Aspengrove has developed a strong history of academic excellence and as we look forward to the next decade, our focus is to ensure that every student is challenged and supported to achieve their academic potential. Building upon our strong International Baccalaureate foundation, we are seeking additional ways to ensure students are known as individuals and supported through their own unique age and developmental stage.
Academic Excellence & GRADUATION Pathways
The Graduation program begins in Grade 10 and culminates with our students’ completion of Grade 12 and the subsequent University application and acceptance process. During our IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 6-10) students complete required courses with electives in the Fine Arts and Applied Design, Science and Technology. Beginning in Grade 11, we encourage our students to identify courses that align with their interests, abilities and ambitions.
The process of Personalized Academic Excellence begins in Grade 8 with the introduction of Pathway Conversations. Students in Grades 8-10 are invited to bring their parents to meet with a senior administrator and discuss interests, habits, and experiences and ultimately help students identify potential career and university options. In these early conversations, students are encouraged to explore, be curious, and try new things. By the end of Grade 10, they have a clearer sense of what they might want to pursue. Of course, not all students know what they want to do for the rest of their lives; however, our goal is to help them narrow their interests and discover new possibilities.
Near the end of Grade 10, course selection begins, and students and parents meet individually with either the University Guidance counsellor or an advisor to discuss the best pathway to graduation for each student. We have developed a two-year overview of course offerings, with recommended pathways for students interested in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), or those wishing to focus on Humanities (English and Social Studies) courses. There is also an increased opportunity for students to pursue Fine Arts courses.
In order to ensure our students are appropriately challenged, Aspengrove offers Advanced Placement (AP) and BC Ministry courses in Grades 11 and 12. Students select courses based on their interests, abilities, and ambitions, allowing them to focus on what matters most to them. Over the next two years, we will continue to expand the number of AP courses available to students. These introductory university-level courses are available to our Grade 11 and 12 students and provide a rigorous and rewarding academic challenge. AP classes are eligible for university transfer credit. We anticipate that many students will take at least two AP courses, while some may choose to pursue more.
Finally, during Grades 11 and 12, our students are supported by our University Counsellor, who provides tailored advice and support as they navigate the sometimes complicated university admissions process. Our students apply to institutions in Canada, the U.S., and Europe, and every jurisdiction and university has a different process. As a university preparatory school, we have an outstanding track record of placing our graduates in some of the best programs and universities—and, more importantly, finding the best fit for each student.
Ultimately, we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that every student, regardless of the pathway they choose, will have a personalized academic experience that prepares every student for post-secondary success and beyond.