Advanced Placement (AP) Program - Emery Dosdall Secondary School

"Challenge yourself. Discover your potential. Shape the future."

Emery Dosdall Secondary School is proud to offer an Advanced Placement (AP) Program designed to provide motivated and academically ambitious students with opportunities to pursue university-level learning while still in high school. The AP Program supports students who wish to challenge themselves in a rigorous academic environment while exploring areas of passion and interest in greater depth. AP courses help students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, research, communication, and independent learning skills while exploring subjects in greater depth. 

What Can Students Gain from Taking AP Courses?

Advanced Placement courses allow students to:

• Engage with university-level curriculum while in high school.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and analytical skills.
• Strengthen communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities.
• Pursue academic interests at an enriched and accelerated level.
• Build strong study habits and independent learning skills.
• Prepare for the expectations and rigour of university coursework.
• Enhance post-secondary applications through participation in challenging academic programs.

Students may choose to take a single AP course in an area of personal interest or pursue multiple AP courses as part of a broader academic pathway. Because AP courses require a significant commitment, students are encouraged to carefully consider their academic, extracurricular, and personal commitments when selecting courses.

Many universities recognize AP coursework and examination results as evidence of academic readiness. Students who achieve qualifying AP exam scores may be eligible for university credit, advanced standing, or course exemptions, depending on the policies of individual post-secondary institutions.

The Emery Dosdall AP Experience

The AP Program at Emery Dosdall Secondary is designed to:

• Inspire intellectual curiosity and a love of learning.
• Foster inquiry-based and research-driven learning experiences.
• Encourage students to think critically about local and global issues.
• Provide meaningful opportunities for academic enrichment.
• Prepare students for competitive university programs and scholarships.
• Cultivate the skills identified in British Columbia's Core Competencies and Postsecondary Readiness Framework.

Students enrolled in AP courses can expect high levels of engagement, academic challenge, and support from dedicated teachers committed to student success.

Planned AP Course Offerings

English & Humanities

• AP English Language and Composition – Usually taken in grade 11
• AP English Literature and Composition – Usually taken in grade 12
• AP Psychology – Usually taken in grade 12
• AP Micro/Macro economics – Usually taken in grade 12

Mathematics & Computer Science

• AP Calculus AB – Usually taken in grade 12

Sciences

• AP Biology (2-year program, grade 11/12)
• AP Chemistry ( 2-year program, grade 11/12)
• AP Physics 1 (Usually taken in grade 11)
• AP Physics 2 (Usually taken in grade 12)

Course offerings may vary based on student interest, enrolment, and staffing.

Grade 9/10 Honours Preparation and Foundation Courses

Recognizing that success in AP courses begins before Grade 12, Emery Dosdall Secondary will offer enriched learning opportunities and honours-style courses that help students develop the academic skills necessary for future AP success. This is done through our Pre-IB Honours program.

Students in Grades 9 and 10 will have opportunities to:

• Develop advanced literacy and research skills.
• Participate in enriched mathematics and science programming.
• Engage in inquiry-based learning and academic challenge opportunities.
• Build the habits of scholarship required for rigorous academic study.

These experiences will create a strong foundation for future AP coursework while remaining accessible to a wide range of learners.

AP Examinations

Students enrolled in AP courses will have the opportunity to write externally administered AP examinations through the College Board each May.

AP exams:

• Provide students with experience writing university-level assessments.
• Allow students to demonstrate mastery of university-level content.
• May qualify students for post-secondary credit, advanced standing, or course exemptions.
• Are scored on a five-point scale.
• Are not recorded on a student's British Columbia Ministry transcript.

Specific information regarding examination registration procedures, locations, costs, deadlines, and accommodations will be provided annually by the school.

Who Should Consider AP?

The AP Program may be a good fit for students who:

• Enjoy academic challenge.
• Demonstrate strong work habits and self-motivation.
• Are passionate about a particular subject area.
• Plan to pursue post-secondary studies.
• Are interested in developing advanced research and analytical skills.

Students do not need to be enrolled in multiple AP courses to benefit from the program. Taking even one AP course can provide valuable preparation for future university studies.

Planned AP Course Offerings at EDSS for 2027/28

English & Humanities

• AP English Language and Composition – Usually taken in grade 11
• AP English Literature and Composition – Usually taken in grade 12
• AP Psychology – Usually taken in grade 12
• AP Micro/Macro economics - Usually taken in grade 12

Mathematics & Computer Science

• AP Calculus AB – Usually taken in grade 12

Sciences

• AP Biology (2-year program, grade 11/12)
• AP Chemistry (2-year program, grade 11/12)
• AP Physics 1 - Usually taken in grade 11
• AP Physics 2 - Usually taken in grade 12

Course offerings may vary based on student interest, enrolment, and staffing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a straight-A student to take AP?

• No. AP courses are designed for motivated students who are willing to work hard, stay organized, and embrace academic challenge.

Can I take just one AP course?

• Absolutely. Many students begin with one AP course in a subject they enjoy, while others choose to take several AP courses.

What are the benefits of taking AP courses?

• AP courses help students develop university-level skills, strengthen post-secondary applications, and prepare for the expectations of higher education.

Do universities recognize AP courses?

• Yes. Many post-secondary institutions recognize AP coursework and may award university credit or advanced standing based on AP exam results.

Do I have to write the AP exam?

• Students enrolled in AP courses are strongly encouraged to write the AP exam, as it provides an opportunity to earn university recognition and credit.

Are AP courses more work than regular courses?

• AP courses typically involve more reading, writing, critical thinking, and independent study than standard courses. Students should be prepared for a greater academic commitment.

When are AP exams written?

• AP exams are administered by the College Board each May. Information about registration, deadlines, and fees will be communicated annually.

Are there costs associated to writing AP exams?

• Yes, There is a cost to write the exams, and they need to be ordered in the fall.
• WGSS Students: $150 per exam, External Applicants: $225 per exam. Late AP Exam Cost: WGSS students $210 per exam, External applicants: $310 per exam.

What if I am interested but unsure if AP is right for me?

• Speak with your teacher, counsellor, or administrator. We encourage students to challenge themselves and find the pathway that best matches their interests and goals.