Frequently Asked Questions
If you do not reside in British Columbia, please go to http://www.selfdesign.com
Provincial Exam Registration Deadlines:
February 1, 2012 for Learners who are writing April exams.
March 15, 2012 for graduating learners and learners who are writing June exams.
*50% of your online course(s) must be completed by May 1, 2012 in order for an interim mark to be submitted to the Ministry for Post Secondary Applications.
Completion Deadlines:
If SDH is not your school of record, graduating learners must speak to their school counsellor regarding any completion expectations for your graduating year, and all SDH courses must be completed by June 1, 2012.
For more information about exam deadlines, grad planning and applying to Post Secondary Institutions, click HERE.
FAQ's: click on a question below for the answer:
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What are the courses like and do they go towards my graduation?
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What are the requirements to receive a B.C. High School Graduation Diploma?
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What is the difference between Foundation Courses, BAA Courses and Independent Studies?
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How do SelfDesign High courses differ from those offered in a different educational setting?
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If I enroll in the SelfDesign Praxis course, how will I get to choose my Learning Consultant?
1. What is SelfDesign High?
SelfDesign High (formerly known as SelfDesign ISK, International School of the Kootenays) is an accredited, independent, distributed learning (online) program offering a full BC graduation program. And more.
2. What is the philosophy of SelfDesign High?
Our high school graduation program is based on a sensibility that considers humans and humanity from an integrated, holistic perspective. Our learning approach is inquiry based and our courses are designed to cultivate critical thinking, self and social awareness, wellness and engagement in collaborative, creative problem solving. Learners are invited to value their own ideas, perspectives, questions and analyses as well as those of others; we see these elements as the activities that build peace and understanding in the world.
3. What is offered?
A full high school graduation program including unique electives such as World Religions and Peace Studies, as well as independent study opportunities that invite learners to create their own course!? Courses are offered in either an online or workshops (combination of online and in-person work in a seminar format), both with the support of an accredited teacher/mentor. Click here for a full list of courses offered.
4. Who may take courses?
All B.C. learners aged 15 to 19.
Grade 9 learners interested in taking courses may send an email inquiry to admissions@selfdesignhigh.org.
Community members may enroll in courses for a $200 registration fee by calling 250-354-1310.
5. How do I register for courses?
First, enroll with SelfDesign High by filling out our enrollment form and then fill out the course registration form. Learners will be notified of successful enrollment and contacted by a learning group mentor.
6. Do I have to pay for courses?
No, the courses are funded for B.C. residents through the Ministry of Education.
7. What are the courses like and do they go towards my graduation?
All of the courses are offered online and are part of the SelfDesign High B.C. Ministry of Education certified Graduation program. They are each worth 4 credits towards high school graduation. All of the courses have been written by SelfDesign High from a holistic, peace-centered perspective; and are Waldorf inspired*. Courses that have B.C. provincial exams are more content-specific so that learners are well prepared for exams.
* Learning is interdisciplinary, integrating practical, artistic, and conceptual elements. The Waldorf approach emphasizes the role of the imagination, developing thinking that includes a creative as well as an analytic component. source
8. What are the requirements to receive a B.C. High School Graduation Diploma?
The B.C. high school diploma is called the Dogwood Diploma. To receive it, learners must:
- be a resident of B.C.
- complete courses adding up to 80 high school credits. Of the 80 credits 48 must be in foundation courses, 28 from BAA elective courses and at least 4 credits from Planning 10 and either Graduation Portfolio or Graduations Transitions
- write 5 B.C. Provincial exams, one at the Grade 12 level.
Click here for more information
9. What is the difference between Foundation Courses, BAA Courses and Independent Studies?
Foundation Courses are required for the completion of the BC Graduation Program. They are designed to meet the BC Ministry Learning Outcomes and are delivered in a manner unique to SelfDesign High values and philosophy. Electives are courses such as fine and practical arts, languages, music etc. BAA Courses are elective courses that are designed and developed by Boards of Education or Independent school authorities to meet learner needs and interests. Independent Studies are unique 'courses' initiated, designed and completed by a learner in consultation with a mentor - for credit.
10. Who will lead the courses?
Every course is facilitated by a mentor who is a certified teacher with the B.C. College of Teachers or the B.C. Superintendent of Independent Schools.
11. How is learner work assessed?
Each course is assessed by portfolio, which is created as a unique result of mentor and learner conversation and collaboration.
12. What is the time frame for the courses?
Online courses and local workshops (a mix of online and in-person, on location) are offered in 3 main Sessions- Fall, Winter and summer Intensives. Individual learners who wish to take courses independent of a learning group and semester can register for specific courses and work at an individual pace with support of a mentor.
13. What are the technological requirements of taking a course?
Learners need access to a computer and the Internet.
After course enrollment is confirmed, learners will receive guidance in accessing course materials and interacting with course mentors and classmates. Learners will require a (free) Skype account to participate in online discussion. Visit the Skype site to set up an account.
14. How many courses can a learner take?
Each course will require about 5 to 8 hours of attention/engagement per week; we recommend 4 courses per semester as a maximum number. If a learner is new to online learning, taking a course or two is probably a good approach. Registering in Independent Study is a great way to engage in a self-directed learner with the support of a mentor.
15. What about prior learning and/or challenging a course?
Learners can request credit for prior learning or can challenge a course.
Contact admissions@selfdesignhigh.org.
16. How do SelfDesign High courses differ from those offered in a different educational setting? (e.g. public school Distributed (internet based) Learning programs)
SelfDesign High courses focus on the learner and on holistic learning, learner centeredness and flexibility. Specifically, in enrolling in one or more SelfDesign High courses all learners can expect:
- to discover that their opinions, ideas, and (unique) intelligences will be welcomed and encouraged
- to engage with fellow learners and course mentors in a self-respecting, progressive and positive environment
- to participate in a learning environment where self-responsibility, self-determination, self-awareness and openness (to new ideas, especially) are emphasized
- to receive the invaluable support of one-on-one mentoring toward their learning goals
17. For those enrolling in the SelfDesign Praxis Course: What is a Learning Consultant?
A Learning Consultant is a SelfDesign-trained, B.C. Ministry-certified teacher whose main role is to work in cooperation with the learner and family to support and help account for learning. The Learning Consultant (LC) does this through the collaborative creation of an individual Learning Plan, through weekly contact with youth both individually and in small groups (called Learning Circles), and through development of a comprehensive portfolio to document work done both independently and through mentor-led courses. A Learning Consultant will be chosen by youth when they register for the SelfDesign Praxis course (see course listing).
18. If I enroll in the SelfDesign Praxis course, how will I get to choose my Learning Consultant?
We will provide a roster listing available Learning Consultants and their biographical profiles on our website from which learners will be able to select their first, second and third choices. We encourage learners to make such a choice based on what they perceive as a "good fit."
