Academics
Senior School

Grade 8 - 9

MIDDLE YEARS

Students in grades 8 and 9 at WPGA benefit from a well-rounded academic program that prepares them for later high school years and beyond. The curriculum emphasizes core subjects—mathematics, English, science, and social studies—while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Through a mix of individual and group activities, students develop strong study habits, time management, and intellectual curiosity. With both classroom learning and hands-on projects, WPGA challenges students to reach their full potential, with ongoing support from teachers and advisors to guide them through these key years.

ACADEMIC HIGHLIGHTS  

  • Course timetables are personalized for every student, with individual course planning and annual review sessions. The Program of Studies Guide is published in January and outlines academic programs for the following year. 
  • Advanced Placement courses (20 in 2024-2025) offer exceptional university preparation, as recognized by the U.S. College Board
  • Our visual and performing arts department offers a range of programs, including visual arts, theatre arts and music (choir, band and strings).
  • Our Outdoor Education program, which includes a full-year grade 10 Wilderness Pursuits program, integrates social studies curriculum in experiential, practical ways.
  • STEM and language competitions, such as the DELE language exam, complement class learning.  

List of 4 items.

  • Arts

    GRADE 8: Students at WPGA explore their creative potential through Visual Arts, Drama, Concert Band, Choral Music, and Chamber Music, building foundational skills in artistic expression, performance, and collaboration. These courses encourage confidence, creativity, and self-expression through hands-on projects, performances, and exhibitions.

    GRADE 9: Students continue their artistic journey with Visual Arts, Drama, Concert Band, Choral Music, and Jazz Band, allowing for deeper skill development and opportunities to participate in competitions like the Vancouver Speech & Drama Festival.


    EXPLORE ARTS

  • Athletics

    GRADE 8: The athletics program introduces students to competitive and recreational sports, including cross country, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and swimming. With a strong emphasis on skill development and teamwork, students can also participate in the Swim Team as part of their PHE program.

    GRADE 9: The athletics program expands with more competitive opportunities in sports like basketball, alpine skiing, climbing, golf, and tennis. Students continue to develop their skills in team environments with a growing focus on strength and endurance.


    EXPLORE ATHLETICS 

  • Family Engagement 

    • Parent partnership is valued, parent-teacher conferences, parent education workshops, grade socials, and volunteer opportunities throughout the year.  

  • Service & Clubs

    GRADE 8: Students can engage in a variety of clubs and service initiatives, including Debate, Model UN, Art Club, and Drama Club, fostering leadership and teamwork. They are also introduced to the Service Recognition Program, encouraging community involvement through peer tutoring, environmental initiatives, and social justice projects.

    GRADE 9: Grade 9 students take on greater leadership roles in clubs such as Debate, Model UN, and Student Council, while continuing their Service Recognition Program journey by participating in local and global service initiatives, including WPGA’s environmental and social responsibility projects.


    EXPLORE SERVICE
    EXPLORE CLUBS 

Courses

List of 6 items.

  • English

    • English 8: Focuses on reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Students explore various literary genres and develop writing skills.
    • English 9: Students engage with classic and contemporary literature, including novels, Shakespeare, and Indigenous texts while developing skills in literary analysis, essay writing, and personal narrative composition. Inquiry-based learning and diverse literary forms enrich their understanding of key literary elements.  

  • Languages

    • French 8: Develops basic communication skills in French, with a focus on vocabulary and grammar
    • French 8 Foundations: A beginner-friendly French course focused on essential language skills for students with little to no prior experience.
    • French 8 Enriched: An advanced French course with immersive instruction, expanding vocabulary, grammar, and cultural understanding to prepare students for AP French.
    • Spanish 8: Focuses on everyday communication through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students expand vocabulary and grammar while engaging in interactive activities that explore Spanish-speaking cultures.
    • Mandarin Chinese 8: Students develop Mandarin skills through Pinyin, character recognition, tones, and basic conversations, with a focus on cultural themes and real-world application.
    • Mandarin Chinese 8 Accelerated: Designed for students with a Mandarin background, this course emphasizes all communication skills, especially reading and writing, while exploring cultural themes in greater depth.
    • Mandarin 9: Expands vocabulary, grammar, and character recognition while strengthening oral and written communication skills. Students’ use of Hanyu Pinyin is developed, and learn new characters, with an introduction to basic Chinese geography.
    • French 9: Expands vocabulary and grammatical structures through listening, speaking, reading, and writing in French.
    • French 9 Enriched: For advanced students, this course offers more complex materials and activities, preparing students for AP French in Grade 12.
    • Spanish 9: An immersive course focused on expanding vocabulary, grammar, and communication skills through speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while exploring Spanish and Latin American cultures through interactive activities and technology.

