SENIOR YEARS GRADES 9-12
Westpark School’s Senior Years program meets and exceeds the requirements of Manitoba Education and equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in post-secondary pursuits. In addition to academics, we are committed to the holistic development and wellbeing of each student. We strive to provide a learning environment where inclusion is paramount, and where students are loved, validated and affirmed. With small class sizes, accountability is high, and there are very few cracks to fall into; students are noticed if they’re absent and we offer a host of academic and social supports where necessary.
94 students grades 9-12
15 average graduating class size over the past 10 years
43 credit courses senior years can choose from
8 Senior Years Royals athletic teams
LITERACY
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Westpark’s Senior Years English program is scaffolded with a literacy focus. Our students take one semester of ELA each year and write exams at the conclusion of that semester. They are taught to think critically about the world around them, to be aware of different perspectives of life, and to express themselves orally and with written communication. They critically analyze poetry, prose and other written-language art forms, recognising and analyzing inequities, viewpoints, and bias in texts and ideas.
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In grade 9, students explore what literature says about heroism as they study the trope of the ‘Hero’ in many different forms of composition such as novels, plays and poems. Grade 10 students examine how bias affects one’s perspective of truth. Students develop a deeper understanding of the world through other people’s perspectives studying a variety of science fiction novels, evaluating how the world around them affects the way they see things. The class engages with their understanding through debates as well as formal and creative writing assignments, also looking at books such as The Chrysalids, Fahrenheit 451 and 1984.
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Our grades 11 and 12 students examine the way their own perspectives are formed and how media, digitalization, religion, social status and economic wealth all shape the way that they perceive the world around them. By reading Shakespeare, mysteries, the Classics, and several non-fiction books, students explore gender relations, stereotypes, race and identity, classism, and figurative language.
In each of the Senior Years, our students write essays and read several books, and by Grade 12, they’ve had experience writing large papers which will prepare them for the transition to post-secondary education.
NUMERACY
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Grade 9 students have two mandatory math courses; they take Transitional Math in their first term and Core Math 10S in the second.
Students choose between two math classes in Grade 10: Essential Math, or Intro to Pre-Cal/Applied Math. In Grade 11 & 12, students must take one of the three: Essential Math, Pre-Calculus, or Applied Math.
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Essential Math (20S, 30S, 40S) is the main math literacy for an educated population. Subjects covered are quite practical in nature and include things like managing money, interest and credit, measurement, consumer decisions, geometry and statistics. Essential Math is intended for students whose post-secondary planning does not include a focus on mathematics or science-related fields.
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Pre-Calculus (30S, 40S) comprises a high-level study of theoretical abstract mathematics with an emphasis on problem solving and mental mathematics. Fast-paced topics of study include algebra, quadratic functions and trigonometry. This class is designed for students who intend to study calculus and related mathematics as part of post-secondary education.
SENIOR YEARS EXTRA CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
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Teams exist to encourage and develop interpersonal relationships and teamwork among Westpark’s Senior Years students. Our Valorant game club and Rocket League team meet regularly to compete.
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CLICK HERE FOR STUDENT LEADERSHIP
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Students who have interests and talents in photography, photo editing, design and layout are welcome additions to Westpark’s Yearbook Committee. This group meets monthly throughout the school year to plan, photograph, design and edit page layouts for the yearbook which the entire student body is then able to purchase as a keepsake.
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HOLISTIC APPROACH
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Unique to Westpark is a not-for-credit Study Hall class that is available for grade 9-12 students who would benefit from additional teacher support with their academic load.
Our school Guidance Counsellor connects one-on-one or with groups of students, giving them tools, language, and support that will help them have success academically, relationally, mentally, and emotionally.
Our Post-Secondary academic advisor helps to ensure Senior Years students are meeting the academic requirements that will allow them to pursue the dreams they have after graduation. Students are guided through the post-secondary application process, ensuring a smooth transition from Westpark to the next stage in their academic pursuits.
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As an important part of developing character, students participate in service and outreach initiatives on a monthly basis with their housechurches. These small groups are composed of students from grades 9-12, and each is overseen by a teacher and one of PAC’s pastoral staff members.
We’ve seen these groups lead initiatives such as school cleanup, community cleanup, helping with facilities and small renovation projects, and collecting donations for those in need.
Grade 9-12 students have the opportunity to apply for our Mexico Mission Trip which takes place each spring. This trip offers young people an opportunity to see the world from a new perspective while loving and serving in the name of Jesus.
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Senior Years chapels follow the UPSIDEDOWN PARTY rhythm. Guest speakers from PAC’s pastoral team teach on UP weeks and housechurches discuss their messages on SIDE weeks. On DOWN week, students serve outwardly in humble acts of service with their housechurches. PARTY weeks involve the celebration of God’s goodness.
Bible class in Grade 9 provides students with an overall view of the Bible itself, introducing major themes. In Grade 10, students dive into the historical and social context of the New Testament and study the themes of the Gospels and Epistles.
In Grades 11 & 12, students are shown how to ask larger questions, looking at their beliefs through different lenses in order to build a well-rounded faith.