Practical and Applied Arts

Practical and applied arts (PAA) is an area of study intended to provide all Saskatchewan students with an education that will serve them well regardless of their career pathway.

Students have the opportunity to choose from a variety of PAA courses. These choices assist students in developing personal skills, gaining entry level employment skills, pursuing post-secondary education and training or apprenticing in the trades.

The Goals of Grades 7 to 12 PAA

Theory and Practice

Students will be engaged in a balance of theory and practice for lifelong learning.

Career Development

Students will experience opportunities for career awareness, exploration and experience.

Industry Standard Learnings
Students will gain industry standard learnings to assist them in accessing post-secondary education, training and employment.

Skill Development
Students will develop the skills needed to enter, stay in and progress in the world of work.

Middle Years

Students entering Grade 7 are required to take three PAA Survey courses before completing Grade 9. Each PAA course must be a minimum of 50 hours (=75 min/week). Teachers select introductory modules from 3 different curricula at each grade level.

Middle years PAA kits have been developed to support teachers and provide access to equipment [Construction & Carpentry Trailer, Electrical and Electronics Kits, Food Studies Kit, Photography Kit, Robotics and Automation Kits].

Secondary

Grades 10 to 12 students can select from Pure or Survey course offerings, depending on programming at their base school or magnet school(s).

What is a magnet school or magnet programming?

The magnet concept involves students travelling to a neighboring school to take a specific course. The magnet school is a specialized center with the staff, facility and equipment to deliver specific programs and courses. A range of courses is available to students within a magnet area.

The broad range of high school PAA courses is listed in the chart below. They are offered either as a stand-alone course by itself (a pure course), or a sampling of various courses can be combined and offered together (a survey course). Course determination is driven by student interest and requires the availability of staff expertise and related facility and equipment.

PAA curricula are organized and grouped by themes:

Agriculture and Food Sustainability Agriculture Studies 30 Cow/Calf Production 10, 20, 30 Dairy Production 10, 20, 30 Feedlot Production 10, 20, 30 Field Crop Production 10, 20, 30 Food Studies 10, 30 Horticulture 10, 20, 30 Pork Production 10, 20 Sheep Production 10, 20, 30	Business and Management Accounting 10, 20, 30 Entrepreneurship 30	Career and Life Management Career and Work Exploration 10, 20, A30, B30 Financial Literacy 20, 30 Life Transitions 20, 30
Communication, Media and Design Clothing, Textiles and Fashion 10, 20, 30 Communication Media 10, 20, 30 Design Studies 10, 20 Drafting and Computer-Aided Design 10, 20, 30 Graphic Arts 20, 30 Housing 30 Information Processing 10, 20, 30 Interior Design and Decorating 30 Photography 10, 20, 30 Robotics and Automation 10, 20, 30 Theatre Arts 20, 30 Upholstery 10, 20, 30	Construction, Manufacturing and Transportation Autobody 10, 20, A30, B30 Construction and Carpentry 10, 20, 30 Electrical and Electronics 10, 20, A30, B30 Machining 10, 20, 30 Mechanical and Automotive 10, A20, B20, A30, B30 Welding 10, 20, A30, B30	Health Care, Hospitality and Human Services Commercial Cooking 10, 20, 30 Cosmetology 10, 20, 30 Hairstyling and Esthetics 10, 20, 30 Tourism 10, 20, 30
Resource Management Energy and Mines 10, 20, 30 Forestry Studies 20, 30 Wildlife Management 10, 20, 30

PAA curricula has undergone significant development and renewal recently. Many new courses have been released; while others are currently in the renewal process.

Contact your administrator or career counsellor for programming availability at your school.