wpga admissions guide

Admissions Guide2015-2016

Shaping lives of inquiry, action and joy

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Admissions Guide 2015-2016

Dear Families:

We are delighted you are considering West Point Grey Academy for your child. Please review this guide to learn more about our programs, our community and our admissions process. We also invite you to our open houses to tour our school, meet our teachers and explore our future-focused vision and learning opportunities. We are confident our students and staff will impress you with their enthusiasm, dedication and spirit!

Table of Contents

Admissions Team’s Message . . 2

Admissions Calendar . . . . . . 2

Vision, Mission & Values . . . . 3

WPGA at a Glance . . . . . . . 4

Benefits of Coeducation . . . . 5

Junior School Program . . . . . 6

Senior School Program . . . . . 8

Postsecondary Planning . . . 10

Alumni Updates . . . . . . . 12

Admissions Process . . . . . 14

Admissions FAQ . . . . . . . . 15

Message from the Admissions Team

Christine Poole Admissions Director [email protected]

Christine Poole, Kim Goodison, Siobhan Blackstock

Kim Goodison Assistant Admissions Director [email protected]

Siobhan Blackstock Admissions Assistant [email protected]

Admissions Calendar 2015–2016

Open Houses/Admissions Information Sessions:

• Junior Kindergarten: Friday, October 3, 2014

• Kindergarten–Grade 4: Thursday, October 16, 2014

• Grades 5–12: Tuesday, October 21, 2014

All sessions begin at 9:30am.

Application Deadline:

• Monday, November 24, 2014 (All Grades)

Observation and Testing Days:

• Junior Kindergarten: Monday, December 8, 2014

• Kindergarten–Grade 1: Monday, January 12, 2015

• Grades 8–12: Saturday, January 17, 2015

• Grades 2–7: Saturday, January 24, 2015

Offers of Acceptance:

• Junior Kindergarten: First round offers in December

• Kindergarten–Grade 1: First round offers in February

• Grades 2–12: First round offers in February

Offers will be mailed to families. All applicants will receive written notice of their status by March 16, 2015.

We are available to answer your questions throughout the year. Please contact us at [email protected] or 604-222-8750. We look forward to connecting with you soon.

Sincerely,

www.wpga.ca

West Point Grey Academy

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WPGA Vision, Mission, Core Values and Programs

Vision Leaders in Future-Focused Learning Inspired by our rapidly evolving world, we are a model for schools in offering interdisciplinary, experiential programs and partnerships, with technology, entrepreneurship and global connectivity at the forefront.

Mission Shaping Lives of Inquiry, Action and Joy At WPGA, we focus on the individual child, the whole person and a balanced life. We give each student transformative learning experiences rooted in inquiry, shaped by action and celebrated with joy.

Inquiry In nurturing their innate curiosity and the courage to ask “why,” we empower our students with both a clear sense of self and a strong sense of belonging—they become who they are, and feel supported on their journey.

Action With the belief that action reflects character, we ensure each student has a voice for change and opportunities to lead. Quietly bold or fearlessly spirited, they become global citizens with a purpose.

Joy By helping our students explore and develop their unique talents in academics, athletics and the arts, we enable them to experience the joy of self-discovery and shared achievements.

Core Programs Academics Our future-focused academic curriculum builds on learning outcomes set by the Ministry of Education. With experiential, globally-inspired programs in math, science, literacy, languages and social studies, and continual opportunities for enrichment, acceleration and support, we ensure each student is positioned to succeed, at WPGA and beyond.

Athletics The Wolves athletics program focuses on developing students’ movement skills and offers fun, inclusive physical activities. All students are enrolled in physical education classes; starting in grade 3, students can compete in CAIS and provincial leagues and are provided specialized, sport-specific coaching and training at all levels of play.

Fine and Performing Arts Creativity, an inherent component of WPGA’s fine and performing arts program, is a core skill that must be continuously nurtured. Students participate in our music program from JK and learn an instrument from grade 3; our visual and theatre arts programs further develop students’ creativity, self-expression, critical-thinking and presentation skills.

Service Our service program is based on the belief that every student can make a difference in the world through his or her actions. At WPGA, service initiatives are student-led, each an opportunity for students to develop the skills and knowledge to be engaged and caring citizens, capable of effecting change in their local and global communities.

Core Values These are the beliefs that drive our behaviours, our culture and our decision making.

Globally Inspired: We are inspired by, and seek to contribute to, the great ideas of the world.

Academically Innovative: We pursue progressive programs that drive learning and innovation.

Character Driven: We model empathy and integrity as the basis for all our actions.

