Bev Facey Community High

 "One of the best standard predictors of academic success at Harvard is performance on Advanced Placement Examinations." 

William Fitzsimmons, Dean of Admissions, Harvard University

Started in 1955 by the College board, a national not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opporunity, the Advanced Placement Program enables students to pursue college-level studies while in high school.  Based on their performance on rigorous AP Examinations, students can earn credit, advanced placement, or both for college.

The Advanced Placement Program has since been adopted throughout the world to provide academically stimulating and challenging courses. AP grades are now recognized by more than 3000 colleges and universities in Canada and the U.S. An international component of the AP program has now been developed to certify the achievement of successful students whose post secondary plans include the prospect of enrolling in a university outside North America.

Advanced placement is an Internationally recognized enrichment program that offers acceleration and challenge to motivated and gifted students.  As such it eases the transition from High School to university. The program is now offered in over 40 countries worldwide. Currently, over 700,000 students from nearly 12,000 High Schools write over a million AP exams.  Successful completion of these exams may permit students to obtain credit and /or placement in many second year university courses.

AP can change your life. Through college-level AP courses, you enter a universe of knowledge that might otherwise remain unexplored in high school; through AP Exams, you have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation's colleges and universities.

• An academic classroom environment
• Challenge and enrichment
• Subject specific specialization
• Equivalent University credit
• Advanced standing, credit and placement
• Greater opportunities for scholarships
• Program flexibility
• Excellent Diploma Exam marks
• International recognition and acceptance

• AP Exam grades are a strong predictor of second-year undergarduate GPA in biological sciences, mathematics, and physical sciences, second in strength only to high school grade point average.
• AP students whose AP Exam grades enabled them to skip into third, fourth, or fifth semester course outperform the students in those courses who had no skipped the prerequisite courses.
• When compared to non-AP students, students who took AP are twice as likely to take additional courses in those subject areas in college, and in some subject areas these AP students take double the number of additional courses.

With 37 courses and exams across 22 subject areas, AP offers something for everyone. Here are just a few reasons to sign up:

Gain the Edge in College Preparation

• Get a head start on college-level work.
• Improve your writing skills and sharpen your problem-solving techniques.
• Develop the study habits necessary for tackling rigorous course work.

Stand Out in the College Admissions Process

• Demonstrate your maturity and readiness for college.
• Show your willingness to take the most rigorous courses available to you.
• Emphasize your commitment to academic excellence.

Broaden Your Intellectual Horizons

• Explore the world from a variety of perspectives, most importantly your own.
• Study subjects in greater depth and detail.
• Assume the responsibility of reasoning, analyzing, and understanding for yourself.

Opportunity to earn awards, scholarships

Possible tuition savings

This excellent program is offered to students at Bev Facey who wish to have an enriched, stimulating and motivating educational experience with peers of like interest and aptitude. A program that spans the three years in high school can be tailored to meet the interests and needs of the individual student.

Generally, a grade of 80% in a prerequisite course is recommended for students to enter an AP course.  More important, however, is the student's motivation and commitment to the importance of education.

To be successful, students should:

• Like a challenge
• Have a well developed work ethic
• Be self-disciplined/motivated
• Have a specific interest in one or more AP subject areas
• Find learning stimulating and exciting

Must AP students write AP exams?

Students entering into the Advanced Placement program should have the goal in mind to earn credit towards their first year university level equivalent.  Students are strongly encouraged to write the AP exam for their own benefit.  Universities use the exam scores to determine exemptions from specific programs.  

What are the costs for AP?

Bev Facey provides AP students with all the materials required in the various courses.  The cost of writing the AP exam is approximately $90.  The savings on first year University equivalence far outweigh the initial costs associated with the exam. 

How difficult are AP courses?

Compared with non AP high school courses, AP courses are usually more sophisticated. However, they are NOT impossibly difficult. In fact, the AP program fits very well with all Alberta High School diploma requirements. Typically, AP courses build upon the Alberta curriculum and provide additional enrichment. Students, while expected to complete all the AP material, do not have more work to do outside of class. It is expected that an AP student does not need to perform as many practice problems and thus they can work on enrichment problems.

Is it harder to get high marks or honours in AP classes?

No. Students are evaluated on the same criteria as those in the regular program. Typically AP students achieve higher marks.

Will being in AP affect a student's mark?

AP course work is enhanced beyond the regular program work, but students are not penalized.  Mark adjustments are made so that grades submitted to Alberta Education reflect the standards that are used in non-AP courses.  Because of the depth of work in AP courses, grades often improve; especially on Diploma exams. 

Will taking AP courses affect extracurricular activities?

The time commitment to AP will depend largely on how many AP courses a student takes.  Because of the flexibility of the program, AP students can be involved in other areas that interest them without jeopardizing their studies.

Who should take AP courses?

Generally, a grade of 80% in a prerequisite course is suggested for students who wish to take an AP course. More important, however, is the student's motivation and commitment

Do I have to take all of the courses offered?

No. The flexibility of the Advanced Placement Program is one of its main benefits educationally. Each student may tailor the program of studies to meet and challenge his or her aptitudes and abilities. This allows students to take other exciting courses offered at Bev Facey

It is important to note that the intellectual skill and interests developed while taking these courses critical reading, analysing data sheets, synthesising evidence - will equip the students for lifelong learning.

Does the University of Alberta recognize AP?

Yes it does.  Recently many courses have been added to the list of courses that are recognized at the University of Alberta.  Other courses are being added yearly, most recently Biology.  AP exam results are recognized at over 3000 colleges and universities worldwide

How many Canadian Schools participate in AP?

AP courses are offered in every province and territory in Canada in over 300 high schools.  In 1990 Bev Facey was the only Elk Island public High School and one of only 9 schools in the Province to offer AP.  Currently, over 40 high schools in Alberta offer AP courses.