District Quick Facts 2014-15
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
DISTRICT QUICK FACTS 2014-15 • $255 million dollar annual budget • 4th largest district in the province Unique to Burnaby Schools • 41 elementary schools, including 7 community schools • Two district schools selected to offer • 8 secondary schools, including 1 community school AP Capstone Diploma • 12 StrongStart BC early learning centres • Specialized music • 13 adult education locations teachers in all schools • Welcome Centre (for new immigrant families) • Award winning high • BC Provincial School for the Deaf school marching band • Burnaby Online (a distributed learning program) • 2 District honour choirs • 23,700 students • 3 District handbell choirs 13,300 elementary • Festival of Dance 10,400 secondary • WORDS Writing Project • 1,000 international students • Grade 7 Public • 1,300 students in continuing education programs Speaking Challenge • 2,300 students take online courses (Burnaby Online) • Burnaby Youth • 7,000 students take summer school courses Sustainability Network • 4,000 employees • 20% of K-12 students are designated English Language Learners - 4,600 students • 48% speak a language other than English at home - 100 languages identified in our schools • 8% of students with special needs • 12% of elementary students are French Immersion learners • 6% of secondary students are French Immersion learners • 3% of students are Aboriginal learners - 700 students The Burnaby School District acknowledges the Coast Salish Nations of Musqueam, Tsleil-Waututh and Squamish on whose traditional territories we teach, learn and live. WELCOME TO BURNABY SCHOOLS Quality public education has been a community expectation since the first meeting of the Burnaby School Board in 1906. Its legacy began with the amalgamation of early one-room schoolhouses and continues today in 41 elementary schools and 8 secondary schools. Burnaby School District is the fourth largest school district in BC with an enrolment of almost 24,000 K-12 students. Our dedicated employees are committed to developing and providing all students with a wide variety of innovative, high quality programs in academics as well as athletics, trades training, visual and performing arts, social responsibility and leadership. Our goal is to tap into the potential of each of our students by identifying their unique interests so that they may be inspired to be successful. Additionally, the District provides educational programs and services to support: • Preschool Children (12 StrongStart BC early learning centres) • Aboriginal Learners (guided by a District Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement) • Summer Learners (for elementary and secondary students) • New Immigrants to Canada (Settlement Workers in Schools and a District Welcome Centre) • International Students (www.studyinburnaby.ca) • Adult Learners (Burnaby Community & Continuing Education: www.burnabycce.ca) One of the most diverse public school systems in Canada, our schools reflect the increasingly global nature of the Burnaby community. Approximately half of our students are from a household in which a language other than English is spoken. Such diversity brings rich cultural benefits to Burnaby’s communities and schools. The District continues to promote the ideals of multi-culturalism and inclusiveness through its policies and school-based initiatives which promote respect and understanding. We’re proud of our vibrant neighbourhood schools, diverse programs and services and, most importantly, student achievement. But we can’t do what we do on our own. We are grateful for the involvement of a wide range of partnerships with cultural, arts, and service organizations, as well as the numerous individuals and donors who support our school communities. Whether you are a parent with a child in the District, an employee, a partner, community member or a student, we invite you to learn about the wide range of learning opportunities that make Burnaby Schools unique. Burnaby School District ~ where all pathways lead to success. Our Mission To prepare and support an inclusive, caring community of learners for the challenges of a changing tomorrow. ~ 1 ~ So Many Opportunities to Learn ELEMENTARY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES There are 41 public Burnaby elementary schools that enroll almost 13,300 students from kindergarten to grade 7. Each school is well-equipped with the latest technologies and has a computer lab, library, music room, gymnasium and outdoor play areas. Students study a variety of subjects including Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, Technology, Fine Arts (Music, Art, Drama) and Physical Education. In addition to the regular academic program, and extracurricular activities such as leadership, sports, music, and numerous clubs, students may be candidates for: Advanced/Enriched Options Grades 4/5 & 6/7 Multi-Age Cluster Class (MACC) Capitol Hill An interdisciplinary, inquiry-based, combined-grade class for highly able Suncrest learners, it provides heightened cognitive and creative challenges in an inclusive and supportive community of intellectual peers. Grades 2-7 Challenge Program Parkcrest A weekly pull-out program for highly able learners, it offers enriched Brantford hands-on activities that supplement existing classroom and school supports. Grades 6/7 CREATE Program Alpha A bi-weekly enrichment program for highly able learners who display a learning challenge. Grades K-7 Education Through The Arts Confederation Park In addition to the development of academic skills, athletics, and social responsibility, Confederation Park Elementary School engages all grades through the arts. This includes: • a school wide approach (drama, visual arts, dance and music) • arts integration (students partner their “art” learning with core subjects) • project work with artists-in-residence Language Options K or Grade 1 Early French Immersion Aubrey/Brantford/ An opportunity for young children, whose first language is not French, to Inman & Cascade Heights learn a second language. It is an intensive and effective way for students /Marlborough/Seaforth to learn and study the French language and culture. /Sperling/Westridge Grade 6 Late French Immersion Armstrong/Capitol An opportunity for grade 6 students, whose first language is not French, to Hill/Marlborough learn a second language. More intensive than the Early Immersion program, a high level of student commitment and motivation is required. K - Grade 5 Mandarin Language Arts Forest Grove An opportunity for children to develop Mandarin oral communication skills, reading and writing skills and an understanding of and appreciation for Mandarin Chinese culture. The regular core curriculum is taught in English with a component of the Language Arts curriculum delivered in Mandarin. ~ 2 ~ So Many Opportunities to Learn SECONDARY LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Advanced/Enriched Options Grades 10-12 Advanced Placement (AP) Courses All secondary schools Burnaby School District offers one of the largest advanced placement programs in Canada. For highly motivated students who wish to study curriculum at the university level and may be given credit for some first year courses. A variety of AP course options are available at each secondary school. Check the school websites for details. Grades 11/12 AP Capstone Diploma Burnaby North Two Burnaby schools are among a limited number of Canadian schools Burnaby South selected to offer the AP Capstone Diploma. Built on the foundation of two courses – AP Seminar and AP Research – it enhances the in-depth, discipline- specific study provided through AP courses. Cultivating curious, independent, and collaborative scholars, this program prepares students to make evidence-based decisions for further success in post-secondary education. Grades are Business Summit Program school dependent Offers students the opportunity to explore the world of business, while fulfilling All secondary schools their graduation requirements. It provides enriched studies with a variety of business related courses, workshops, field trips and seminars to prepare students for a post-secondary school business program. This program is in partnership with the BCIT School of Business. Grades 10-12 Engineering Summit Program Cariboo Hill Offers students the opportunity to explore the world of engineering, while fulfilling their graduation requirements. It hones skills in technical writing, public speaking and the ability to work with others – skills valued by employers and post-secondary institutions alike. Through guest speakers, field experiences and mentorships from engineering companies, students will see the range of possibilities an engineering degree provides. Grades 8-12 French Immersion Alpha Students who continue their Early or Late French Immersion program to Cariboo Hill Grade 12 and receive a Bilingual Dogwood. Graduates will be considered Moscrop fluent in French and can apply for and accept employment with a bilingual requirement. They may also take university courses/programs offered in French. Prerequisite: Elementary French Immersion or equivalent. Grades 10 -12 Independent Directed Studies All secondary schools An opportunity for students to pursue a specific interest in greater depth and receive credit towards graduation. Courses are an extension of learning outcomes already identified in an existing course and are developed to maintain a high standard of quality in the work undertaken. Grade 8 Mini-School for Highly Able Learners Alpha An extension of the MACC Elementary program, this specialized program offers eligible students (gifted or gifted with