Globally-Inspired Programs

Third Language Program
At WPGA, language is approached from a holistic and global perspective, learning vocabulary and syntax as well as celebrating the cultural practices, art, music and landscape of the countries whose people speak that language. From JK, students take French and a third language (Mandarin or Spanish). Beginning in grade 7, students can join study clubs for international language exams such as the Diploma of French Language Studies (DELF) and Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE). 

Global Studies Program 
Our senior social studies department, inspired by their participation at Harvard Graduate School’s Think Tank on Global Education, oversee the Global Studies Program, which focuses on a different topic each year (global health, design thinking) and has students create solutions to current global issues that can be implemented at a local level.

Global Online Academy 
WPGA is a member of Global Online Academy (GOA), a consortium of independent schools worldwide that offers online courses with a global perspective, e.g. Climate Change & Global Inequality, Entrepreneurship in a Global Context, Gender & Society. Andrew Bendl, Head of Senior Social Studies, and GOA Site Director, co-developed the Global Health course for GOA. Students present projects at GOA's annual Catalyst Conference; the interactive, multimedia projects are designed to spark change in their local communities.

Debate, Model UN and Public Speaking Clubs 
WPGA offers one of the largest debate and Model United Nations (Model UN) programs in North America. The intermediate debate club (grades 4–7) and senior debate club (grades 8–12) include 125 students; both clubs compete at local, provincial, national, and international competitions. The senior club includes Model UN, which further develops students’ negotiation skills and understanding of global issues. In Model UN, students compete at provincial and national tournaments, attend Harvard Model UN each year, and every October host the Vancouver Youth Model United Nations in Whistler for students from schools across the Lower Mainland.

Grade 7 Experiential Trips 
Visiting new places is critical for self-growth and learning—travel expands self-awareness, provides context in curriculum, and exposes us to cultural norms and values that may differ from our own. We offer grade 7 trip experiences every year, which have included Europe, Québec, Ontario, Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii. These educational trips offer students the opportunity to practice their language skills, learn about historical sites and events firsthand, make scientific discoveries, explore marine life, and develop an appreciation for the cultural and environmental diversity within Canada and abroad. 

Gateway Program: Mexico/France Exchanges 
Our senior languages department coordinates the Gateway Program: cultural and linguistic immersion exchanges for grades 9–11 students. WPGA has partnered with Lycée Raoul Vadepied, a public high school in Evron, France, and Colegio Williams, a private high school in Cuernavaca, Mexico. Prior to being selected for the program, students and families completed comprehensive applications and interviews to confirm readiness for the experience.
Back
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