PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Powell River School District #47 provides an excellent quality education program for students from other countries who wish to study in Canada. Our separate study options give International students opportunities to experience the Canadian educational system at varying levels of difficulty and involvement.
Currently in its 14th year, our successful program offers International students a BC Government Ministry of Education approved curriculum and BC Government certified teachers. State of the art, fully equipped schools create a stimulating working and social environment in which students learn English for pleasure or to gain credit towards graduation from a BC high school.
Powell River's limited enrolment of no more than 40 International students, or less than 2 per cent by population, ensures maximum attention to each student. ESL immersion within the school setting and in the larger 'English only' speaking community assists our International students in achieving high TOEFL scores and BC graduation certificates.
PROGRAM OPTIONS
International students are offered several options of programs in Powell River School District #47:
BC Graduation Program (B.C. Government standards)
English Language and Canadian Cultural Experience
Academic Prepatory Program
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Summer ESL Eco-Adventure Program
BC GRADUATION PROGRAM
International students enrolled in our academic programs are offered BC government curriculum courses along with a wide range of electives. The eventual goal for students in this program is to earn credits leading toward high school graduation and preparation for entry into a post secondary institution.
British Columbia's High School Graduation diploma is recognized by all Canadian and U.S. universities as well as colleges and universities around the world. The BC graduation and university entrance program is the most popular program offered in Powell River. One hundred percent of Powell River's International students have been accepted and have gone on to further their education in universities throughout Canada, the United States and around the world.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE & CANADIAN CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
This one-year program gives International students the chance to learn English quickly while experiencing Canadian culture. Students taking this cultural experience program must be dedicated to their studies, but are also encouraged to participate in Canadian recreational and cultural activities.
ACADEMIC PREPATORY PROGRAM
A 10-month Academic Prepatory Program introduces International students to the educational format of BC secondary schools. This program serves as excellent preparation for further studies in Canada should students want to undertake the standard curriculum in the future.
ENGLISH as a SECOND LANGUAGE(ESL)
ESL or English as a Second Language, is mandatory for first year International students. Powell River's unique English Immersion program features outdoor excursions and a community awareness program which assists students in fully developing their knowledge of Canadian life while enhancing their proficiency in speaking English.
SUMMER ESL ECO-ADVENTURE PROGRAM
The popular Summer ESL Eco-Adventure Program accepts twelve International students for three weeks of outdoor recreation and ESL fun during the month of July. Camping, hiking, horseback riding, golfing, swimming, sailing and kayaking are a few of the outdoor activities enjoyed by our students.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Powell River School District 47 accepts no more than 40 International students each year. When applying for admission to our program, students must send a Student Program Application form along with recent school records and recommendations from their present school if available.
Students are required to obey all program rules including attending all classes, good academic success and cooperation with homestay families. Students who do not obey all program rules will be withdrawn from the program.
SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS
International students living in Powell River benefit from an established support program. A team of international student advisors is available to ease the strain of adapting to a new culture and language.
The advisors assist in course selection, school work, post secondary school applications and counselling for students unfamiliar with any of the procedures.
Extra tutoring in any academic subject can also be arranged through the school counsellor. Classroom teachers are also available to provide additional after school or lunch hour help with course content material arranged by student appointment request.
Social events such as parties, dinners, sports competitions and recreational activities are arranged by program support staff along with an annual camping trip in June and a trip to the slopes to ski in January.
HOMESTAY PROGRAM
Students in the International Education Program participate in a mandatory homestay program. Families are chosen to host students during the extent of their stay in Canada. The students benefit by staying in a safe, stable home environment while practising their newly acquired language skills and participating in new cultural activities. A public transit system and a school bus system assist students in commuting within Powell River.
COURSE SELECTION
Upon arrival in the community, students must take the SLEP placement exam. Following assessment, students are placed in one of three programs depending on their abilities and goals.
Among the academic courses leading to high school graduation are mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geology, geography, history, English composition, English literature, French, Spanish and law.
Non-academic, or elective courses, are also available including band, choir, acting, cooking, art, technology, computers, drafting, physical education, mechanics, automotives, woodwork, accounting, clothing and textiles.
