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Science Department

Georges Vanier Secondary School SCIENCE DEPARTMENT
21 Gv VANIERIUM

Understanding the natural and human-designed worlds.

We believe that science is best learned by doing. Our dedicated team cares deeply about the success of every student, offering hands-on, practical skill-building that connects classroom concepts to the real world. Through engaging instruction and dynamic activities, our goal is to open our students’ eyes to the incredible phenomena of the natural world, empowering them to explore, understand, and appreciate the science all around them.

Explore the Disciplines STEM+ & AP Programs
Our Department

Why Science?

The universe is full of threads waiting to be pulled, and science is how we follow them. We believe that real learning happens through active discovery. In our classrooms, the mastery of scientific concepts is always paired with the skills needed to investigate them. Our students aren’t just memorizing facts; they are building the confidence to question, test, and analyze the world around them, uncovering a deeper understanding step by step.

Our Disciplines

Explore Science at Vanier

Four discipline areas, one department. Click a tile to see what each area is about and the courses we offer.

9 Sc Gr. 9–10 Junior Science Your foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth & space science.

Grade 9 and 10 science introduces all the major branches of science and builds the core skills of scientific investigation — asking questions, designing experiments, working safely in the lab, and communicating results. It prepares students for the senior destination courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

  • SNC1WP — Grade 9 Science, STEM+
  • SNC1W — Grade 9 Science
  • SNC2DP — Grade 10 Science, STEM+
  • SNC2D — Grade 10 Science

STEM+ sections (codes ending in P) are for students accepted into the STEM+ program.

Browse the full Ontario secondary science curriculum →

11 Bi Gr. 11–12 Biology The study of life — from cells and genetics to ecosystems and evolution.

Biology explores living systems at every scale: biochemistry and cell processes, genetics, evolution, plant and animal systems, and the ecosystems that connect them. A strong choice for students interested in health sciences, medicine, environmental science, and life-science research.

  • SBI3U — Grade 11 Biology, University preparation
  • SBI3U0 — Grade 11 Biology, pre-AP
  • SBI3C — Grade 11 Biology, College preparation
  • SBI4U — Grade 12 Biology, University preparation
  • SBI4U0 — Grade 12 Biology, AP

Browse the Ontario Biology curriculum →

11 Ch Gr. 11–12 Chemistry Matter and how it changes — atoms, reactions, and energy.

Chemistry investigates what everything is made of and how it transforms: atomic structure and the periodic table, chemical bonding and reactions, solutions, gases, and energy changes. Essential for pathways in engineering, health sciences, pharmacy, and materials science.

  • SCH3U — Grade 11 Chemistry, University preparation
  • SCH3U0 — Grade 11 Chemistry, pre-AP
  • SCH4U — Grade 12 Chemistry, University preparation
  • SCH4U0 — Grade 12 Chemistry, AP
  • SCH4C — Grade 12 Chemistry, College preparation

Browse the Ontario Chemistry curriculum →

11 Ph Gr. 11–12 Physics Motion, forces, energy, waves, and the laws that govern the universe.

Physics uncovers the fundamental rules behind everything from a falling apple to electric circuits and light. Students develop strong problem-solving and mathematical-modelling skills — the foundation for engineering, computer science, astronomy, and the physical sciences.

  • SPH3U — Grade 11 Physics, University preparation
  • SPH3U0 — Grade 11 Physics, pre-AP
  • SPH4U — Grade 12 Physics, University preparation
  • SPH4U0 — Grade 12 Physics, AP

Browse the Ontario Physics curriculum →

Course-code key: U = University preparation  •  C = College preparation  •  ends in P = STEM+ section (acceptance into the STEM+ program required)  •  ends in 0 = pre-AP / AP enriched section.
Click any course code to open its official Ontario curriculum — Grade 9 opens the Ministry’s course page; Grade 10–12 codes open the curriculum PDF at that course’s section. STEM+, pre-AP, and AP sections follow the same Ontario curriculum as the base course.

Go Further

STEM+ & Advanced Placement

For students who want an extra challenge, Vanier offers an enriched pathway from Grade 9 all the way to university-level AP courses.

🚀 STEM+

The STEM+ program develops critical thinkers through an enriched, interdisciplinary junior curriculum with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In science, STEM+ students take SNC1WP (Grade 9) and SNC2DP (Grade 10) — enrolment in these courses is tied to acceptance into the STEM+ program.

STEM+ builds directly toward the pre-AP courses in Grade 11 (SBI3U0, SCH3U0, SPH3U0) and the AP courses in Grade 12.

Learn more about the STEM+ program →

🎓 Advanced Placement (AP)

Georges Vanier is a certified Advanced Placement testing centre. AP classes are more rigorous than most other high school offerings — students engage in university-level study while still in high school.

AP courses are open to everyone — unlike our junior STEM+ science courses, no application or admission to a special program is required to enrol.

Successful completion of an AP exam can earn you not only a Grade 12 credit, but also first-year university / Advanced Placement credit.

Follow the course links to explore each AP course’s framework on College Board.

Get In Touch

Contact the Science Department

Questions about a science course or program? Speak with your classroom teacher, or reach out below.

🧪
Assistant Curriculum Leader — ScienceTesfazghi Berhane-Kiflue
[email protected]
🚀
Assistant Curriculum Leader — Special Programs (STEM+ & AP)Deanna Choi
[email protected]
📞
Phone416-395-3250 ext. 20095
📍
LocationGeorges Vanier Secondary School
3000 Don Mills Road East, Toronto, Ontario, M2J 3B6
Georges Vanier Secondary School Science Department
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