High School Program (Gr 8-12)

Centered around Jesus’ promise that He came to give life “to the full”, students develop a personal mission statement that connects with the mission of Christ and addresses the concrete planning and learning targets of the provincial Grad Transitions course. Grade 11 students complete their 30 hours of voluntary service through our annual YWAM Vancouver trip in September and quarterly Service Days. Grade 12 students prepare for graduation and a personal post-graduation reflection of their learning and experience at Cedars at our annual, graduation (capstone) presentations in May.

Senior high students explore the themes of the drama of scripture in greater depth, and are encouraged to engage in dialogue around significant questions of the Christian faith. Although we “boldly initiate the child into the language, concepts, and stories of the Christian faith”, senior high student questions are encouraged, objections and doubts allowed. It is only through this more open dialogue that our students will be able to, with gentleness and respect, be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks, and a reason for the hope that they have (1 Peter 3:15). And, as our faith is a full-bodied experience involving not only our mind, but our soul, strength and body (Luke 10:27)– we engage our senior students in hands-on, embodied practices that helps them see what it looks like for us to flourish and live well as kingdom citizens. Community gardens, service activities, mission trips, and leadership opportunities are embedded in the grade 10-12 CP experience. CLC credits are woven into CP 11 and 12 courses.

Senior high students take a variety of Humanities classes, including: English, Creative Writing, Social Studies, History, Law, Psychology, and Social Justice. All students are required to take Social Studies 10, Language Arts 10 and 11, and English Studies 12. In Humanities, students learn a Christian response to culture, and what it means to be culture-formers who live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God. Listening and reading is used to both develop understanding, but also delight in the perspectives of others. Speaking and writing is practised to develop clear and honest communication that allows us to testify to the work of God in, through and around us – to the glory of God and encouragement of others.

In Science, students are encouraged to delight in God’s world, deepen understanding of how they are caretakers of all creation, and build skills to maintain, develop, and restore it. Students are engaged in designing experiments, making observations, and appreciating the contributions of others to existing scientific knowledge. All students are required to take at least one Science 11 or 12 course. At Cedars, we have traditionally offered the following courses: Environmental Science 11/12, Life Sciences 11/12, Chemistry 11/12, and Physics 11/12.

As in Science, Math students study numbers, patterns and spaces to discover the wonder and place they have in God’s world. Students learn math not merely to find correct answers, but to appreciate the explorations and discoveries of others, develop the ability to use numbers honestly and accurately, and make sense of the human experience. Beginning in grade 10, students choose from a variety of Math tracks, based on their ability and vocational interests. All students are required to take a Math 11 course for graduation. We have traditionally offered the following courses: Math 10 Foundations and Pre-Calculus, Workplace Math 10 and 11, Pre-Calculus 11 and 12. Alternate, approved Math courses are taken by some students online, as necessary, with or without support.

In French, students learn how to communicate with others about who they are, as well as describe the families and communities they are a part of. Human language is recognized as a gift from God that allows us to love God and our neighbour. At Cedars, students begin the study of French in grade 4, and are encouraged to continue with a second language as far as possible. Cedars offers Core French 10 each year, and the opportunity to complete Core French 11 and 12 in a single semester in alternating years.

In PHE, students learn to value and take care of their bodies for self, God, and others. Physical activities are not only valuable in the development of a healthy person, they provide opportunity to learn discipline, trust, respect, encouragement and teamwork. Cedars also offers PHE 10, Volleyball and Basketball 11, and Active Living (PE) 12 each year. Grade 10-12 students are permitted to take PE 12.

Senior high students have increasing opportunity to take electives – many of which are fine arts and/or applied skills. Cedars has traditionally offered electives in: Home Economics (foods, textiles), Digital Arts/Media, Outdoor Education, Mechanics, Woodworking, Music, Art and Drama. These electives allow students to appreciate the gifts of others, develop their own aesthetic awareness and creative expression, understand the blessing, power, and place of technology, and develop an appreciation for media and the use of materials to create beauty and serve others. Skills are developed to not only share their work with others, but to concretely express joy and delight and struggles as image-bearers in a broken world. A BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) model is used for access to technology in the high school.

Through partnerships with the College of New Caledonia (CNC), Cedars is able to facilitate opportunities and credits for work experience and apprenticeship. Students work with our Academic Advisor to find and approve appropriate work experience placements. Students interested in apprenticeship programs through CNC apply through the Academic Advisor and are placed based on program availability. Typically, enrollment in this program involves a semester off campus at CNC in the student’s grade 12 year. The Academic Advisor maintains a guidance role with the student during their time off campus for discipleship and to ensure that the student fulfills their graduation requirements. Cedars and families share the cost for this program.

Cedars has a dual credit partnership with UNBC that allows students to take select university courses and receive secondary and post-secondary credits. Students interested in this option in their grade 12 year apply through the Academic Advisor. UNBC waives some fees; however, students are required to pay course fees to participate in this program.

In 2013, Cedars sent a team of students, teachers, and community members to Tegucigalpa, Honduras to explore a partnership with a Christian school and mission organization called Jericho Ministries. Since this time, Cedars has endeavoured to engage in a relationship of mutual blessing with our Honduras brothers and sisters in Christ through an annual trip to Honduras each Spring break. Students in grades 10-12 have the opportunity to participate in this trip as part of a year-long Travel Studies course. In preparing for and debriefing their experiences, students explore what it means to help others in a God- and human-honouring manner. In alternate years, a Europe trip is organized, based on student interest.

In addition to teachers, the Student Support Services Coordinator organizes educational assistants who work closely with students in the classroom. Supervised support blocks are also provided for students with significant behavioral and/or academic need. The Student Life Coordinator and Academic Advisor provide onsite counsel for academic, career, and personal issues. Professional counselors and experts are contracted by the school for more significant or difficult issues.