Our Middle School
Middle school at Metropolitan Preparatory Academy provides a nurturing and supportive environment for grades 7 and 8. This structured high school preparation program has a "back to basics" approach.
In addition to academics, Metro Prep offers a range of middle school athletics, featuring a lunchtime intramural sports program. The experience is completed with extracurricular activities.
Grade 7 Courses
Grade 7 is a fully semestered program. All students take:
Computer Science
Computer Science 7
This course is intended to give students hands on computer experience that focuses on the use of a computer as a tool for learning. Students will become aware of the "every day" use of computers through an in-depth analysis and exploration of computers in society. The course will be structured to expose students to the basics of computers without getting into in-depth technical studies. Students will learn how to use a computer through exposure to various computer software applications, including effective research tools on the Internet. The course is designed to build student confidence in using a computer, while developing keyboarding skills at an early age and skills, which are reflective of common uses of computers in today's society.
English Literature
English Literature 7
This course will involve creative writing, introduction to essay writing, short story and poetry reading, reading response activities, public speaking, handwriting, and journal writing. This course is designed to help students build basic language skills so as to enable them to express their feelings and opinions coherently both in formal and creative writing and in oral presentation. Students will also examine the various media works and the techniques used in them, and create media works.
French
French 7
Students will build their knowledge of spoken French through listening, speaking, reading and writing activities. The ability to speak and read French will prepare students for their role as engaged citizens in Canada's bilingual and multicultural communities. (Prerequisite: French 6)
Geography
Geography 7
In this course students will explore opportunities and challenges presented by the physical environment and the ways in which people around the world have responded to them. They will develop an understanding of patterns in Earth’s physicals features and of the physical processes and human activities that create and change these features. Building on their knowledge of natural resources, students will study the extraction/harvesting and use of these resources on a global scale. They will examine the relationship between Earth’s physical features and the distribution and use of natural resources while exploring ways of preserving global resources. In this grade, students will be introduced to the geographic inquiry process and to the concepts of geographic thinking. They will apply the concept of geographic perspective while investigating the impact of natural events and human activities on the physical environment and also various effects of natural resource extraction/harvesting and use. Students will continue to develop their spatial skills, extracting and analysing information from a variety of sources, including different types of maps and graphs, photographs and digital representations, and geographic information systems (GIS).
Global Issues and Citizenship
Global Issues and Citizenship 7
This course introduces students to a range of topics surrounding issues of local and global concern. Course material will be examined through an integrated arts and humanities lens, with a focus on discussion and activity. The goal of this course is to increase student awareness of world issues, building a foundation upon which students can talk about and act upon their growing knowledge and understanding of a changing global environment. Topics include extinction, indigenous peoples, civil rights and social media.
History
History 7
This course has students examining social, political, economic, and legal changes in Canada between 1713 and 1850. They will explore the experiences of and challenges facing different groups in Canada during this period, and will compare them to the experiences of present-day Canadians. In this grade, students will be introduced to the historical inquiry process and will apply it to investigate different perspectives on issues in eighteenth- and early nineteenth- century Canada, including issues associated with the shift in power from France to Britain. Students will learn about various groups that existed in colonial Canada and how they were affected by the conflicts and changes that characterized this period. They will begin to apply the concepts of historical thinking to their study of Canadian history, leading to deeper and more meaningful explorations of life in colonial Canada. Students will also develop their ability to gather and critically analyse evidence from primary sources in order to form their own conclusions about historical issues and events.
Mathematics
The study of Mathematics in Grades 7 and 8 includes five areas: Number Sense and Numeration, Measurement, Geometry and Spatial Sense, Patterning and Algebra, and Data Management and Probability.
Mathematics 7
In this course students will work with decimals, fractions, and integers; find squares and square roots; divide whole numbers by simple fractions and decimals; add and subtract simple fractions and integers; multiply and divide decimal numbers by whole numbers; apply order of operations in expressions with brackets; relate fractions, decimals, and percents; solve problems involving whole-number percents and unit rates. Students will convert between metric units; calculate the area of various quadrilaterals; determine the volume and surface areas of prisms; construct parallel, perpendicular, and intersecting lines; sort and classify triangles and quadrilaterals by geometric properties; construct angle bisectors and perpendicular bisectors; investigate relationships among congruent shapes; compare similar and congruent shapes; perform and describe dilatations; tile a plane and plot points in all four quadrants. Students will model real-life relationships involving constant rates graphically and algebraically; translate phrases, using algebraic expressions and solve linear equations. Finally, students will collect, organize and display data; use measures of central tendency to compare sets of data; investigate real-world applications of probability and determine the theoretical probability of two independent events. (Prerequisite: Mathematics 6)
Physical and Health Education
The underlying goals of the Physical and Health Education program at Metro Prep are to:
- improve overall fitness and motor development;
- increase motivation to be physically active; and
- provide an enjoyable, successful experience in exercise and sport.
