Georges Vanier Secondary School

What is AP?

Through AP (Advanced Placement) courses, high school students engage in university-level study where they participate in classes that are rigorous than most other high school offerings. In AP classes, students acquire skills that help them succeed academically. Successful students who pass the Advanced Placement Exam in a subject, usually at the end of the academic year, may earn university credit, advanced placement, or both.

What do AP courses cover?

Each AP course covers the breadth of information, skills and assignments found in the correcsponding university course. AP students take demanding and challenging courses similar to those offered at university. Students who participates in AP hone thier skills in reasoning, analysis, sysnthesis and understanding. Such training helps them succeed intellectually. Administered by the College Board, AP courses are taught in 21 countries and in over 13,000 schools worldwide. The AP courses at Vanier help students prepare for the AP Exam, and allow them to experience a taste of what is to come in university.

AP Courses Offered at Vanier

The following courses are taught at Vanier. AP courses often take place after school or during lunch by highly qualified and dedicated AP teachers.

• AP Biology
• AP Calculus A/B
• AP Chemistry
• AP Computer Science A
• AP English Literature
• AP French Language
• AP Physics B
• AP Studio Art

Characteristics of the AP Students

AP Students are often: 

• Highly motivated
• Independent learners
• Committed to academic excellence
• High achievers

Why AP?

A tradition of academic excellence

AP courses allow students to study areas that interest them in greater depth.

Challenge

AP students challenge themselves and master university level material while still in high school.

Academic Acceleration

At university, AP students can often take upper-level courses in thier field of interest, take a double major or even achieve sophomore standing.

University Accreditation

90% of North American colleges and universities as well as post secondary institutions in 21 countries uses AP grades.

International Recognition

Admissions committees of the many competitive universities are aware of the rigour of AP exams and view AP experiences as a reliable indicator of future academic success.

What is the AP Exam all about?

Students are required to write a 2 to 3 hour AP exam related to their particular subject in May at the end of each academic year, comprising of multiple-choice questions and a free-response (essay) section. These papers are then graded by university professors on a scale of 1 to 5. Usually if the student acquires a grade of 5 or 4 in an exam, then they are deemed to be extremely well qualified, and universities often award a credit (that means you don’t have to do the same course at University again) and allow you to take a course at a higher level.

Learn More about the AP exam and the AP program from its creators, CollegeBoard →

For more information, please contact the school.