AP (Advanced Placement) Courses

We offer AP Courses in following subject areas:

Art & Design

  • Drawing
  • 2D and 3D Design

English

  • Literature and Composition (Pre AP – Focused Literary Studies 11 offered)

Math

  • Calculus AB and BC
  • Statistics

Science

  • Biology (Pre-AP Life Science 11 offered)
  • Chemistry (Pre-AP Chemistry 11 offered)
  • Physics 1 and 2

Social Studies

  • World History

See below for course descriptions:

 

ART & DESIGN

VISUAL ARTS: STUDIO ARTS 2D 11 ENRICHED (Pre AP)

(MVAST11~11 4 CREDITS FINE ARTS)

The Visual Arts curriculum promotes self-expression, self-identity and connecting to artists and art processes in the student’s art community and that of other parts of the world. Students will explore the Elements and Principles of Design while creating projects that continue to refine their artistic skills and techniques for a variety of styles. Students are challenged to intentionally select and combine materials and processes to convey ideas that demonstrate innovation and engagement as they explore a wide range of 2D mediums. Students will be exposed to a wide range of movements, periods and contexts and as the year progresses, students will develop an independent portfolio of work exploring a conceptual direction of their choosing. This rigorous course is highly recommended prior to students enrolling in AP 12.

3 AP ART COURSES

These three exciting and rigorous art courses are designed to align with college and university foundations courses. Students can gain credit for first-year post-secondary course credit while still in high school. They are intended for those who are interested in pursuing their own artistic passions through the creation of a Sustained Investigation  (15-piece portfolio) of work based an inquiry investigation of the student’s choice..  Permission from the instructor and a second block of senior art is required. Class time is TBA but is typically runs 3-5 on Tuesdays.

AP STUDIO ARTS: DRAWING 12

(ASAD-12 ~ 4 CREDITS FINE ARTS)

This course is geared towards mature art students. Work focuses on the use of drawing skills such as mark making, line, surface, space use, shade, and composition as they relate to the student’s inquiry investigation. This 15 piece Sustained Investigation Work must demonstrate process, experimentation, and revision of ideas and is submitted by the first week of May.

Fee for enrichment materials-$70.

To receive Advanced Placement credit, student portfolios must be evaluated by the College Board in May.

Prerequisite = Studio Arts (Pre AP 11).  Teacher permission is required to enroll in this course as well as enrolment in another senior art block.

AP 2D DESIGN 

(A2DP ~ 4 CREDITS)

This course is geared towards mature art students. Work focuses on the use of 2 D design skills (colour, line, shape, plane, layer, form, texture, value etc.) as they relate to the student’s Sustained Investigation. This 15-piece portfolio of (S.I) work must demonstrate process, experimentation, and revision of ideas and is submitted by the first week of May.

Fee for enrichment materials-$70.

To receive Advanced Placement credit, student portfolios must be evaluated by the College Board in May.

Prerequisite = Studio Arts (Pre AP 11).  Teacher permission is required to enroll in this course as well as enrolment in another senior art block.

AP 3D DESIGN

( A3DP12 ~ 4 CREDITS)

This course is geared towards mature art students. Work focuses on the use of 3 D Design skills such as space, texture, balance, volume, shape, movement, etc., as they relate to the student’s Sustained Investigation. This S.I. Portfolio of work must demonstrate process, experimentation, and revision of ideas and complete 15 works demonstrating their investigation by the first week of May.

Fee for enrichment materials-$70.

To receive Advanced Placement credit, student portfolios must be evaluated by the College Board in May.

Prerequisite = Studio Arts 3D 11.  Teacher permission is required to enroll in this course as well as enrolment in another senior art block.

 

ENGLISH

PRE-AP FOCUSED LITERARY STUDIES 11 (Pre-Advanced Placement)

(MEN–11ENR ~ 4 CREDITS)

RECOMMENDATION: High academic standing in English 10 PRE-Advanced Placement, a good work habits mark and the recommendation of their teacher.

English 11 Pre-AP is designed for students who wish to pursue Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition 12. The Pre-AP program expands on the variety of the literary genres and includes selections and authors as in the IB prescribed World Literature list. In addition, students will complete detailed study of Shakespearean plays and groups of work focusing on Person and Society. Students will be encouraged to think reflectively and respond critically about texts and make connections between literature and life. The literary essay will be introduced at this time. As the workload is greater than that of a regular class, Pre AP English 11 is a course for motivated, independent, mature English students who enjoy reading, writing and discussing each others’ ideas.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION 12

(MENST12, AELC-12 ~ 4 CREDITS EACH)

RECOMMENDATION: High academic standing in PRE-AP (Pre-Advanced Placement) Focused Literary Studies English 11, a good work habits mark and recommendation of the teacher.

The Advanced Placement Program consists of college courses and exams designed for highly motivated students in secondary schools. Students may progress from Pre AP English 10 to Pre AP English 11 though these courses are not required pre-requisites. In their grade 12 year, students take English Studies 12 and Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition concurrently in one block of time.

