The first year of university is an exhilarating life transition filled with new explorations, freedoms and responsibilities. For many adults, however, it is also remembered as a terrifying, sink-or-swim academic version of Survivor. As a university preparatory school, Collingwood is focused on helping graduates best prepare for the rigours that await them in post-secondary learning environments. And there is no better example of this than AP Seminar.

"AP Seminar taught me excellent foundational writing skills. It enriched my critical thinking skills and pushed me to write in a collaborative environment.”
- Jena Yue, ’22 (currently at Stanford University)

Part of the College Board’s AP (Advanced Placement) Capstone Program, AP Seminar is an interdisciplinary course that encourages students to develop their critical thinking and academic research skills on topics they themselves select. Using an inquiry-based framework and a recursive approach to skill development, students practise reading and analyzing articles, research studies, and foundational literary and philosophical texts. Students learn how to synthesize information from multiple sources, develop their own perspectives in written essays, and design and deliver oral and visual presentations, both individually and as part of a team. Ultimately, the course aims to equip students with the power to analyze and evaluate information with accuracy and precision in order to craft and communicate evidence-based arguments. 

Or, in non-academic verbiage...AP Seminar helps students learn how to research and write university-level papers. Before they actually get to university. Now that’s putting the prep in preparatory school!

“Students can explore their interests in this course and learn about university-level writing. As a teacher, it’s a wonderful experience to see students dedicated to researching and writing a topic that is meaningful to them. Not only do they feel a sense of accomplishment, but this course gives them the confidence that they will find success when they enter university.” - Chris Jacoby, Head of Department - Social Studies, Morven Campus

Read the full Bridge, Spring 2023 edition here.