Community Spirited: We are stronger because of our deep connections to each other.

Intentionally Balanced: We thoughtfully and healthily balance our academic, athletic, artistic and social activities.

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WPGA at a Glance

General • Founded in 1996

• Coeducational independent day school

• Junior kindergarten to grade 12

• Member of the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) and Independent Schools Association of British Columbia (ISABC)

Administration • Head of School:

Tam Matthews

• Junior School Principal: Ciara Corcoran

• Head of Senior School: Stephen Anthony

Governance• Board Chair: Robert Standerwick, Q.C.

• Vice-Chair: Peter Blake

• Directors: 14 (For a full list, see www.wpga.ca/governance)

Facilities • 37 acres

• Gymnasium and fitness facilities, including an aquatics centre, two outdoor tennis courts, sports fields, and a 1-kilometre outdoor running/walking trail

• Library

• Staffed resource and study centre, with multiple collaboration rooms and technology workstations

• Dining hall/full-service café

School Hours • Junior Kindergarten:

Full-Day Program (New for 2015–2016)

• Kindergarten: 8:20am–3pm

• Grades 1–12: 8:20am–3:30pm

Student Body • Enrollment: 944 students

• Class Size: 22 students (average)

• Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1

• Advanced Placement Courses: 16

• Outdoor Education: Grades 3–12

• Clubs: 40, including internationally recognized debate, public speaking and Model UN teams

• Graduation Rate: 100% (see page 11 for university acceptance information)

• Scholarship Awards: $1 million (2014)

Faculty • 124 faculty members

• 100% of faculty engage in professional development events, with many leading professional seminars and presenting at ISABC, CAIS, Ministry of Education and in-house sessions

• Integrated, future-focused technology and digital citizenship programs in all grades

www.wpga.ca


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BenefitsofCoeducationalLearning

At West Point Grey Academy, our educational philosophy and core values reflect our firm belief in coeducational schooling, the benefits of which include greater socialization, wider diversity and fewer gender stereotypes.

Top Benefits of Coeducation

Equality: Collaboration, not separation, fosters equality, which can only be achieved by learning from and listening to each other. Moreover, interacting and partnering with opposite-sex peers helps to break down and redefine outmoded social constructs, leading to less gender stereotyping and discrimination. In fact, a 2011 Penn State University study found single-sex education is more likely to propagate gender stereotypes.

Social Preparation: Coeducational schools such as WPGA provide opportunities every day for boys and girls to interact, become friends, and participate together in activities, clubs and sports. Such collaboration and familiarity promote positive, realistic and productive relationships in youth and adulthood, for example, at university and in the workplace.

Diversity: At WPGA, the same opportunities, whether in academics, athletic, arts or leadership areas, extend to all students. And while research shows girls and boys are more alike than different, particularly when it comes to learning, they are unique in some aspects. These distinct qualities enable higher-level learning by allowing for dynamic discourse, in which each student is encouraged to contribute and to voice his or her perspective.

The Truth About Coeducational Learning Environments

Myth: Boys and girls are hardwired differently and require different teaching methods.

Reality: Despite claims to the contrary, research indicates learned behaviours and social norms shape children’s academic aptitudes far more than slight physiological distinctions between the sexes. A 2010 meta-analysis of 242 studies found girls and boys performed equally well in math; the vast majority of these students were in coeducational classrooms. Indeed, individualized, student-centred teaching is more effective than gender-based curricula.

Myth: Single-sex education improves educational outcomes.

Reality: There is a dearth of empirical evidence proving single-sex education produces superior academic results, defined as test scores in any subject and in university acceptance rates. A 2014 meta-analysis of 184 studies of 1.6 million students worldwide found no advantages of single-sex education in academic achievements and interest. What does affect academic outcomes? There is no one factor; rather, it is a combination of variables, including open communication among teachers, parents, students and administrators; a supportive home environment; healthy peer relationships; and caring teachers who inspire students every day.

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Junior School Program: Junior Kindergarten–Grade 7

In the Junior School, we focus on nurturing the whole child, on creating engaging curricula for every student, and on instilling in each student a lifelong love of learning and a clear sense of self. Our teachers implement future-focused programs grounded in progressive educational research, integrating technology as appropriate to enhance individual learning, guided inquiry and creative collaboration. Working with renowned educators and child development experts, we host regular parent education sessions on children’s academic growth and social-emotional wellbeing. Our signature character education program, CARE (Citizenship, Attitude, Respect, Esteem), guides discussions and activities within our classes and promotes empathy and ethical decision making among our students.

www.wpga.ca


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Kindergarten to Grade 3

The primary program is the foundation for learning at WPGA. At this level, children begin to solidify concepts, initiate ideas and take ownership of class and service projects; from a teaching perspective, literacy and numeracy development is a key focus. Our teachers design engaging, interactive lessons and learning activities across all subjects, integrating technology, character education, and active, kinesthetic elements to support comprehension and creative collaboration. Specialists teach French, a third language (Mandarin or Spanish), information technology and digital citizenship, art, music, and daily PE. The result is a balanced, student-centred educational experience.

