Aboriginal Adult Basic Education (AABE)
BC Adult Graduation Diploma (Grade 12)
The AABE program recognizes the unique history and culture of Aboriginal people. Students focus on achieving their academic and employment goals while learning and sharing their cultural knowledge and skills. Courses are developed and taught from a First Nations’ cultural perspective.
The courses offered each semester depend on enrollment. The Native Education College reserves the right to make any changes to scheduled courses as necessary, including cancellation.
Courses are classroom-based (instructor led). We offer a tri-semester system with terms beginning in September, January, and April. New enrollments are accepted for each semester.
Admission Requirements: 19 years or older OR 18 years of age and out of school for at least a year.
Graduation Requirements: Successful completion of five course requirements - Provincial Level English, Advanced Math and three Provincial level electives including Advanced First Nations Studies. Credits from either AABE or BC Secondary School qualifying courses can be counted towards graduation. The BC Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD) also known as the Adult Dogwood is awarded upon successful completion of course requirements.
E-portfolios in Advanced Math and Provincial English are to be completed as part of the BCAGD requirements.
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AABE Course Descriptions
ENGLISH COURSES
ENG 041/051 Intermediate English
Students learn reading, writing, and communication skills plus critical analysis. Topics include grammar, spelling, vocabulary development and the writing process. Students read the work of First Nations writers, including drama, short stories and one novel. Other work involves use of newspaper, grammar books, and film.
ENG 061/071 Advanced English
Students develop confidence, accuracy, comprehension and creativity in communication skills. Topics include grammar, short essays and analysis of editorials, articles and literary works. Readings are by First Nations authors.
ENG 081 Provincial Level English (Composition)
Students will consider how important language is as a communication tool. Through the act of writing, students will explore and develop their skills with mainly academic writing and some creative writing. Beginning with a review of basic writing structures, students will soon be analyzing and responding with their ideas through paragraphs, journal entries, short essays, critical essays and the research paper. This course is designed to prepare students for writing assignments at a grade 12 level. Completion of either ENG 081 and ENG 091 or ENG 083/093 is required for graduation.
ENG 091 Provincial Level English (First Nations Literature)
Literature connects us to the broader cultural, philosophic and spiritual world, which we are a part of. In this half of the course, students will study various forms of literature by First Nations writers through the genres of traditional storytelling and songs, poetry, short stories, drama and the novel. Literature will be interpreted through discussion with classmates and through individual works of composition. Students will be introduced to literary terms and concepts in order to give them a vocabulary to make sense of literary techniques. Completion of ENG 081 and ENG 091 is required for graduation.
ENG 083/093 Professional & Technical English
In the “real world,” students need to understand how the power of language as a communication tool will help them to thrive in a professional and a technical environment. Students will focus on how language is used in the workplace, with an emphasis on writing for different purposes. Topics include editing one’s own work, group process and the use of the latest communication technology. Completion of this course meets the Provincial English requirement.
MATHEMATICS COURSES
MATH 050/051 Intermediate Math
Students improve their mathematical knowledge of decimals, fractions, ratios, percent, metric conversion and geometry. There will be an introduction to statistics and basic algebra.
MATH 061/071(D) Developmental Math
This course is an introduction to Algebra. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to perform operations with real numbers, first degree equations and inequalities, polynomials, rational expressions, linear equations, radical expressions, and trigonometry.
This course prepares learners for vocational and technical uses of mathematics or for further mathematics courses.
Pre-requisite: Intermediate Math
MATH 061/071(A) Algebra
Topics include polynomials, quadratic equations, inequalities, graphing and trigonometry. This course will develop analytical thinking skills for students who plan to go on to college or university programs. The course may be offered, as two half courses which should be taken in sequence.
MATH 062/072 Business / Technical Math
This course provides the student with practical applications useful in future vocational training careers, or personal life. Core topics include operations with real numbers; first degree equations and inequalities; equations and graphs. 072 Option A: Business: consumer math; finance; data analysis; financial math.
072 Option B: Technical: measurement; geometry; trigonometry; systems of equations.
ELECTIVE COURSES:
CST 041/051 Computer Studies 10 Intermediate Level
Students are introduced to a wide range of software including Word, Excel, Access, the Internet and the Windows Operating System. Students are taught to utilize Windows desktop tools, manage files and folders, customize the desktop, and manage hardware and software settings. Correct computer keyboarding techniques are employed using the latest keyboarding software. The emphasis in this course is to provide a general introduction to those new to business software and information technology. Students also develop a working knowledge of computers and the skills and confidence to promote continued academic success.
