PROGRAM OVERVIEW

STEM+ is a unique program at Georges Vanier Secondary School focusing beyond the rigorous theoretical STEM curriculum and integrating practical global leadership skills.

GVSS is excited to offer this enriched program catering to the new generation of learners; preparing them to be the astonished leaders in our Globalized world.

Click here for our grade 8 open house presentation - details about grade 9 STEM+ are included

Overview:

The Georges Vanier STEM+ program is designed to:

  • develop critical thinkers through an enriched curriculum

      • focusing on the Science and Math disciplines with experiences reaching beyond the traditional classroom and curricular model.

The program provides:

  • an enriched learning opportunity for students interested in applying their knowledge in Science, Math and Computer Technology

      • this occurs by offering an interdisciplinary methodology to deepen their critical thinking skills.

What's so special about STEM+?

  • The framework will encourage the application of a global perspective and active citizenship.

  • The program will lead to the selection of AP courses and AP examinations in their graduating year.

  • The program will equip students to meet the demands of our ever-changing and inter-connected world.

Unique Aspects of the Program:

  • Computer Science Programming

      • Starting in Grade 9 year (ICS2OP)

  • Experiential learning that focuses on skill development

  • Addressing Social Justice and Equity issues on local, national and global levels through courses of study:

      • Civics & Careers - Grade 10

      • Equity & Social Justice - Grade 12

      • Anti-Black Racism - Grade 12 (optional)

      • All other required courses embed themes of Social Justice and Equity

  • Interdisciplinary Cross-Curricular Culminating Activities:

      • Science/Geography (Junior Years)

      • Math/ICS (Junior Years)

  • Preparation for Senior Level AP Courses

      • Biology (SBI4U0)

      • Chemistry (SCH4U0)

      • Physics (SPH4U0)

      • Advanced Functions / Calculus and Vectors (MHF4U0/MCV4U0)

  • Volunteer Hours

    • 40 Hours of Community Service by Graduation with a focus on Social Justice

Enrichment Opportunities:

Math:

  • University of Waterloo Math Contests

      • Grade 9 - Pascal

      • Grade 10 - Cayley

      • Grade 11 - Fermat

  • Canadian Math Contests

      • Grade 9 & 10 - Intermediate

      • Grade 11 & 12 - Senior

  • Math League

      • Grade 9 - 12

  • University of Waterloo Euclid

      • Grade 12

  • Canadian Team Mathematics Contest

      • Grade 9 - 12

  • Sun Life Math Contest

      • Grade 12

  • Calculus AP

Science:

  • Various field trips and hands on labs (AP)

      • Grade 9 - 12

  • AMGEN Biotech Experience (Senior Biology)

  • Avogadro Exam ~ Chemistry

      • University of Waterloo

  • Da Vinci Exam ~ Physics

      • University of Waterloo

  • National Biology Competition

      • University of Toronto (temporarily on hold by UofT)

Computer Science:

  • Canadian Computing Contest

      • University of Waterloo

  • ECOO Programming Contest

      • Educational Computing Organization of Ontario

  • Robotics

  • Mentoring Elementary Lego Robotics Teams

  • Mentoring Elementary Coding Clubs