INDIGENOUS-FOCUSED GRADUATION REQUIREMENT

New for 2023-2024, all students graduating from British Columbia high schools will take an Indigenous-focused course. At St George’s School, we are humbled and proud to do our part to advance the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

We have a three year implementation plan to bring these courses to our students and this learning to our school. We are grateful to our neighbours and hosts from the Musqueam First Nation for their teachings and guidance, and their ongoing work with us. As these courses are a graduation requirement, they must be completed during the school year at St George’s. Students may not take graduation requirements online or through alternative providers (see page 14 for further details on external courses).

You can learn more about the big picture from the BC Ministry of Education and Childcare and the First Nations Education Steering Committee.

ONGOING PLAN 2025–26

Grade 10

FULLY COLLECTIVE

All students taking the same course, at the same time.

Continues a shared foundation.

Grade 11

COLLECTIVE + CHOICE

Transition Year 1

2023–24

English First Peoples 12

This course is grounded in the First Peoples Principles of Learning. It is designed for all students who are interested in delving deeply into First Peoples oral and written literature and visual texts in a range of media. The course focuses on the experiences, values, beliefs, and lived realities of First Peoples as evidenced in various forms of text, including oral story, poetry, song, performance, film, and prose. A key feature of the course is its focus on authentic First Peoples voices (i.e. historical or contemporary texts created by or with First Peoples). While the focus in EFP 12 is primarily on First Peoples voices from British Columbia, students also engage with texts that reflect First Peoples perspectives from elsewhere in Canada and throughout the world.

Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12

Contemporary Indigenous Studies 12 offers students an opportunity to honour the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in addressing injustices of the past and committing to the act of reconciliation. The big ideas of the course focus on learning about Indigenous cultures and worldviews in Canada, the resistance and resilience of Indigenous communities, and the rights and responsibilities of governments and citizens in taking action against injustices. The course is an interdisciplinary blend of history, geography, politics, law, economics, and art. The course will feature inquiry projects and discussion-based learning, and wiill be divided into Grade 11 sections and Grade 12 sections.

TRANSITION YEAR

Dedicated space in the timetable where students make a choice between two options. Shared commitment, diverse experiences.

Grade 12

FULLY CHOICE

Supporting individualisation and providing opportunities for further learning, choosing from three options.

ONGOING PLAN 2025–26

Summary Of Grade Level Options And Restrictions

Our schedules are built on a Day 1/Day 2 cycle, with 4 scheduled classes per day, for a total of 8 blocks. Each grade has blocks that are filled with required courses, and blocks where there is opportunity for student choice. GRADE

Two blocks for semestered courses, that rotate courses part way through the year for a total of four courses throughout the year.

9 6 of 8 Two blocks for semestered courses that rotate courses part way through the year for a total of four courses throughout the year.

Two blocks that are full year courses, for a total of 2 electives.

SAMPLE GRADE 8

10 6 of 8

Students may choose to apply for a Grade 10 Cohort.

11 See Graduation Requirements for additional information.

Must have courses in both Arts Education (Music, Theatre Arts, and/or Visual Arts), and Applied Design Skills and Technology (ADST).

Must have courses in both Arts Education (Music, Theatre Arts, and/or Visual Arts), and Applied Design Skills and Technology (ADST).

• See Graduation Requirements for additional information.

• Students who apply for Cohorts are placed together in specific sections of 3-4 required courses, in addition to the Cohort Elective.

• More than 7 academic courses permitted only with School approval.

• Strongly recommended to have at least 1 grade 12 university-admissible course.

• Strongly encouraged to have an ADST/Art/PE Course.

• 1 spare permitted.

• More than 7 academic courses permitted only with School approval.

SEMESTER COURSES *

NOTE:

SAMPLE GRADE 9 SCHEDULE

12 See Graduation requirements for additional information.

Grade 11 Spare Criteria

• At least 4 university-admissible courses (5 is recommended).

• 2 spares permitted.

SEMESTER COURSES *

SEE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS FOR THE FULL LIST

LANGUAGES 9 **

NOTE:

SAMPLE GRADE 10 SCHEDULE

Students may request a spare without a required co-enrollment course. Students should think of this spare block as an independent study block, using it for time within the school day to complete homework, meet with teachers, and pursue independent interests or contributions to the life of the School. Having a spare aligns with our recommendation that a Grade 11 schedule consist of: the five required courses; a "stretch course" (course that pushes a student into new areas of knowledge or skill sets); and a “grow course” (course or courses that delve into a passion or support wellness).

A well-rounded, recommended St. George’s education in Grade 11 would include a course from at least one of these areas:

• Arts Education (Music, Theatre Arts, Visual Arts)

• Physical and Health Education

• Applied Skills, Design, and Technology

Grade 11 students are required to be on-campus for their spares. Students who request eight academic-based subjects will have their schedules subject to School approval.

FULL-YEAR CHOICE *