Design & Engineering

Culture of Innovation

Our hands-on engineering courses reflect WPGA's inquiry-based learning model. In designing and constructing digital and industrial design projects, students use their creativity and imagination, improve their research and analytical skills, and develop a solutions-oriented, entrepreneurial mindset to conceptual and practical challenges. Clubs such as Destination Imagination, Science, Lego, Math, and Robotics enrich student learning and hands-on experiences.

WPGA's Design & Engineering Program from West Point Grey Academy on Vimeo.

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  • Junior School Design & Engineering Programs

    Brainbreakers 
    This inquiry-based enrichment program, an introduction to engineering and design, applies the STEM principles (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) through problem-solving exercises of increasing complexity. 

    Destination Imagination  
    Teams of seven students work on open-ended challenges, designing and creating all props, costumes and technical elements to bring their solution concept to completion. Teams compete at regional and provincial tournaments; the top teams advance to the Global Finals,  the world's largest youth competition of creativity and problem solving.   

    Electronics & Robotics
    Students learn the basics of applied electricity and electronics, such as DC current flow and the use of various electronic components in building circuits. In knowing how to troubleshoot robotics equipment, students will learn to build and program an EV3 Mindstorms robot to complete specific tasks. 

    Robotics 
    This course builds on students' previous robotics knowledge, using Lego Mindstorms to complete challenging programming tasks. They will learn basic principles of microprocessor design and programming using Arduino microcomputers and assemble circuits using the Arduino microprocessor and various low-voltage electronic components.   

    Engineering Design 
    Using an engineering design process, students create solutions to different problems. Students will use a variety of technologies and building materials to learn about airplane models, small rockets, zip lines, marble runs and Arduino microcomputers. They will also create a simple 3D printed model and learn to solder a simple electric circuit.

    Woodworking Design 
    Students become familiar with computer-aided design software (CAD) and multiple tools and jigs to design and build a wood-based project, from basic game board to more intricate chest. This is hands-on learning at its best!
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  • Senior School Design & Engineering Programs

    Woodworking Design 
    Using skills in drafting, orthographic drawing, motion physics and wood construction, students build a mousetrap-powered race car and other projects.

    STEM 
    Applying STEM pillars (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) and using software such as CAD, GPS/GIS mapping tools and 3D animation, students collaborate to design and build a capstone project, for example, a programmable robot, electric motor or multimeter.
     
    Industrial Design
    With a focus on drafting, design and structural engineering, students use software (Trimble Sketch-Up), woodworking tools, and a range of finishing materials and techniques to build and test a basewood bridge and solid-fuel rockets.

    Computer Programming 
    Students explore programming methodologies, structures, graphics and user interfaces and use Visual Basic and JavaScript to create a computer program 
     
    Engineering 
    Working in teams, students develop design projects as they learn simulation, optimization, graphical communication and modeling, and explore engineering technologies, disciplines and ethics.  

    Architecture & Habitat Design 
    Students study design principles and theories, such as how design influences societal shifts, and develop knowledge of materials, drafting tools and digital applications, including AutoCAD LT, to present drawings and design solutions in various formats. 
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West Point Grey Academy

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

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.