At a Glance
Exceptional Learning Happens Everywhere.
Offering Grades 8 to 12, our Senior School starts with the Grade 8 to 10 program. This stage marks the beginning of our students’ journey towards developing expertise and deepening their interest in specific subjects. Through a challenging academic curriculum and a vibrant co-curricular program, we guide our students to achieve their individual goals as they look toward their future.
program benefits
Empowering Every Student to Grow, Challenge, and Thrive.
01
Our holistic curriculum empowers students to meet academic challenges, build life skills, and develop intercultural awareness, preparing them to live meaningful lives in their local and global communities.
02
Our school leaders and educators participate in high-quality professional development opportunities, ensuring they continue to deliver an exceptional educational experience to their students.
03
We inspire students to aim high—challenging, guiding, and supporting them every step of the way. By knowing each student personally, we empower them to reach their fullest potential in a way that’s as unique as they are.
Academics
IB Programme
Grades 8 to 10 are part of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP). This curriculum encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. The curriculum framework comprises eight subject groups, which provide students with a broad and balanced education.
Electives
Please see the additional program feature below, where the Elective courses are outlined in more detail.
Arts
The arts in the MYP seek to stimulate young imaginations, challenge perceptions, and develop creative and analytical skills through creating, performing, and presenting arts in ways that both engage and convey feelings, experiences, and ideas.
Design
Inquiry and problem-solving are at the heart of design. In MYP design, students independently create and develop models, prototypes, products, or systems, developing not only practical skills but also strategies for creative and critical thinking.
Individuals & Societies
This subject incorporates disciplines in the humanities and social sciences, focusing on real-world examples. This subject group encourages learners to respect and understand the world around them, and equips them with the necessary skills to inquire into historical, geographical, political, social, economic, and cultural factors that affect individuals, societies, and environments
Second Language Acquisition
Starting in Junior Kindergarten, our students are given the opportunity to learn a second language, developing strong literacy skills to confidently communicate in both written and spoken French. Throughout the Middle Years Programme, our students acquire a high degree of proficiency in the French language, often continuing to study French as a part of their post-secondary studies.
Language & Literature
MYP language and literature courses equip students linguistically, helping to develop listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and presenting skills both independently and with others. MYP language and literature courses include a balanced study of genres and literary texts, including a world literature component.
Mathematics
Mathematics promotes a powerful universal language, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills that contribute to the development of logical, abstract, and critical thinking. Mathematics in the MYP is tailored to the needs of students, seeking to intrigue and motivate them to want to learn its principles. Students see authentic examples of how mathematics is useful and relevant to their lives.
Physical & Health Education
MYP physical and health education aims to empower students to understand and appreciate the value of being physically active while developing the motivation for making healthy and informed life choices. From basketball and volleyball to swimming and track and field, our students are encouraged to participate and challenge themselves physically both in class and through our extensive co-curricular programs.
Sciences
The MYP sciences curriculum explores the connections between science and everyday life. Students are encouraged to investigate issues through research, observation, and experimentation, working independently and collaboratively. Students learn to appreciate and respect the ideas of others, gain good ethical-reasoning skills, and further develop their sense of responsibility as members of local and global communities.
Experiential Learning
Aspengrove provides students with transformative experiential education opportunities to engage in meaningful learning, while also building connection to people & place. By delivering purposeful curriculum design, students will participate in interdisciplinary outdoor learning experiences using our own unique West Coast campus and other local places to connect classroom learning with practical application opportunities. These opportunities enrich the learning of Aspengrove students and strengthen their connections within and between grade groups.
Personal Project
In Grade 10, Aspengrove School students are required to complete a journey of learning that stretches, inspires, and empowers their minds to create one all-encompassing project based on a passion of theirs or on a learning goal. From creating a completely functional video game, to writing a mystery novel, to conducting research on young people’s self-esteem and mental health, our students pursue a diversity of projects and passions.
Pathways
Beginning in Grade 8, all students and their parents are invited bi-annually to meet with the Head of School, Principal, or Academic Advisor to discuss the student’s goals for the future. The goal is to identify the strengths and interests of each student and begin to formulate a direction for their remaining years at Aspengrove in preparation for their post-secondary journeys.
Being ready for life after Aspengrove requires the development of the whole person, and in our meetings we aim to discuss social development, leadership, service, community engagement, personal interests and academic achievement. We will also begin to talk about programs and universities that might be of interest to each student, with the goal of planning towards this vision.
PROGRAM FEATURE
Electives
Our diverse range of electives offers something for everyone, from aspiring artists and musicians to budding designers and future leaders.
Visual Arts
Students will immerse themselves in the world of 3D and 2D art. They will explore architectural drawing, painting, and digital modeling. Students will uncover the power of storytelling through still life drawing and landscape painting.
Design Innovation
Students will design products that are both functional and sustainable. They will learn the art of upcycling and prototype creation in “Green” Product Design. Or, students can dive into the world of graphic design with our 2D Product Design course, where they will master layout, cover design, and typography.
Photography
Students will capture the world around them with our Photography course, focusing on camera basics and natural light photography. Students will learn image optimization for web and print, along with the art of photo illustration, allowing them to transform their captures into stunning masterpieces!
Digital Design & Manufacturing
Students will bring their ideas to life with 3D Product Design and Digital Manufacturing. They will use cutting-edge technology like 3D printers to create stunning prototypes.
Global Leadership
Our Coaching Leadership course empowers students to become global leaders. They will develop essential coaching, leadership, and communication skills to inspire and motivate others. Students will learn how to foster collaboration, resolve conflicts, and drive positive change. They will prepare to make a significant impact on the world around them.
Unlock your creativity and prepare for success with our inspiring electives!
Grades 11 – 12: University Prep
Learn more about how Aspengrove School prepares students for their Post Secondary journey through our Diploma Programme.