In the pursuit of academic excellence, St. Lawrence School stands as a beacon of strength, rigor, and balance in its educational program. At the core of our Mission is the experienced faculty and staff’s commitment to fostering an academic learning environment that not only challenges and inspires, but also equips students with the resilience and fortitude necessary for success in an ever-evolving world. The strength of our academic program lies in its unwavering dedication to intellectual growth, pushing students to explore the depths of their potential. Rigorous academic standards form the foundation, demanding a high level of achievement, while nurturing critical thinking skills. Yet, amidst this challenging curriculum, we recognize the importance of balance, a delicate equilibrium that harmonizes academic pursuits with a holistic approach to education, ensuring that our students emerge not only as scholars, but as well-rounded individuals prepared for the multifaceted challenges of their future endeavors.
BC Graduation Requirements
Students must obtain a minimum of 80 credits to graduate in the Province of BC, as outlined below. Most courses in Grades 10 to 12 are full-year and award four (4) credits upon successful completion. Term-based courses in Grades 10 to 12 award two (2) credits upon successful completion. Initially, SLS should offer just full-year, four (4) credit courses, until such time that the enrolment and faculty are large enough to warrant term-based courses.
BC Ministry of Education Credit Requirements for Graduation (Grades 10 to 12):
Career Life Education, 4
Career Life Connections 4
Physical and Health Education 10 4
Science 10 4
Science 11 or 12 4
Social Studies 10 4
Social Studies 11 or 12 4
Mathematics 10 4
Mathematics 11 or 12 4
Language Arts 10 (English) 4
Language Arts 11 (English) 4
Language Arts 12 (English) 4
Applied Design, Skills and Technology 10, 11 or 12
or Arts Education 10, 11 or 12 4
Provincially Authorized Elective Courses (Grade 10, 11 or 12) 16
Minimum Three Additional Grade 12 Courses 12
*NEW: Indigenous-Focused Graduation Requirement- See below
Total minimum credits required by Ministry of Education 80
BC Ministry of Education Assessment Requirements
- Grade 10 Graduation Literacy Assessment
- Grade 10 Graduation Numeracy Assessment
- Grade 12 Graduation Literacy Assessment
*NEW: Indigenous-Focused Graduation Credit “Effective the 2023/24 school year, all students working toward a B.C. Certificate of Graduation (“Dogwood Diploma”), must successfully complete at least 4 credits in Indigenous-focused coursework. This requirement applies to students in B.C. public, independent, First Nations, and offshore schools. There is no change to the total number of credits required to graduate, which remains at 80.” — B.C. Ministry of Education