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VSB Trades Program Connects High School Students to Paid Apprenticeships
Centered around facilitating the transition from the classroom to working in industry trades, the Youth Work in Trades (WRK) Program is jointly supported by the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care and SkilledTradesBC. This program is promoted by the Vancouver School Board (VSB), and connects high school students to paid apprenticeships that provide up to 16 high school credits — equivalent to four courses. Students who graduate from this program will accumulate up to 480 training hours. By finishing two types of industry training programs — the Red Seal and the BC Trades Program — SkilledTradesBC provides students with provincial-level trades credentials.
Grade 10 And 12 Provincial Assessments: The Whats And Whys
This January, the province’s Graduation Assessments were completed by Grade 10 and 12 Hamber students. Before the introduction of the first provincial assessment, implemented between 2018 and 2021, the Ministry of Education required students to complete five provincial exams as part of the BC Curriculum. Language Arts, Science, and Mathematics exams were mandated for students in Grade 10, Social Studies in Grade 11, and Language Arts again in Grade 12.
University Transition Program Faces Uncertain Future After Sudden Pause in Admissions
On Jan. 26, Vancouver School Board (VSB) personnel visited the UTP to inform students and teachers that their program admissions have been paused indefinitely, surprising parents, students, and alumni. Representatives of all three groups shared their frustration at the VSB’s decision with The Nest.
What’s the Deal with Public Funding for Private Schools?
In the 2022/23 school year, private schools, officially known as independent schools, were granted $491 million in government funding, a $17 million increase over the 2021/22 school year. Making up roughly 7 per cent of BC’s total education budget, funding for independent schools has often been criticized.
“Parents Believe That This is Part of a Quid Pro Quo:” The Story of the Queen Elizabeth Annex Closure Consideration
An investigation into a school closure consideration tied to one of the largest issues across municipal and provincial politics, with significant ramifications for the 650,000 residents of British Columbia's largest city.
EXCLUSIVE: Although No Longer Required, Vancouver Secondary Students Will Be Wearing Masks After Spring Break
Interest in protecting others, especially at-risk contacts, was chief among students’ masking motivations. Many had a lot at stake with the spread of the virus, living or in frequent contact with immunocompromised individuals.
VSB Sends Early Message to Families Regarding Winter Break Extension
Interim Superintendent Jan Unwin penned a letter to families sent earlier today confirming that online schooling would not take place during the extension, echoing what Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside had said at a press conference yesterday.
BC Delays Students’ Return from Winter Break
BC Minister of Education Jennifer Whiteside announced earlier today that most K-12 students across the province will be returning from Winter Break on January 10, a week later than scheduled.