Mini School - Enrichment Program
Gladstone Mini-School Info Session
Gladstone Secondary School Video (2021)
Mini School Power point presentation (2021). Please click here.
Student Testimonials
Mini School Info Session Q&A
Oct 5, 2022- 7:00pm at Gladstone Secondary (Auditorium)
Gladstone Mini-School
Academic Acceleration Program
In person information night will be on October 5th, 2022 from 7-8pm
Situated within Gladstone Secondary School, the Gladstone Mini School promotes initiative, leadership, co-operative and independent learning, service to school and community, and the willingness to tackle academic challenges. The Gladstone Mini School is a District program, open to students from across the city.
The Gladstone Mini School program is accelerated so that students complete their academic courses for three grade levels (8-10) over two years. Acceleration in the junior grades allows opportunities for enrichment in the senior grades.
Because of acceleration, Mini School students are able to access more senior level electives to have a greater breadth of interests. For example, spread over 3 senior years rather than two, students can take senior level physics, chemistry, biology, forensics and math classes and still have space in their timetable for dance, choir, theatre and/or visual arts. Spreading senior math and science classes over 3 years also helps reduce stress and increase balance in student lives.
Alternatively, students may choose to explore more deeply their particular areas of interest. Gladstone offers some Advance Placement courses and also supports students who independently wish to pursue AP programming. AP courses help prepare students for university coursework, and can even provide university credits.
Another possibility for Mini School students is to complete secondary school graduation requirements in four years, rather than the usual five years. In this scenario, students can start university early, take a gap year, work or complete an internship in a field of interest.
In addition to the varied benefits that acceleration brings to students, Mini School students report that one of the aspects of the Mini School that they value the most is their peer group and the Mini School community. The Mini School program attracts self-motivated students who are seeking additional academic challenge and leadership opportunities. Students enjoy active collaboration, peer support and strong community not only in their two accelerated years, but throughout their years together at Gladstone.
Application Procedure
Mini School Admissions Procedure:
Applicants must register with the District’s central mini school application registry between November 7th and December 15th - link: https://www.vsb.bc.ca/page/5292 Applicants must also digitally submit a Gladstone Mini School Application Package by email to gladstonemini@vsb.bc.ca by January 4, 2023. This application package must be received in an email (or two if necessary). The subject line must include the student‘s full name. This email must include the following attachments (or links for large files):
1. Please complete the application form here.
2. A copy of a grade 6 report card (can be a pdf file downloaded through MyEd BC, a screen shot or a photo of a printed report card).
3. One short writing sample (250 – 300 words) that describes why you want the accelerated program.
If you have questions, please email gladstonemini@vsb.bc.ca. This email account will be checked regularly starting on November 1st, 2022.
Click here for the VSBs Secondary Programs including the Mini School Program.
Google Translate