Programs

French Immersion

This program offers students the opportunity to learn subjects in an immersion context and to be able to attain a high level of fluency in the language by the end of grade 12.  The program intends to offer the best available courses and curriculum to complement the studies of a student who would like to graduate one day with a bilingual certificate. 

Students in this program will take 4 courses in French during their grade 8 year.   During grade 9 and 10, the students will take 3 courses in French.  Over the grade 11 and 12 years, the students will take a total of 3 courses in French spread over the 2 years. 

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement (AP) is a program of acceleration and enrichment that allows gifted or highly motivated students to begin college or university studies while still in secondary school.  The junior high curriculum will be accelerated to complete three years work in two.  Students will eventually be able to take university level courses in their grade 12 year.
This program is recommended for only the outstanding student who wishes to be academically challenged. Candidates for AP courses will be determined by the school.

AP courses may be offered in Calculus, English, Physics and Chemistry and English Literature.  Grade 12 students may write College Board Examinations in Calculus, Information Technology, Physics, Chemistry, and English Literature, and possibly in French (Language), Music Theory, Spanish and German.

The advantages of AP include enrichment and academic challenge; possible first year university credit or standing university placement priority, and excellent preparation for provincial exams.

Satisfactory grades on AP Examinations may offer many benefits.  Advanced Placement in college or university allows you to skip work you’ve already done in high school and move on to higher level courses.  You will also gain time to explore subject areas that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to study.  The basic reason for taking an AP course, however, is to learn a subject in greater depth, to develop analytical reasoning skills, and to develop disciplined study habits appropriate for continued success at the post secondary level.

Regardless of the grade you get on an AP course or an AP exam, neither could work against you for the following reasons:

• The marking scheme in each AP course within the school is adjusted differently to compensate for the increased level of difficulty.
• The AP exams occur in the middle of May well before the Provincial Exams in June.
• The AP exam is not a requirement for the course, however, it is recommended.

Advantages of the Advanced Placement Program

In addition to the advantages mentioned, another advantage of taking AP courses would be a student may select a single course or a combination of courses.  This allows for:

• A gradual acclimatization to collegiate work load and pace.
  Enrichment without sacrifice of extracurricular activities.
• Students are able to decrease their time spent in the university lab by as much as two thirds due to their confidence and experience gained in their AP classes.
• Excellent preparation for provincial as well as many external scholarship exams.

ESL (English Second Language)

For students who have recently immigrated to Canada and whose first language is not English.  This program includes direct language instruction and tutoring in mainstream courses as well as assistance in adjusting to new culture.

FACTS

For students who show a giftedness or high achievement in the areas of academics, creativity and/or talent.  The program attempts to individualize itself to suit the needs of each student.  There are group projects, individual projects of study in areas of particular interest to the student, professional mentorship initiatives and field studies.  Admission to the program is based on teacher recommendation, student interest and an interview with the director of the program.

Outreach Alternate Secondary School

Outreach Alternative Secondary School is a school in it’s own right, located on the Maple Ridge Secondary School grounds. Under the umbrella of Outreach Alternate Secondary School are three alternate programs: Outreach, Journey and Teen Parents.

Outreach

Outreach is an academic alternative to regular high school serving students needing flexibility and new opportunities. Outreach offers a limited graduation program for students from grade 10-12.
Courses are a mix of independent studies and classes which you must attend.  With work done at home as well as at school, two courses should be completed every 12 weeks.  There is a limited Dogwood graduation program.
To be considered for the program, you must be 16 to 19 years old at the date of application, demonstrate a strong desire to return to school and the motivation to work independently. 

Journey

Journey is an alternative program designed for students who have average or better ability but are not coping with their regular classes due to poor attendance, social/emotional difficulties, or behavioural problems. Students are referred to the School Based Team and selected as space and need arise. Self-paced and teacher-led instruction is offered in core areas and supported by teaching assistance. A Youth Care Worker provides support for home/family situations and elective courses.

Teen Parents

This program is for pregnant or parenting teens who wish to complete secondary education. Students may enroll in regular classes or choose self-paced courses, depending on their educational background and career goals.  All students in this program are required to take Human Services 11 (Child Care) and Family Studies 11.  Daycare is provided in a fully licensed facility located on the school-grounds.