Advanced Placement Courses

These courses give students the opportunity to engage in one or more areas of study of their choice and in greater depth. Students will be in classes with keen peers where inquiry learning, elevated discussions, and an increased depth of understanding are common.

Course marks will reflect the outcomes mastered from the Alberta Education Programs of Study. This means that students will not have a lower mark because they choose to engage in a more advanced course. Instead, students will gain experience with university level content and textbook with the guidance of a high school teacher.

Students will be tested on the AP content during an AP exam or they need to submit a portfolio (see table above). Depending on their level of achievement and the post-secondary place of study, they will be able to receive credit for a university or college level class.

Students are responsible for paying the Advanced Placement Exam or Portfolio Assessment fee as these courses are optional enrichment and not required for a High School Diploma.

Advanced Placement courses are offered by the College Board. This website is useful for some further information.

https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/

Make sure to scroll down for information regarding how to pick AP courses and why you may wish to take AP courses and their brief descriptions.

Advanced Placement Biology

Prerequisite: Science 10, >80% and teacher recommendation

The Biology Advanced Placement student will spend one whole year in Biology AP in a cohort of students. During that time, they will cover Biology 20, Biology 30, and Biology AP. Mostly, students take this class in Grade 12, even though they may take Biology AP in grade 11 as well. This keen group of students will experience an enriched biology-centred program and earn 13 credits during the school year.

Lab work will make up approximately 25% of this course. Field trips, a university textbook and speakers will round out the program. At the end of semester 2, students will write the AP exam in May and the Biology 30 Diploma Exam in June. Students who score a 4 or 5 out of 5 on their AP exam will be able to receive university credit for this course. The specific regulations vary from university to university and the appropriate registration guide needs to be consulted

Advanced Placement Chemistry

Science 10, Math 20-1 >80% and teacher recommendation

Students spend their Chemistry AP journey in a cohort of students in their grade 11 year with Chemistry 20, Chemistry 30, and Chemistry AP. The sequence of courses is a sheltered and accelerated experience where like-minded students enjoy challenging themselves in an enriched learning environment. Students will cover the Chemistry 20 and 30 curricula as well as advanced placement topics. Advanced placement topics include Solubility Equilibrium, Free Energy and Entropy as well as enriched topics in Acid and Base Chemistry and Electrochemistry.

These courses supplement the Alberta Chemistry 20/30 curriculum with topics from a first-year university level inorganic chemistry course. Students will build upon their knowledge of topics from Chemistry 20 and 30 for a deeper understanding of chemical processes and the structure of matter. Should they receive a score of 4 or 5, out of 5 they will be eligible to receive university credit at most universities in Canada and the USA. Students with heavy pre-existing extracurricular or academic loads are not recommended to take Chemistry AP. Students will write the Chemistry AP exam in mid-May and the Chemistry 30 Diploma in June.

Chemistry 20, Chemistry 30, Chemistry 35 – cohort during 2 semesters – 13 credits

Advanced Placement Physics

Prerequisite: Science 10, Math 20-1 >80% and teacher recommendation

Students will take Physics 20 and 30 and AP in Grade 12. Strong understandings in Science and Mathematics are required to be successful in Advanced Placement Physics. Physics 30 AP is an intensive course that includes an in-depth study of the regular Physics 30 topics: Momentum, Forces & Fields, EMR & Light and Quantum/Atomic & Nuclear Physics.

Students will complete the AP Physics 1 Exam in early May and then the Physics 30 Diploma Exam in June.

Physics 20, Physics 30, Physics 35 – cohort during 2 semesters – 13 credits

Advanced Placement Math

Prerequisite: Math 10-C

This course sequence (Math 10-C, 20-1, 30-1) is designed to provide students with the mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills identified for entry into post-secondary programs that require the study of calculus (for example: Engineering, Mathematics, Science and Business). In addition, in AP, students will cover all of the outcomes of the regular course. We will also enrich many of the specific outcomes with a focus on a level of excellence. In addition, we will add other mathematical topics meant to enhance learning and provide students with an appropriate and enjoyable mathematical challenge. The course sequence will conclude with Math 31AP which will cover the calculus topics of Alberta Education and those of the Advanced Placement component.

