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
- Placement exam for Grade 8 applicants is scheduled in February
- Placement exams for advanced courses (Enriched English 8, Mathematics 8/9 and French) are scheduled in June (prerequisites required)
- LRC Block must be approved by LRC Coordinator
- 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:
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| Grade 9 | Seven required:
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| Grade 10 | Nine required:
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Grade 11 & Grade 12
| Grade 11 Required Courses | Grade 12 Required Courses | Other Options |
Six required:
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Six required:
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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.
