College Connections Program
This program prepares students who have completed their Grade 12 graduation requirements, or are in the process of completing, to succeed at a college level. All courses emphasize study skill development and college level academic skills. Students choose College Connections because they want to increase their self-confidence and ensure they have the right academic foundations.
College Connections offers a supportive, Aboriginal, friendly environment where students can put those foundations in place, develop their potential and explore what education has to offer. Graduates go on to degree programs in colleges and universities or in certificate and diploma programs at the NEC Native Education College and other community colleges.
The College Connections Courses:
The program works in cooperation with the Aboriginal Adult Basic Education program where students must take,
if they have not already completed the equivalent courses elsewhere, English 12 and one of Biology 12 (Human Body) or Biology 12 (Ecology).
To receive a College Connections Certificate of Completion, students must complete Algebra 12 and either Chemistry or Physics 12. If they have not already completed the grade 11 level of the subject they must take that as well.
Algebra 11
Algebra 12
Chemistry 11
Chemistry 12
Physics 11
Physics 12
To receive a College Connections Certificate of Completion, students must complete at least three of the following four bridging courses:
English Writing
Academic Reading
Aboriginal Studies
Academic Math
:
Course Description:
ENGL 001 English Writing
An intensive and comprehensive review and skill development course in the language arts. The course assesses areas where students need improvement and provides the English skills needed to begin a post-secondary program. Students prepare to write the Language Proficiency Index tests that may be required for college entrance. There is a focus on research papers, test-taking skills and grammar. Cross cultural communication and English as a Second Language issues are explored.
ENGL 002 Academic Reading
Reading is a basis of learning and communicating. College students need to be expert at gathering information through reading newspapers, magazines, academic journals, textbooks and literature. Technical reading involves learning new words and memorizing and understanding technical terminology. Internet research in the humanities and sciences will provide practice in sorting through the huge amount of information now available to students.
ABST 001 Aboriginal Studies
The course is based on the perspectives and world views of the people of First Nations, Metis and Inuit ancestry from a Canadian and BC viewpoint. Students are given the opportunity to study various indigenous groups in the world. The course will touch on the traditional beliefs and customs of Aboriginal groups and the issues, conflicts, and changes that have impacted Aboriginal society, including social, economic, financial, and political factors. The course provides a basis of knowledge through an interdisciplinary approach to sociology, psychology, political science, anthropology & history.
MATH 001 Academic Math
The course provides the mathematical background required for university courses in mathematics for the natural and social sciences. It reviews basic algebra and trigonometry and introduces calculus and statistics. In addition to providing skills for fields such as management, engineering and the social sciences, the course
challenges and develops abstract thinking skills.
MATH 061/071 (A) Algebra 11
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 program.
MATH 083/093 Algebra 12
Students learn logarithms, advanced trigonometry, linear inequalities, complex numbers, sequences and series, problem solving and introductory calculus. This course is required for students entering university level science and engineering programs as well as those seeking degrees in business administration.
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.
CHEM 083/093 Chemistry 12
This course is required for technology, health and environmental careers. It challenges students to understand the invisible world of chemicals that make up our bodies and everything that surrounds us. An emphasis on equilibrium includes topics such as oxidation-reduction reactions and pH balance. There is also an introduction to organic chemistry.
PHYS 061/071 Physics 11
Students will develop a scientific way of knowing and an understanding of technological change. The focus on energy and movement will include topics such as velocity, acceleration, electricity, magnetism and heat with an emphasis on practical applications in the workplace and our daily lives.
PHYS 081/091 Physics 12
Through classroom and laboratory activities, students will use dynamics to examine energy conservation, electrostatics, electromagnetism, vibrations and waves. Special topics include Einstein’s Theory of Relativity and an introduction to quantum mechanics and study skills to undertake further education.