In grade 12, AP students will take the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition 12 Exam in the spring.

Note: For English 12 APELC there is an exam fee of approximately $135.00 each.

The aim of this course to enhance students’ literacy through the study of a body of works representative of the literary heritage of English-speaking peoples. It offers senior students opportunities to examine and appreciate this rich heritage. Reading widely is an important factor in academic success. By reading works that are sophisticated in thought and style, students strengthen their aesthetic appreciation and critical judgment.

The curriculum covers selections of CORE works from each of the following periods: Medieval, Renaissance, Eighteenth Century, Nineteenth Century and Twentieth Century. Additional modules of Prose, Drama and Poetry are integrated historically with the CORE selections to provide complementary in-depth studies.

 

MATHMATICS
AP CALCULUS 12  / CALCULUS 12

(ACAL-12 ~ 4 CREDITS + CALC 12 ~ 4 CREDITS)

Calculus is an advanced, university level course, offered to students whose mathematical ability in grade 11 is outstanding (80% or higher). Topics offered include the theory of limits, differentiation, integration of area and volumes of rotation, and practical problems involving these skills and techniques. Students who succeed will be well prepared for any university level calculus course. Students may, on the teacher’s recommendation, take the Advanced Placement exam which will grant them one semester of math credit at many universities. Only students writing the Advanced Placement exam will receive Calculus AP designation in addition to Calculus 12 on their Grade 12 transcript. All students writing a school based final exam can earn Calculus 12 credit.

Recommendation: In addition to previous course recommendations, students must have good work habits to enroll in this course.

Previous course recommendation: Pre-Calculus 12 or a minimum standing of 80% in Pre-Calculus 11 and Pre-Calculus 12 taken concurrently.

AP STATISTICS 12 / STATISTICS 12

(ASTAT12 ~ 4 CREDITS and/or MSTAT12 ~ 4 CREDITS)

Advanced Placement Statistics is designed for students who would like to complete studies equivalent to a one-semester introductory university course in statistics. This is an excellent AP option for students in grade 11-12 with mathematics teacher recommendation for grade 10. University and college programs in Business, Economics, Engineering, Science, and Psychology include at least one course in statistics. Students will be exposed to four broad themes: exploring data; sampling and experimentation; anticipating patterns and statistical inference. Students who successfully complete the course and exam may receive credit, advanced placement, or both for a one semester introductory university statistics course.

Previous course recommendation from Mathematics 10

 

SCIENCES

LIFE SCIENCES 11: PRE AP  (BIOLOGY 11: PRE AP)

(MLFSC11ENR ~ 4 CREDITS)

This course is mandatory if Biology AP is to be completed in the grade 12 year. Students enrolled in AP Biology must be self-motivated and welcome a challenge. This is a great course to prepare students for the rigors of University. This course will explore Biology as a process, utilizing various themes to explore concepts from Biology 11 in addition to the concepts of the AP Biology program. Topics include cell replication and division, genetics and heredity, biodiversity, ecology, and evolution. Students will be engaged with discussion, projects, self-directed studies, laboratory work, and field trips, including a five day trip to the Bamfield Marine Science Centre on Vancouver Island.   Optional fee for enrichment materials-$50.

AP BIOLOGY 12

(ABIO-12 ~ 4 CREDITS each for AP BIOLOGY and BIOLOGY 12)

This course is a continuation of concepts and skills learned in Life Science 11 pre AP. Students enrolled in AP Biology must be self-motivated and welcome a challenge. This is a great course to prepare students for the rigors of University. This course will explore Biology as a process, utilizing various themes to explore concepts from Biology 12 in addition to the concepts of the AP Biology program. Students will receive credit for both Biology 12 and Biology AP. Topics include biochemistry, cellular biology and energetics, molecular genetics, biotechnology, and human physiology. Students will be engaged with discussion, projects, self-directed studies, laboratory work, and field trips.  Students will be required to enroll in an additional tutorial block, within the timetable, that meets approximately every second rotation. Fee for enrichment materials-$110.

AP PSYCHOLOGY 12

(APSY-12 ~ 4 CREDITS)

Advanced Placement Psychology is an elective course open to both grade 11 and 12 students. It is a general introductory psychology course equivalent to first-year university studies. AP Psychology will introduce you to the study of the behaviour and mental processes of human beings and other animals. You will be exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology. During your exploration of these fields, you will also learn about the ethics and methods psychologists use in their science and practice. How does memory work? Is behaviour determined by nature or nurture? How are fears created? What is the interplay between thought and behaviour? These and many other fascinating questions will frame the subject matter of this course.
It is recommended that students enrolling in this course have a strong academic standing and/or are highly motivated to undertake this rigorous academic curriculum. Strong reading comprehension and time management skills are required.  

