Academics
Southridge is a community of learners who build knowledge, skills, and attitudes together.
We seek to develop students with the confidence, capability, and character to succeed as people who can actualize their ideals in their personal and public lives to the benefit of the wider community.
Senior School Educational Program (SSEP)
As a university preparatory day school, Southridge provides a stimulating diverse academic Grade 8 to 12 program with an enriched curriculum that is consistent with BC Ministry of Education guidelines.
This challenging program of studies is designed to prepare students for post-secondary school courses of study, while allowing them to pursue their individual passions and abilities. A full range of academic electives is introduced in Grade 11. Students select individual programs according to their strengths/preferences and are guided in their decisions by the University Guidance Counsellors and the Vice Principal, Senior School Learning. The Southridge academic program covers all prerequisites for studies in the arts, sciences, engineering, business, and foreign languages at universities in Canada, the United States, Europe, and abroad.
We also offer Advanced Placement (College Board) courses and examinations in several disciplines through which students earn university-level course credits that are recognized at schools around the world. .
In many of our classrooms, students are seated in small groups or gathered around a large Harkness table, explaining a point, seeking clarification from the teacher or their peers, offering an opinion, challenging an assumption, or asking a question. We encourage students to become active participants in their learning and the learning of others.
While we focus on building a sound knowledge base for our students, we are equally committed to nurturing the development of students who are engaged with each other and the world around them - students who are thoughtful, compassionate citizens. The development of sound character and personal integrity is central to our educational mandate, as it is in all areas of school life. Sound character and integrity guide the useful application of knowledge in contributing to community, which is one of Southridge’s Guiding Principles.
Students who come to Southridge are quick to embrace the stimulating atmosphere generated by a comprehensive educational program in which academics, participation in the arts, applied design, athletics, service learning, outdoor education, and experiential learning are all essential components of a carefully crafted program. Our hope is to inspire each student towards academic excellence, personal fulfilment, and compassion for others. Our expectation is that all our graduates will go on to post secondary institutions and will thrive there.