  • Mathematics

    • Mathematics 8: Covers basic math concepts such as numbers, operations, geometry, and early algebra.
    • Mathematics 9: Focuses on rational numbers, systems of linear equations, trigonometry, and data interpretation.
    • Mathematics 9/10 Honours: For advanced students, this course covers both Math 9 and Foundations and Pre-Calculus 10 content in one year. It includes math competitions and advanced problem-solving.

  • Physical & Health Education

    • Physical and Health Education 8: Focuses on physical literacy and health topics, encouraging teamwork through individual and group activities.
    • Physical & Health Education 9: Develops physical literacy, teamwork, and health awareness through diverse activities, off-campus outings, and essential health education topics.

  • Science

    • Science 8: Introduces basic science concepts, including earth science, physics, chemistry, and biology.
    • Science 9: Explores cell biology, elements and compounds, basic circuitry, and Earth’s sustainability with a focus on competency-based assessment.

  • Social Studies

    • Social Studies 8: Focuses on early human civilizations and world cultures.
    • Social Studies 9: Examines democracy, Canadian identity, and historical developments from 1750 CE to 1920 CE. Links past events to current issues.

Electives

List of 4 items.

  • Innovation & Technology

    • STEM 8: A hands-on course integrating science, technology, engineering, and math through design challenges like 3D printing, bridge building, and rocket cars.
    • Programming and Robotics 8: An introduction to programming, robotics, and computational problem-solving, with project presentations using Microsoft Office.
    • Programming & Robotics 9: Expands computational thinking with topics like AI, cloud computing, and IoT, while developing coding, presentation, and Adobe Creative Cloud skills.
    • STEM 9: A hands-on, inquiry-based course applying science, technology, engineering, and math through design challenges like 3D printing, circuitry, and electric motors.

  • Music & Drama

    • Chamber Music 8-12: For students with prior string instrument experience. Focuses on small ensemble performance, collaboration, and music history. Includes public performances.
    • Drama 8: An introductory course fostering confidence and communication through acting, scene work, and self-authored performances in a supportive environment.
    • Concert Band 8 & 9 : For students with prior concert band experience. Focus on improving instrument proficiency, musicianship, and ensemble performance. Includes public performances.
    • Choral Music 9: Develops vocal techniques and ensemble singing. Students perform at assemblies, concerts, and festivals. Regular morning and afternoon rehearsals are required.
    • Drama 9: Builds confidence, vocal and physical skills through scene work, monologues, and original performances, with opportunities for directing and professional theatre exposure.

  • Arts & Design

    • Visual Arts 8: Focuses on drawing, painting, and 3D art using various mediums such as graphite, watercolor, clay, and model-making materials.
    • Materials Design 8: A hands-on course introducing woodworking, jewelry making, metalwork, and solid-fueled rocket design using various shop tools and techniques.
    • Digital Arts 8: Introduces students to digital arts, focusing on creative design and basic technology tools.
    • Digital Arts 9 : Covers advanced digital design using Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere), 3D modeling, and AR/VR. A laptop capable of running Adobe software is required.
    • Visual Arts 9: Continues to develop students’ skills in drawing, painting, and 3D art, with an introduction to more advanced artistic techniques
    • Materials & Design 9: A hands-on course introducing woodworking, metalwork, jewelry making, and finishing techniques, with opportunities for independent projects.

  • Critical Thinking & Communication

    • Critical Thinking & Communication 9 (B): Builds critical thinking skills through debates and written arguments on global issues. Prepares students for activities like Model United Nations and competitive debates.

MIDDLE YEARS HIGHLIGHTS

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