Departments

Rigorous Academic Program

At St. Thomas Aquinas we encourage our students to strive for excellence in academics. The curriculum is rigorous and encourages independence, problem solving and critical thinking. At the same time we recognize that some students need flexibility and learning support to achieve their potential.

Our school follows a linear system – students begin eight courses in September and complete them in June.

STA follows the British Columbia Ministry of Education requirements for academic instruction. Students who wish to graduate with the BC Certificate of Graduation or “Dogwood Diploma” must complete a minimum of 80 credits in grades 10, 11, and 12, and write three provincial assessments:

  • Grade 10 Literacy
  • Grade 10 Numeracy
  • Grade 12 Literacy assessments

Advanced Placement Courses

The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) enables students who want to challenge themselves with the opportunity to enrich their learning, earn first year college credit, advanced placement or both — while still in high school. AP Exams are given each year in May.

Senior students at St. Thomas Aquinas can take Advanced Placement courses in English Language and Composition, Calculus and Computer Science. In addition to these courses, students have the opportunity to write AP exams in all other subject areas.

In the 2022-23 school year, 36 STA students wrote 65 AP exams with 32 students scoring 3 or higher on a 1 – 5 scoring scale.

Academic Table – Course Offering at STA

  1. Placement exam for Grade 8 applicants is scheduled in February
  2. Placement exams for advanced courses (Enriched English 8, Mathematics 8/9 and French) are scheduled in June (prerequisites required)
  3. LRC Block must be approved by LRC Coordinator
  4. All PHE Academy and Kaizen classes are by application only. PHE Academy and Kaizen classes are geared towards competitive athletes with sports specific training in basketball, volleyball, soccer and fitness training.

Grade 8 – Grade 10

Required Courses Elective Courses Other Options
Grade 8 Seven required:

  • English
  • Religion
  • Mathematics
  • Social Studies
  • Science
  • Core French
  • Physical & Health Education
Choose one:

  • ADST
  • Drama
  • Beginner Band
  • Intermediate Band
  • Art
  • Accelerated Math 8/9
  • Advanced French
  • PHE Academy
  • LRC Block
Grade 9 Seven required:

  • English
  • Religion
  • Mathematics
  • Social Studies
  • Science
  • Core French
  • Physical & Health Education
Choose one:

  • ADST
  • Drama
  • Band
  • Art
  • Advanced French
  • Advanced Mathematics
  • PHE Academy or Kaizen
  • LRC Block
Grade 10 Nine required:

  • Christian Education Composition
  • Creative Writing
    Science
  • Social Studies
  • Core French
  • Mathematics
  • Physical & Health Education
  • Career & Life Education (semester course)
Choose one:

  • Drama
  • Band
  • Art Studio
  • Electronics & Robotics
  • Advanced French
  • Introductory Spanish
  • Advanced Mathematics
  • PHE Academy OR Kaizen
  • LRC Block

Grade 11 & Grade 12

Grade 11 Required Courses Grade 12 Required Courses Other Options  
Six required:

  • Christian Education
  • Literary Studies & Writing 11
  • Mathematics (choose one)
  • Science (choose at least one)
  • Social Studies (students must take at least one course in either their grade 11 or 12 year)
  • Career Life Connections
Six required:

  • Christian Education
  • English Studies 12
  • Choose four other academic or elective courses:
    • Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Language Arts, Second Languages, ADST, Business, Art, Band, Drama and PHE
  • Career Life Connections
  • PHE Academy OR Kaizen
  • Peer Tutoring
  • Community Service
  • LRC Block
  • Independent Study Block (grade 12 only)

Students with Special Needs – Evergreen Program

The School Completion (“Evergreen”) Certificate is intended to celebrate success in learning that is not recognized in a Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma). It is used to acknowledge the accomplishments of students with special needs.

At St. Thomas Aquinas we enroll students from Grade 10 onwards for the Evergreen

Program in consultation with their parents or guardians.

Every student in this program is required to take part in the Planning Alternative Tomorrows with Hope (PATH) process. PATH is a person-centered planning tool that brings together the student, family and school team to create a vision for transition from high school to life as a young adult.

Goals derived during the PATH process will shape the school plan for the final years of high school so that each student achieves their personal learning goals. Curriculum topics include Community Based Instruction, Literacy and Math, Recreation and Fitness, Science and Social Studies, Work Experience and Vocational training.

The ultimate goal is to prepare young people for the next stages of life beyond high school whether that is adult programs at a university or community college, or  helping them with job readiness or other avenues.

Departments

Academics

Social Studies

The main purpose of the Social Studies curriculum at St Thomas Aquinas is to develop graduates who have the knowledge, skills, and competencies to be active citizens. An informed citizen understands key historical, geographical, political, economic, and societal concepts, and how these different fac …

Academics

Science

The Science Department strives to help students become flexible and adaptable thinkers and examine the impact of scientific knowledge on their lives, society, and the environment. Junior students focus on developing basic skills of scientific inquiry.  In grades 8 through 10, students study life sci …

Academics

Physical & Health Education

Through physical education classes and recreation activities, students at St. Thomas Aquinas develop the knowledge, skills, and true sporting spirit to be ACTIVE for LIFE. Development activities offered in support of the PHE 8 Physical Literacy Active for Life journey include: Fundamental Movement S …

Academics

Modern Languages

Students at St. Thomas Aquinas have the option to pursue either French or Spanish. Those entering in grade 8 must complete up to and including French 10. Spanish is offered in Grades 11 and 12. The Language Department strives to help students authentically communicate by acquiring socio-cultural kno …

Academics

Mathematics

The Mathematics Department strives to teach students to solve problems, communicate and reason mathematically, make connections between mathematics and its applications, become mathematically literate, appreciate and value mathematics, and make informed decisions. We want students to understand that …

Academics

English

The English Department is focused on developing students’ fundamental reading, writing and oral skills.  The department also strives to develop reading ability through exposure to and critical analysis of important literary works. The curriculum of our courses provides a wide range of opportunities …

Academics

ADST

Applied Design, Skills & Technologies The complexity of future careers requires students to move beyond traditional paradigms of learning. The Applied Design Skills Technology Department (ADST) is focused on providing the skills young students need for success in a technology driven world. The A …

Academics

Christian Education

The Christian Education department strives to build the faith and knowledge of our students by passing on the Catholic Church’s teachings, providing students with religious and moral reference points to help them critically examine their surrounding culture and build a society enlightened by the val …