Physical and Health Education 7
This course will provide each student with the basic skills to actively participate in various sports as well as provide health lessons designed to increase the student’s knowledge, awareness and understanding of many contemporary issues and topics.
The health units include: Healthy Eating (relate healthy eating practices and active living to body images and self-esteem); Personal Safety and Injury Prevention (safe use of computers, cell phones, types of and impact of harassment and social/verbal bullying); Human Development and Sexual Health (reproduction, STIs); Substance Use, Addictions, and Related Behaviours (linkages between mental health and problematic substance abuse; preoccupation with body image and athletic performance and substance abuse; social and personal problems related to drug use and addictive behaviours).
The physical education unit includes fundamental movement skills and active participation in such activities as basketball, floor hockey, soccer, baseball and volleyball.
Science and Technology
Science and Technology 7
This course is organized into four strands, the major areas of knowledge and skills in the curriculum. In grade seven the four strands with combined topics are:
- Understanding Life Systems: Interactions in the Environment
- Understanding Matter and Energy: Pure Substances and Mixtures
- Understanding Structures and Mechanisms: Form and Function
- Understanding Earth and Space Systems: Heat in the Environment
Visual Arts
Visual Arts 7
The objective of this course is to develop practical facility in the techniques of drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and information design. Students will produce two- and three-dimensional works of art that communicate a variety of ideas. They will identify the principles of design and use them when producing and responding to works of art. Art history will focus on artists and artistic periods that interest the students.
Writing Skills
Writing Skills 7
The aim of this course is to provide the means that will enable the student to understand the process of writing. The student will learn to apply conventions of language in order to express ideas, feelings, and information clearly and precisely. Listening and speaking skills will also develop as the student learns to communicate more freely using bias-free language. The student will know how to direct questions and talk through ideas to clarify thinking, promote reflection, and generate ideas for written work. Spelling, grammar and composition are consistently interwoven over a five-day cycle to help the student reach his/her potential in English language skills.
Grade 8 Courses
Grade 8 is a fully semestered program. All students take:
Computer Science
Computer Science 8
Students will continue to build upon their knowledge and hands on computer experience that came from the previous level. Students will be able to further sharpen and hone those skills during this course. The course will mainly focus on project work, as students will be using their skills and experience to create various products. Different computer applications will be used throughout this course to give students a breadth of the various different careers that may be possible in this field, including an immersive robotics experience. The major emphasis of this course is on the development of the student's technical learning skills, building the student confidence in learning new computer applications and concepts.
English Literature
English Literature 8
This course will involve creative writing, essay writing, short story and poetry reading, reading response activities and journal writing. This course is aimed at enhancing the student’s knowledge and appreciation of the literary and cultural aspects of the English language. It is designed to build upon the student’s basic language skills so as to enable them to express their feelings and opinions coherently both in formal and creative writing and in oral presentation. Students will be encouraged to read, write and think critically. Students will also examine the various media works and the techniques used in them, and create media works.
French
French 8
Students will continue to build their knowledge of spoken French through listening, speaking, reading and writing activities. Students will be familiarized with the basic vocabulary as well as the linguistic and grammatical rules necessary for effective communication, written as well as spoken. (Prerequisite: French 7)
Geography
Geography 8
In this course students will build on what they have learned in earlier grades about Earth’s physical features and processes in order to explore the relationship between these features/processes and human settlement patterns around the world. They will focus on where people live and why they live there, and on the impact of human settlement and land use on the environment. They will enhance their ability to apply a geographic perspective to their investigation of issues, including issues related to human settlement and sustainability and to global development and quality of life. In addition, students will study factors that affect economic development and quality of life on a global scale and will examine responses to global inequalities. Students will be introduced to new types of maps and graphs, including choropleth maps, scatter graphs, and population pyramids, and, at the same time, will continue to develop their ability to use a variety of sources, tools, and spatial technologies to study various geographic issues.
