Skip To Main Content

Collingwood Senior School

Academic Handbook

2026/2027

Curriculum, policies, and courses on offer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The BC Curriculum

Overview

The BC Curriculum is recognized internationally for its approach to teaching and learning and all schools that issue  a BC Dogwood Diploma for High School graduation are required to adhere to the principles of the BC Provincial Curriculum. The curriculum maintains a focus on sound foundations of literacy and numeracy while supporting the development of citizens who are competent thinkers and communicators, and who are personally and socially competent in all areas of their lives. It honours the ways in which students think, learn, and grow, and prepares them for a successful lifetime of learning where ongoing change is constant.

The foundational principles of the BC Curriculum are:

  • Education for the 21st Century
  • Student success through curriculum transformation
  • Indigenous perspectives and knowledge
  • Redesigned curriculum model and competency based learning

Advance Placement Courses

Collingwood School offers a selection of AP courses as part of the academic program. Advanced Placement is a program run by the College Board that is designed to give students the experience of an introductory level college class while in high school. The courses are taught at Collingwood and students sit an external examination created by the College Board. Students pursue these advanced courses in a subject area where they are passionate, and they may earn post-secondary credits if they perform well on the examination. There is no formula or prescribed number of AP courses that a student should pursue in order to be accepted into any post-secondary institution.

Beginning in Grade 10, students may opt to take an Advanced Placement class. Students should consider their interest in the course material and be willing to spend significant additional time reading and studying outside of class time. We encourage students to speak with their counsellors, teachers and parents to make an informed decision about the best time to enroll in an AP class.

Academic Policies

Academic Programming

Collingwood School Trimester System

The Senior School year is divided into a trimester system which has three distinct periods of learning. Like all students in British Columbia, Collingwood students take 8 courses each year; however, these courses are divided into three trimester periods of different lengths.

  • First Trimester; The 2: First day of school to early-November (A/B)
  • Second Trimester; The 5: November until mid-May (end of AP exams) (C-G)
  • Third Trimester; The 1: Mid May to Mid June (H)

Our goal is to provide different learning experiences in each of the three trimesters, where students cover the same content and build the same skills, but the learning is designed and delivered differently according to when the class is scheduled. 

Benefits to the trimester include reducing the concurrent courses studied by students to help better manage stress and promote improved well being. Reducing the total number of students assigned to teachers during each trimester provides teachers more opportunities to get to know their students, to better understand their learning needs, and to create a sense of belonging in their classrooms.

Third Trimester “Showcase” or “H block” Course Programming

Students in Grade 10-12 have the opportunity to select which course they would like to study during the final trimester. Students in Grade 8 are exposed to an academic course during the third trimester and students in grade 9 take an elective in the final trimester. Based on these learning experiences, students in Grade 10-12 are equipped to determine the course they would like to learn in an immersive and/or experiential manner. Courses in H block will have field trips and are designed to be a deep dive into the curriculum. The final trimester offers a range of courses across the four strands.

Students have the opportunity to select a course that involves travel related to the course learning targets. This trip will occur during the course and will be tied directly to the learning. We are excited to allow students the opportunity to travel and study without worrying about what they are missing in their other courses. Students will need to select carefully; planning for school trips that involve curricular learning requires additional planning and once a deposit has been placed, it will not be refundable and space in other courses may be limited.

Students who participate in a third term sport may miss school due to competition. We encourage these students to meet with their university counsellor to ensure they select a course that will allow them to balance their school life and academic commitments.


 

Collingwood School Course Selection

Collingwood’s extensive academic offerings create 600 different schedules for our 600 students. The Academic Calendar with specific dates is posted on our website each year and follows the general schedule below.

Student Course Schedules

Student course schedules are built in priority order as below:

Required courses: these courses are required for graduation and these are the priority in creating student timetables. Students must take all prerequisite courses at Collingwood, unless they are in the PEAK Program.

Pre-requisites: students must meet the prerequisite in order to be enrolled into a course. Students in Grade 8 and 9 are required to take two elective courses at the Grade 8 or 9 level. Our performing and visual arts electives are designed for entrance at any grade level - 8, 9 or 10 to allow students to explore interests and find areas of passion.

Elective courses: as students get older, elective choices increase across all departments. Sometimes a conflict can occur due to a lower volume of course selections in a certain subject which results in fewer sections of a course being offered. Students in this situation will be contacted by their University Guidance Counselor. 

Courses Scheduled Outside the Timetable

Collingwood offers courses outside of the timetable in several academic departments across the four strands. These courses are generally academic electives in the BC graduation program and students enrolled in these courses earn four credits toward graduation. Although scheduled before or after school, these courses adhere to all school policies relating to instructional hours (minimum of 80 hours), attendance, assessment, reporting and unit and lesson plan expectations.

FLEX Blocks

FLEX blocks are considered “flexible learning” time where students attend to their academic studies based on their own learning needs. It is used for the following:

  • Personal study time
  • Tutorials
  • Accessing the Inclusive Ed support team
  • Additional scheduled AP class time
  • Grade 10 Career Education
  • Meeting with the Head of House or University Guidance Counselor
  • Advisory (Grade 8 & 9 only)

PEAK Performance Program

Collingwood’s PEAK Program provides an avenue for athletes or performers who are excelling in their chosen fields (athletics, performing arts, etc) to continue to study at Collingwood. This program does not provide academic support or half day absences, rather it allows students to work more closely with their counsellor to determine the course pathways including approval for students to take online courses in order to free up their schedule. Teachers are informed when students are in this program and they post lesson plans daily to allow students to complete the learning. 

The Peak Program begins in Grade 10 as students in Grade 8 and 9 are not permitted to have a study block and missing extensive classes during these formative, skill building years can be detrimental to student success in senior grades. Students in the Peak Program must exhibit and/or build excellence in our academic program in their grade 8 and 9 years so they are prepared to manage the rigour of Grade 10-12 while missing classes due to their chosen Peak passion. Please see the school website for extensive explanations and applications.

Summer Institute

Summer Institute provides students with the opportunity to further their learning during the summer holidays. Students may elect to take a course for credit over a month of instruction to accelerate their learning. Students wishing to take a course for credit to accelerate progression through math and science should discuss their acceleration with their teachers and University Guidance counsellor. Please see the school website for available courses and application deadlines. 

Student Exchange (Grade 9)

Student Exchanges may occur, by application, in Grade 9 during the final trimester. If accepted, students will work with University Guidance and the exchange coordinator to ensure required courses are prioritized in the schedule.

December

Academic programming approved for following school year

January

Course selection presentations for all grades

January-June

Ongoing meetings with university guidance for students in Grade 8-11

January-March

Reflection and learning period for students who are determining course choices

Early March

Course selection deadline for submissions into Veracross

March-May

Completion of timetable and staffing assignments

May

Students informed of course conflicts and individual timetable adjustments completed

June

Student timetable shared with courses for each trimester; changes accepted through University Guidance Counselor

September

Final Student timetable with teachers and classroom assignments shared with students through Veracross

There are no resources or collections to display

Required Courses

Graduation Requirements

In order to meet graduation requirements and be awarded a British Columbia Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma), students must earn a minimum of 80 credits and write provincial assessments of numeracy and literacy. The 80 credits include 52 credits for required courses (including 8 credits of Career Education courses) and a minimum of 28 elective credits. Effective in 2023/2024, the 80 credits must also include at least 4 credits in Indigenous-focused course work.

Subject Area Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Arts Education/Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies

At least 1 course at either the Grade 10, Grade 11, or Grade 12 level
  • Performing Arts Grade 10-12
    • Senior Band: Concert Band;  Jazz Band
    • Senior Drama
    • Theatre Production
  • Visual Arts Grade 10-12
    • Digital Studio 10
    • Digital Studio 11
    • Digital Studio 12
    • Art Studio 10
    • Art Studio 11
    • Art Studio 12 AP
    • Studio Art 12
  • ADST
    • Economics 12
    • Entrepreneurship 12
    • Marketing 11
    • E-Commerce 12
    • Work Experience 12
    • AP Computer Science Principles
    • AP Computer Science Applications
    • Robotics

Career Life

Career Life Education   Career Life Connections

English

English 10 Literary Studies

At least 1 of the following:

  • Creative Writing 10
  • New Media 10

Composition 11/AP Capstone Seminar

1 of the following:

  • English Studies 12
  • AP English Language and Composition 12
  • AP English Literature & Composition 12

Indigenous Education

 

BC First Peoples 12 (can count as both the Indigenous Education Graduation Requirement and the Social Studies credit)

 

Mathematics

Foundations of Math and Pre-Calculus 10

At least 1 of the following courses at either Grade 11 or Grade 12 level:

  • Foundations of Mathematics 11
  • Pre-Calculus 11
  • Foundations of Mathematics 12
  • Pre-Calculus 12
  • Calculus 12
 

