North Vancouver School District
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Advanced Placement

Three students smiling while studying with open books.

What is Advanced Placement?

Students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses get a feel for the rigours of college/university level studies within a supportive secondary school environment.

Students who take AP courses demonstrate to post-secondary admissions officers they have sought out an educational experience that will prepare them for success at college/university and beyond.

Students who are successful in AP courses can potentially earn an extra four (4) credits towards their transcript and may be able to enrol directly into the second year course at the post-secondary institution they attend, subject to the policies of that institution.

Course Offerings at Handsworth and Argyle Secondary

Course offerings vary at each school and are dependent on enrolment.

​Handsworth Secondary

​Argyle Secondary

  • ​AP 2-D Design Portfolio 12
  • AP 3-D Design Portfolio 12
  • AP Studio Art Drawing 12
  • AP Calculus AB 12
  • AP Chemistry
  • AP Computer Science A
  • AP Computer Science Principles
  • AP Microeconomics 12
  • ​AP Calculus 12
  • ​AP Physics 12

Exams

Each AP course concludes with an optional college/university level exam developed and scored by post secondary faculty and experienced AP teachers. The exception to these exams is within the Studio Art stream, which requires the submission of a portfolio of their work.

Handsworth and Argyle offer exams for students enrolled in AP courses.

Handsworth and Sutherland Secondary offer self-study students the option of taking AP exams. Note: Sutherland Secondary does not offer AP courses; it is an exam-only site.

Visit Handsworth AP Exams or Sutherland AP Exams for information on the exam site offerings, registration and payment details.

The registration and payment deadline for self-study students taking an AP exam in May 2024: November 1, 2023

Exam Fees

NVSD students enrolled in an AP course: $160

Self-study students: $270