John Fraser Secondary Schools Regional Advanced Placement Program

John Fraser Secondary School’s Regional Advanced Placement Program Mary Nanavati Principal

John Fraser’s Mission �JFSS is committed to developing and supporting a community of engaged learners who strive to improve, achieve, and contribute in a respectful, safe and inclusive learning environment.

School Values �respect and compassion; �personal growth and excellence; �diversity and inclusion

The Goals of Our Regional Program Include �Creating a learning environment to challenge highly motivated students �Encouraging deep inquiry, independence, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration �Supporting and promoting academic excellence and leadership �Creating knowledgeable, reflective, positive citizens

What Is AP? � AP allows motivated high school students to take university-level courses while still in high school � 34 course in 21 subject areas � Taught by trained high school teachers � Courses developed by committees of university professors and experienced AP teachers � Exams will be written in May at Fraser � Each exam is 50% multiple choice and 50% free response

AP at John Fraser S. S. �Enrichment and high expectations �Rich and rewarding environment �Like-minded peers �Issues and concepts explored in greater depth and breadth �Senior AP courses developed by university professors �Excellent university preparation

What Is Pre-AP? �A clearly articulated sequence of courses in Grades 9 and 10 that enrich students and are a direct pathway to AP courses � Fraser teachers are trained to help students acquire the skills, concepts and habits of mind necessary for success in AP courses and on AP exams � Emphasis is on inquiry-based learning, problem solving techniques, critical thinking, collaboration and other learning strategies that students need for success in AP and beyond

Pre-AP at Fraser �Pre-AP students are grouped to take 5 of their academic courses in Grades 9 and 10: ◦ English ◦ Math ◦ Science ◦ Geography in Grade 9/History in Grade 10 ◦ French

Pre-AP and AP Classes �Broadens a student’s intellectual horizon �Includes greater depth and breadth �Classes are faster paced �Classes offer enrichment �First year university material is embedded in AP courses taken in Grades 11 and 12

Why Should A Student Take AP? � Enrichment and challenge � Enhancement of individual strengths � Active learners � Emphasis on 21 st century skills including creativity, collaboration, inquiry, problem-solving � An enriched learning experience in a class of like -minded students � Outstanding university preparation � International recognition � Possibility of advanced placement/credit/increased university options depending on post-secondary institution and program

Grade 11 and 12 � AP students can choose the number of AP courses and AP exams � Areas to Consider: Arts/Humanities; Social Sciences; Math/Sciences; Business/Economics � Future Possibilities for all Fraser students: SHSM in Arts and Health Care for Grade 11 and 12 JFSS Students (JFSS students will be able to specialize and earn a red seal on their high school diploma. )

Why AP? � Outstanding university preparation � Successful completion of an AP examination (depending on university and program) = transfer credit, advanced placement or both � AP courses are recognized by 90% of postsecondary institutions in North America � AP courses are in over 600 universities in over 60 countries around the world

AP Statistics for May 2015 WORLD : # of countries # of high schools # of students # of exams written 115 21, 600 2, 500, 000 4, 500, 000 CANADA : # of high schools # of students # of exams written 625 17, 400 26, 850 ONTARIO : # of high schools # of students # of exams written 250 5, 350 8, 250

AP Exam Grades J 5 = extremely well qualified J 4 = well qualified J 3 = qualified 2 = possibly qualified 1 = no recommendation

Ontario Results on AP Exams J 5 = 27% J 4 = 26% 3 = 25% 2 = 14% 1 = 0. 8%

AP Student Profile �High academic achiever �Strong work ethic �Highly motivated and involved in school life �Intellectual curiosity, interested in learning, avid reader �Well organized with good time management skills �Takes initiative, independent learner �Parent support

Next Steps �Honestly assess your AP readiness �Use the questionnaire on our school website (jfss. ca) �Discuss with your parents/guardians �Discuss with your Grade 8 teachers �If you want this challenge, apply on line by December 11 th

AP Application Process � Apply on line at www. jfss. ca between Oct. 28 th and Dec. 11 th, 2015 � Students will include information about themselves, their AP readiness, their leadership experiences � Students will be invited to write a JFSS Math and Literacy assessment (at John Fraser S. S. on Saturday, November 28 th) � Students applying after November 20 th will write the assessments on Thursday, January 7 th at 4: 00 p. m. � Students will be notified by email if selected to write the assessments

AP Selection Criteria �Grade 7 term one marks and learning skills �Math and literacy test results (based on Nov. 28/Jan. 7 assessment at Fraser) �Response to reflection questions as part of the on line application �Lottery system

Timelines �October 28 – December 11 (on line application) �November 28 th (Math and Literacy Assessment at Fraser, 9: 00 a. m. ); January 7 th for anyone applying after Nov. 20 th �February 8 th (Round One Offers) �February 16 th (Round Two Offers) �Once a regional program offer is accepted, no other offers can be considered

Bussing Concerns � Regional Program students can get to John Fraser 3 ways: ◦ Parent drop off ◦ Public transit ◦ Bus organized by bus to school program: ◦ www. bustoschool. com ◦ Parents apply for busing once the school notifies your child of his/her acceptance in the program; priority is decided based on the date of receipt of application and is on a first come first serve basis.

For More Information �www. jfss. ca �www. collegeboard. org �www. ap. ca

AP Is for You! �Are you a highly motivated student? �Then AP at John Fraser Secondary School is definitely for you!