Physical and Health Education

Physical and Health Education 10

 

 

Science

Science 10

At least 1 of the following courses at either Grade 11 or Grade 12:

  • Anatomy & Physiology 12
  • Chemistry 11
  • Chemistry 12
  • Earth Sciences 11
  • Environmental Science 12
  • Life Sciences 11
  • Physics 11
  • Physics 12
  • Sport Science 12
 

Social Studies

At least 1 of the following:

  • Social Studies 10
  • Social Studies 10: Exploring Canadian History

At least 1 of the following courses at either Grade 11 or Grade 12 level:

  • 20th Century World History 12
  • BC First Peoples 12
  • Law 12
  • Philosophy 12
  • Physical Geography 12
  • Social Justice 12
 

 

Courses on Offer

Courses

  • English Language Arts
Humanities 8

Humanities 8 is an interdisciplinary course that explores the human experience—past and present, personal and societal, real and imagined—to create critical thinkers better able to navigate our increasingly complex and globalized world. In its exploration of the Ministry of Education’s English Language Arts 8 and Social Studies 8 curricula, this course develops reading, speaking, and thinking strategies, as well as the writing and creative processes needed to access texts, guide inquiry, extend thinking, and create and communicate ideas. With historical and contemporary events and texts selected to develop themes and issues relevant in today’s world, students deepen their understanding of personal, social, and cultural identity. Students are introduced to historical thinking skills and explore meaningful connections to self, other texts, and the world.

  • Required course-automatically enrolled
  • English Language Arts
Humanities 9

Humanities 9 is an interdisciplinary, skills-based course that brings together literary analysis and historical thinking to help students make meaningful connections across subjects. Throughout terms one and two, students develop their reading, writing, speaking, and inquiry skills while exploring major historical topics such as European exploration, revolution and western settlement, Indigenous resistance, and immigration experiences. Students read a variety of texts that include a novel, graphic history works, short stories, and poetry, and they also strengthen their public speaking abilities and writing process. By examining diverse perspectives in both literature and history, students learn to think critically, interpret evidence, and understand how Canada’s past continues to shape personal, social, and cultural identities.

  • Required course-automatically enrolled
  • English Language Arts
English 10

English 10 has a unique structure: as a four credit course, students are required to complete two modules. At Collingwood, all students are enrolled in English 10 Literary Studies; in this foundational component of the course, students develop their skills in literary appreciation and analysis across a variety of text-types. As well, the students continue to develop their written composition and communication skills in a variety of styles—both creative and formal—with a specific focus on the essay form. All students will prepare a presentation for our annual public speaking event.

In addition to English 10 Literary Studies, students select one of the following modules:

English 10 Creative Writing

Story is central to this English 10 module, and students will be immersed in a range of styles, genres, and text-types. Students will continue to read, analyze, and communicate in a variety of ways, with a specific focus on creative expression through a variety of approaches.

English 10 New Media

Interactivity is central to this English 10 module, and students will be immersed in the ways we use media to communicate and exchange ideas. Students will continue to read, analyze, and communicate in a variety of ways, with a specific focus on the digital world.

  • Required course-automatically enrolled
  • English Language Arts
English Composition 11/AP Capstone Seminar 11

This course incorporates the dual aims and objectives of two curricula: the BC Ministry of Education’s English Composition 11 and the College Board’s AP Capstone Seminar; both courses are studied concurrently. The course engages students in cross-curricular conversations that explore the complexities of academic and real-world topics and issues by analyzing divergent perspectives. Using an inquiry framework, students practice reading and analyzing articles and research studies, as well as foundational, literary, and philosophical texts; they listen to and view speeches, broadcasts, and personal accounts; and they experience artistic works and performances. Students learn 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. All students will prepare a presentation for Collingwood School’s annual public speaking event.

  • Required course-automatically enrolled
  • English Language Arts
AP English Language & Composition 12

As a university-level course through which students have the opportunity to earn university credits and/or placement, this course incorporates the dual aims and objectives of two curricula: the College Board’s AP English Language & Composition and the BC Ministry of Education’s English Studies 12. Students will read critically and extensively; write precisely and effectively; and speak knowledgeably and articulately. At its foundation, this is a course about rhetoric--the art of persuasion. Students will study the ways people produce text to create and communicate meaning and, in turn, develop their own abilities to write in a variety of genres, with particular attention to synthesis, rhetorical analysis, and argumentative essays. In addition, public speaking skills are honed for Collingwood’s annual public speaking event, and academic research and writing skills are developed through the Extended Research Essay process. Students will write the AP English Language & Composition Examination in May.

  • AP Course
  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • English Language Arts
AP English Literature & Composition

This dual credit course combines the advanced literary analysis of AP English Literature and Composition with the comprehensive, skills-based approach of English Studies 12. Students will engage with a range of classic and contemporary texts and sharpen their critical thinking and writing abilities through literary analysis, argumentation, and synthesis. Students will also develop their public speaking skills for Collingwood’s annual speaking event, enhancing their ability to communicate persuasively and articulately. The course includes the Extended Research Project, where students deepen their academic research and writing expertise. Successful completion of this course earns both a BC Ministry of Education Language Arts credit and an AP course credit from the College Board.

  • AP Course
  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • English Language Arts
AP Capstone Research 12

AP Capstone Research, the second course in the AP Capstone experience, allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, issue, or idea of individual interest. Students design, plan, and implement a yearlong investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills acquired in the AP Capstone Seminar course by learning research methods; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skills development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000-5,000 words and a presentation with an oral defense.

Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Capstone Seminar, AP Capstone Research, and on four additional AP Exams of their choice will receive the AP Capstone Diploma.

Prerequisites: Completion of AP Capstone Seminar

Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Capstone Seminar and AP Capstone Research, but not on four additional AP Exams, will receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

  • AP Course
  • Languages
French 8

French 8 aims to help students build confidence, communication and trust in all second-language classroom relationships while being immersed in a fun and interactive French environment. The students will develop their language skills (oral, listening, reading, writing) in an expressive context using authentic tasks and materials. Technology will be integrated into the curriculum. Throughout the year, students will work on a variety of tasks in order to build fluency. Some of the concepts that will be studied include high-frequency vocabulary, the present tense of regular and irregular verbs, adjectives, and the passé composé. Films, music, and authentic documents from a variety of Francophone sources will allow students to learn about other cultural communities in order to better understand their own cultural community and to see the world from a new perspective.

Prerequisites: By Application

  • Languages
French 8 Accelerated

French 8 Accelerated is aimed at strong language students with either an immersion background or a high level of French as students will complete both French 8 and French 9 in one year. This course builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in French K-7. Its aim is to help students deepen their understanding of French so that they can gain more confidence in expressing themselves in conveying meaning. The students will develop their language skills (oral, listening, reading, writing) in an expressive context using authentic tasks and materials. Technology will also be integrated into the curriculum. Throughout the year, students will work on a variety of tasks in order to build fluency. Some of the concepts that will be studied include the past tense, modal verb construction, adverbs, direct/indirect object pronouns as well as relative pronouns. Films, music, and authentic documents in French from a variety of Francophone sources will allow students to learn about other cultural communities in order to better understand their own cultural community and to see the world from a new perspective.

  • Languages
French 9

French 9 builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in French K-8. Its aim is to help students deepen their understanding of French so that they can gain more confidence in expressing themselves and in conveying meaning. The students will develop their language skills (oral, listening, reading, writing) in an expressive context using authentic tasks and materials. Technology will be integrated into the curriculum. Throughout the year, students will work on a variety of tasks in order to build fluency. Some of the concepts that will be studied include refinement of the past tense, modal verb construction, adverbs, object pronouns and relative pronouns. Films, music, and authentic documents from a variety of Francophone sources will allow students to learn about other cultural communities in order to better understand their own cultural community and to see the world from a new perspective.

Prerequisites: French 8

  • Languages
French 10

French 10 is a course that builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in previous years. Its aim is to help students build confidence, communication and trust in and interactive and immersive French environment. The students will develop their language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) in an expressive context using authentic tasks and materials. Technology and research will also be integrated into the curriculum. The themes explored include childhood memories and rites of passage. Students will also be introduced to a diverse range of Francophone culture from authentic sources. This will allow students to learn about other cultural communities in order to better understand their own cultural community and to see the world from a new perspective. Reinforcement will be completed to enhance and improve students' listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in order to build fluency.

Prerequisites: French 9 or French 8/9 Accelerated

  • Languages
French 11

French 11 builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in previous years. Its aim is to help students build confidence, communication and trust in an interactive and immersive French environment. The students will develop their language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) in an expressive context using authentic tasks and materials. Technology and research will also be integrated into the curriculum and students will have the opportunity to build their fluency through classroom tasks. The themes explored include: the arts, the Francophone world and travel, health and well being. Films, music, and authentic documents from a variety of Francophone sources will allow students to learn about other cultural communities in order to better understand their own cultural community and to see the world from a new perspective.

