Prince of Wales Mini School

http://pwcourseplanner.wikispaces.com/Mini+School

Prince of Wales Mini School

Overview

Prince of Wales Mini School is a district enrichment program offered by the Vancouver Board of Education. The school was established in 1973 in order to meet the academic and social needs of highly motivated students. Prince of Wales Mini School consists of 150 students from Grade 8 to 12 (30 students in each grade).

School

Our school occupies a self-contained building on the grounds adjacent to Prince of Wales Secondary School. The building includes four classrooms, a science lab, two computer labs, an office, a student lounge and a small gymnasium.

Purpose

The purpose of Prince of Wales Mini School is to create a positive learning environment where students are challenged to excel in a broad range of subjects. We offer an intellectually rigorous academic curriculum, as well as exposure to a wide variety of enrichment activities.

Program

Our school program is based on the cohort model, in which 30 students in each grade pursue many of their courses as a group. This model allows staff to prepare an effective program that matches the needs of students, and provides support for students as they work collaboratively with their peers. Students in Grades 8 – 10 take six courses with their cohort group (English, Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, French and Physical Education). Two elective courses are taken with students from the Main School. Students in Grade 11 take four courses with their cohort group (English, Social Studies, Mathematics and French). Four other courses are taken with students from the Main School. Students in Grade 12 take English and Math with their cohort group. All other courses are taken with students from the Main School.

We encourage students to develop as well-rounded individuals – to find an appropriate balance of academic, athletic, artistic and social pursuits.

All students at Prince of Wales Mini School are considered part of Prince of Wales Secondary School (100m from PW Mini School). They have full access to teams, clubs, and facilities in the Main School.

Enrichment

Course work at Prince of Wales Mini School often goes beyond the provincially prescribed curriculum by examining topics in greater detail. In some subjects the prescribed material may be covered more quickly in order to allow time to explore other areas of interest.

Enrichment occurs in the classroom, and through field trips in the community and beyond. Examples from various subjects are as follows:

· English: live theatre, opera and ballet performances, Shakespeare workshops;

· Social Studies: discussion of events in the news, guest speakers, art gallery visits, film screenings, museum visits, day trip to Victoria;

· Math: practical use of mathematics, math contests and shows, Grade 9 Math Challenge Project;

· Science: examination of current scientific discovery and advancement, Grade 8 and 9 Science Fair Project, Grade 10 Science Mentorship Program, observatory visit, 4-day trip to the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, ecosystem exploration day trips;

· French: official French proficiency tests (internationally recognized DELF exam), guest performers, “hands-on” examinations of French cuisine, French language film project.

Throughout the year we encourage students to follow their interests as they work on self-directed projects that explore various aspects of their academic subjects.

Funding

The Vancouver Board of Education provides funds for teaching staff and instructional facilities. PW Mini School must generate funds for optional enrichment materials, activities and trips through a combination of enrichment fees and fundraising projects.

Enrichment and trip fees total approximately $800 per student per year. No student will be denied an opportunity to participate in an activity or trip because of an inability to pay fees. A bursary fund has been established at PW Mini School from a percentage of fundraising activities. Families may apply for a bursary (in confidence) by contacting the Head Teacher.

For successful fundraising to occur, both student and parent involvement is required.

Criteria for Selection of Students

Each year 30 students are admitted at the Grade 8 level. Prince of Wales Mini School seeks students who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement. Acceptance is based on the merit of the application and an interview process. Every effort is made to ensure that each Grade 8 class is balanced based on gender, cultural diversity reflective of the citizens of Vancouver, and representation from a broad range of elementary schools. Students who would receive particular benefit from the school, or who would make a unique contribution to the school, are encouraged to apply.

The following criteria are used to select students for the school:

· Academically capable – as demonstrated by a record of academic excellence (“B” or better English, Social Studies, Math, Science and a second language), and by scores from a set of VBE administered tests (English, Math, and Cognitive Skills);

· Self-motivated to learn – as demonstrated by report card grades and teacher comments;

· Involved in school and community activities – as demonstrated by a written statement from the student;

· Socially skilled (attributes that enable the student to establish and maintain positive relationships with students from a variety of backgrounds and viewpoints, and the ability to work cooperatively with others) – as demonstrated by report card comments and a group interview.

Application Procedures and Timeline

Please consult our website for up-to-date information.

Contact Information

Prince of Wales Mini School

4750 Haggart Street, Vancouver, BC V6L 2H8

Phone: 604-713-8981

Email: pwmini@vsb.bc.ca

Website: www.pwminischool.com