NOTE: AP Psychology includes science content but it is considered an elective course.  It will not fulfill the Science 11 course requirement for graduation.

CHEMISTRY 11 – Pre-AP

(MCH–11ENR ~ 4 CREDITS)

Chemistry 11 Pre-AP is an optional enriched and accelerated course that extends beyond the main concepts of Chemistry 11 into concepts that preview AP Chemistry 12. This course is taught concurrently with Chemistry 11 during a separate tutorial block (Pre-AP students must also register for Chemistry 11). This is an excellent course to prepare students for AP Chemistry 12 and the rigors of university; those enrolled must be self-motivated, independent learners who welcome a challenge. A strong foundation in Mathematics 10 and Science 10 are essential for success in Chemistry 11 Pre-AP.
Topics include: advanced organic chemistry, gas laws, reaction kinetics, electrochemistry, lab design and analysis and advanced laboratory techniques.

AP CHEMISTRY 12

(ACH12 ~ 4 CREDITS)

AP Chemistry 12 builds on the learning of Pre-AP Chemistry 11 and covers material completed in Chemistry 12 as well as first year university chemistry curriculum. This course is taught concurrently with Chemistry 12 during a separate tutorial block that meets within the timetable approximately every second rotation. AP Chemistry students must also enroll in Chemistry 12.  This is a challenging but rewarding course for students who are interested in an enrichment opportunity.  Students must be self-starters who are highly motivated and prepared to complete assignments/projects during the extended breaks throughout the school year.  In May students will have the opportunity to write the AP Chemistry exam, which can count toward college/university course credit at some institutions.  Students will be engaged in diverse learning opportunities including class discussions, laboratory work, projects, field trips and self-directed studies.  Fee for enrichment materials – $90.

AP PHYSICS 1

(APHH-11 ~ 4 CREDITS)

AP Physics 1 covers material completed in Physics 11 & 12 as well as some concepts from first year university physics curriculum. This course is taught concurrently with Physics 11 during a separate tutorial block. AP Physics students must also register for Physics 11. This course is designed to extend ideas typically covered in Physics 11 and 12 and introduce new and more challenging topics. Students must be self-starters who are highly motivated and prepared to complete assignments/projects during the extended breaks throughout the school year. In May, students will have the opportunity to write the AP Physics 1 exam. AP Physics program is ideal for students interested in pursuing a post-secondary career in Science or Engineering; it is a challenging but rewarding course for students who are interested in an enrichment opportunity. Students who are successful in AP Physics 1 are encouraged to take AP Physics 2 in their grade 12 year.

AP PHYSICS 2

(APHH-12- 4 CREDITS and 4 CREDITS for PHYSICS 12)

AP Physics 2 covers material completed in Physics 12 as well as most of first year university physics curriculum. The course is taught at an accelerated pace and enriched with inquiry based activities. While building on concepts covered in Physics 11, the course moves away from Newtonian Mechanics and instead focuses on new concepts such as Fluids, Thermodynamics and Electromagnetism.  Students must be self-starters who are highly motivated and prepared to complete assignments/projects during the extended breaks throughout the school year. In May students will have the opportunity to write the AP Physics 2 exam. The AP Physics program is ideal for students interested in pursuing a post-secondary career in the Physical Sciences or Engineering. This is a challenging but rewarding course for students who are interested in an enrichment opportunity.  It is not mandatory for students taking AP Physics 2 to have taken AP Physics 1, though it is highly recommended. Students who complete AP Physics 2 will receive credit for both AP Physics 2 and Physics 12.

 

SOCIAL STUDIES

AP EUROPEAN HISTORY

AHI–12 (4 CREDITS)

The AP course in European History is an exceedingly rich and interesting course designed for students who desire to complete an introductory-level university course at the secondary school level. Students in AP European History are expected to demonstrate a knowledge of chronology and of major events and trends from the High Renaissance (1450) to just after the end of the Cold War (2001). The course will examine history through the following themes: cultural, diplomatic, economic, intellectual, political, and social. Fundamentally, this course offers students the opportunity to make sense of an increasingly complex world by understanding how historical European society has influenced and shaped our world today.

AP European History requires that students be disciplined and highly motivated. Students will be required to stay current with their readings prior to class and to ensure that assignments are completed on time. This course is partially blended (75% in class; 25% online), therefore students will meet once a week Tuesday or Wednesday (depending if it falls on a Day 1 or Day 2) from 1:45 to 4:00. The remainder of time will be spent following the modules laid out on the website provided by the instructor. This will also give students the opportunity to receive one-on-one tutorial time with the instructor later in the week. The purpose of this scheduling is to allow students from around the district an opportunity to take another Humanities-based AP course and to experience a university setting.

Note: It is recommended that students have a minimum average of 5 (MYP grading) in Social Studies 10. It is also recommended that to improve success of AP Euro that students take 20th Century History first in grade 11.

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Admissions for the 24/25 school year are openClick here for eligibility and timelines