>

Prerequisites: French 10 or French 10 Enriched

  • Languages
French 12

French 12 aims to help students build confidence, communication and trust in all second-language classroom relationships while being immersed in an engaging French environment. The students will develop their language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) in an expressive context using authentic tasks and materials. Technology and research will also be integrated into the curriculum. Some of the concepts that will be studied include thematic vocabulary, the conditional past, the present and past subjunctive, the indicative vs. the subjunctive, and conjunctions. Students will also be introduced to Francophone culture through audio-visual and print resources. Throughout the year, students will be working on strengthening their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

Prerequisites: French 11 or French 11 Enriched

  • Languages
AP French Language and Culture 12

Students who enroll in the Advanced Placement Program in French Language and Culture have a good command of French grammar and vocabulary and have competence in the following four skills: listening comprehension, reading comprehension, speaking and writing. The AP French Language and Culture course seeks to develop these skills even further. It will also emphasize the use of language for active communication to help students develop the following: the ability to understand spoken French in various contexts ; a French vocabulary sufficiently ample for reading newspapers and magazine articles, literary texts and other non-technical writings without depending on a dictionary; the ability to express themselves coherently, resourcefully, and with reasonable fluency and accuracy in both written and spoken French. Particular emphasis will be placed on interpretive communication, presentational speaking and writing and interpersonal speaking and writing. The six major themes studied are Beauty and Aesthetics, Families and Communities, Personal and Public Identities, Contemporary Life, Science and Technology and Global Challenges. The course will also provide opportunities for students to demonstrate an understanding of the perspectives, practices and products of the target cultures.

Prerequisites: French 11 or French 11 Enriched

  • AP Course
  • Languages
French Literature 12

The French Literature 12 course is designed to introduce students who have advanced language skills to the formal study of a representative body of literary texts in French. The works of the following authors will be studied: Molière, Voltaire, Laye, Maupassant and selected poems by La Fontaine, Apollinaire, Baudelaire, du Bellay and Louise Labé. The goal of this course is to teach students to read, analyze, and understand French literary texts. Students will become thoroughly familiar with all the required texts and will analyze them in depth. Classes will include close readings and discussion of texts and regular essay writing. Particular attention is given to character and theme, structure and style. Students learn to analyse text analytically. The students are taught the techniques of literary analysis as well as the basic vocabulary of critical terms as we encounter them.

Prerequisites: Open to students who have completed French 12 or AP French 12

  • Languages
Spanish 8

In this course, students will develop their language skills (oral, listening, reading, writing) in an expressive context using authentic tasks and materials. Students will also have the opportunity to work on a variety of skill-based tasks in class in order to build further fluency in reading, writing, listening, and in particular, speaking. The course also provides an introduction to the cultures of Latin America and Spain. Students' learning experiences are enriched with a series of games, stories, videos, arts and crafts, and the celebration of several important Latin American festivals.

  • Languages
Spanish 9

In this course, students will develop their language skills (oral, listening, reading, writing) in an expressive context using authentic tasks and materials. Students will also have the opportunity to work on a variety of skill-based tasks in class in order to build further fluency in reading, writing, listening, and in particular, speaking. The course also provides an introduction to the cultures of Latin America and Spain. Students' learning experiences are enriched with a series of games, stories, videos, arts and crafts, and the celebration of several important Latin American festivals.

Prerequisites: Spanish 8

  • Languages
Spanish 10

Spanish 10 builds upon the knowledge acquired in Spanish 9. Class instruction will target listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students will be encouraged to use Spanish as their main language to communicate with each other and with the teacher. Students' learning experiences are enriched with a series of games, stories, videos, arts and crafts, and the celebration of some important Latin American festivals. Students will also have the opportunity to work on a variety of skill-based tasks in class in order to build further fluency in reading, writing, listening, and in particular, speaking.

Prerequisites: Spanish 9

  • Languages
Spanish 11

Spanish 11 builds upon the material studied in Spanish 10. Class instruction will target listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Students’ learning experiences are enriched with a series of games, stories, videos, arts and crafts, and the celebration of some important Latin American festivals. Students will be encouraged to use Spanish as their main language to communicate with each other and with the teacher. Students will also have the opportunity to work on a variety of skill-based tasks in order to build further fluency in reading, writing, listening, and in particular, speaking.

Prerequisites: Spanish 10

  • Languages
Spanish 12

Spanish 12 builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in Spanish 11. Students will be introduced to colloquial Spanish and idiomatic expressions used in everyday conversation by native speakers. Class instruction will target listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. The class will be conducted mostly in Spanish. Students will be encouraged to use Spanish as the only means of communication within the classroom setting. Students’ learning experiences will be enriched with a series of games, stories, videos, arts and crafts, and the celebration of some important Latin American festivals. Students will also have the opportunity to work on a variety of skill-based tasks in the classroom in order to build further fluency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Prerequisites: Spanish 11

  • Languages
AP Spanish Language and Culture 12

AP Spanish Language and Culture is for students who already have competence in the following four skills: speaking, writing, listening comprehension, and reading comprehension. This course seeks to develop these skills even further in order for the students to be able to understand spoken Spanish in different contexts, broaden their vocabulary so that they can understand more complex written material from different sources, and to express themselves with reasonable fluency and accuracy in both written and spoken Spanish. As the goal of the program is to have students immersed in the Spanish language, students will be encouraged to use Spanish as the only means of communication within the classroom setting. Students will also have the opportunity to work on a variety of skill-based tasks in order to build further fluency in reading, writing, listening, and in particular, speaking.

Prerequisites: Spanish 11

  • AP Course
  • Mathematics
Mathematics 8

Students will develop their skills around the big ideas in Mathematics 8 by examining them in four directions. They will show their competency through reasoning and analyzing, understanding and solving, communicating and representing, and connecting and reflecting. Math 8 extends on the curricular competencies from Math 7, raising the expectations through the application of concepts in a variety of settings. The course is cumulative in nature and designed to reinforce concept and skills that students will need for future mathematics courses. Topics of study include integers, fractions, decimals, percent, ratio, proprotions, linear expressions, linear equations, linear relations, graphing, probability, squares, cubes, roots, the Pythagorean Theorem, and geometry.

  • Required course-automatically enrolled
  • Mathematics
Mathematics 8/9 Accelerated

This course will cover two years of math in one. In addition, students will often be challenged with weekly contest problems and other deeper thinking tasks. The curriculum will focus on problem-based learning to provide students with the opportunity to make connections between math and the real world. The goal is for students to develop deep mathematical understanding, procedural fluency, logical reasoning, and analytic and creative thinking by actively investigating problems and finding solutions. Students who successfully complete this course will receive credit for Math 9. Please see the topics of study in Math 8 and Math 9 for the content addressed in this course.

Prerequisites: By application

  • Mathematics
Mathematics 9

This course will include the British Columbia Math 9 curriculum as well as enrichment activities that provide students with higher-level mathematical thinking skills while investigating many topics in greater depth. The curriculum will focus on problem-based learning to provide students with the opportunity to make connections between math and the real world. The goal is for students to develop deep mathematical understanding, procedural fluency, logical reasoning, and analytic and creative thinking by actively investigating problems and finding solutions. Topics of study include: square roots and exponents; polynomials; factoring second degree polynomials; solving equations and inequalities; linear relations; radicals; geometry; statistics; financial literacy.

  • Required course-automatically enrolled
  • Mathematics
Foundations of Math and Pre-Calculus 10

This course enables students to think abstractly, to make connections between relationships, and to analyze and represent mathematical situations through various contexts. Students will become more familiar with technological devices to help them find patterns and solutions. They will build upon their algebraic background and make connections through graphing. Students will work on explaining and reasoning their solutions through real-world applications. An emphasis on developing abstract thinking abilities is explored through units of study on characteristics of linear relations, linear equations, systems of equations, relations, functions, arithmetic sequences and series, exponents and radicals, polynomials, right-angled trigonometry and financial literacy.

Prerequisites: Mathematics 9; minimum extending in 3 competency areas to accelerate by taking both Math 10 (1st trimester) and Pre-Calculus 11 (2nd trimester) in grade 10 year.

