Sir John Thompson: Featuring Pre-Advanced Placement

Sir John Thompson Catholic Junior High

Pre-Advanced Placement Program

Sir John Thompson Catholic Junior High School is a designated site in Edmonton Catholic Schools District for the delivery of the Pre-Advanced Placement Program. This program, using the Alberta Program of Studies will prepare students to acquire the knowledge, concepts, and skills needed to engage in a higher level of learning.

More specifically, the program works towards developing the skills, academic self-discipline and the concepts necessary to continue in an enriched academic program at the high school level with anticipated entry into a university and/or college of their choice.  

The Pre Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) Program is based on the following two tenets: 

The first is the expectation that students perform at rigorous academic levels. To reflect this, the curriculum will challenge students to expand their knowledge and skills at a higher level. 

The second tenet is the belief that, as early as possible, through the development of skills, acquisition of knowledge and engagement in their learning students can be prepared for increased academic commitment. 

The  Pre-AP program will: 

1. Comprehensively cover and extend curriculum, as well as enrich specific learner outcomes as outlined in the Program of Studies for each subject.

2. Using inquiry-based learning, problem-based learning and community service, provide for an engaging and challenging learning environment.  

3. Include the incorporation of a global viewpoint from our faith-based, Catholic perspective that is founded on our social justice service towards others, which underscores the permeation of our values as we instill skills of responsibility and positive citizenship in our world.

Pre-AP will be offered in the following subject areas:

Grade 7, 8, and 9 English Language Arts

Grade 7, 8, and 9 Mathematics

The Pre-AP Program is designed for students who demonstrate strength in three skill set areas:  Academic, Attitudinal and Behavioral.  For details related to each skill set area please refer to the entrance criteria. 

High Schools that offer AP and IB Programs:

 [ top ]

 PRE-ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.      What is the Pre-Advanced Placement Program?

 The Pre-Advanced Placement Program ensures that the junior high student develops the skills, habits of mind, and concepts they need to continue in an enriched academic program at the high school level with anticipated entry into a university and/or college of their choice.

 2.      Is the Pre-Advanced Placement Program different than the Alberta Education Program of Studies?

 No, the Pre- AP Program is based on the Alberta Program of Studies. 

 The Pre Advanced Placement Program prepares students to acquire the knowledge, concepts, and skills needed to engage in a higher level of learning and is based on the following two tenets: 

The first is the expectation that students can perform at rigorous academic levels. To reflect this, curriculum and instruction throughout the school consistently challenges students to expand their knowledge and skills.

The second tenet is the belief that, as early as possible, through the development of skills, acquisition of knowledge and engagement in their learning students can be prepared for increased academic commitment. 

 3.      What are Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) courses?

Pre-AP courses are at-grade level academically advanced courses designed to challenge motivated students to understand rigorous content. The coursework requires students to engage in independent and analytical assignments. The curricula for the courses are built on the Alberta Education Program of Studies Learner Outcomes for each course. 

4.      Why should I consider the Pre-Advanced Placement (Pre-AP) Program for my child?

Pre-AP courses are designed to prepare students for senior high school enriched academic courses such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate Diploma and Honors programs.

5.      What Pre-AP courses are available for the 2010-2011 school year?

Grade 7, 8, and 9 English Language Arts and Math.

6.      How do I know if my child is a good candidate for the Pre-Advanced Placement Program?

            The Pre-AP Program is designed for students who want:

·        A more rigorous challenging program

·        To broaden their intercultural and international understanding

·        To continue to be socially responsible, life-long learners

7.      Are there entrance criteria for enrolling in the Pre-AP courses?

Yes, the criteria for entrance into the Pre-AP program established by the Edmonton Catholic School District are divided into 3 skill set areas:  Academic, Attitudinal and Behavioral.  Outlined below are the specific criteria within each of the 3 skill set areas.  They are as follows:

A.     ACADEMIC SKILL SETS:

1.      Reporting on Achievement

q     Student achievement as determined by the student’s grade 6 report card demonstrates performance minimally at the “Proficient” and/or optimally at the “Excellent” level of achievement in the respective subject areas.

2.  Reporting on Growth as a Learner

q     The student's social growth and work habits in the section of ‘Growth as a Learner’ are reported as performing at the level of “consistently”.

3. Comments on Student Learning

q     Teacher comments on student learning indicate a high aptitude for the respective subject areas.

q     Teacher comments on student learning indicate that quality performance is demonstrated consistently.

4.      Reporting on Effort

q     Effort comments indicate a student's progress based primarily on two criteria: participation and work completion. Effort that is noted as “Displays Effort Consistently” and/or “Applies Extra Effort” demonstrates the student’s willingness and preparedness for rigorous work.

B.     ATTITUDINAL SKILL SETS:

q     Has a strong work ethic and is motivated to work hard.

q     Is eager, self-directed, and capable of handling the accelerated pace of learning.

q     Is goal oriented and understands the importance of creating “smart” goals.

q     Enjoys being challenged.

q     Is inclined to be a problem solver.

q     Has the ability to seek out alternate possibilities in a rational and logical manner.

C.    BEHAVIOURAL SKILL SETS:

q     Works independently.

q     Works as part of a team, when necessary.

q     Plans, organizes, and carries out tasks to completion.

q     Has strong study and research skills.

q     Has ‘Proficient’ to ‘excellent ‘oral and written communications skills.

q     Demonstrates an intellectual inquisitiveness over a broad range of interests.

q     Is reflective and deliberate in his or her thinking.

q     Enjoys involvement in the extracurricular life of the school.

q     Demonstrates a potential for and/or willingness to assume leadership.

D.    STUDENT ‘STATEMENT OF RATIONALE’.

To be included in the statement of rationale is the following:  

A.     Why do you want to be in the Pre-AP Program?

B.     What do you think makes you a great candidate for the Pre-AP Program?

C.    What is one long term goal that you have?

D.    What are 3 strengths that you think will help you to succeed in the program?

E.     What are 3 areas in which you hope to grow by being a part of this program?

Students must also submit the following:

E.     TEACHER SUPPORT  

F.     PARENT PERMISSION FOR PARTICIPATION

G.    STUDENT SIGNATURE OF COMMITMENT

8.      What is the purpose of the ‘‘teacher support’ document?

The teacher support criterion is put in place to ensure that a child considering such a program is indeed suitable for the program based on past performance and the previous mentioned skill sets outlined as part of the criteria.  Experience tells us that the person in the best position to make such a call is the teacher who knows the child best (grade 6 teacher). As the receiving school, we honor the professional decisions made by this teacher.

9.      How many Pre-AP courses are offered at your school for the 2010-2011 school year?  

Students will begin in the areas of English Language Arts and Math and will branch out into the other core subject areas over the course of their junior high years.

10. Why do I have to give permission for my child to begin Pre-AP courses?

Parental permission indicates that both the parent(s) and child have discussed the entrance criteria and verifies that they are familiar with and agree to follow the standards and expectations established for the Pre-AP Program.

11. When is the application due in?

Timelines for submission of the application package coincides with the spring registration cycle. 

If you have a question about the Pre-AP program, please contact Don Andrews at Sir John Thompson Catholic Junior High School at 454 – 9202 or william.moreau@ecsd.net

[ top ]