École Ballenas Secondary
School District No. 69 Qualicum
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135 North Pym Road, Parksville, BC, V9P 1G4| Phone: 250-248-5721 | Contact Us
Grade 8 & 9 Program Info

Nuwilum, Bienvenue, Welcome

To the Ballenas Learning Community

Today we live in a state of constant change. British Columbia’s curriculum is being modernized to respond to this demanding world and, at Ballenas, we agree that to prepare students for the future, the curriculum must be student-centred and flexible, with a focus on literacy and math skills. Through our linear, cohort-structured Grade 8 and 9 Program, Ballenas provides space and time for students to develop their skills and explore their passions and interests. The deep understanding and application of knowledge is at the centre of the new model, as opposed to the memory and recall of facts that previously shaped education. These critical skills are the foundation of B.C.’s education system, and are a key component of Ballenas’s philosophy in developing educated citizens.
Ballenas Secondary School Timetable
There are 4 blocks per day, each class is 80 minutes. On Wednesdays, students have a Flex block (see back) in the morning, with the remaining classes 60 minutes long.


Course Selection

Grade 8 and 9 students enroll in either the English or French Immersion Program. Both programs are linear and require students to take English/ Social Studies, Math/ Science, Physical Education and Health & Careers. Additionally, the English cohort is required to take French 8.

Exploration Courses

Grade 8 students take exploration courses each year. These are a combination of Applied Skills, Fine Arts and Band, introducing them to a wide range of subject offerings. Grade 9 students are offered electives in Applied Skills, Fine Arts, Band, Leadership, French and Spanish

Specialty Programs

Grade 8 and 9 students may register in a variety of programs including Soccer, Hockey, Golf and Dance. The prerequisite for the Dance Program requires approval from the student’s dance school. Grade 9 students may also enroll in Outdoor Pursuits or Swimming. Please note, some programs have additional fees.

Flex Learning

Ballenas offers a Flex Learning block to all students on Wednesday morning. This unique offering provides Grade 8 and 9 students with the opportunity to seek additional teacher support, learn in open flexible learning spaces, or pursue their shared passions through the guidance of a teacher

Link

Students are more likely to succeed when they feel connected to their school.To build supportive relationships, we have created LINK, a program to connect one group of students with a dedicated teacher –advisor. This bi- weekly block include peer- to peer mentoring and teacher guidance in both academic and lifeskills.

Circle of Courage

Ballenas has adopted the “Circle of Courage” as our underlying school philosophy. The Circle of Courage is grounded in four universal growth needs of all children:
  • belonging
  • mastery
  • independence
  • generosity
Grade 8 and 9 students are encouraged to feel a sense of Belonging and Independence through our linear programming and cohort groupings.