  • Required course-automatically enrolled
  • Mathematics
Pre-Calculus 11

Students in Pre-Calculus 11 will spend more time developing their understanding of symbolic manipulation and of generalizations of more sophisticated mathematics concepts. The primary purpose of Pre-Calculus 11 will be to develop the formalism students will need to continue on with the study of calculus. The following topics will be covered with an emphasis on developing abstract thinking abilities: radical expressions and equations, quadratic equations, systems of equations and inequalities, quadratic functions, graphing and solving rational functions, trigonometry (including Sine Law and Cosine Law), and financial literacy.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Mathematics
Foundations of Math 12

This course provides opportunities for students to improve their numeracy skills and concepts. Developing a sense of numeracy will help them to understand how mathematical concepts permeate daily life, business, industry, and government. Students need to be able to use mathematics not just in their work lives, but in their personal lives as citizens and consumers. It is intended that students will learn to value mathematics and become confident in their mathematical abilities. Topics in this course include: logic games and puzzles; geometric reasoning; counting, probability, and statistics; rates, ratios, and proportions; interpreting data; understanding growth using linear, polynomial, and exponential regressions; understanding cyclical change; budgeting and spreadsheets; financial literacy.

Foundations of Math 12 does not prepare students for calculus, and therefore post-secondary goals need to be considered when selecting this as a student's sole grade 12 level math course. Students must check with University Guidance to determine if this course meets post-secondary prerequisites.

Prerequisites: Foundations of Mathematics 11 or Pre-Calculus 11

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Mathematics
Foundations of Math 11

Foundations of Math 11 is designed to provide students with the mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills identified for post-secondary studies that do not require the study of theoretical calculus. Students will be required to complete assignments using using a variety of tools, including online measuring applications, Desmos, and Google Sheets, among others. Units of study in this course include; linear inequalities; properties of angles and triangles; statistics; graphing quadratic functions; solutions to systems of equations; inductive and deductive reasoning; financial literacy.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Mathematics
Pre-Calculus 12

The big ideas of Pre-Calculus 12 include: using inverse operations to solve equations and explain relationships between functions; understanding relationships of functions to build connections between classes of functions; and transforming functions and relations in various representations. In this course, students will develop their understanding of symbolic manipulation and of generalizations of more sophisticated mathematical concepts. The primary purpose of Pre-Calculus is to develop the formalism students will need to continue on with the study of calculus. Units of study include function transformations, polynomials, radical and rational functions, conics, geometric sequences and series, exponential functions and logarithms, trigonometric functions, trigonometric equations and identities.

Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus 11

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Mathematics
Calculus 12

Calculus 12 is intended for students who wish to further their education in the fields of mathematics or the sciences where a deeper understanding of how things change in relationship to each other is required. This course has a demanding work-load in terms of content and delivery pace. In order to be successful in this course, students should plan for one hour of work outside of class for each instructional lesson and have a fundamental knowledge of mathematical principles including algebra, graphing, functions and trigonometry. Topics of study include: limits; derivatives and their applications; integration and its applications.

Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus 12 completed (recommended) or concurrent

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Mathematics
AP Calculus AB

AP Calculus AB focuses on students’ understanding of calculus concepts and provides experience with methods and applications. The course requires students to use definitions and theorems to build arguments and justify conclusions. The course features a multi-representational approach to calculus, with concepts, results, and problems expressed graphically, numerically, analytically, and verbally. A sustained emphasis on clear communication of methods, reasoning, justifications, and conclusions is essential. AP Calculus AB is designed to be the equivalent of a first semester college calculus course devoted to topics in differential and integral calculus. Topics in AP Calculus AB include: limits, continuity, differentiation, applications of differentiation, integration, differential equations, and applications of differentiation.

Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus 12

  • AP Course
  • Mathematics
AP Calculus BC

AP Calculus BC is a continuation and extension of the AP Calculus AB curriculum. In this course, students will explore the concepts, methods, and applications of differential and integral calculus. Students will gain experience connecting representations, applying their knowledge, justifying reasoning and solutions, and will practice using correct mathematical notation, language and conventions in communicating solutions. AP Calculus BC is designed to be the equivalent of a second semester college calculus course devoted to further topics in differential and integral calculus. Topics in AP Calculus BC include: further integration techniques, geometric applications of integration, differential equations with logistic growth, Euler's Method, parametric functions, polar functions, and sequences and series (including convergence and polynomial approximations of transcendental functions).

Prerequisites: AP Calculus AB or Calculus 12

  • AP Course
  • Mathematics
AP Statistics

The AP Statistics course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions from data. There are four themes evident in the content, skills, and assessment in the AP Statistics course: exploring data, sampling and experimentation, probability and simulation, and statistical inference. Students use technology, investigations, problem solving, and writing as they build conceptual understanding. The AP Statistics course is equivalent to a one-semester, introductory, non-calculus-based college course in statistics.

Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus 11 or 12

  • AP Course
  • Mathematics
Statistics 12

Statistics 12 is a highly practical, innovative, and relevant course offering students the opportunity to delve into data science through a project-based approach, unbound by the typical pace and content of AP exams. It is intended for students in all career paths who wish to develop essential skills in data literacy, critical thinking, and uncertainty management. This course provides a foundational understanding of how to collect, analyze, and interpret real-world data to make evidence-based decisions. Students will engage in statistical modelling projects, culminating in a final research report, and will need a fundamental knowledge of basic algebraic manipulations and graphing techniques. Topics of study include: experimental design and sampling methods; descriptive statistics and graphical representation; probability; confidence intervals; and hypothesis testing. This course is an option for those curious about statistics projects or those planning on taking AP Statistics the following year.

Prerequisites: Foundation of Mathematics & Pre-Calculus 10

  • STEM
Design and Technology 8

Design Technology 8 will introduce students to designing and building integrated hardware and software technologies, analyzing, testing, and communicating results. There will be 3 streams that will continue through Grade 9 and broaden to become individual courses by the Grade 10 to 12 level. The 3 streams are: Programming, Robotics, and image editing. The focus of each stream will be to present the students with a challenge that requires them to analyze a problem, design and build a hardware or software solution, test and refine their solution, and present their product. Additionally, at times they will collaborate with students in other departments on more complicated projects that require them to consider how to brand and market their products to targeted consumers and then pitch their ideas to a focus group. Programs used for the challenges will include: Gamemaker, Vex Robot C, Unity, and Adobe Photoshop. All work will be project based with students expected to apply the concepts and techniques learned in class to specific challenges with an entrepreneurial focus. This will rely heavily on the student’s ability to explore the hardware and software both through the class lessons and on their own, and apply this knowledge to their work.

  • STEM
Design and Technology 9

Design and Technology 9 will continue with 2 of the streams from Design and Technology 8; Robotics programming and 2D image editing, and will have a third unit of 3D design. Design and Technology 8 is not a prerequisite. One focus of the year will be to introduce the students to various multimedia software applications during the design stream. These will be pulled from the worlds of website design, digital imaging, and animation. Specific software and applications examined may include: digital image capturing and editing using Adobe Photoshop, 2-D animation using Adobe Animate, and computer based drawing and design using Fusion 360. Another focus will be programming using a game design engine and RobotC. All work will be project based with students expected to apply concepts and techniques learned in class to specific challenges. This will rely heavily on the student's ability to explore the hardware and software both through the class lessons and on their own, and apply this knowledge to their work.

  • Business
Marketing and Promotion 11

Ignite your passion for marketing with our exhilarating course! Unleash your creativity as you delve into the dynamic realms of branding, digital strategies, and consumer psychology. Learn to craft compelling campaigns that captivate attention, stir interest, create desire, and drive action – the AIDA magic at your fingertips! Immerse yourself in real-world projects, from devising innovative advertising concepts to executing impactful social media campaigns. Gain hands-on experience in market research, analytics, and event planning. This course isn't just about theory; it's a thrilling journey into the heart of modern marketing. Are you ready to transform your ideas into powerful campaigns? Join us and turn your passion into a marketing masterpiece! Open to Grade 10-12 students.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Business
Work Experience 12

Embark on a thrilling journey with this course, offering students a front-row seat to the exciting world of careers! Dive into hands-on experiences, observing and participating in the tasks that shape real careers. Apply your classroom knowledge in a dynamic workplace, gaining fresh perspectives on your subjects. It's not just about learning – it's about acquiring practical skills that will set you up for success in future opportunities. The WEX program is your ticket to personalizing your learning and gearing up for life beyond secondary school. Get ready to transform your education into a launching pad for an exciting future! 3rd Trimester only.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Business
Economics 12

Ever wondered how knowing about money stuff can make your life and businesses way better? Well, we're here to help! Embark on an exciting journey with us as we delve into the world of money and economics, unraveling how this knowledge empowers individuals and businesses alike. Discover the transformative impact businesses have in driving positive change, all while harnessing the support of versatile tools and technologies to achieve specific goals. Through learning economics, you'll gain crucial skills—unveiling the secrets behind market dynamics, mastering risk management, optimizing resource allocation, navigating regulations, understanding consumer behaviour, adopting a global mindset, crafting strategic plans, ensuring financial stability, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. This isn't just about boosting business skills; it's about making informed decisions and developing analytical prowess to navigate the intricate landscape of commerce. Join us, and witness how this understanding significantly contributes to the enduring success of any business! Open to Grade 11/12 only.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Business
E-Commerce and Design 12

