What is an Advanced Placement Program?
Advanced Placement is a program of college level courses and exams for secondary students developed by the U.S. College Board in Princeton, New Jersey. It gives high school students an opportunity to receive advanced placement and/or first year credit in college and university. Currently there are 35 different exams that students can write ranging from sciences to mathematics to arts.
Satisfactory grades on advanced placement examinations may offer many benefits. This could allow students to skip work they've already done in high school and move on to higher level courses. If students earn the university's required grade on an AP exam, they may receive the equivalent credit for a first year course; thereby saving the cost of course fees. 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 necessary for continued success at the post secondary level.
Check out the AP website at http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/
Centennial's Advanced Placement Program
Centennial now offers instruction in several areas of AP: Biology, Chemistry, Calculus, and Psychology. Students who are enrolled in the class can take an optional exam in May for Advanced Placement at a recognized university.
AP Science Pathway
- In grade 8, a student would apply to the Science 9/10 Honors class during the course selection process dates in middle school. Successful applicants will take Science 9 Honors in Semester 1.
- In semester 2 of grade 9, the student would enroll in Science 10 Honors in a regular class.
- In grade 10, the student can take one Life Science 11 and/or Chemistry 11.
- In Grade 12, students can take Anatomy & Physiology 12 in Semester 1 and AP Biology 12 in Semester 2. Students can take Chemistry 12 in Semester 1 and AP Chemistry in Semester 2.
AP Math Pathway
- Math advanced placement students sign up during their regular course selection at their middle school.
- The school will connect with your students teachers:
- If successful, they would take a Math9/10 Honours class in grade 9 thus advancing their education.
- In grade 12, the students will have the opportunity of taking – and receiving credit for – a university Calculus course taught by Douglas College at Centennial school.
The following is a possible course of study for a science AP student:
Grade 9
| Grade 10
| Grade 11
| Grade 12
|
---|
Science 9H
Science 10H
Math 9/10
English 9
Social Studies 9
PE 9
Language 9
Elective
Elective |
Math 11
CLE 10
Life Science 11English 10
Social Studies 10
PE 10
Language 10
Elective |
Chemistry 11
Anatomy & Physiology 12Math 12
English 11
Social Studies 11
Language 11
Elective
Elective |
Calculus 12
Chemistry 12
AP Biology 12
AP Chemistry 12
Physics 11
Physics 12
English 12
Elective |
---|
Advantages of the Advanced Placement Program
In addition to the financial savings and increased range of educational choices mentioned above, some other advantages of taking AP courses include:
- Students may select a single course or a combination of courses, gaining enrichment and challenge in areas of academic strength and interest.
- A gradual acclimatization to collegiate work load and pace.
- Enrichment without sacrifice of extracurricular activities.
- Students begin to work with and develop networks with their peers.
- Excellent preparation for both provincial as well as many external scholarship and contest exams.
- Some universities are using Advanced Placement exams as a way of distinguishing between enrolling students.
- Almost 3000 colleges and universities in Canada and the United States grant credit or advanced placement for students successfully completing a standardized exam equivalent to first year studies. This exam is available in 35 different courses of study!
Advanced Placement and Post-Secondary
Majority 4 year programs in BC and Canada recognize AP coursework. Visit the College Board Website for more Information: What Is AP? – AP Students | College Board
For more information, please contact:
Grade 12 AP Programs: Ms. Stephanie Pagliaro - spagliaro@sd43.bc.ca