​In the wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the North Vancouver School District continues to build an education system that is committed to offering opportunities for all learners to experience growth and success. That is why Argyle, Handsworth, Seycove, and Windsor will switch back to a linear school schedule, effective September 2024. Sutherland will keep its semester-based schedule, and Carson Graham will continue with a linear schedule. The Mountainside schedule will stay the same.

After two-months of consultation with educators, who have extensive experience with learners of all ages and abilities, it was determined that the linear system will provide the most cohesive and coherent learning experience for all students, and specifically, provide the most support for the students who need the most support. As a school district, we are excited to re-introduce a system that benefits all learners and allows them to thrive.

Who was consulted in the decision? 

The consultation process focused on educators in order to evaluate and determine the best system for the specific learners who they support. Those learners include International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, French Immersion, Academies, English Language Learners, and Learning Support. The next step was to solicit feedback from students, parents, and employee groups; specifically, teachers and educational assistants. The intent was to surface any potential issues, not to survey the popularity of each system.

Why are some schools switching and not others?

Carson Graham offers the International Baccalaureate program, which stipulates that students must receive instruction in all of their subjects throughout the year. Sutherland has a long history of being a semester school and the staff there wholly prefer the semester model and schedule. Mountainside has a unique schedule that allows for delivery of a personalized alternative educational program. The other four North Vancouver secondary schools will move from the semester schedule to the linear schedule.

What is the difference between linear and semester?

A student in the linear system can take up to eight courses at a time in the timetable (four on day one and four on day two) over the entire school year. A student in the semester system can take up to four courses at a time in the timetable for half of a year, and then four different courses for the second half of the year.

Linear System:

• Provides a continuous learning approach with no gaps between successive courses
• Provides consistent learning support and English language support all year long
  
• Longer time to develop new understanding and skills
• Longer time for major exercises: reading novels, doing projects
• Longer time for staff and students to build relationships
• Students don’t miss as much of each class when they miss extended periods of time
• Provides teachers with consistent planning and preparation time all year long

Semester System:

• Students can take fewer courses at one time
• Students can repeat a course in the same year
• Students can take two courses in one subject in one year e.g. Physics 11 and Physics 12
• Students get a fresh start midway through the year
• Students can use a semester to work or do a Career Education program

How does a linear system provide stability?

The linear system provides consistent learning support all year long to the students who need it most. In either the liner or the semester system, we will also maintain tutorial time.

Who do I contact with further questions about the change?

Chris Atkinson
Assistant Superintendent 
assistantsuperintendent@sd44.ca

For media inquiries, please contact:

Alex Yallouz
Communications Manager
ayallouz@sd44.ca
604-903-1254