“Where curiosity and passion transform into academic excellence.”

Assumption College School is committed to providing the best academic experience for all students. As part of that commitment, ACS is one of over 200 schools in Canada who offer Advanced Placement (AP) programming. This program is internationally recognized and administered by the College Board. Focussed on providing students with university experiences while still in the high school environment, the Advanced Placement program is an excellent opportunity to prepare to excel at university.

The program provides opportunity for students at every grade level; starting in Grades 9, 10, and 11 with academic enrichment clubs including STEM, LEAP and CWAYC and progressing in Grades 12 where students enroll in subject specific Advanced Placement courses. Enriched learning experiences with other like-minded, engaged students are key to preparing for university entrance."

What is Advanced Placement (AP)?

• International university-preparation program; recognized world-wide; administered since 1955
• Allows motivated high school students to take university-level courses and exams while still in high school
• Courses and exams are developed by committees of university professors and experienced AP teachers

What are the Benefits of Advanced Placement

• Enriched learning experience in a class of like-minded students
• Academic challenge
• Acquire the confidence, study skills, writing skills and problem-solving skills required for the rigors of university
• Improves transition experience in the first year of university
• More likely to complete university degree
• Possible university credit and/or advanced placement

What does a typical Advanced Placement student look like?

• Demonstrates intellectual curiosity over abroad range of interests, is energetic and involved in many aspects of school life
• Strives for academic excellence
• Has superior academic potential
• Demonstrates a willingness to commit considerable time to study outside of class

What material is taught? Who teaches the courses?

• High school students take enriched Grade 12 courses based on the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum. In most cases, the Ontario curriculum covers approximately 80% of the course material.
• AP courses are taught by our own teachers here at Assumption College, who have had AP curriculum training
• A student's high school credit is based solely on the Ontario curriculum. AP content is not included in the high school course mark.

What Advanced Placement courses does Assumption College offer?

We proudly offer 5 AP courses:

• Grade 12 University English (ENG4UP)
• Grade 12 University Calculus (MCV4UP) + (IDC4UP) 2 credits
• Grade 12 University Physics (SPH4UP)
• Grade 12 University Biology (SBI4UP)
• Grade 12 University Chemistry (SCH4UP)

What is the Advanced Placement Exam?

• AP exams are written in May each year.
• All AP exams are hybrid digital or fully digital exams.
• Exams are scored by a team of experienced AP teachers (not teachers at Assumption) through the College Board.
• The score achieved on the exam may be used by a student to apply for university credit and/or placement in advanced courses at university. On a scale of 1 to 5, Ontario universities generally require a score of 4 or 5 for acceptance. Every university maintains its own policy regarding Advanced Placement. Be sure to review each of these policies as part of the university research process.

What is AP Certification?

• Assumption College School offers an AP certification to Grade 12 students at their graduation.
• In order to be eligible for AP Certification, a grade 12 student must have successfully completed:
  • at least one of the grade 12 AP courses
  • completed at least one AP exam
  • have an accumulation of at least 20 points from participation in the enrichment activities offered through STEM, LEAP, and CWAYC.

What is LEAP and AP English?

L.E.A.P.: Literature Enrichment Advanced Placement at Assumption College is an enrichment opportunity that challenges motivated students to pursue their love of communication, reading, writing and analysis of literature, oral communication and media studies. The varied opportunities emphasize a commitment to academic excellence. The long-term goal is to hone thinking and communication skills so that students are prepared for university. The focus is “Words, words, words” from Act 2, Scene 2 from William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet.

A significant secondary goal is to prepare students for the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition Course and Exam. This exam takes place in second semester of the grade 12 year, which provides them with the opportunity to earn a first-year university equivalency credit in English.

What is Assumption College offering to my child?

• All advanced English courses, grades 9 to 11, are imbedded with enrichment modules of poetry that cover from the 16th century to contemporary poets.
• Enrichment opportunities include a Book Club, guest speakers, writing contests, opportunities to contribute to the school magazine, field trips.
• ENG4UP runs semester 2 and prepares the students for the AP Exam in Literature and Composition that is written in May each year.

What are the qualities of an AP English student?

• Strong readers and writers
• Self-motivated learners
• High Achievers
• Strong desire to learn

For more information about LEAP and AP English, contact Ms. Pamela Fergus (pfergus@bhncdsb.ca), Mr. Matt Paonessa (mpaonessa@bhncdsb.ca) or Ms. Danielle Chagnon 519-751-2030 extension 14236

What is STEM?

Twelve years ago, Assumption College High School’s Science and Math departments initiated a new extra-curricular club called STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math). The purpose of STEM was to provide the student body with opportunities to experience and learn more about the physical world in which they live. STEM is also directly linked to our AP (Advanced Placement) program. With AP, students register for high school courses taught at the university level in hopes of allowing our graduates to enter a post-secondary institution better prepared for the rigorous task ahead.

The STEM Club currently has over 200 students registered, from grades 9 through 12, who have signed up and participate in the events throughout the school year. To date, both the AP program and the STEM committee has been tremendously popular and have received positive comments from students and parents alike.

Yearly Activities and Opportunities

• Monthly guest speakers from diverse scientific and technical fields
• Access to articles and journals on current STEM topics
• Participation in science and math competitions
• Hands-on activities and experiments
• Local and international educational trips

Notable Past Speakers

• Canadian Astronaut Jeremy Hansen
• Dr. Devereaux (McMaster’s Head of Cardiology)
• Architect Kevin Stelzer
• Nuclear Engineer Bernie Fitzpatrick
• Over 80 experts have presented to students

Past Events Hosted

• Astrophysics Day
• The Power of Ideas exhibit (Perimeter Institute & Ontario Science Centre)
• Quantum Week
• Vision of the Future Conference (2020 and 2024, Sanderson Centre)
• Evening of STEM (hands-on learning event)

Travel Experiences

• Locally, universities tours and scientific institutes
• International trips including Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Costa Rica, and Panama

For more information about STEM please contact Mr. Bill Dunlop – wdunlop@bhncdsb.ca

CWAYC

Are you fired up about what’s going on in the world…? The Canadian/ World Affairs Youth Council (CWAYC) explores important world issues and works collaboratively to generate solutions to problem through action.

Components of CWAYC

• Mock trial,
• Geography challenges
• Model United Nations
• Environmental action
• Conferences
• Guest speakers
• Field trips
• Awareness campaigns
• And more!

"Don’t just get into university; excel at university."

 *AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.