Global Issues and Citizenship
Global Issues and Citizenship 8
This course introduces students to a range of topics surrounding issues of local and global concern. Course material will be examined through an integrated arts and humanities lens, with a focus on discussion and activity. The goal of this course is to increase student awareness of world issues, building a foundation upon which students can talk about and act upon their growing knowledge and understanding of a changing global environment. Topics include pollution, global warming, gender and oppression, religion and culture and globalization.
History
History 8
In this course students will build on their understanding of earlier Canadian history, examining how social, political, economic, and legal changes in Canada between 1850 and 1914 affected different groups in an increasingly diverse and regionally distinct nation. They will explore experiences of and challenges facing Canadians around the beginning of the twentieth century and will compare them to those of present-day Canadians. Students will examine the internal and external forces that led to Confederation and territorial expansion and of the impact of these developments on long-time Canadians, including First Nations, as well as new immigrants. Through an examination of inequalities in the new nation, students will learn that many of the rights and freedoms we have in Canada today are the result of actions taken by people in this era to change their lives. Students will develop their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking as well as the historical inquiry process, using both primary and secondary sources to explore the perspectives of groups on issues of concern to Canadians from the mid-nineteenth century to the eve of World War I.
Mathematics
The study of Mathematics in Grades 7 and 8 includes five areas: Number Sense and Numeration, Measurement, Geometry and Spatial Sense, Patterning and Algebra, and Data Management and Probability.
Mathematics 8
In this course students will perform all operations with whole numbers, decimals, integers, fractions, and rational numbers. They will solve problems involving percent, rate and proportions. They will calculate perimeters and areas; do volume unit conversions; calculate area and circumference of circles, and calculate volume and surface areas of cylinders. Student will sort quadrilaterals by geometric properties; construct circles; investigate relationships among similar shapes; determine and apply angle relationships for parallel and intersecting lines; relate the numbers of faces, edges, and vertices of a polyhedron; apply the Pythagorean relationship geometrically and plot the image of a point on the coordinate plane after doing a transformation. Students will also translate statements into algebraic equations; find the term number in a pattern algebraically and solve linear equations involving one variable. Finally students will collect organize and display data using histograms and scatter plots; use measures of central tendency to compare sets of data; compare experimental and theoretical probabilities and calculate the probability of complementary events. (Prerequisite: Mathematics 7)
Physical and Health Education
The underlying goals of the Physical and Health Education program at Metro Prep are to:
- improve overall fitness and motor development;
- increase motivation to be physically active; and
- provide an enjoyable, successful experience in exercise and sport.
Physical and Health Education 8
This course will provide each student with the basic skills to actively participate in various sports as well as provide health lessons designed to increase the student’s knowledge, awareness and understanding of many contemporary issues and topics.
The health units include: Healthy Eating (relate healthy eating practices with nutrients and making good choices when it comes to meals and snacks); Personal Safety and Injury Prevention (reduce risk of injuries, assessing situations for potential danger and the impact of violent behaviours); Human Development and Sexual Health (decision making regarding sexual activities, reproduction, relationships and intimacy); Substance Use, Addictions, and Related Behaviours (identify the warning signs of substance misuse, abuse and addiction and consequences that can occur; examine mental health and stress management).
The physical education unit includes fundamental movement skills and active participation in such activities as basketball, floor hockey, soccer, baseball and volleyball.
Science and Technology
Science and Technology 8
This course is organized into four strands, the major areas of knowledge and skills in the curriculum. In grade eight the four strands with combined topics are:
- Understanding Life Systems: Cells
- Understanding Matter and Energy: Fluids
- Understanding Structures and Mechanisms: Systems in Action
- Understanding Earth and Space Systems: Water Systems
Visual Arts
Visual Arts 8
This course includes the study and exploration of the visual arts and dramatic arts. The visual arts component focuses on theory, art history and studio production. Studio projects will include two- and three-dimensional projects. The drama component will comprise the study of the elements of drama through creative activity. Role playing, improvisation, pantomime and movement will be explored.
