Academics
Junior School

Grade 4 - 7

INTERMEDIATE PROGRAM

In the intermediate program, students build critical-thinking and problem-solving capacity through applied skills learning. In grades 6 and 7, students take electives aligned with their interests, such as animation, robotics, graphic design, engineering, musical theatre, Indigenous weaving, STEM, and cooking. Interdisciplinary collaboration supports a balanced, relevant educational experience.

  • Specialists teach French, Mandarin or Spanish, music, art, library skills, daily PE, and educational technology using school and family-owned devices.
  • Our counsellors oversee our signature character education program, CARE, which fosters empathy, personal responsibility, leadership, and social awareness.
  • Students further develop instrumental and ensemble skills in their band or strings stream. All students participate in choral classes in grades 4/5; grades 6/7 can choose vocal electives.  
  • Students are encouraged to join athletic teams, including cross country, swimming, soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track and field. 
  • Parent involvement is highly valued, with parent-teacher conferences, student-led sharing sessions, parent education workshops, grade socials, coffee mornings, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
  • Field trips, outdoor education trips, guest presenters, and over 30 cocurricular clubs offer unique learning experiences. 

Academic Foundations

List of 8 items.

  • Applied Design, Skills and Technologies (ADST)

    Grade 4: Build digital literacy skills such as validating trusted sources of information for interactive fiction projects. In video game programming challenges, students use the design engineering process to code an original game, which is shared gradewide.

    Grade 5:     Design and engineering skills are reinforced through 3D graphical modelling programs for 3D printing and lasercutting. Virtual and augmented reality tools enhance students' understanding of 3D space and programming.

    Grade 6: Critical media literacy skills are supported through use of image manipulation tools and artificial intelligence learning models. Students create personal machine learning models to identify biases and inaccuracies while showing potential real-world applications.

    Grade 7: Capture-the-flag hacking challenges highlight the importance of cybersecurity awareness. Students undertake a deep-dive into the engineering and social challenges of media consumption.

  • English

    • Grade 4 – Develops strong reading comprehension and writing skills through storytelling, descriptive writing, and poetry. Students engage in creative storytelling, learning how to develop characters and settings, and begin structuring paragraphs.
    • Grade 5 – Expands critical thinking with literature circles, persuasive writing, and speech presentations. Students analyze themes in books, practice delivering speeches, and develop structured multi-paragraph essays.
    • Grade 6 – Encourages creativity and analysis through research writing, twisted fairytales, and nonfiction studies. Students write opinion essays, compare texts, and participate in structured debates to improve argumentation skills.
    • Grade 7 – Strengthens academic writing with structured essays, novel studies, and Night of the Notables research projects. Students explore advanced literary analysis, refine their research skills, and develop clear, well-supported arguments in their writing.

  • French

    • Grade 4 – Introduces conversational basics through gestures, storytelling, and interactive activities. Students use role-play to practice greetings and basic phrases.
    • Grade 5 – Builds vocabulary and sentence structures with expanded storytelling. Students begin writing simple paragraphs and engaging in structured dialogues.
    • Grade 6 – Integrates cultural studies and digital storytelling using iMovie. Students explore Francophone traditions, create multimedia projects, and conduct research on French-speaking countries.
    • Grade 7 – Enhances fluency through literature, Le Chandail de Hockey, and DELF preparation. Students engage in debates, read and analyze French texts, and develop oral proficiency.

  • Mandarin

    • Grade 4 – Focuses on basic vocabulary and Chinese festivals like the Moon Festival. Students practice character writing and pronunciation.
    • Grade 5 – Enhances oral and written comprehension through storytelling. Students learn about Chinese zodiac signs and traditional foods.
    • Grade 6 – Covers daily routines, time-telling, and cultural celebrations. Students compare their daily activities to those of children in China.
    • Grade 7 – Strengthens written and spoken proficiency with gesture-based learning. Students analyze Mandarin short stories and work on fluency development.

  • Mathematics

    • Grade 4 – Introduces place value, multiplication, division, fractions, and basic geometry. Students explore mathematical reasoning through hands-on learning, games, and visual models.
    • Grade 5 – Develops problem-solving through word problems, measurement, and graphing. Students deepen their understanding of multiplication and division, work with decimals, and explore probability.
    • Grade 6 – Focuses on decimals, order of operations, algebraic reasoning, and data representation. Students analyze patterns, use coordinate grids, and solve multi-step equations.
    • Grade 7 – Bridges foundational skills with real-world applications in algebra, ratios, and advanced geometry. Students apply mathematical concepts to practical scenarios, such as financial literacy and statistical analysis.

