virtualschoolBC

@columbiasquare

Our centre offers free British Columbia Ministry of Education approved school courses to students age 15 or older who live in Greater Vancouver and are Canadian Landed Immigrants or Canadian Citizens. International Students may also take our courses. The course fee is $650 CDN

Refugees may also take our courses free of charge. Restrictions may apply.

Our students have a variety of goals. Some want to complete high school. Others are graduates who want to satisfy the prerequisites for a college or university programme. Still others want to better their English skills before they move on.

Transcripts are issued by School District 40. Any course you complete is accepted at any college or university in Canada. Course tuition is free for BC residents.

Contact: Phone 604-517-6191

Updated
January 25, 2011

 

Do I need a textbook?

Most courses require that students pick up a textbook. Some courses have text and multimedia within the online course.

I want to complete some courses in BC but I will be moving to another province. Will I be able to transfer my credits?

Yes. We will provide a transcript on request. You may use that transcript to apply to the school of your choice.

How can I pay for the deposit or course fees?

We accept Cash, Debit, Master Card or Visa.

How long does it take to get a transcript once I've completed a course?

When you have completed your course you must notify your teacher. Once you have notified your teacher it will take 3 business days for your transcript to be ready for pick up at our office at New Westminster Secondary School across from room 183. You may phone them at 604-517-6286. The street address is 835 8th St, New Westminster.

How do I get help?

If you have questions about course material, there is an email link to the teacher in every course. You can also drop in to our learning centre to get individual help.

How do I submit online assignments?

You should complete your assignment on a word processor, save the document then follow the instructions provided in the course.

I don't know if my computer is good enough.

Generally you should have:
a Pentium 4 with a 1 Ghz or better and  Windows XP or better. ADSL or Cable connection is required.

For Macintosh: You should have an iMac, iBook, Mac Book, Mac Book Pro, Mac Mini, Power Book, Power Mac or Mac Pro with 400 MHz or better and OS X 10.3 or better. ADSL or Cable connection is required.

How do I write tests?

You don't have to schedule a time. Just come in during our regular hours. Our hours are posted in the calendar on our home page. All online courses have online tests. You will not write tests on paper.

What score is a passing mark?

A passing grade is 50% but you should aim for at least 70% for mastery of the material.

Do I have to write the Provincial Exams?

If you are completing the 80 credit Dogwood, then you must write five graduation program exams: Language Arts 10, Science 10, Mathematics 10, a Social Studies 11/12, and a Language Arts 12. Other Grade 12 exams are optional. You should visit British Columbia School Counselors Association for more information.

If you are completing the 20 credit Adult Dogwood the Provincial Exams are optional. However, most BC post-secondary schools require that you write the Provincial Exam in English 12. If you intend on writing the Provincial Exam, you should advise your teacher.