Enriched Experiences

PSG - Global Studies Program

"We must rethink the purpose of education to prepare students for life, not exams alone.  It must give people the understanding, skills and values they need to cooperate in resolving the interconnected challenges of the 21st Century."  UN’s Global Education First Initiative
 
The Global Studies Diploma Program is an interdisciplinary, inquiry-driven pathway for students who are curious about the world and committed to understanding its complexity. West Point Grey Academy was the first independent school in British Columbia to establish a Global Studies Diploma, inspired in part by its participation in the Harvard Think Tank on Global Education. Designed for students in Grades 11–12, the program integrates rigorous coursework, research, and experiential learning to prepare graduates for meaningful global citizenship.

Students explore global challenges through three interconnected streams, STEM, Entrepreneurship, and International Relations, while engaging with issues such as sustainability, diplomacy, innovation, systems thinking, and ethical leadership. Rather than studying subjects in isolation, students develop the ability to connect ideas across disciplines and apply their learning to real-world global problems.

A defining feature of the program is its focus on research and inquiry. Students build advanced analytical and writing skills and complete a capstone thesis on a global issue of personal interest, which they publicly present at the annual Global Studies Symposium.

APPLICATION PROCESS 

The Global Studies application form is available through Wolfnet Resources on the "Course Selection" page or at www.wpga.ca/gs.  Students will need to indicate their desired stream in this form.  Students wishing to apply for direct Grade 12 entry (described below for the STEM and Entrepreneurship streams), should also complete the application form. 
   

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  • STEM Stream (Science/Technology/Engineering/Mathematics)

    • The Global Studies Diploma Program is an interdisciplinary, inquiry-driven pathway for students who are curious about the world and committed to understanding its complexity. West Point Grey Academy was the first independent school in British Columbia to establish a Global Studies Diploma, inspired in part by its participation in the Harvard Think Tank on Global Education. Designed for students in Grades 11–12, the program integrates rigorous coursework, research, and experiential learning to prepare graduates for meaningful global citizenship.

    • Students explore global challenges through three interconnected streams, STEM, Entrepreneurship, and International Relations, while engaging with issues such as sustainability, diplomacy, innovation, systems thinking, and ethical leadership. Rather than studying subjects in isolation, students develop the ability to connect ideas across disciplines and apply their learning to real-world global problems.

    • A defining feature of the program is its focus on research and inquiry. Students build advanced analytical and writing skills and complete a capstone thesis on a global issue of personal interest, which they publicly present at the annual Global Studies Symposium.
    Diploma Requirements
    Students who achieve the Global Studies Diploma must, over the course of two years, achieve the following:
    • Global Studies 11
    • Global Studies 12
    • AP Scholar Standing (3+ AP courses with scores of 4 or higher)
    • 2 or more Grade 12–level courses in their chosen stream (STEM, Entrepreneurship, or International Relations)
    • Participation in a WPGA-sponsored Model United Nations conference
    • Completion of the Global Studies Thesis
    • Presentation at the Global Studies Symposium
    • School Ambassadorship (e.g., science fair, debate, academic competition, or approved public engagement)
    • GOA or approved equivalent global online course
    Requirement Descriptions

    Global Studies 11 & 12
    • These core courses provide the foundation of the program, developing research, interdisciplinary thinking, and seminar leadership.

    AP Scholar Standing
    • Students complete at least three AP courses and earn a score of 4 or higher on each corresponding exam.

    Stream Specialization
    • Students complete 2–3 Grade 12 courses within their selected stream to build depth and support their thesis focus.

    Model United Nations
    • Participation in at least one WPGA-sponsored Model UN conference develops skills in diplomacy, negotiation, and global problem-solving.

    Global Studies Thesis & Symposium
    • Students complete and publicly present an independent thesis on a global issue, defending their work at the annual Symposium.

    Global Studies Ambassadorship
    • Students represent the school through approved external leadership or academic initiatives, such as competitions, conferences, or public-facing events.

    Global Online Course
    • Students complete a GOA course or approved equivalent to strengthen independent global learning and collaboration.

Global Online Academy

Global Online Academy is a consortium of leading independent schools around the world.  Their goal is to bring the benefits of online learning to students and prepare them with skills that are essential to succeed in a complex, networked world. GOA provides varied and academically rigorous course selections to students at GOA schools.  WPGA was accepted as a member school in 2015. Since 2016, qualifying students in grades 11 or 12 have been allowed to take one GOA course before graduation. GOA courses are delivered online through a “blended learning” format with a non-WPGA teacher, no more than 22 classmates from across the globe, and an in-school teacher-coordinator.  GOA's course catalog is available online.
 
