Cedars Christian School

"Kingdom Builder" Preparation

The focus of Cedars' Senior High School Program is on "vocation" preparation. From a Christian viewpoint, a vocation includes all the work God has called us to, whether paid or volunteer. That preparation generally involves qualifying for entrance into a particular program at a university or other post-secondary institution. But it also includes a foundation of knowledge, skills, values, and insights that will be useful in all of life's vocations. Building the kingdom of God includes using our gifts in our vocation to bring people to Jesus and help them to grow in their faith. Cedars Christian School is a place to develop gifts.

Diploma Programs

Students graduating from Grade 12 at Cedars will obtain the standard British Columbia graduation (Dogwood) diploma, which students in public schools obtain. Cedars' students also take Bible 11 and 12 (two credits each).

Educational Objectives

At Cedars, students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and insights for responsible citizenship in BC. More importantly, they are equipped for responsible citizenship in the Kingdom of Christ.

It is our hope and desire that students will increase their understanding of the way in which God created our world - its beautiful unity and rich variety. They will see how all parts of creation are inter-related and how each has its own unique function. God through his creative and redemptive work are brought out in every subject taught at Cedars, not only in Bible classes and weekly chapels.

At Cedars, students learn that they can be special people, as children of the Lord, and they can have a special place in the world. They learn that to be really happy and joyful as Christians means living in the covenant relationship that God has given us in Christ and in working this out in their God-given tasks. They are also challenged to find ways to develop a transforming influence in our society, and develop a Christian culture and lifestyle according to the norms of God's Word.

Students are challenged to become responsible disciples of Jesus Christ. This means they will have to develop skills, knowledge and insights to live the full Christian life - through all occasions - as a church member, as a citizen, as a family member, as a neighbour, as a friend, as a worker and as a contributor.

The Senior High School Program At Cedars

Christian Perspectives (Bible/CAPP)

Christian Perspective courses at Cedars focus on Biblical knowledge, and its application to a students life and thought. The Bible curriculum is presented in a meaningful, relevant, and interdenominational way. However, no apologies are made for presenting the clear-cut truths and claims of the Bible. Most aspects of Career and Personal Planning (CAPP) are also part of the Christian Perspectives courses. As part of this curriculum students will set career and personal goals consistent with the Bible.

Grade 12 students are also required to perform a minimum of 30 hours of work experience in this course. This work experience can also include volunteer activities and the Mexico trip which is scheduled for every other year.

Science

All students are required to take at least one science course between their grade 11 and 12 years.

The study of science explores some of the beauty and order of God's creation, from the vastness of space to the miracle of life. An appreciation of creation, and our responsibility to care for it, is cultivated. Both the processes of science, as well as knowledge, are emphasized. Science is understood as a human activity, and not ultimate truth.

In addition, at the senior high level, students are particularly focussed on developing concepts and skills needed for post secondary science courses. Cedars offers all three core science disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Math

All students must take at least one math course as part of their grade 11/12 program. Students may select either the regular Math 11 and 12 courses or Intro Math 11. Intro Math 11 may be taken by students who have taken Math 9A and 10A. This alternate course is less challenging but still allows students to take Math 11 in the following semester of the year. Some students also obtain their required Math credits by taking Accounting 11 or Financial Accounting 12 which are offered when there is enough student interest.

English

Language is one of the significant ways in which man is created in the image of God. The English courses attempt to generate an appreciation for the many wholesome ways in which the English language has been used. They also attempt to teach the students the skills needed to produce quality written and spoken communication.

Students who need to spend more time in developing basic skills take the Communications 11 and 12 courses in place of the regular English 11 and 12 courses. Additional English courses such as English Literature 12 and Writing 12 will be offered as well.

Physical Education

At the Grade 11 and 12 level, only PE Leadership is taught on a regular basis. Students wishing to the Leadership courses must have demonstrated an aptitude for sports leadership prior to taking these courses.

Social Studies

Social Studies focuses on how people, in relating to each other and relating to geography, shape cultural development. It also focuses on how God accomplishes His good purposes in spite of people's sinful attempts to accomplish their own purposes. In Social Studies, students learn how they can be blessed by God as they mesh with His purposes and principles for culture.

All students will take Socials Studies 11. Other courses such as History 12, Law 12 and Geography 12 will be offered as well.

French

French language instruction provides students with an opportunity to develop new language acquisition skills. It also enables them to become more aware of the structure of the English language as they see it compared with another language. All students are strongly encouraged to stick with learning French at least until Grade 11, if they are capable. French language study keeps the doors open for attending university as well as for obtaining a variety of government jobs and enabling various monetary opportunities. French 12 is offered only when there is enough student interest to justify it.

Applied Skills and Fine Arts

All Students will need to take at least 2 credits (.5 of a full course) of Applied Skills and of Fine Arts between Grade 11 and 12.

These electives will be offered based on student interest and available resources. Well developed programs are in place for Computers, Woodworking and Home Economics.

Counselling

Cedars has a counselor who helps the administration assess students with social and personal problems in order to advise the staff on how to better serve these students' needs. The counselor is also available to counsel students on a limited basis. Where ongoing personal counselling is needed, students are referred to agencies outside the school for these services.

A second counselor focuses on academic and career counselling. The academic counselor helps students apply for post-secondary school scholarships and bursaries that students may be eligible to receive.

Field Trips

Special activities are planned as part of the curriculum at various grade levels. Students participate in such activities as skiing, swimming and other field trips. Grade 12 students also generally go on an extended outing focussing on spiritual and personal development and community building.

Teaching Staff

All high school staff members at Cedars are committed Christians dedicated to delivering a Christ-centered curriculum. They all have BC College of Teachers certification.