CST 061/071 Computer Studies Advanced Level
Computer Studies 11 builds on the computer knowledge and skills acquired in Computer Studies 10. Using Word, learners explore the more advanced features of this powerful word processing tool. In Excel students are taught spreadsheet design, control formulas with cell addressing, problem solving, multi-worksheet design, charting, reporting and Excel presentation techniques. In Access students learn to create and manipulate tables, databases, forms, queries and reports. Computer Studies 11 also provides an introduction to PowerPoint, a powerful graphics presentation program.
CST 081/091 Computer Studies Provincial Level
The focus of Computer Studies 12 is to explore the more advanced features in Excel, Access, PowerPoint, the Windows Operating System and the performance of basic computer maintenance. In Excel students gain competency using advanced spreadsheets design and the advanced features in Access including creating calculated controls and multiple table indexing. The emphasis of this course is on both a textual analysis of computer theory and the practical application of the business software and information technology. Students develop an intimate knowledge of business software and the skills to remain competitive in both academia and the world of information technology.
Prerequisite: CST 061/071 or instructor’s approval.
FNS 061/071 First Nations Studies Advanced Level
Students are offered an introductory history course from an Aboriginal perspective. Topics include Native spirituality, the early history and colonization of North America, the treaty process, the fur trade, and issues in self-government.
FNS 081/091 First Nations Studies Provincial Level
This course focuses on the history of B.C.’s First Nations from pre-contact up to the present day. Topic areas include: precontact culture and trading systems, European colonization, the maritime fur trade, the treaty process, and land claims, and self-government. Emphasis on the class will be on reading, writing, and communication.
SGV 081/091 Self-Government
Students acquire knowledge of the concept of Aboriginal self-government starting with the land and it’s resources. Students explore the role of First Nations governments in economic and social development. Contemporary issues include Metis self-government and the impact of self-government on urban Aboriginal people.
Prerequisite: FNS 061/071 or instructor’s approval.
SOC 081/091 Sociology
Students will acquire knowledge of sociological processes and how they affect groups and communities. Topics include how we learn communication skills and values, and the role of cultural values and beliefs in developing a strong identity. First Nations issues perspectives are an important aspect of this course.
Pre-requisite: Advanced Level English
CUL 081/091 Cultural Studies (Northwest Coast Button Blankets)
Students are introduced to the art forms of the Northwest Coast peoples. Students will research the history of Northwest Coast cultural regalia, focusing on the button blanket. Students will create a button blanket with their own family crest or background. These blankets will be made in a traditional way. Each blanket is as different as the individual, depending on your background and culture.
PSY 081/091 Psychology
This course will provide an introduction to the study of human behaviour and mental processes. Some topics covered include: the historical roots of psychology, theoretical paradigms, human development, learning and communication, stress and wellness, and socio-cultural diversity. Basic terminology and methodology will be presented, and students will be encouraged to recognize and apply psychological concepts to their own lives.
Prerequisite: Advanced Level English
EDCP 081/091 Education & Career Planning
This course is highly recommended for students who are planning to attend post-secondary programs. Students will undergo a strength and skills evaluation followed by a comprehensive career and education research assignment to determine the optimal pathway to their employment aspirations. Additionally, students will learn employment readiness skills focusing on resume building, cover letter construction, and interview preparation. This course takes a holistic approach to career success by also discussing issues such as health management, study skills, conflict resolution, budgetary considerations, and communication techniques.
Pre-requisite: Advanced Level English
BIO 083/093 Biology - Human Body
This course is recommended for students entering the fields of science, counselling and criminology. It includes a survey of the major organ systems of the body and how they contribute to balance within the body. Topics such as reproduction, nutrition, and immunology help students understand everyday life issues.
Pre-requisite: Advanced level English
Co-requisite: Provincial level English
BIO 081/091 Ecology & Evolution
This course offers a survey of all known life forms on Earth and looks at theories of how this spectacular diversity came about. Ecology is the study of how all living things are related and the flow of energy through ecosystems. This course is recommended for students entering forestry, natural resources or creative arts.
CHEM 061/071 Chemistry 11
Students examine the role of chemistry in the world using laboratory experiments to make discoveries about the composition and behaviour of matter. Chemistry skills such as problem solving and proportional thinking can be applied in many areas of life.