Grades 4 to 7

Numeracy, literacy and applied skills learning (e.g. critical thinking and problem solving) are at the core of our intermediate program. Diversity and choice are emphasized, too, as students continue to take classes in French, a third language (Mandarin or Spanish), daily PE, art, music, and information technology and digital citizenship; a robotics, art and drama rotation is offered in grades 6 and 7. A range of cocurricular programs, including outdoor experiential trips and debate, public speaking, theatre and Destination Imagination clubs, give students even more opportunities to explore new passions, demonstrate leadership and collaborate with peers.

Junior Kindergarten

Our JK teachers purposefully build joyful classroom connections, incorporating community and character into thematic, crosscurricular units. Learning is meaningful and fun, and the classroom itself is a tool, with dedicated spaces and activities for children to strengthen numeracy and literacy skills, make art and movies, explore world cultures, and even cook! Guest experts present unique experiential activities related to planned lessons, and students enjoy plenty of time outside, tending to their organic garden and developing movement skills in daily PE classes. Classes in French, a third language (Mandarin or Spanish), music, art and digital citizenship complement the program.

Junior School Program: Junior Kindergarten–Grade 7

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Senior School Program: Grades 8 to 12

The Senior School is a dynamic coeducational environment offering exceptional opportunities to further shape students’ WPGA experience and postsecondary aspirations. Such opportunities include our Global Studies Program and UBC Liu Institute partnership, and our STEM 9 course, a collaborative, hands-on class intended to advance students’ practical understanding of science, technology, engineering and math. Personalized timetables, extensive Advanced Placement offerings, year-round math and science challenges, language exams such as the DELF and DELE, an outdoor experiential program, and international outreach projects are more examples of future-focused learning at the senior level.

www.wpga.ca


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Senior School Program: Grades 8 to 12

Global Studies Program As educators in the 21st century, we must ask ourselves: How can we prepare our students for a world of increasing knowledge and technology? To address this question, this fall WPGA’s senior social studies department, inspired by their participation at Harvard Graduate School’s Think Tank on Global Education, launched the Global Studies Program, which centres on the global perspective and includes the following components.

Global Studies Diploma: Diploma requisites comprise a global studies seminar class, a challenge initiative (see below), and a rigorous academic program that includes AP courses.

Global Studies Challenge Initiative: Students work with faculty and undergraduate/graduate students at UBC’s Liu Institute to create a solution to a global issue that can be implemented at a local level. These projects will be presented at a Global Studies Symposium.

Global Studies Faculty: Jenise Boland, David Morden, Tracey Lee

www.wpgaglobal.com

Athletic All-Stars Headed by Sean Dawson, Senior School Athletics Director, our varsity athletics program is among the strongest in the province. In 2013–2014, WPGA celebrated one of the highest medal counts for B.C. high schools, with two provincial banners (boys basketball and girls cross-country), one gold, two silver and three bronze; three top 5 finishes capped off an incredible year. WPGA’s competitive teams include cross-country, soccer, volleyball, swim, synchronized swim, basketball, tennis, golf, and track and field. Specialized sport and conditioning coaches tailor training programs to support our athletes physically and mentally. Reflective of our motto, Success is a Personal Best, we also offer recreational athletic opportunities so all students can experience the joy of sport.

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Postsecondary Planning: GuidanceforLife

We are proud of our 100% graduation rate and that our students achieve acceptance to the top postsecondary institutions worldwide. In 2014, our students were awarded over $1 million in scholarship money, and we routinely receive letters from university admittance officers commending our students on their academic preparedness.

Our Student Services team guides students and families through strategic course selection and the postsecondary planning process starting in grade 10. In grades 11 and 12, students and parents continue to meet with the team and with university and college representatives from Canada, the U.S. and abroad.

www.wpga.ca


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Postsecondary Planning: GuidanceforLife

University Fairs and Tours

Every October we host the Canadian Universities Event, attended by Canadian universities, and the Vancouver Area Independent Schools College Fair (VAIS), attended by over 40 American universities. Each November we take interested grades 11 and 12 students to visit universities in Eastern Canada, including Western University, University of Toronto, McGill University and Dalhousie University. In January we host Careers Week, when professionals from different industries share their career paths with our students.

