Other Learning Opportunities

LEARNING ASSISTANCE/LEARNING STRATEGIES
LA

Learning Assistance at Chilliwack Secondary serves students with recognized learning disabilities or documented learning difficulties and seeks to develop school skills while assisting these students with their course work. Students enrolled in learning assistance classes, have a minimum of one class block in each two-day class cycle in a linear program, or one block each day for a semester program. Students are offered a learning assistance block based on the recommendation of counsellors or the School Based Team, and after careful review of their performance in school and results gathered from standardized tests. The learning assistance teaching staff prepares an Action Plan for Success for each student in the program.

For additional information regarding Learning Assistance, please contact Shirley Dorish at 604-795-7295 or shirley_dorish@sd33.bc.ca.

RESOURCE PROGRAM

Students that attend the Resource Program at Chilliwack Secondary, have been identified by the Ministry as requiring a more specialized program than provided by Learning Assistance. Each student is provided with an Individual Education Plan prepared by a Special Needs teacher and other specialists in conjunction with parents or guardians. While the Resource Program focuses on Life Skills, all students are integrated into regular classes to the level of their capabilities. Funding is allocated on a graduated basis according to need in order to provide teacher assistant support for students.

For additional information regarding the Resource Program, please contact Garth Buhr at 604-795-7295 or garth_buhr@sd33.bc.ca.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM

Advanced Placement (AP) is a program of college-level courses and exams for secondary school students. It is a way for schools to challenge their stronger students with courses appropriate to their abilities and interests and to provide exciting in-depth opportunities. The standards, curricula and exams are set by the American College Board and result in either credit or advanced placement in colleges and universities. The exam will cost each student approximately $115.00 and is written in May. Students should check the status of each course in B.C. universities with their counsellor. In most cases, a student may enroll in the next level course, but this varies with each course, the specific university and the standard achieved in the exam. These courses also provide an opportunity for students to distinguish themselves for their academic excellence and enhance their opportunities for entrance scholarships to universities. For more details refer to the course descriptions listed by subject, and discuss with individual subject teachers.

The following are Advanced Placement courses that are currently offered:

  • AP Calculus 12 (ACAL 12) AP English Literature & Composition 12 (AELC 12)
  • AP Chemistry 12 (ACHE 12)
  • AP Biology 12 (ABIO 12)
  • AP Environmental Studies 12 (AENS 12)
  • AP Physics 12 (APH 12)
  • AP European History 12 (AHI 12)
  • AP Physics (APH 12)

GUIDED LEARNING
GRADE 12 STUDENTS ONLY

Prerequisite: By application, enrollment in 8 courses

A Guided Learning block will be considered for students who can demonstrate a need for outside class support due to a demanding academic schedule. The opportunity will be provided if the following conditions are met: must have a minimum of a “B” average in grade 11, must be enrolled in 4 or more grade 12 government examinable courses, have good attendance and good behaviour. Students in Advanced Placement courses will be given priority. Grade 12 students may apply by completing an application available from their counsellor. They must also attach a letter to the Principal, Mr. Jones explaining reasons for this request and a commitment to use the time effectively. Students are required to develop a support plan in coordination with their teacher and maintain a log of their activities throughout the year. Please note that attendance is mandatory.

INDEPENDENT DIRECTED STUDIES
IDS 11A/IDS 12A (1 to 4 credits each)

Independent Directed Studies (IDS) allows students to initiate, develop, and complete their own courses under the supervision of a subject teacher. The IDS opportunity allows students to pursue enrichment or related topics or projects that are an extension of any course taken by a student.

An IDS must be based on the learning outcomes of a Ministry-Authorized, Board/Authority Authorized or Grade 10, 11, or 12 course. An IDS course can be one, two, three or four credits. (One credit represents the value attached to the knowledge, skills and attitudes that most students can acquire in approximately 30 hours of instruction). IDS courses can only count toward Elective Courses.
IDS courses at the Grade 12 level meet the required Grade 12 course requirement. They cannot be counted in the Adult Graduation Program.

For example, outside of class time:
1. A student investigates more challenging aspects of calculus.
2. A student completes a study of the affect of nutrition and exercise on fitness.
3. A student studies in depth a Shakespearean play not studied in class.
4. A student designs and builds a high performance V-8 engine.
5. A student investigates the “compact theory” of Canadian history.
6. A student investigates, develops cooking skills and prepares ethnic foods.
7. A student investigates and reports on a particular function of the human brain.