Embark on a riveting journey into the dynamic fusion of E-commerce and Design! Unleash your creativity and business acumen as we delve into the art of crafting visually stunning, user-friendly online stores. Learn the secrets of designing digital storefronts that captivate customers and drive sales, merging aesthetics with functionality. From mastering cutting-edge design tools, like using augmented reality, to understanding the strategic nuances of e-commerce, this course is your gateway to revolutionizing the online shopping experience. Dive into real-world projects, where you'll apply your skills to create immersive and seamless e-commerce platforms. Get ready to transform pixels into profits, and design your way to e-commerce success. Open to Grade 11/12 only.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Business
AP Business with Personal Finance

AP Business with Personal Finance is an Advanced Placement course that prepares students for college, careers, and informed financial decision-making. Designed to be equivalent to an introductory college-level business and personal finance course, it emphasizes real-world applications, problem solving, and professional skills. Students explore how businesses operate and compete while developing essential career-ready skills such as communication, collaboration, data analysis, and strategic thinking. Major units of study focus on business operations and competition; marketing; management and strategy; financial and accounting principles; personal saving and borrowing; and long-term financial planning through budgeting and investing. Through case studies, projects, and performance-based tasks, students apply business and financial concepts to authentic workplace and life scenarios. Successful completion of the course prepares students for the AP exam and future academic and professional pathways. Open to Grade 11/12 only.

  • AP Course
  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • STEM
AP Computer Science Principles 12

AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) is an entry-level course that introduces students to the foundations of modern computing. The curriculum itself does not assume any prior knowledge of computing concepts before entering the course; though knowledge of basic algebra is assumed. The course covers a broad range of foundational topics such as programming, algorithms, the Internet, big data, digital privacy and security, and the societal impacts of computing. Students will be assessed through quizzes, projects, group work, tests, and performance tasks. As part of the AP requirement, students submit a Create Performance Task by the end of April and write an AP exam in May. Major units of study include: digital information; the internet; introduction to algorithms and programming; big data: research and privacy; building apps; create and explore tasks.

Prerequisites: Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10

  • AP Course
  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • STEM
AP Computer Science A 12

AP Computer Science A is an in-depth study of the Java computer language. The students will learn the basics of object oriented programming and prepare for the AP computer science exam. They will build a foundation in programming that will prepare them for any discipline at the post secondary level. Units of study include: control structures; classes and objects; interfaces; arrays; array lists; inheritance and classes; streams and files; recursion; binary search trees "Big-O" analysis of algorithms and sorting methods.

Prerequisites: AP Computer Science Principles

  • AP Course
  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • STEM
Robotics 10, 11 and 12

This is a competitive robotics team. The robotics competitions provide a unique opportunity for the development of creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, effective communication, collaboration and teamwork. Throughout the preparatory stages the students will experience workplace skills such as goal setting, independent research, basic programming and building skills. The finished projects will provide the students with a great sense of accomplishment which can strengthen their self-confidence and motivation to excel in everything they do.

This course is designed as an interdisciplinary study which requires knowledge of basic mathematics, programming, physics, design, economics, sportsmanship and global issues. The competitions run at different levels from provincial, regional, national to international events. Students will enrich their ‘gaming’ experience by participating in all levels and by increasing their awareness of the many aspects of Robotics design and functionality.

Units of study include research, programming, building, testing, adjusting, retesting and competing. In-class and school wide competitions will be held throughout the year to provide the students with the opportunity to practice their robotics skills before competing outside of the school. At the end of the course the students should be competent in programming, building, driving and manipulating the various aspects of the robot.

Outside the timetable; this is in addition to a full schedule.

  • Offered outside the timetable
  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Science
Science 8

Science 8 introduces a variety of investigative skills, including planning for experiments, executing laboratory activities, analyzing data and observations, modeling concepts, evaluating biases & ideas, and communicating understanding. These curricular competencies are highlighted in four areas of study: biology (understanding of the cell, immune system and viruses), physics (optics and waves), chemistry (molecular and atomic theory) and geology (plate tectonics and layers of the earth). Throughout the course, students develop place-based knowledge about the area in which they live, learning about and building on Indigenous knowledge and other traditional knowledge of the area.

  • Required course-automatically enrolled
  • Science
Science 9

Science 9 focuses on students learning various science-specific core competencies while learning content specific to life sciences, chemistry, physics and ecosystems. The curricular competencies focus on questioning and predicting, planning and conducting, processing and analyzing data, evaluating, applying and innovating, and communicating. Units of study include life science (cell division, asexual and sexual reproduction), chemistry (atoms, elements and compounds), physics (circuits, voltage, current, resistance) and ecosystems (cycling of matter).

  • Required course-automatically enrolled
  • Science
Science 10

Science 10 covers four areas of science: chemistry (atomic theory & reactions), physics (energy & transformations), biology (genetics), and astronomy (history of the universe). The processes of science – designing & conducting procedures, using scientific technologies, data collection & analysis, communicating findings – will be emphasized throughout the course. Focus is placed on the relationships between concepts and topics across the four areas of science.

  • Required course-automatically enrolled
  • Science
Life Science 11

Life Sciences is designed to enhance students' understanding of the interconnectedness of life on Earth. Students will investigate evolution of living organisms, classification of organisms, structure of viruses, bacteria and protista, and plant biology. Students will get a chance to explore how different animals are classified and how major structures such as digestive, nervous and circulatory systems evolved over time. Students will get the opportunity to participate in dissections to support their learning.

  • Science
Life Science 11: Field Studies

This course is designed to provide students with hands-on experience with qualitative and quantitative field study skills alongside the Life Sciences 11 curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to engage in real science experientially, in order to develop as scientists. Travel is planned within BC coastal regions around the islands and sounds. Refer to the description for Life Science 11 for topics of study.

  • Requires an additional fee due to travel
  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Science
Chemistry 11

Chemistry 11 explores the ways that elements and compounds can be measured, observed, quantified, and changed. Areas of study include measurement & confidence, the mole, stoichiometry, atomic theory, structure & bonding, solution chemistry, gas laws, and organic chemistry. The course emphasizes lab based learning where students practice procedural design, laboratory techniques, data analysis, error analysis, modeling concepts, and communicating with a scientific voice. Much of the course is analytical and conceptual; strong mathematical reasoning is an asset. Chemistry 11 is the prerequisite for Chemistry 12 and AP Chemistry. Students planning to enrol in AP Chemistry are expected to engage with supplementary enrichment opportunities in the course.

Prerequisites: Completion of Foundations of Mathematics & Pre-Calculus 10 is recommended

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Science
Physics 11

The Physics 11 course will introduce the main ideas, principles and underlying concepts of physics. It will give students an understanding of the analytical and experimental methods of inquiry used in physics. The course provides ample opportunity for the development of skills in these areas. It will also present an introductory physics course suitable to the interests and abilities of a fairly wide range of students.

Prerequisites: Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10 (completed, not concurrent)

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Science
AP Physics 1

AP Physics 1 is an algebra-based course which is the equivalent of a first semester introductory, algebra-based college course. This course is intended to be a yearlong course, in order to provide time to foster deeper conceptual understanding through student-centered, inquiry-based instruction. Students have time to master foundational physics principles while engaging in science practices to earn credit or placement.

Prerequisites: Foundations of Mathematics and Pre-Calculus 10 (completed, not concurrent)

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Science
Earth Science 11

Earth Science 11 is an experiential course that explores concepts in astronomy (the universe; stars, galaxies and other structures and our solar system); geology (composition of the earth and formation of rocks and minerals, weathering, plate tectonics); atmospheric science (structure of the atmosphere, air pressure, masses, and effects on weather and climate); oceanography (nature and affects of sea water, geology of sea floor). This course focuses on experiential and project-based learning to work on the following competencies: planning, executing, modelling, analyzing, evaluating and communicating.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Science
Anatomy and Physiology 12

Students will learn foundational concepts such as: biochemistry, cell structure and functions, transport across the cell membrane, and analyze the roles of enzymes, then apply what they have learned to the digestive, circulatory, respiratory, urinary, nervous and reproductive systems. They will also learn about the role of homeostasis and negative feedback within the human body. During this course, students will continue to work on the following curricular competencies: questioning and predicting, planning and conducting, processing and analyzing data, evaluating, applying and innovating and communicating.

