Focus on Canadian immigration and Canadian education: As of 2013, there are 69 Canadian primary and secondary schools in the Chinese region (including Hong Kong and Macau). Among them, the number of schools offering British Columbia (BC) curriculum is the highest, with 29 schools.
According to data from CICIC (The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials), which is an agency under CMEC (Council of Ministers of Education, Canada), as of 2013, there are 69 Canadian primary and secondary schools in the Chinese region (including Hong Kong and Macau). Among them, the number of schools offering BC curriculum is the highest, with 29 schools, such as Maple Leaf International School, which offers BC high school courses.
Next, we will focus on the BC high school curriculum.
In British Columbia (BC), the primary and secondary education spans 12 years, with grades 1-7 being elementary school, grades 8-10 being middle school, and grades 11-12 being high school. In the Chinese region, these schools generally have a three-year system, starting the Canadian high school curriculum from grade 10, corresponding to grades 10, 11, and 12 in China.
The difficulty of the BC curriculum is moderate. The curriculum emphasizes enhancing students' English proficiency, critical thinking skills, and social engagement abilities, ensuring that graduates can quickly integrate into the learning and living environment of Western society. Students participate in the BC provincial exams. The curriculum is recognized worldwide, but primarily focuses on Canada and the United States.
The main types of courses include:
1) Language Arts: Mandatory. Students take the exam in grades 10 and 12.
2) Social Studies: Mandatory. Students take the BC provincial exam in grade 11.
3) Science: Mandatory. In grades 11 and 12, it expands to include Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Students can choose more than one course each year based on their potential. Each course has an exam.
4) Mathematics: Mandatory. Students must complete at least grade 10 and 11 mathematics courses and pass the exams.
5) Physical Education: Physical education in grade 10 is mandatory for all students.
6) Arts and Applied Skills: Students must earn at least 4 credits in arts and/or applied skills, which can be obtained in grades 10, 11, and 12.
7) Planning 10 (Grade 10): Helps students achieve success in educational planning, career development, health decisions, and financial management.
Assessment System: To graduate from a Canadian overseas high school, students must earn at least 80 credits during the three-year curriculum, including: 48 credits from mandatory courses; more than 28 elective course credits; and 4 credits for educational and career planning.
Assessment System
Note:
1. Of the 80 credits required for graduation, at least 16 credits must come from grade 12 courses, including Language Arts, while other credits come from mandatory or elective courses.
2. Each course requires 100-120 hours of instruction to earn 4 credits.
3. Grade 12 students must take the provincial standardized exam before receiving the high school diploma from the BC Ministry of Education. The provincial exam score accounts for 40% of the total score for each subject, while school grades account for 60% of the total score.
4. The provincial exam is held four times a year, with the most significant one taking place in late June, as it offers the most comprehensive subjects for examination, and all universities must receive the provincial exam results in August. The other three exam dates are in January, April, and August.
5. The graduation portfolio is a written or electronic collection of materials documenting students' academic performance and other achievements. Students begin collecting graduation portfolio materials in grade 10, focusing on the following areas: information technology, community involvement, civic awareness, personal health and wellness, career skills education, career planning, arts, and design. Students gather materials through various means to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities in these six areas, including participation in school activities or social experiences.