
How is the course delivered?
The course is delivered through the school’s secure learning management system, primarily asynchronously, with teacher-supported conferencing, tutorials and scheduled live support as appropriate.
How long is the course?
The course includes at least 110 hours of planned learning.
How is the final grade calculated?
65% course work, 10% mandatory written final examination, 10% culminating task, and 15% attendance and participation.
What kinds of art will students explore?
Students work across drawing, painting, mixed media, printmaking, sculpture, three-dimensional work and digital/contemporary art, with a culminating portfolio.
Ready to Take This Course?
$549 / Credit
- Provided by CSW — Canadian School of the World
- Ontario Ministry of Education registered
- Delivered fully online
Need Help Deciding?
Not sure if this is the right course? Book a free 30-minute meeting with a CSW advisor.
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