Prerequisites: Chemistry 11 recommended as a prerequisite or a corequisite

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Science
AP Biology 12

AP Biology is a rigorous first-year biology class. Topics are prescribed by the College Board and include exploring: the process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life, how biological systems utilize free energy and molecular building blocks to grow, to reproduce, and to maintain dynamic homeostasis, how living systems store, retrieve, transmit, and respond to information essential to life processes, and finally, how biological systems interact, and these systems and their interactions possess complex properties.

Prerequisites: Life Science 11 and Chemistry 11

  • AP Course
  • Science
Chemistry 12

Chemistry 12 builds upon ideas introduced in Chemistry 11, but places a heavier emphasis on lab work and data analysis. As such, Pre-calculus 12 is a valuable course to be taking concurrently. Chemistry 12 challenges students to think conceptually, to visualize ideas in multiple modalities, and to argue and articulate their ideas with a scientific voice. The course explores major topics including kinetics (rates of reactions), dynamic equilibrium (reversible reactions), solubility equilibrium (quantitative solubility), acid base equilibrium, and redox chemistry (oxidation and reduction).

Prerequisites: Chemistry 11

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Science
AP Chemistry 12

AP Chemistry 12 builds upon ideas introduced in Chemistry 11, but places a heavier emphasis on lab work, data analysis of larger and more complex data sets, and error analysis. As such, Pre-Calculus 12 is a valuable course to be taking concurrently, and topics from AP Statistics are also useful. AP Chemistry 12 challenges students to think conceptually, to visualize ideas in multiple modalities, and to argue and articulate their ideas with a scientific voice. The course explores major topics including thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, dynamic equilibrium, acid base equilibrium, and redox reactions. In addition to lab work, students will engage in research and inquiry projects.

Prerequisites: Chemistry 11

  • AP Course
  • Science
Physics 12

Physics 12 is an extension of the Physics 11 course. It takes some topics to a greater depth and introduces some new topics. It provides a more rigorous treatment than Physics 11. Topics of study include graphical analysis, vectors, relative motion, special relativity, momentum, static equilibrium, circular motion, the Universal Law of Gravitation, electrostatics, and electromagnetism.

Prerequisites: Physics 11

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Science
AP Physics C

AP Physics C is made up of two AP classes: AP Physics C: Mechanics and AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism. It is designed for students who plan to study science or engineering. Because it is a prerequisite for advanced study, the treatment of the subject material is thorough and rigorous. Topics studied include kinematics, Newton's Law, systems of particles, rotation, oscillations, gravitation, electrostatics, conductions, capacitors, dielectrics, electric circuits, magnetism, and electromagnetism.

Prerequisites: AP Physics 1 and Calculus 12

  • AP Course
  • Science
Environmental Science 12

Environmental Science 12 is an interdisciplinary course, embracing a wide variety of topics from different areas of study: biology, economics, earth science, chemistry, environmental law and social science. Students taking environmental science learn about the science behind natural and human-made environmental problems and evaluate solutions for resolving or preventing them. Students will investigate how human actions affect the quality of water and its ability to sustain life, analyze how human activities cause changes in the global climate system, and learn how sustainable land use supports the well-being of self, community and Earth.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Science
Specialized Science 12 – Sport Science

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of key areas within Sport Science. Students will look at factors that affect athletic performance, as well as design hands-on investigations of their own, while learning research methods and using scientific principles. Students will delve into the physiological adaptations to exercise and training, analyzing human movement through the lens of physics, and investigating the mental aspects of sport. Additionally, the course will examine the role of nutrition, coaching and skill acquisition in athletic performance.

Students wishing to pursue studies in a number of science fields, including health studies, kinesiology and health sciences will benefit greatly from this course. The culmination of the course is a self-directed capstone project. Students will choose a specific area of interest within Sport Science, formulate a research question, design a research methodology, collect and analyze data, interpret results, and present their findings. This project allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Students completing the course will receive a credit in Specialized Science 12.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Social Studies
Social Studies 10

Social Studies 10 invites students to explore Canada’s role in the 20th century through a competency-based approach that develops key historical thinking skills such as significance, evidence, continuity and change, cause and consequence, perspective, and ethical judgment. Students examine diverse perspectives on major political, military, social, and economic events, analyzing how these shaped Canadian identity and citizenship. The course also introduces the structure of the Canadian federal government, the law-making process, and the election process. Throughout the course, students investigate how conflicts, movements, and policy decisions influenced different groups, encouraging them to understand Canada’s past from multiple viewpoints and consider their own role as informed citizens.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Social Studies
Social Studies 10: Experience Canada

Social Studies 10 examines Canada’s history from 1914 to the present through a competency-based approach that develops students’ historical thinking skills, including significance, evidence, continuity and change, cause and consequence, perspective, and ethical judgment. In this section, students extend their learning through a trip to Ottawa, where visits to Parliament, the Supreme Court, and national museums allow them to explore events and institutions that shaped modern Canada. This experience further supports inquiry as students analyze primary sources, consider diverse perspectives, and connect historical developments to issues in today’s world. Offered in 3rd Trimester only.

  • Requires an additional fee due to travel
  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Social Studies
20th Century World History 12

This course seeks to teach students to become historians by learning about the past, applying historical thinking skills, and interpreting the major challenges we face today. We will learn about the six historical thinking skills and the major events of the Twentieth Century through thematic units. Topics of study may include: decision making of political leaders; commonalities of resistance conflicts; impact of nationalism; examinations of criteria for ethical judgement and restorative actions regarding historical injustices. Throughout the course, students will write arguments to essential questions using historical data and analysis. Finally, this course encourages students to actively participate in today’s world through citizenship and showcasing opinions. Students act as historians that argue an insight, point of view, or action.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Social Studies
BC First Peoples 12

BC First Peoples 12 invites students to study BC history through an Indigenous lens while developing key historical thinking skills such as significance, evidence, perspective, continuity and change, cause and consequence, and ethical judgment. Grounded in the First Peoples Principles of Learning, the course emphasizes relationships, connectedness, and learning through story. Students explore major 1800s developments such as European settlement, the gold rush, treaty history, and unceded land, as well as the meaning and responsibility behind land acknowledgements. Students will read the memoir The Fire Still Burns by Sam George. This offers a powerful local residential school narrative. Students finish the course examining UNDRIP and current reconciliation efforts, considering their own responsibilities moving forward.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Social Studies
Law Studies 12

Law Studies 12 introduces students to the fundamentals of Canadian law and strives to develop the student's understanding of the underlying legal principles, rights and responsibilities that define our society. The course begins with an examination of the historical foundations of law, the present legal system in Canada, the rights and freedoms established by the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canadian Criminal and Civil Law, as well as relevant and timely aspects of international and trade law.

Using case studies, current legal events, guest speakers and a mock trial, students have the opportunity to see both what the law is and how it works in practice. The course also examines the changing role of law in our society and the strengths and weaknesses of our current legal system. This course requires students to utilize and develop both their analytical and communicative skills.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Social Studies
Philosophy 12

Philosophy 12 examines the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. Students will acquire tools to investigate what is "truth", discuss the meaning of life, and foster an understanding of different methods of thinking and debating questions that have faced humanity for thousands of years. Philosophy 12 will examine how logic and reason can show which arguments and answers have more or less value. Students will investigate, challenge and explore their own assumptions, beliefs and preconceived notions through discussion and debate. Potential topics covered include: logic and rational argumentation, ethics, identity and personhood, cosmology, reality and knowledge, aesthetics, and social justice.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Social Studies
Physical Geography 12

Physical Geography 12 invites students to explore Earth as a dynamic system shaped by powerful natural forces. This course examines the physical processes that create, change, and sustain our planet — from shifting tectonic plates to climate patterns and erosional landscapes. Students gain essential geographic skills, including topographic map interpretation, spatial analysis using Geographic Information Systems, and field-based observation. A key feature of this course is its hands-on learning approach. Students participate in field trips that connect directly to course units. For instance, trips have tied in glaciation, plate tectonics & weather by going the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, where students looked for evidence of geomorphic uplift through local rock formations, investigating weather and climate variations resulting from elevation changes and the subsequent erosion that happens from glacial advance and retreat. In Physical Geography 12 students will regularly learn about environmental processes and attempt to solve major issues facing our planet today.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Social Studies
Social Justice 12

This course seeks to teach historical thinking skills through inquiry and project-based learning. Students will investigate and research local issues of concern and inequity, and will publish their findings and proposed solutions. This is a student-centred course that will integrate aspects of universal design for learning suited to individual learning styles. The goal of the course is to advocate for a more equitable world while examining environmental sustainability, racism, First Nations Reconciliation, Labour and socio-economic divides, gender and sexual orientation discrimination.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Social Studies
AP Economics 12

AP Economics teaches the concepts and content of both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics courses. The purpose of the AP course in Microeconomics is to give students a thorough understanding of the principles of economics that apply to the functions of individual decision makers, both consumers and producers, within the larger economic system. It places primary emphasis on the nature and functions of product markets and includes the study of factor markets and the role of the government in promoting greater efficiency and equity in the economy. In Macroeconomics, the principles of economics apply to an economic system as a whole. Such a course places particular emphasis on the study of national income and price-level determination, and also develops students' familiarity with economic performance measures, economic growth, and international economics. Open to grade 10-12 students.

