At RSS, we offer AP courses in Art, English, Biology, Physics, Political Studies, Chemistry, Calculus and Computer Science. 

WHAT IS AP? 

The Advanced Placement Program (AP) is an international program of acceleration and enrichment which allows bright and motivated students to actually begin their College or University studies while still in high school. AP courses are equivalent to first year university courses in all ways except for class size and cost. They contain the same (or greater) content of the comparable courses found in Canadian Colleges and Universities. 

WHAT DOES A STUDENT GET OUT OF TAKING AN AP COURSE? 

1. Course Credit or Placement The original purpose of the AP program was to recognize that some students in secondary school are capable of and ready for challenge beyond the regular curriculum and to provide that challenge. Colleges and Universities have recognized over the years that students who take AP courses are at least as well prepared, and in fact usually better prepared, than regular first year students. As a result, most Canadian Universities are prepared to offer AP students exemption from taking their equivalent course (called placement), or credit (actual course credits granted by them) for the AP course(s). Obviously, from a student’s point of view, credit is preferable as it can save lots of money! 

2. Exposure to University Level Expectations Since all AP courses offer instruction at first year university level, following university level curricula, using university level texts and resources, students gain the real benefit of having experienced these rigors prior to going to university. Studies by the College Board following up on AP students find a very high level of success by these students in first and second year courses beyond regular entry students. 

3. Challenge AP courses give students an opportunity to challenge themselves beyond the normal expectations and thereby extend themselves intellectually. It also teaches students to develop effective work and study habits crucial to survival and success after secondary school. 

4. Preparation AP courses are excellent preparation for Provincial exams. 

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER TAKING AP COURSES? 

A student taking AP does not necessarily require high intelligence. The characteristics below are of greater importance than raw intelligence: 

• A proven record of success in school, particularly in the Pre-AP courses that lead to the AP course that you are thinking of taking. 

• A serious commitment to and recognition of the importance of education.

• Motivation to achieve an ever-higher level of personal achievement. • A well-developed work ethic including positive attitudes towards learning, challenge, and the consistent production of high quality work. 

AP is not a gifted program for the select few. It is a program of enrichment and acceleration for the interested and motivated student. 

WHAT ARE THE AP EXAMS? 

Each of the AP courses has a final exam. For a college or university to consider granting you credit or placement for your AP course, you must write and pass the AP exam for that course. This exam is developed by a committee of AP teachers and University professors under contract to the College Board. The exams are 3 hours long and are written worldwide during the second and third week in May each year. The exams are sent to the College Board who hires AP teachers and university professors to mark them. Results of the exam are converted to a 5-point scale and mailed to students, their secondary school, and colleges or universities of the student’s choice. The mark on the exam is really the College Boards way of providing recommendations to universities about the relative preparedness of this student for advanced placement at their university. 

Any student who scores a 4 or 5 on an AP exam can use their result to apply for a Provincial Scholarship. 

DO CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES REALLY ACCEPT AP? 

Yes! Every university develops their own acceptance policy for AP as they see fit, but all major Canadian Colleges and Universities have acceptance policies in place that grant AP students placement, course credit, or both. For example, McGill grants credit and placement for any AP course with a score of 3 or better. UBC grants credit for some and placement for others with a score of 4 or 5. Your counselor can provide you with each university’s policy. 

DOES AP COST ME ANY MONEY? 

There is a fee to write the AP exam part of which the school subsidizes.

 DO I GET HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT FOR AP COURSES AS WELL AS COLLEGE? 

Yes. The BC Ministry of Education recognizes all AP courses for credit. Generally you get credit for the equivalent high school course plus additional credit that the Ministry has determined an AP course is beyond the regular course if you complete the course by writing the exam. 

APCR-12-4L    

Credits: 4/8

“AP Passion to Action” is not just a course; it’s a call to transform your passions into meaningful contributions for our local community. Learn more about yourself and what you care about as you explore your interests, curiosities, and potential future pathways. Personalize your learning journey by embracing opportunities such as connecting with students from other schools, hiking trips, and field studies that align with your personal growth. Connect with community experts and local Knowledge Keepers to take action and create positive change. Are you ready to turn your passions into actions? Let the journey unfold!

This course is a linear offering, with the opportunity to earn as many as 8 credits (4 English 12 and 4 AP).