February 21, 2023

ATTENTION APPLICANTS!  Letters will be available for pickup in the main office on Friday, February 24th!  Please pay attention to Teams for specific instructions.  Thank you all for your hard work!  

January 5, 2023

Attention potential applicants!!!

Please review the "Info Night" slides attached, the application form, the Prelude Learner Profile, and the FAQ below CAREFULLY. Applications are due by Monday, January 16th at 3:06pm in the Main Office.  

Prelude Info Night Slides 2023.pptx

Prelude - Application Form 2023.pdf

Prelude Learner Profile B&W.pdf

Prelude is a grade 10 school-based program focused on international and local community and independent inquiry.  It is not a district program. Only students registered at Churchill and living in the Churchill catchment may be admitted to the Prelude Program.

Prelude has never been affiliated with IB--it is not a Middle Years or Pre-IB program.  For details about IB, please visit the IB page.

Questions can be directed to Wynn Deschner, the program coordinator, at wdeschner@vsb.bc.ca.  

Prelude Learner Profile: Prelude Learner Profile B&W.pdf

FAQs

1. Can International Students apply to the Prelude program?

Yes!  International students can apply to Prelude so long as they, like all students, are registered Churchill students and live in the Churchill catchment at the time of application.  Please be aware that International students may not, at this time, apply to the IB program, even if they are in the Prelude program.  This is a district mandate.  

2. Can a student who lives in the Churchill catchment but does not currently attend Churchill apply for the Prelude Program?

Only students currently registered at Churchill AND living in the Churchill catchment may apply to the program.   

3. Do students in Prelude still have to apply to IB if they wish to enter the IB program?

Yes.  Prelude is not an IB program.  All students who wish to enrol in the IB program for grade 11 (Year 1) must apply in grade 10.  No student is given preference over another based on the student's grade 10 program choice.

4. If my child's sibling was in Prelude, does that mean that my other child will get in as well?

No.  All applicants are considered on an individual basis.  

5. What kind of supports might a Prelude student need at home?

Students most often, but not always, need support in managing time and ensuring healthy practices such as sleep, time with friends, and play.  They also need support in focusing more on feedback and goals than on grades. 

6. What makes Prelude different from other program options?

Prelude has two unique courses--International Studies and Leadership--that are focused on citizenship, empathy-building, collaboration, communication, and independent learning.  Prelude courses move at a faster pace and the assignments are larger in terms of scope and depth.  Students, as well, benefit from working in a consistent cohort of folks.  They also receive mentorship from senior students--many of whom have been through the Prelude program as well.    

7. Are references required or considered?

No.  A survey is sent out to the current teachers of the applicant.  If we have further questions, we may ask to speak with the applicant or the grade counsellor.  

8. Can a current Churchill student who does not live in catchment still apply to the Prelude Program?

Current Churchill students who no longer live in catchment must fill out a cross-boundary application form (found here: https://www.vsb.bc.ca/School/S... ) before applying to the program.  The cross-boundary application must be approved before a current Churchill student can be considered for the program, space permitting.  Further information can be found on page 13 of the following document: https://www.vsb.bc.ca/District...