Students can distinguish themselves among applicants to competitive university programs with the completion of a GOA course.
 
 

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  • GOA Student Requirements

    Students interested in taking a GOA course must meet the following criteria:
    1. Students may not enroll themselves in a GOA course that is substantially similar in content to courses offered at WPGA (e.g. Intro Psychology, Microeconomics, Calculus)
    2. Students will be charged a refundable CAD$1,000 per semester to be reimbursed upon completion. The deadlines below are reimbursement dates from previous years. For students who do not complete their GOA course:
      1. Students that drop before  September 4 for Semester 1 and full year courses, or January 8 (semester 2) will be reimbursed 100%.
      2. Students that drop before September 11 (semester 1) or Jan 25 (semester 2) may be reimbursed up to 50%
      3. Students that drop after the last drop date will be charged the full amount.
      4. Students that drop before classes before June 15 for Summer semester will be reimbursed 100%. Students that drop before June 22 (Summer semester) may be reimbursed up to 50%.
    Only one GOA course will be reimbursed for any individual student.
    1. Students must complete a short application form and obtain a teacher's referral that identifies the student to be a self-starter, capable of working independently and able to meet deadlines and commit to 5-7 hours of coursework per week.
    2. GOA courses are academically rigorous; interested students should consider taking a course as part of a carefully constructed course load.
    3. Term Dates: 
      1. Semester 1: August 26, 2026- December 11, 2026
      2. Semester 2: January 4, 2027- April 30, 2027
      3. Summer: June 15, 2026 – July 31, 2026
      4. Yearlong: August 26, 2026 – April 30, 2027

    4.  GOA course catalogue includes: 
    • Abnormal Psychology
    • Advanced Arabic Language Seminar
    • American Sign Language Through Culture I
    • Applying Philosophy to Global Issues
    • Arabic Language Through Culture I
    • Architecture
    • Arts Entrepreneurship
    • Biochemistry: Medicine, Drugs & Addiction
    • Bioethics
    • Business Problem Solving
    • Capitalism: Past, Present & Future
    • Climate Action & Sustainability
    • Computer Science I: Computational Thinking
    • Computer Science I: Computational Thinking (Middle School)
    • Computer Science II: Analyzing Data with Python
    • Computer Science II: Game Design & Development
    • Creative Nonfiction Writing
    • Cybersecurity
    • Data Visualization
    • Developmental Psychology
    • Digital Photography
    • Discourse Across Difference
    • Entrepreneurship in a Global Context
    • Fiction Writing
    • Filmmaking
    • Game Theory
    • Genocide & Human Rights
    • Geometry
    • Global Health
    • Graphic Design
    • Health & Fitness
    • International Relations
    • Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
    • Introduction to Blockchain & Cryptocurrency
    • Introduction to Branding & Marketing
    • Introduction to Legal Thinking
    • Introduction to Organic Chemistry I
    • Introduction to Organic Chemistry II
    • Investing I
    • Investing II
    • Japanese Language Through Culture I
    • Japanese Language Through Culture II
    • Japanese Language Through Culture III
    • Linear Algebra
    • Medical Problem Solving I
    • Medical Problem Solving II
    • Music Composition & Production
    • Neuropsychology
    • Number Theory
    • Personal Finance
    • Perspectives on Gender & Culture
    • Positive Psychology
    • Prisons & Criminal Justice Systems
    • Problem Solving with Engineering & Design
    • Race, Culture & Community
    • Religion & Society
    • Social Psychology
    • Vibe Coding: Code, Create & Launch with AI
A digital catalogue and complete description of GOA courses is available at the following link: https://globalonlineacademy.org/student-program/student-courses. For more information on GOA opportunities, don't hesitate to get in touch with Mrs. Lindsay Haider at at lhaider@wpga.ca . 
GOA has a separate application form available on the course selection screen which is accessible through Wolfnet Resources or at www.wpga.ca/goa.



   

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Since 1996, West Point Grey Academy has gratefully resided on the Jericho Lands, the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation. Honoured to learn and play on these beautiful lands, we endeavour to be a leader in Indigenous education. In creating shared understanding and opportunities, we hope to help foster a more equitable society for all.

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West Point Grey Academy

4125 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, B.C., V6R 4P9
Tel: 604-222-8750