Writing Skills
Writing Skills 8
The aim of this course is to provide the means that will enable the student to understand the process of writing. The student will learn to apply conventions of language in order to express ideas, feelings, and information clearly and precisely. Listening and speaking skills will also develop as the student learns to communicate more freely using bias-free language. The student will know how to direct questions and talk through ideas to clarify thinking, promote reflection, and generate ideas for written work. Spelling, grammar and composition are consistently interwoven over a five-day cycle to help the student reach his/her potential in English language skills.
Complete 7–8 List
Grades 7 and 8 are fully semestered programs. All students take:
Computer Science
Computer Science 7
This course is intended to give students hands on computer experience that focuses on the use of a computer as a tool for learning. Students will become aware of the "every day" use of computers through an in-depth analysis and exploration of computers in society. The course will be structured to expose students to the basics of computers without getting into in-depth technical studies. Students will learn how to use a computer through exposure to various computer software applications, including effective research tools on the Internet. The course is designed to build student confidence in using a computer, while developing keyboarding skills at an early age and skills, which are reflective of common uses of computers in today's society.
Computer Science 8
Students will continue to build upon their knowledge and hands on computer experience that came from the previous level. Students will be able to further sharpen and hone those skills during this course. The course will mainly focus on project work, as students will be using their skills and experience to create various products. Different computer applications will be used throughout this course to give students a breadth of the various different careers that may be possible in this field, including an immersive robotics experience. The major emphasis of this course is on the development of the student's technical learning skills, building the student confidence in learning new computer applications and concepts.
English Literature
English Literature 7
This course will involve creative writing, introduction to essay writing, short story and poetry reading, reading response activities, public speaking, handwriting, and journal writing. This course is designed to help students build basic language skills so as to enable them to express their feelings and opinions coherently both in formal and creative writing and in oral presentation. Students will also examine the various media works and the techniques used in them, and create media works.
English Literature 8
This course will involve creative writing, essay writing, short story and poetry reading, reading response activities and journal writing. This course is aimed at enhancing the student’s knowledge and appreciation of the literary and cultural aspects of the English language. It is designed to build upon the student’s basic language skills so as to enable them to express their feelings and opinions coherently both in formal and creative writing and in oral presentation. Students will be encouraged to read, write and think critically. Students will also examine the various media works and the techniques used in them, and create media works.
French
French 7
Students will build their knowledge of spoken French through listening, speaking, reading and writing activities. The ability to speak and read French will prepare students for their role as engaged citizens in Canada's bilingual and multicultural communities. (Prerequisite: French 6)
French 8
Students will continue to build their knowledge of spoken French through listening, speaking, reading and writing activities. Students will be familiarized with the basic vocabulary as well as the linguistic and grammatical rules necessary for effective communication, written as well as spoken. (Prerequisite: French 7)
Geography
Geography 7
In this course students will explore opportunities and challenges presented by the physical environment and the ways in which people around the world have responded to them. They will develop an understanding of patterns in Earth’s physicals features and of the physical processes and human activities that create and change these features. Building on their knowledge of natural resources, students will study the extraction/harvesting and use of these resources on a global scale. They will examine the relationship between Earth’s physical features and the distribution and use of natural resources while exploring ways of preserving global resources. In this grade, students will be introduced to the geographic inquiry process and to the concepts of geographic thinking. They will apply the concept of geographic perspective while investigating the impact of natural events and human activities on the physical environment and also various effects of natural resource extraction/harvesting and use. Students will continue to develop their spatial skills, extracting and analysing information from a variety of sources, including different types of maps and graphs, photographs and digital representations, and geographic information systems (GIS).
Geography 8
In this course students will build on what they have learned in earlier grades about Earth’s physical features and processes in order to explore the relationship between these features/processes and human settlement patterns around the world. They will focus on where people live and why they live there, and on the impact of human settlement and land use on the environment. They will enhance their ability to apply a geographic perspective to their investigation of issues, including issues related to human settlement and sustainability and to global development and quality of life. In addition, students will study factors that affect economic development and quality of life on a global scale and will examine responses to global inequalities. Students will be introduced to new types of maps and graphs, including choropleth maps, scatter graphs, and population pyramids, and, at the same time, will continue to develop their ability to use a variety of sources, tools, and spatial technologies to study various geographic issues.
