About summer learning non-credit courses

• Courses are based on Ministry of Education and Child Care curricula. They are NOT for credit and will not appear on transcripts.
• Build new skills and knowledge and get early exposure to upcoming middle and secondary school curricula.
• All classes run in-person, Monday to Friday from July 3 until July 19, out of New Westminster Secondary School in the morning or afternoon.  Morning classes run from 8:55 a.m. until 12:00 noon and the afternoon classes run from 12:30 p.m. until 3:05 p.m.
• Classes are free for BC residents (not including nominal material fees where applicable). International students will be charged a course fee.
• Classes may be cancelled if there is insufficient interest.
• Unless otherwise noted, grade levels listed in courses reference the grade the student will enter in September 2024.
• Daily attendance is mandatory. Students who miss two classes will be automatically withdrawn.

 

How to register

• Applicants will need a PEN number to register.
• If you have questions or need help, please contact us.
• International students: Register as an in-district or out-of-district student (depending on your status). As an international student, fees will apply per course.

 

In-district student registration

Please note: Students are considered “in-district” if they are currently enrolled within the New Westminster Schools (SD40) system.
 

Register for Non-Credit Short Courses

 

2024 non-credit summer school courses

Language arts

COURSE	DESCRIPTION	AVAILABILITY
Creative Writing 6-8	Develop a writing portfolio that showcases strategies and techniques practiced throughout the course. Develop tools for future creative pursuits, both inside and outside the classroom.	8:55 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Linguistics and Grammar for Language Learners 8-10	This course teaches grammatical comprehension basics that will make learning languages easier. This course is for students who already know English but are learning other languages.	CANCELLED
French Immersion Enrichment 6-8	Increase your familiarity with written and spoken French through stories, research, and debate.	8:55 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Japanese Language and Culture 8-10	Learn some written and spoken Japanese and gain basic exposure to Japanese culture. Explore Japanese crafts, food, cultural practices, and pick up travel tips.	CANCELLED
English Language Learning (ELL) Levels 1 and 2 – Gr. 6-10	This course is designed to support beginner ELL students in improving their speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills. Students will be reading from a wide variety of introductory level reading passages to enhance their comprehension. Students will use basic grammatical concepts and implement them in writing.	8:55 a.m. to 12 p.m.
English Language Learning (ELL) Levels 3 and 4 – Gr. 6-10	This course is designed to support beginner ELL students in improving their speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills. Students will be reading from a wide variety of introductory level reading passages to enhance their comprehension. Students will use basic grammatical concepts and implement them in writing.	8:55 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 

Music and the arts

COURSE	DESCRIPTION	AVAILABILITY
Beginner Guitar 8-12	Learn the basics of playing a guitar through group exercises and individual support. No previous musical experience necessary! Instruments supplied for in-class use.	8:55 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Integrated Studies ELA and Moviemaking 7-9	Expand your language skills through film. Students will write, perform, shoot, and edit a film in this course.	8:55 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Visual Arts 6-7	Explore personal, social, and environmental connections through mediums like sketching, painting, and sculpting. Note: $35 fee for materials.	8:55 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 

Science, mathematics, and technology

COURSE	DESCRIPTION	AVAILABILITY
Introduction to Robotics 8-9	Play and work with robots! Become familiar with the software and hardware used in grade 9-12 tech and robotics courses. Material fees TBD.	FULL – waitlist
Introduction to Web Development 9-10	Learn web design basics from software tools to copyright, fair use, security, and privacy. A full credit course is also available this year.	CANCELLED
Literacy and Numeracy Skills 7-9	Build foundations for future success with focused work tailored to individual students on math and English skills, work habits, and motivation. Taught cooperatively by a mathematics teacher and English teacher.	8:55 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Mathematics Skill Building 6-7	Preview grade 7 math if you’ve completed grade 6. Strengthen your skills if you’ve finished grade 7 and are going into grade 8. Grade 5 students with strong math performance may also apply.	AM SECTION FULL 12:30 p.m. to 3:05 p.m.
Mathematics Skill Building 9	Preview grade 9 math if you’ve completed grade 8. Strengthen your skills if you’ve finished grade 9 and are going into grade 10.	FULL – waitlist
Science Explorations 7-9	Hands-on introduction to scientific knowledge and lab techniques in a high school-level classroom. Note: $35 fee for materials	8:55 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 

Fitness and life skills

COURSE	DESCRIPTION	AVAILABILITY
Basketball Skills 6-8	Intensive summer program to elevate your basketball skills while fostering teamwork and sportsmanship.	FULL
Fitness Through Frisbee Sports 7-9	Develop fitness and life-long skills through ultimate frisbee and frisbee golf.	CANCELLED
Fitness Through Volleyball and Dance 6-8	Dynamic course that integrates fundamental skills of volleyball and dance. Course emphasizes physical literacy, teamwork, and creativity.	AM SECTION FULL – WAITLIST PM SECTION CANCELLED
Foundations of Wellness Skills 8-10	Learn skills that will help you and others make good decisions, set and meet goals, build healthy boundaries and relationships, and resolve conflicts.	CANCELLED
Introduction to Accounting, Investment, and Taxes 9-12	Learn essential financial life skills from budgeting to taxes to basic investing.	8:55 a.m. to 12 p.m.