  • Science

    • Grade 4 – Explores ecosystems, the moon phases, energy transfer, and states of matter through hands-on activities. Students investigate local ecosystems, conduct simple physics experiments, and develop observational skills.
    • Grade 5 – Examines human body systems, forces and simple machines, and BC’s natural resources. Students create models of body systems, design simple machines, and analyze environmental sustainability.
    • Grade 6 – Investigates biology, chemistry, and physics, including Newton’s Laws and space exploration. Students conduct chemistry experiments, study gravitational forces, and learn about the impact of technology on space travel.
    • Grade 7 – Prepares for the Science Fair with studies on climate change, chemistry, electricity, and Earth’s history. Students complete independent research projects, build electrical circuits, and analyze environmental challenges.

  • Social Studies

    • Grade 4 – Studies Canadian geography, Indigenous cultures, and early European explorers. Students create maps, research Indigenous traditions, and examine the impact of European contact.
    • Grade 5 – Covers immigration, the Gold Rush, Canada’s constitution, and government structures. Students study historical migration patterns, engage in role-playing activities, and debate governance systems.
    • Grade 6 – Examines global issues such as human rights, media literacy, and economic systems. Students analyze propaganda, explore international trade, and debate ethical issues in global affairs.
    • Grade 7 – Explores ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Students compare societal structures, study mythology, and recreate historical artifacts.

  • Spanish

    • Grade 4 – Introduces basic sentence structures and conversational skills. Students learn about traditional celebrations like Día de los Muertos and practice everyday vocabulary.
    • Grade 5 – Expands vocabulary through discussions about directions, holidays, and traditions. Students practice writing simple stories and engage in interactive cultural projects.
    • Grade 6 – Develops grammar and fluency through projects on routines and historical figures. Students present about famous Hispanic figures and participate in conversational role-plays.
    • Grade 7 – Explores Latin American culture through novels and prepares for DELE certification. Students discuss themes of family, migration, and opportunity in Spanish-language literature.

Creative & Physical Development

List of 4 items.

  • Visual Arts

    • Grade 4 – Explores nature-inspired drawing, painting, and sculpting. Students experiment with color blending and composition.
    • Grade 5 – Introduces movement, printmaking, and tonal studies. Students create print-based artwork and study light and shadow.
    • Grade 6 – Covers commercial art concepts like asymmetry and point of view. Students develop graphic design projects and explore modern art styles.
    • Grade 7 – Encourages personal expression through sketchbooks and 3D art. Students create sculptures and mixed-media pieces.

  • Music

    • Grade 4 – Introduces Band, Choral, and Strings with foundational rhythm and melody. Students learn basic notation and ensemble cooperation.
    • Grade 5 – Develops instrumental and vocal skills with ensemble work. Students work on harmony and rhythmic coordination.
    • Grade 6 – Expands on music literacy and performance techniques. Students refine their sight-reading and develop improvisation skills.
    • Grade 7 – Focuses on ensemble leadership and advanced performance. Students prepare for concerts and learn about musical arrangement.

  • Drama

    • Grade 6 – Introduces acting, collaboration, and storytelling through video production. Students perform short scenes and explore character development.
    • Grade 7 – Expands performance skills with scriptwriting and multimedia storytelling. Students direct and produce their own short plays.

  • Physical Education & Outdoor Learning

    • Grade 4 – Develops teamwork and coordination through fundamental movement skills. Students engage in cooperative games and basic fitness activities.
    • Grade 5 – Expands fitness and sportsmanship with gymnastics, swimming, and track & field. Students set personal fitness goals and track progress.
    • Grade 6 – Enhances strength, endurance, and leadership in team sports. Students engage in tournament-style competitions and strategy-based activities.
    • Grade 7 – Focuses on structured athletic training and sports strategy. Students take on leadership roles and refine technical sports skills.


   

List of 3 items.

  • JUNIOR SCHOOL

    BUILDING STRONG FOUNDATIONS

    LEARN MORE

  • SENIOR SCHOOL

    INSPIRING THE EXTRAORDINARY

    LEARN MORE

  • START YOUR JOURNEY

    TAKE THE NEXT STEPS 

    APPLY NOW
Since 1996, West Point Grey Academy has gratefully resided on the Jericho Lands, the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation. Honoured to learn and play on these beautiful lands, we endeavour to be a leader in Indigenous education. In creating shared understanding and opportunities, we hope to help foster a more equitable society for all.

List of 3 items.

West Point Grey Academy

4125 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, B.C., V6R 4P9
Tel: 604-222-8750