Global Issues and Citizenship
Global Issues and Citizenship 7
This course introduces students to a range of topics surrounding issues of local and global concern. Course material will be examined through an integrated arts and humanities lens, with a focus on discussion and activity. The goal of this course is to increase student awareness of world issues, building a foundation upon which students can talk about and act upon their growing knowledge and understanding of a changing global environment. Topics include extinction, indigenous peoples, civil rights and social media.
Global Issues and Citizenship 8
This course introduces students to a range of topics surrounding issues of local and global concern. Course material will be examined through an integrated arts and humanities lens, with a focus on discussion and activity. The goal of this course is to increase student awareness of world issues, building a foundation upon which students can talk about and act upon their growing knowledge and understanding of a changing global environment. Topics include pollution, global warming, gender and oppression, religion and culture and globalization.
History
History 7
This course has students examining social, political, economic, and legal changes in Canada between 1713 and 1850. They will explore the experiences of and challenges facing different groups in Canada during this period, and will compare them to the experiences of present-day Canadians. In this grade, students will be introduced to the historical inquiry process and will apply it to investigate different perspectives on issues in eighteenth- and early nineteenth- century Canada, including issues associated with the shift in power from France to Britain. Students will learn about various groups that existed in colonial Canada and how they were affected by the conflicts and changes that characterized this period. They will begin to apply the concepts of historical thinking to their study of Canadian history, leading to deeper and more meaningful explorations of life in colonial Canada. Students will also develop their ability to gather and critically analyse evidence from primary sources in order to form their own conclusions about historical issues and events.
History 8
In this course students will build on their understanding of earlier Canadian history, examining how social, political, economic, and legal changes in Canada between 1850 and 1914 affected different groups in an increasingly diverse and regionally distinct nation. They will explore experiences of and challenges facing Canadians around the beginning of the twentieth century and will compare them to those of present-day Canadians. Students will examine the internal and external forces that led to Confederation and territorial expansion and of the impact of these developments on long-time Canadians, including First Nations, as well as new immigrants. Through an examination of inequalities in the new nation, students will learn that many of the rights and freedoms we have in Canada today are the result of actions taken by people in this era to change their lives. Students will develop their ability to apply the concepts of historical thinking as well as the historical inquiry process, using both primary and secondary sources to explore the perspectives of groups on issues of concern to Canadians from the mid-nineteenth century to the eve of World War I.
Mathematics
The study of Mathematics in Grades 7 and 8 includes five areas: Number Sense and Numeration, Measurement, Geometry and Spatial Sense, Patterning and Algebra, and Data Management and Probability.
Mathematics 7
In this course students will work with decimals, fractions, and integers; find squares and square roots; divide whole numbers by simple fractions and decimals; add and subtract simple fractions and integers; multiply and divide decimal numbers by whole numbers; apply order of operations in expressions with brackets; relate fractions, decimals, and percents; solve problems involving whole-number percents and unit rates. Students will convert between metric units; calculate the area of various quadrilaterals; determine the volume and surface areas of prisms; construct parallel, perpendicular, and intersecting lines; sort and classify triangles and quadrilaterals by geometric properties; construct angle bisectors and perpendicular bisectors; investigate relationships among congruent shapes; compare similar and congruent shapes; perform and describe dilatations; tile a plane and plot points in all four quadrants. Students will model real-life relationships involving constant rates graphically and algebraically; translate phrases, using algebraic expressions and solve linear equations. Finally, students will collect, organize and display data; use measures of central tendency to compare sets of data; investigate real-world applications of probability and determine the theoretical probability of two independent events. (Prerequisite: Mathematics 6)
Mathematics 8
In this course students will perform all operations with whole numbers, decimals, integers, fractions, and rational numbers. They will solve problems involving percent, rate and proportions. They will calculate perimeters and areas; do volume unit conversions; calculate area and circumference of circles, and calculate volume and surface areas of cylinders. Student will sort quadrilaterals by geometric properties; construct circles; investigate relationships among similar shapes; determine and apply angle relationships for parallel and intersecting lines; relate the numbers of faces, edges, and vertices of a polyhedron; apply the Pythagorean relationship geometrically and plot the image of a point on the coordinate plane after doing a transformation. Students will also translate statements into algebraic equations; find the term number in a pattern algebraically and solve linear equations involving one variable. Finally students will collect organize and display data using histograms and scatter plots; use measures of central tendency to compare sets of data; compare experimental and theoretical probabilities and calculate the probability of complementary events. (Prerequisite: Mathematics 7)
Physical and Health Education
The underlying goals of the Physical and Health Education program at Metro Prep are to:
- improve overall fitness and motor development;
- increase motivation to be physically active; and
- provide an enjoyable, successful experience in exercise and sport.
