Senior School Grades 11 and 12 

Today, more than ever, there is tough competition for university entrance.

Strong academic, co-curricular, guidance and leadership programs give Appleby students an advantage over many others. In addition to these programs, Appleby offers a number of special certificates and programs which support the interests of the students. Appleby takes seriously its mission "To educate and equip students to become major contributors to, leaders in, and valued representatives of their Canadian and international communities," and there is no better preparation for university than Appleby's Senior School.

Academics

With a mix of curiosity about an academic subject and a willingness to work hard, Appleby's senior students can take on the academic challenge of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These college-level courses and examinations, administered by the College Board, provide the opportunity for students to increase the challenge of their studies, extending to content covered at the university level. Students are advised to take AP courses based on strong term achievement, solid analytical skills and keen interest. Examinations are accepted as first-year credits at some Canadian universities, and some U.S. colleges and universities, and allow for placement in advanced-level courses in their first year of university studies.

AP International Diploma: Students have the option to take individual AP courses or group courses to earn an AP International Diploma (APID). The APID is an internationally recognized credential that may be of interest to students wishing to pursue studies outside of Canada and the U.S. To qualify for the APID, students must earn AP grades of 3 or higher on AP examinations for four or more full-year courses (or the equivalent number of half-year courses) during their high school career. Examinations must be taken in specific areas, with at least two examinations in languages (including English). Appleby students can qualify through the existing AP course offerings. See the Director of External Educational Programs for details on how to qualify for the APID.

Diploma of European Proficiency: Through Appleby's membership in the Belgian-based UCAPE (Union for Cultural and Professional Advancement in Europe), students may earn a Diploma in European Proficiency (DEP). The diploma is awarded after the successful completion of a Grade 12 credit in a European language, an exchange to Europe of at least three weeks and an independent study unit exploring specific elements of European social and cultural developments.

Spanish Certification – Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera (DELE) tests a student's level of fluency in Spanish. Appleby students completing the final level of Spanish (LWDU) can choose to write the DELE examination, organized by the Instituto Cervantes (an international institution dedicated to promoting the Spanish language world-wide). The diploma is recognized by the Ministry of Education and Culture intim Spain.

Exchanges: Each year Appleby arranges for a number of students to spend time at other schools, both in Canada and abroad, in order to broaden their exposure to different educational systems and cultures, and to enrich the Appleby community upon their return. Some of these programs involve an exchange of visits between families, some are non-reciprocal home stays and some involve boarding house accommodation within a school. Students must have the support of their teachers, the permission of their Advisor and the approval of the Assistant Headmaster, Curriculum. Applications and information regarding these opportunities will be available during an exchange meeting in the spring. Students from around the world also attend Appleby on short-and-long term exchanges. These students are welcomed into the Appleby community and contribute their ideas and experiences, enhancing the lives of all students. Additional information on all programs is available from the Director, Round Square.

International Service Co-op Credit

Students will ideally complete their International Service Project in their Senior One (Grade 11) year. This allows them to have previously completed two separate group trips to Appleby's McLaughlin Northern Campus, during which they develop important team-building, communication and leadership skills. International Service Projects typically include construction, environmental and social development, and it is important that students are able to adapt effectively to a new environment and become active in building their new community. As part of the international service curriculum, students engage in pre-project training, debriefing throughout the project, post-project follow-up, and share their experience with the wider Appleby community through school assemblies, publications and the annual International Service Project Fair.