  • AP Course
  • Social Studies
AP Human Geography 12

AP Human Geography 12 invites you to consider questions that are fundamentally intriguing to us as human beings: Where are humans and activities located across Earth’s surface? Why do humans do what we do where we do it? What interrelationships exist between humans and the physical environment? The course provides you with a valuable framework for understanding the world around you. You will learn to think, write, interpret, and create as geographers.

Units of study include; thinking geographically; population and migration patterns and processes; cultural patterns and processes; political patterns and processes; agriculture and rural land-use patterns and processes; cities and urban land-use patterns and processes; industrial and economic development patterns and processes. Using a variety of approaches in the course, AP Human Geography 12 offers students the opportunity to be well-informed about the world today. Open to grade 10-12 students.

  • AP Course
  • Social Studies
AP Psychology 12

The purpose of the AP Psychology 12 course is to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behaviour and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles and phenomena associated with each of the major sub fields within psychology. They also learn about the methods psychologists use in their science and practice. Open to grade 11/12 students only.

  • AP Course
  • Social Studies
AP World History 12

The primary focus of AP World History 12 is the study of different types of societies, their development over time, and their interactions with other societies. Students will use analytical and evaluation skills to understand the complex interplay amoung social, economic, cultural and religious forces that have shaped the modern world. It is a truly global study of human history, covering the chronological time frame from 1400 CE to the present. By applying historical thinking skills, the course is designed to develop students’ capacity and ability to think and reason in a deeper, more systematic way, better preparing them for subsequent college courses. The AP World History 12 course content is structured around the investigation of course themes and key concepts in six different chronological periods. Open to grade 11/12 students only.

  • AP Course
  • Physical & Health Ed
Physical and Health Education 8

The Collingwood Physical and Health Education (PHE) 8 program is designed to introduce and strengthen the core concepts of fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy life skills. As the foundational year of the PHE program, students develop the essential movement skills and health knowledge required for long-term participation in physical activity. Through a range of experiences—from cooperative games to basic cardiovascular and strength-based activities—students build confidence and competence in their physical abilities.

In Grade 8, the focus is on acquiring fundamental movement skills such as throwing, catching, running, and jumping, while learning how to participate safely and respectfully with others. Students are introduced to the building blocks of a healthy lifestyle, including the importance of regular activity, balanced nutrition, and mental well-being. By the end of the course, they will be able to apply foundational skills in simple game situations and begin making connections between their daily choices and their overall health, laying the groundwork for more complex skills and strategies in future PHE courses.

  • Required course-automatically enrolled
  • Physical & Health Ed
Physical and Health Education 9

The Collingwood Physical and Health Education (PHE) 9 program is designed to develop and promote core concepts of fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy life skills, ultimately boosting students’ physical literacy and setting them up for lifelong participation in activity. This is achieved by moving beyond foundational movements to increase the complexity of skills and knowledge. Students will apply basic strategies, tactics, and collaboration through a wide variety of activities, from cardiovascular strength training to team sports.

Through PHE 9, students deepen their understanding of personal health, connecting individual abilities with a broader sense of well-being. Learning to make healthy choices, and establish healthy relationships, students are empowered to establish habits and routines that contribute to lasting physical health and well-being.

  • Required course-automatically enrolled
  • Physical & Health Ed
Physical and Health Education 10

The Collingwood Physical and Health Education (PHE) 10 program builds on the skills, strategies, and health literacy developed in earlier grades, guiding students toward independent, confident, and lifelong participation in physical activity. Students in PHE 10 take the next step by enhancing their performance, leadership, and personal responsibility for their health and well-being. Through a wide range of activities, students refine their physical literacy while demonstrating teamwork, sportsmanship, and tactical awareness at a more advanced level.

In Grade 10, the focus shifts from participating and applying strategy toward thoughtfully planning and sustaining a healthy lifestyle. Students explore how to set realistic goals, train effectively, and reflect on the social, emotional, and physical components of well-being. The course culminates with the development of personal fitness and wellness plans that students can carry into their senior years and beyond, empowering them to take ownership of their long-term health.

In the PHE 10 program, students earn practical first-aid skills by performing hands-on CPR and emergency response assessments with certified instructors.

  • Required course-automatically enrolled
  • Physical & Health Ed
Active Living 11 & 12

Active Living 11/12 is centered on the concept of active for life empowering students to transition from high school PHE to independent, lifelong healthy decision-making. This capstone course is designed to develop and promote fitness literacy, teamwork, and leadership, ensuring students are equipped to maintain their well-being long after graduation. The focus on cooperation, leadership, and lifelong recreational activities, exposing students to a wide variety of sports and activities.

Active Living includes the use of the weight room and fitness facility, enabling students to develop transferable, accessible skills for out-of-school fitness. Students examine healthy life decisions in areas like nutrition, sleep, and mental health, and complete a research assignment to investigate sports and fitness opportunities at the post-secondary institutions they plan to attend. The overarching goal is to produce graduates who are active for life: competent, confident, and motivated individuals capable of independently managing their physical, social, and mental well-being.

  • Physical & Health Ed
Fitness & Conditioning 11 & 12

The goal of Fitness and Conditioning is to help student athletes increase their individual level of fitness, develop an understanding of a variety of fitness concepts and develop self-directed work habits. Using the knowledge they have acquired in the course, students will develop the knowledge to work out safely and properly in other settings during their adult life. This will include training appropriately to achieve specific desired outcomes. Students will also get a better understanding of how the body works and what training techniques can be used to target different goals.

  • Physical & Health Ed
Stretch & Strength 10-12

Stretch and Strength is a total-body wellness course designed to bridge the gap between high-intensity training and restorative movement. By blending the mind-body awareness of yoga with functional strength and light cardio, the program offers a balanced workout that keeps movement engaging. You’ll build core stability and improve posture through resistance training, calisthenics, yoga and pilates. Beyond the physical, the course integrates practical mindfulness techniques to relieve stress and reduce muscle tension. Whether you are an athlete focused on injury prevention or a beginner seeking a sustainable routine, this inclusive environment helps you cultivate a lifelong commitment to movement and health.

  • Performing Arts
Intermediate Band 8-9

Intermediate Band 8-9 is designed for all MS students to study music through performance on their primary or secondary instrument in a full ensemble. A wide array of instrumental options are available such as woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings. No previous experience is required; please speak to the instructor if you are new to band.

  • Performing Arts
Advanced Band 8-9

Advanced Band 8-9 is an alternative to Intermediate Band 8-9, where basic skills are expanded and new musical concepts and genres are introduced. Its purpose is to refine student technique and musicality through performance on their primary instrument in a full ensemble, including woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings. Intermediate Band 8-9 is a recommended prerequisite, however exceptions may be made at the discretion of the instructor.

Prerequisites: By instructor recommendation or by audition.

  • Performing Arts
Concert Band 10-12

Concert Band 10-12 is a continuation of Advanced Band 8-9, where advanced skills and musical concepts are further expanded, and students are challenged to reason and reflect critically on musical repertoire. SS Students are encouraged to take on more leadership roles. Its purpose is to develop musical performance to a student's highest ability through performance on their primary instrument in a full ensemble, including woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings. Previous band experience is a prerequisite, however exceptions may be made at the discretion of the instructor.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Performing Arts
Senior Jazz Band 10-12

Senior Jazz Band 10-12 is for students who wish to further develop skills related to the performance and improvisation of Jazz in a traditional Big Band setting. This course will teach improvisation and style within the context of Jazz performance.

Prerequisites: By instructor recommendation or by audition.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Performing Arts
Drama 8

In Grade 8 Drama, students are expected to work cooperatively in groups and with a partner. They learn to speak their lines honestly, with intent and in a confident, clear voice. Students memorize and develop scenes making clear choices about movement and staging. Students will also explore improvisation and the fundamentals of film-making. Students are encouraged to be constructively critical of their own work and the work of others, and are expected to fully participate in planning, rehearsal, and performance.

  • Performing Arts
Drama 9

Drama 9 builds on the fundamentals experienced in Drama 8, but also focuses on the personal, intellectual, and social growth of the students. Drama 9 provides a foundation for future course work in Acting and Theatre. Through extensive work in improvisation, in both small and large groups, students gain confidence as they explore and communicate ideas, experiences, and feelings in a range of dramatic forms, such as dramatic moment and mime, dramatization, choral speech, group drama, and videography.

