NA
Current
Educational programs in Group 1, 2 and 4 independent schools must meet certain requirements for instructional time, subject offering, learning outcomes and other matters. These are specified in the Independent School Act, Regulations and Orders particularly Ministerial Order 41/91, the Educational Standards Order
To ensure that independent schools offer an educational program that meets the requirements of their group classification
Educational programs in Group 1, 2 and 4 independent schools must meet the instructional time, subject offering, learning outcomes and other requirements specified in the Independent School Act, Regulations and Orders (particularly Ministerial Order 41/91, the Educational Standards Order (PDF).
All students enrolled in Grades Kindergarten to 9 must be offered the following minimum number of instructional hours each year (Ministerial Order 41/91, the Educational Standards Order, section 3(2) (PDF)):
Courses in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science, and the mandatory second language in Grades 5 - 8, must meet the prescribed earning outcomes set out in the educational program guides referred to in the Educational Program Guide Order (PDF), and in the Educational Standards Order section 4(4) (PDF). Learning outcomes are listed in Appendix A in the curriculum documents which can be accessed on the curriculum pages of the Ministry website.
All other subjects or courses must meet one or the other of the following:
On-site external evaluations and monitoring inspections will confirm that independent school authority approved courses are meeting Ministry of Education and Child Care requirements.
(a) English Language Arts,
(b) Social Studies,
(c) Mathematics,
(d) Science,
(e) Physical Education,
(f) Fine Arts/Arts Education: Dance, Drama, Music, or Visual Arts,
(g) Health and Career Education,
(h) Daily Physical Activity.
In order to meet graduation requirements and be awarded a British Columbia Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma), students must earn a minimum of 80 credits and write the Grade 10 Numeracy Assessment and Grades 10 and 12 Literacy Assessments. The 80 credits must include 52 credits for required courses (including 8 credits of Career Education courses) and a minimum of 28 elective credits.
If Independent schools want to offer Authority Authorized Courses in Grades 10-12, they must follow the procedures found in the document Board/Authority Authorized Courses: Requirements and Procedures.
Graduates from Group 1 and 2 independent schools who satisfy graduation requirements may receive a provincial transcript and a British Columbia Certificate of Graduation (the "Dogwood Diploma").
Graduates from Group 4 schools who satisfy graduation requirements may receive a British Columbia Certificate of Graduation and transcript of grades if all teachers in the school hold valid British Columbia teacher certification.
For more information about this policy, contact the Independent Schools Office.