Students will write their Math 30-1 Diploma Exam in January and the Mathematics Advanced Placement Exam in early May of their grade 12 year.

Advanced Placement English 20-1/30-1AP

Prerequisite: ELA 10-1, >80% and teacher recommendation

Starting with English 10-1 and 20-1, students should appreciate literature not only for its meaning but also because it is personally gratifying. They should recognize and enjoy structure, style, archetypes and themes, as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, syntax, and tone. Students will experience, interpret and evaluate poetry, short fiction, novel, drama and non-fiction essays. This includes literature from British, Canadian, American, and international writers, as well as works written from the 16th century to contemporary times.

By the time students complete ELA 30-1 AP (which includes both English 30-1 and English Literature and Composition AP), students will be prepared to write the AP exam in early May that includes both multiple choice and three critical, analytical, written responses, and the Alberta Education Diploma Exam in June.

Advanced Placement Social Studies 20-1/30-1AP

Prerequisite: Social Studies 10-1 >80% and teacher recommendation

This series of Advanced Placement courses allows students the opportunity to explore the history of Europe in greater depth. Students will examine the cultural, diplomatic, economic, intellectual, political and social history of Europe from 1450 to the present. There will also be a focus on how this history relates to today’s world. Topics include the Renaissance, the French Revolution, the Enlightenment, the World Wars, and many more. Skills including historical interpretation, research and document analysis will be incorporated. Students will improve their critical thinking skills and broaden their perspective on the world.

Students will demonstrate their knowledge with both multiple choice and written response questions on the AP exam in early May. Students will also complete the Alberta Education Diploma Exam in June.

Advanced Placement French Language

Prerequisite: FSL 20, >80% and teacher recommendation

AP French Language and Culture is equivalent to an intermediate level college course in French. Students cultivate their understanding of French language and culture by applying interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational modes of communication in real-life situations as they explore concepts related to family and community, personal and public identity, beauty and aesthetics, science and technology, contemporary life, and global challenges. This course is taught almost exclusively in French. Students who wish to take this course must have completed and excelled at French 20.

Students will write their Advanced Placement exam in early May. The exam consists of multiple choice and free response questions.

Advanced Placement Art and Design 30AP

Prerequisite: Art 20

This is a course taken in conjunction with Art 30. AP Art has been developed for students who have demonstrated a strong interest and commitment to excel in the visual arts. These students will complete an AP Art portfolio with an emphasis on process, inquiry and completed artworks. All students will submit a portfolio at the end of the course that has followed the AP Art Submission requirements. This course will emphasize ongoing experimentation and exploration in the development of a personal artist style. Mastery of concepts, composition, execution, varied art mediums, mixed media, and themes, concepts, subject matter, and content are an expected outcome. Through the use of a personal sketchbook, students will document their process and daily art exploration. As a part of this course, students must develop their voice. Students will understand that creating and developing art is a constant, ongoing activity that involves personal decision-making. Students will understand that for their artwork to achieve quality in concept, composition, and execution, it includes much risk-taking, experimenting, and research.

The goal of the program is to create a portfolio for submission to the College Board in your Grade 12 year. The College Board will then assess your portfolio. Depending on your results you can earn credits towards your post-secondary degree, depending on the school of your choice.

Advanced Placement Computer Science

Prerequisite: Computer Science Intermediate

Students who take Computer Science introductory, intermediate, and advanced will cover, with the Alberta Curriculum, most of the needed outcomes to be able to successfully write the AP Computer Science A exam. This option will be offered to students in Computer Science Advanced. These students will also have access to the College Board webpages regarding computer science to assist in their exam preparation. The AP exam will take place in early May.