  • Performing Arts
Senior Drama 10-12

This course is developed to support and encourage students to explore the medium of Theatre as a means of personal expression and to develop some of the advanced skills necessary to play for truth on stage. Through scene work students make choices in the production of stories that are of personal interest. Students create and perform a scene each class and receive peer and teacher feedback. This is a participatory course that will provide instruction in acting, directing, design, lighting, movement, critical analysis, dramaturgy, and production style. Students will also be given the opportunity for peer and self-evaluation. Skills will be gained through the experience of creation and performance.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Performing Arts
Theatre Production 9-12

Theatre Production 9-12 focuses on technical and design knowledge for live productions such as; concerts, plays, dance, cabarets, and conferences and more. There is a strong focus on exploring the design processes, technical equipment and aesthetics choices made for lighting, sound, and set to create a unified vision. There will be a strong focus on safety and reliability. Students will aid in the maintenance of the theatre.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Visual Arts
Studio 8

Studio 8 is a dynamic, hands-on course designed to spark your creativity and develop essential skills for understanding how art functions both inside and beyond the studio. This course encourages independent thinking, creative problem-solving, and exploring new ways to communicate your unique perspective through art. You'll work with traditional tools and techniques while gaining fluency with modern digital media. Whether you're sketching with pencil and paper, creating vibrant designs on Procreate, experimenting with photography, crafting tactile sculptures, or even exploring virtual worlds through VR experiences, you'll learn how artists in 2026 combine analog and digital methods to express their ideas and engage with the world. This course emphasizes the relevance of physical, handmade art in an increasingly digital world, encouraging you to explore how traditional processes like painting or sculpting inform and enhance your digital creations. Studio 8 is about discovering how art connects to culture, technology, and everyday life. It helps you build your creative confidence and prepares you to navigate an artistic future that values both tradition and innovation.

  • Visual Arts
Studio 9

Studio 9 is open to all students regardless of experience. This hands-on course encourages you to think critically about how art functions inside and beyond the studio, expanding your understanding of both traditional and digital media while focusing on the development of your unique creative voice. You'll deepen your skills with traditional processes and techniques like drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpting, while continuing to explore the exciting possibilities of digital tools. Whether you're designing on Procreate or using digital media to enhance your painted and drawn compositions, you'll discover how these techniques come together to articulate your ideas and tell compelling visual stories. This course challenges you to take on more independent projects, pushing your creative boundaries as you explore how art connects to culture, technology, and the world around us. By understanding the balance between hands-on analog craftsmanship and digital fluency, Studio 9 prepares you to think like an artist in 2026—confidently navigating a world that values both foundational skills and innovative media.

  • Visual Arts
Digital Studio 10

Are you ready to explore the exciting possibilities of digital media? Digital Studio 10 is your introduction to the dynamic world of creative media, where you’ll experiment with short film, photography, graphic design, 2D animation, and emerging technologies. This course is all about trying new things, discovering your artistic potential, and enjoying the process of creation in a supportive studio environment. You’ll balance teacher-led projects with opportunities to dive into your own ideas, experiencing a variety of artmaking techniques and tools. Whether you’re crafting personal projects or collaborating with classmates, Digital Studio 10 encourages creativity, experimentation, and self-expression. This course is perfect for anyone looking to discover the intersection of art and technology. It offers a foundation of creative digital skills that will enrich your high school experience and inspire your future artistic journey, no matter where it leads.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Visual Arts
Digital Studio 11

Digital Studio 11 invites you to explore the exciting world of Creative Media Fusion, where you’ll craft stunning short films, design captivating photography, animation and graphics, and experiment with emerging technologies while considering AI’s role in the creative space. This course balances teacher-led skill-building with dedicated studio time, giving you the freedom to develop your unique ideas while also contributing to collaborative projects. As a Grade 11 student, you’ll take on leadership roles, mentoring Grade 10 students and honing valuable teamwork and communication skills. Digital Studio 11 equips you with tools that extend beyond art, helping you master visual language and become a smart, critical consumer and creator of media. Whether you’re pursuing creative passions or enhancing your overall education, this course is for everyone and provides skills that will serve you well in any future path.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Visual Arts
Film Adventure 11

This course teaches you how to create powerful, attention-grabbing media by mastering cinematic language and effective editing, regardless of the equipment you use, from a manual video camera to a simple smartphone. We explore the fundamentals of visual storytelling, immersive sound design, and develop a critical eye by analyzing compelling TV and movies. The course culminates in an immersive one-week trip to New York City. Here, you will collaborate on various short films and vertical content, putting your skills to the test while attending hands-on workshops, a Broadway show, and movie screenings that utilize the city's rich media culture as your dynamic backdrop. Offered in alternating years (next: 26/27)

  • Requires an additional fee due to travel
  • Visual Arts
Art Studio 10

Ready to explore hands-on artmaking and unlock your creative potential? This course is for students continuing from Visual Art 9 or starting their first senior-level Studio Art class. It focuses on tactile media like drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media, while introducing digital tools that contemporary artists use to enhance their work and connect with a wider audience. You’ll develop an appreciation for how traditional techniques and modern approaches come together to create powerful art. With guidance and the freedom to experiment, you’ll explore a variety of materials, develop your ideas, and refine your artistic voice, much like contemporary artists who blend mediums and technologies in innovative ways. This course offers a rich studio experience that helps you build the skills to express yourself creatively while connecting your work to historical and contemporary art practices.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Visual Arts
Art Studio 11

This course welcomes students from earlier art courses or those new to the studio—all are welcome. You’ll work with tactile media like drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media, while exploring digital tools contemporary artists use to innovate and connect with audiences. This senior course emphasizes increased complexity, independence, and scale in your projects. You’ll push creative boundaries and connect your work to the world beyond the studio. Through guided instruction and self-directed experimentation, you’ll learn how traditional techniques and modern technologies converge to create powerful art. This course ensures authentic studio experiences while building skills valuable for education, post-secondary opportunities, and beyond. You’ll solve visual problems, understand media, and tell your own stories, refining your artistic voice and technical skills. This course ensures authentic studio experiences while building skills valuable for education, particularly in the AP Studio practice, post-secondary opportunities, and beyond.

Prerequisites: Art Studio 10 recommended

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Visual Arts
Art Studio 12

This course welcomes students from earlier art courses or those new to the studio—all are welcome. You’ll work with tactile media like drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media, while exploring digital tools contemporary artists use to innovate and connect with audiences. This senior course emphasizes increased complexity, independence, and scale in your projects. You’ll push creative boundaries and connect your work to the world beyond the studio. Through guided instruction and self-directed experimentation, you’ll learn how traditional techniques and modern technologies converge to create powerful art. This course ensures authentic studio experiences while building skills valuable for education, post-secondary opportunities, and beyond. You’ll solve visual problems, understand media, and tell your own stories, refining your artistic voice and technical skills. By the end, you’ll have a strong foundation for your artistic pursuits and a deeper understanding of art’s impact on the world.

Prerequisites: Art Studio 11 recommended

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Visual Arts
Digital Studio 12

Ready to master modern media? This hands-on course is where video editing, graphic design, and high-quality photography intersect. You'll move beyond theory to become a real-world media artist, using professional cameras, sound gear, and Adobe Creative Suite to capture the life of our school—from athletics to stories of the humans of Morven. You'll balance skill-building with independent studio time to develop your unique vision, collaborating with peers and connecting with creative alumni. Your final project will be submitting a piece to a Provincial short film contest or completing a personalized creative challenge. Learn the digital tools and insights needed to succeed in any career in today's visual world.

Prerequisites: This is a Grade 12 course. Recommended for students with photo, design and/or filmmaking background.

  • Satisfies a BC graduation requirement
  • Visual Arts
AP Studio Art 12

If you are looking to build a portfolio for art school or to challenge yourself to create a body of artwork exploring an independent idea or concept then AP Studio Art is for you. AP Studio Art builds on the artistic skills developed in other art courses with the focus on the Sustained Investigation portion of the AP Studio Art portfolio. Students are required to submit an exam portfolio at the end of the course in either Drawing or 2D Art & Design. This portfolio is then submitted to the College Board. Students will be expected to work outside of class time in order to create works of high quality and meet rigorous expectations. For more information about the portfolio prior to registering, please speak to the Art Dept.

Prerequisites: Previous study in a Senior Visual Arts course is required.

  • AP Course
  • Outdoor Ed
Explore 9

Explore 9 is for those who enjoy being active, and want to learn more about the natural environment while developing their outdoor skills. Students will learn to become more self-reliant as they gain experience with backcountry cooking, navigation, emergency preparedness, decision making and problem-solving. Students in this course can look forward to multi-day overnight wilderness trips as well as numerous single-day outings. Specific activities will include paddling, hiking, backpacking and camping.

  • Requires an additional fee due to travel