Class of 2014 Enrollment

Below are just some of the universities our Class of 2014 attend.

USA

American Musical and Dramatic Academy

Arizona State UniversityBoston CollegeCalifornia College of ArtsCarnegie Mellon UniversityColumbia CollegeColumbia UniversityCornell UniversityDuke UniversityFlorida State University Harvard UniversityLoyola Marymount University New York UniversityParson’s School of DesignPrinceton UniversityReed College Rhode Island School of Design Savannah College of Art and Design

Stanford UniversityUniversity of California (Berkeley, Davis, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Los Angeles)

University of ChicagoUniversity of IllinoisUniversity of MichiganUniversity of OregonUniversity of the PacificUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of San Francisco University of Southern California

University of WashingtonWellesley CollegeYale University

Canada

Bishop’s UniversityBritish Columbia Institute of Technology

Carleton UniversityConcordia UniversityDalhousie UniversityEmily Carr Institute of DesignMcGill UniversityMcMaster UniversityQueen’s UniversityRyerson UniversitySimon Fraser UniversitySt. Francis Xavier University Trinity Western UniversityUniversity of AlbertaUniversity of British ColumbiaUniversity of CalgaryUniversity of OttawaUniversity of TorontoUniversity of VictoriaUniversity of WaterlooVancouver Film School Western University Wilfred Laurier University York University

Abroad

American University of ParisCambridge UniversityCardiff UniversityChinese University of Hong Kong

Goldsmiths College King’s College LondonImperial College London School of EconomicsOxford UniversityRoyal College of Surgeons, Dublin

St. George’s, University of London

University College of LondonUniversity College DublinUniversity of EdinburghUniversity of NottinghamUniversity of SheffieldUniversity of St. Andrews

WPGA Alumni Universities

• University of British Columbia (20)

• University of Toronto (10)• Western University (7)• Simon Fraser University (4)• University of Victoria (4)

In addition, almost 20% of our Class of 2014 are enrolled in universities outside Canada, including University of Chicago, University of California Los Angeles, New York University, University College London, St. George’s University and Goldsmiths College.

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Alumni Updates

WPGA graduates live all over the world and have successful careers in almost every field imaginable, from medicine, law and engineering to music, marketing, design, business, culinary arts, technology and environmental sustainability.

Here are updates on two of our 793 (and counting!) alumni who make us proud.

Ashley Bowron, Class of 2011 Ashley Bowron, Class of 2011, certainly has reason to smile these days. The UBC graduate just earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in political science (which she completed in three years, thanks to AP credits at WPGA) and began an MSc in Global Governance and Diplomacy at the University of Oxford in September. She deferred enrollment at law school at the University of Toronto to do the Oxford program, in which students analyze current world events from a global perspective.

This program appears to be tailored for Ashley, who realized her passion for international relations while on the WPGA debate team, travelling across North America and to New Zealand, Czech Republic, England and Germany for tournaments. She also competed on Team Canada at the World Championships in Scotland in her grade 12 year. She continues to judge local tournaments, travels with the Canadian National Debate Team as an adjudicator, and assists with the WPGA debate program during summer breaks.

She credits this international exposure with helping her get accepted to Oxford and remarks that debate not only developed her research, analytical and communication abilities but also her confidence. These skills led to a research assistant position at UBC, a job she recommends to all students.

When asked what advice she would give senior school students, Ashley says self-awareness is key. “Pay attention to how you feel about certain things and choose activities you enjoy. Be selective—don’t feel you need to do everything at university, where the choice of courses and activities is often overwhelming.”

Congratulations, Ashley, on your degree and

accomplishments. All the best at Oxford!

www.wpga.ca


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Ben Pickles, Class of 2012 Few people know in high school what they want to do in life, but Ben Pickles, Class of 2012, is one.

“In grade 9, I made a short video in class and realized I had some skill. For the next three years, I took film with Mr. McCauley, who gave me a lot of creative freedom.” Ben is also grateful to Mr. Ito, Mr. Lu and Ms. Meneilly, among other teachers, for piquing his interest in subjects he had previously overlooked.

“At WPGA, I developed an interest in learning, something I had thought would elude me. As a result, my marks continually improved and I eventually earned an Honour Roll With Distinction.”

