The International students who are enrolled in the Gulf Islands International Program at Gulf Islands Secondary School have the option of applying for four Specialty Study Programs that are available to the students of Gulf Islands Secondary School.
- The Saturna Ecological Education Centre (SEEC)
- Dual Credit Program
- AP Studio Art 12
- Gulf Islands School of the Performing Arts (GISPA)
Please note that acceptance into the SEEC Program, Dual Credit Program and the AP Studio Art are subject to enrolment, while acceptance into the GISPA Program is subject to an audition.
Saturna Ecological Education Centre
The Saturna Ecological Education Centre (SEEC) is located on beautiful Saturna Island. Students travel to Saturna Island every Monday morning on the school water taxi and return to Salt Spring Island late Wednesday afternoon. During their time on Saturna Island, where they stay with local families, the students participate in an integrated program of English 11, Biology 11 or Geography 12, Teaching and Learning 11, and Community Connections 11. During the rest of the school week, they can pursue elective interests or directed studies at Gulf Islands Secondary School, or participate in the school’s work experience program.The Gulf Islands International Program also offers a wide variety of Supplementary Programs on Fridays.
Questions about the program should be directed to the SEEC coordinator.
Dual Credit Program
In partnership with Camosun College in Victoria, Gulf Islands Secondary School plans to offer two dual credit courses, Biology 150 and English 150, in the 2011-2012 school year.
Students who enroll in the Dual Credit program must be registered in Biology 12 and/or English 12.
Post-secondary credit is awarded for work completed during special enrichment tutorials on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and, in the case of Biology 12, lab work completed at the Camosun College campus on Fridays.
The post-secondary credit is transferable as equivalency credit to most colleges and universities in Canada and as challenge credit in the United States.
BIOL 150 Human Anatomy (4 credits)
This course provides an introduction to structural and functional relationships within the eleven systems of the human body. A lab and lecture based format, combining slides, models, photographs, diagrams and organ dissections is used to study both gross and microscopic human anatomy. Anatomical and physiological terminology is stressed.
ENGL 150 English Composition (3 credits)
This course centers on organizing and expressing ideas in clear and effective written prose. Instruction and practice in writing college-level expository prose, based on appropriate models, form the core. Individual assignments range from 500-2,500 words in length (course total of 4,000-4,500 words). For more information contact the Dual Credit administrator.
AP Studio Art Program (up to 6 credits)
The Gulf Islands International Program also offers Advanced Placement Studio Art for students with an interest in the visual and media arts. Up to six credits can be earned for entry into the prestigious Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, British Columbia or other top art schools, colleges, or universities around the world.
According to the College Board website, “AP Studio Art portfolios are designed for students who are seriously interested in the practical experience of art. AP Studio Art is not based on a written exam; instead, students submit portfolios for evaluation at the end of the school year. The AP Studio Art Program consists of three portfolios—2-D Design, 3-D Design, and Drawing—corresponding to the most common college foundation courses”.
“The portfolios share a basic, three-section structure, which requires the student to show a fundamental competence and range of understanding in visual concerns (and methods). Each of the portfolios asks the student to demonstrate a depth of investigation and process of discovery through the Concentration section (Section II). In the Breadth section (Section III), the student is asked to demonstrate a serious grounding in visual principles and material techniques. The Quality section (Section I) permits the student to select the works that best exhibit a synthesis of form, technique, and content”.
AP Studio Art is offered on Fridays as part of our Friday program.
For more information please see the AP Studio Art Course Description or contact the instructor at Gulf Islands Secondary School.
Gulf Islands School of Performing Arts (GISPA)
The Gulf Islands School of Performing Arts offers advanced education in Music, Dance and Theatre for students in grades 9-12. The program is located on beautiful Salt Spring Island, a community with unceasing support for the arts. GISPA is a school within a school.
A student enrolled in GISPA receives ongoing, comprehensive training, master classes and workshops with visiting professionals, performance opportunities in various showcases and main-stage productions, as well as attending several professional productions and performances in Victoria and Vancouver.
With an emphasis on original composition, choreography and collective creation the program integrates Dance, Theatre and Music in unique and innovative ways, through a focus on individualized instruction in these disciplines.
Related Resources
For more information regarding the program, the Music, Dance and Theatre audition process, and GISPA fees please see the Audition page of the GISPA Website or contact the music instructor, the dance instructor or the theatre arts instructor and coordinator.
Please note that international students who enroll in any of the programs above must be enrolled in the Gulf Islands International Program first before their applications to SEEC, the Dual Credit Program, AP Studio Art, or GISPA can be approved.
