The Gulf Islands International Junior Program is located at Salt Spring Island Middle School and is one of the few programs in Canada that actually limits the number of new international students who are accepted each year. The program is limited to students in Grade 7 and in Grade 8. This limit on enrolment ensures that our students are getting the maximum educational and cultural benefits and maximum exposure to the English language.
Salt Spring Island Middle School is located next to Gulf Islands Secondary School in the heart of Ganges village, which overlooks spectacular Ganges Harbour. Hosting just under 300 students in Grades 6 to 8, Salt Spring Island Middle School offers a maximum of 10 seats to international students each year. Like Gulf Islands Secondary School, the school also offers a French Immersion program for qualified students.
As opposed to defined ESL blocks at Gulf Islands Secondary School, Salt Spring Island Middle School believes in an integrated approach to learning English. International students are totally immersed in a regular program of studies with Canadian students, although they are provided with ongoing ESL support as necessary and offered three hour ESL tutorials on most Friday mornings.
Salt Spring Island Middle School seeks to implement opportunities for student achievement that recognize diversity, differences in gender, and the unique needs of the students of this age. In addition to a full range of academic programs, the school offers numerous exploratory courses with an emphasis on the fine arts and technology. The students that are fortunate enough to be enrolled in this program are likely to enjoy both an educational and cultural experience that they will never forget.
For more information about Salt Spring Island Middle School please email the Director of the Gulf Islands International Program.