Upon graduation, Ben enrolled in Vancouver Film School’s intensive 12-month program. While at VFS, Ben began to post videos to YouTube under the pseudonym John Smith. Many went viral, and his more recent “Wholock” feature (an imaginary meet-up between characters from the BBC programs Dr. Who and Sherlock) has almost 3 million views.

Ben also produced last year’s Gala video (under About WPGA on the website) currently works as a compositor on the TV show Continuum.

When asked what advice he would give WPGA students, Ben says to do what you find interesting and to seek support from our WPGA community, who are an enormous pool of expertise. He himself has been encouraged by his classmate Sophie Harvey’s mother, filmmaker Rachel Talalay, whom he visited in Wales this summer when she directed two episodes of Dr. Who. “In the film industry, as in life, it’s all about relationships. Talent is a requisite, but it’s equally important to foster relationships and recognize opportunities.”

We know there are many opportunities ahead for you,

Ben, and look forward to watching your career unfold!

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Admissions Process

Application ProcessWe encourage families to apply online (www.wpga.ca/admissions). Please submit the following with your application:

• One (grades 2–12) or two (JK–grade 1) passport-size photos (head and shoulders only) of the student

• Photocopy of applicant’s birth certificate or proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status

• Photocopies of both parents’ or guardians’ proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status

• Photocopies of the student’s report cards from June 2013 and June 2014

• Two reference letters in support of the student

• $250 application fee

Available Spaces • Junior Kindergarten: 28-32 spaces

• Kindergarten: 6 spaces

• Grade 1: 16 spaces

• Grades 2–7: Limited spaces, usually 2–4 spaces per grade per year

• Grade 8: 12–14 spaces

• Grades 9–10: Limited spaces, usually 1–3 spaces per grade per year

• Grades 11–12: Limited spaces

Assessment ProcessJunior Kindergarten (December 8, 2014) Kindergarten-Grade 1 (January 12, 2015)

Children attend a group observation. There are no exceptions to this, as the children partake in group activities that cannot be properly completed if tested individually. Therefore, children are at a disadvantage if unable to attend the scheduled observation.

Grades 2–7 (January 24, 2015)

Children write tests in mathematics, reading comprehension and writing. Students in grade 2 participate in a group activity; students in grades 6 and 7 take a general cognitive test. Short-listed candidates applying to grade 3 or higher will be invited for an interview.

Grades 8–12 (January 17, 2015)

Students take a general cognitive test and write exams in mathematics, reading comprehension and writing. Short-listed students will be invited for an interview.

www.wpga.ca


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Frequently Asked Questions

What are WPGA’s entry years?Entry years are junior kindergarten, grade 1 and grade 8. We accept applications and offer spaces for other grades as they become available.

What is WPGA’s sibling policy?We do not automatically offer a space to children with a sibling at WPGA, particularly if one is applying for a non-intake year. However, we recognize the importance for families of having children in one school. Providing a sibling meets our admissions requirements, we do our best to offer a space to the family.

What age is WPGA’s junior kindergarten class?Our junior kindergarten class is for children turning 4 during the calendar year of application. Children born between January 2011 and December 2011 are eligible to apply for junior kindergarten for the 2015–2016 school year.

Does WPGA offer a meal program? Our full-time chef and café staff provide nutritious, reasonably priced lunch and snack items in our Dining Hall to students in kindergarten to grade 12 as well as breakfast to senior school students. For kindergarten to grade 2 students, meals are suited to younger children’s appetites and palates.

Does WPGA have before- and afterschool care programs?We do not have a before-school program but offer an afterschool care program (kindergarten to grade 7) Monday to Friday from 3pm–5:30pm. We also offer camps during spring and summer breaks.

Does WPGA offer a bus service? We offer a morning bus service, which picks up and takes students to school in an inspected school bus with a qualified driver. We currently have three pick-up locations on the west side.

Does WPGA accept international students?We welcome international students. However, we do not offer boarding facilities or a homestay program, and we strongly recommend international students live with a parent or guardian. For more information, please consult our admissions team.

What are the school fees? Below are our 2014–2015 tuition fees for domestic students. Tuition includes field trips, workbooks, textbook rentals, and other supplementary materials and activities. International students should contact our admissions team for fees. All fees are subject to periodic review.

• Junior Kindergarten: $13,900

• Kindergarten: $15,900

• Grades 1–7: $17,700

• Grades 8–12: $19,390

Junior School

4125 West 8th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6R 4P9T 604-222-8750

www.wpga.ca

Senior School

4125 West 8th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6R 4P9T 604-224-1332www.wpga.ca

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Shaping lives of inquiry, action and joy

wpga admissions guide

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