Physical and Health Education 7
This course will provide each student with the basic skills to actively participate in various sports as well as provide health lessons designed to increase the student’s knowledge, awareness and understanding of many contemporary issues and topics.
The health units include: Healthy Eating (relate healthy eating practices and active living to body images and self-esteem); Personal Safety and Injury Prevention (safe use of computers, cell phones, types of and impact of harassment and social/verbal bullying); Human Development and Sexual Health (reproduction, STIs); Substance Use, Addictions, and Related Behaviours (linkages between mental health and problematic substance abuse; preoccupation with body image and athletic performance and substance abuse; social and personal problems related to drug use and addictive behaviours).
The physical education unit includes fundamental movement skills and active participation in such activities as basketball, floor hockey, soccer, baseball and volleyball.
Physical and Health Education 8
This course will provide each student with the basic skills to actively participate in various sports as well as provide health lessons designed to increase the student’s knowledge, awareness and understanding of many contemporary issues and topics.
The health units include: Healthy Eating (relate healthy eating practices with nutrients and making good choices when it comes to meals and snacks); Personal Safety and Injury Prevention (reduce risk of injuries, assessing situations for potential danger and the impact of violent behaviours); Human Development and Sexual Health (decision making regarding sexual activities, reproduction, relationships and intimacy); Substance Use, Addictions, and Related Behaviours (identify the warning signs of substance misuse, abuse and addiction and consequences that can occur; examine mental health and stress management).
The physical education unit includes fundamental movement skills and active participation in such activities as basketball, floor hockey, soccer, baseball and volleyball.
Science and Technology
Science and Technology 7
This course is organized into four strands, the major areas of knowledge and skills in the curriculum. In grade seven the four strands with combined topics are:
- Understanding Life Systems: Interactions in the Environment
- Understanding Matter and Energy: Pure Substances and Mixtures
- Understanding Structures and Mechanisms: Form and Function
- Understanding Earth and Space Systems: Heat in the Environment
Science and Technology 8
This course is organized into four strands, the major areas of knowledge and skills in the curriculum. In grade eight the four strands with combined topics are:
- Understanding Life Systems: Cells
- Understanding Matter and Energy: Fluids
- Understanding Structures and Mechanisms: Systems in Action
- Understanding Earth and Space Systems: Water Systems
Visual Arts
Visual Arts 7
The objective of this course is to develop practical facility in the techniques of drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and information design. Students will produce two- and three-dimensional works of art that communicate a variety of ideas. They will identify the principles of design and use them when producing and responding to works of art. Art history will focus on artists and artistic periods that interest the students.
Visual Arts 8
This course includes the study and exploration of the visual arts and dramatic arts. The visual arts component focuses on theory, art history and studio production. Studio projects will include two- and three-dimensional projects. The drama component will comprise the study of the elements of drama through creative activity. Role playing, improvisation, pantomime and movement will be explored.
Writing Skills
Writing Skills 7
The aim of this course is to provide the means that will enable the student to understand the process of writing. The student will learn to apply conventions of language in order to express ideas, feelings, and information clearly and precisely. Listening and speaking skills will also develop as the student learns to communicate more freely using bias-free language. The student will know how to direct questions and talk through ideas to clarify thinking, promote reflection, and generate ideas for written work. Spelling, grammar and composition are consistently interwoven over a five-day cycle to help the student reach his/her potential in English language skills.
Writing Skills 8
The aim of this course is to provide the means that will enable the student to understand the process of writing. The student will learn to apply conventions of language in order to express ideas, feelings, and information clearly and precisely. Listening and speaking skills will also develop as the student learns to communicate more freely using bias-free language. The student will know how to direct questions and talk through ideas to clarify thinking, promote reflection, and generate ideas for written work. Spelling, grammar and composition are consistently interwoven over a five-day cycle to help the student reach his/her potential in English language skills.