Q. What is this program?
A. This is an alternative education program for secondary students, grades 8 to 12.
Q. What is an Online Learning program?
A. “Online Learning” is when a student learns partially at a distance from their teacher, often via a blend of independent learning and classroom instruction. It’s an approach that offers flexibility and opportunity for students to learn outside of the mainstream classroom setting or schedule, and emphasizes different approaches to teaching and learning styles.
Here is the Government of BC’s description.
Q. What would the schedule be?
A. For students enrolled in the full 6 – 8 courses, there are two days per week of on-site class time available with a learning consultant and with other students. Students enrolled in 4 to 5 courses can attend one day per week.
Q. How many students will there be?
A. The class size ranges from 15 – 25.
Q. What courses will be taught?
A. The students will engage in a combination of self-directed and guided learning, with the learning consultant acting as facilitator as well as instructor. Specific subjects will be integrated within a larger learning framework. See Home page for more details.
Q. Where is the location?
A. Classes take place at the Vancouver Performing Stars (VPS), 114 East 4th Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia.
Q. Can students cross enroll?
A. Yes! Students can cross-enroll with the approval of the instructor.
· A full course load is 8 courses. Students can enroll in some here, and some elsewhere.
· This option might be useful for students requiring only one or two credits to complete a Dogwood, or who would like to receive credit for a self-directed project or external course.
· BUT to attend the in-class program 2 days per week with a teacher, students must be enrolled in a minimum of six courses. Students enrolled in 4 to 5 courses can attend one day per week at the discretion of the teacher. For fewer than four courses, the student would only have remote access to the learning consultant.
o 6 – 8 courses allows for 2 days of class attendance
o 4 – 5 courses allows for 1 day of class attendance (At the discretion of the teacher.)
o 1 to 3 courses allows distance-based assessment access only
Q. Are there any costs to participate?
A. There may be costs for facilities.
Occasional extra costs for field trips and special events might arise.
Q. Can I receive the dogwood diploma through this program?
A. Yes! This is something students can choose to complete if they desire. It is not mandatory.
Q. How do I enroll?
A. Contact IDEAS at ideashighschool@gmail.com
Q. Who can I contact for more information or to discuss the program?
Q. Is attendance mandatory?
A. No, attendance is not compulsory. Students are welcome to work remotely if they prefer.
Please continue to send us your questions and we will add them to this FAQ page!
IDEAS 