BC Min of Education - Parent Resources

This document was last revised in 2000 and, while may still be useful in a general sense, should not be depended on for the most up-to-date information concerning ministry policy.

The Graduation Years (Grades 11 and 12)

The graduation years focus on preparation for post-secondary studies or entry into the work force. As courses become increasingly specialized, students continue to expand their knowledge and refine their skills in language arts, social studies, science, mathematics, technology, fine arts and applied skills. They take courses that are directed toward the achievement of their personal and career goals. Students develop advanced skills and take more responsibility for their learning.

In the graduation years, students:

apply knowledge and methods of inquiry in various disciplines;
participate in career development and work experience while at school;
solve problems, think critically and make decisions.

The curriculum for these years is designed to

allow students to participate in a broad-based education;
require greater personal and social responsibility by having students refine their personal and career plans and select areas of study that fit into these plans;
allow students to engage in independent directed studies;
allow students to select areas of specialization and interest from both ministry-authorized and locally-developed courses;
allow students to receive credit for courses on the basis of their own general learning (challenge) and receive credit for equivalent documented learning acquired outside of school (equivalency);
recognize learning through the review and approval of external credentials;
guide students to value lifelong learning and to plan for and pursue educational and career choices that may include direct entry into work, preparation for vocational and technical education, apprenticeship training or post-secondary study.

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