Academies & Specialized Sports Programs
Our schools not only offer unique learning opportunities to enhance your year abroad, we also offer some specialized sports academies for students who have a passion for physical education pursuits.
Squamish
Cycling Academy - Howe Sound Secondary School
This program is outside the timetable, meaning that it is an after school activity. Students dry-land train through the winter months and then take to the many mountain biking trails fall and spring. This is an excellent way to keep in shape for the mountain biking season, or for beginners to get active in learning this sport. If this appeals to your outdoor adventurous side, please ensure that you mark the Cycling Program on your course selection sheet for Howe Sound Secondary.
Hockey Academy - Don Ross Middle School
This Academy is for those who want to continue to build upon their hockey skating abilities, or for those who want to learn this very Canadian sport! It is open to beginners and more seasoned skaters alike. Dry land and on-ice training are all a part of this program. There is additional fees to participate and hockey gear is a must (new and used equipment can be purchased once here). This course fills quickly so if this is a passion for you, please ensure you apply early for Don Ross Middle School and for the Hockey Program.
Whistler
Soccer Academy - Whistler Secondary
The VFA is dedicated to helping young athletes reach their potential through soccer and futsal programming. Through mentorship and leadership, the VFA believes in making young players into technically capable players. Creating human potential and well rounded people is the most important part of being an athlete. There are additional fees associated with this program. Please ensure that you mark this academy on your course selection sheet and register with the VFA
Outdoor Recreational Leadership (ORL) - Whistler Secondary
This one-semester course has an emphasis on the development of leadership and cooperative skills through outdoor activities balanced with an overlapping Geography program that examines outdoor-related issues, themes, local surrounding and stewardship. This course may include skill development in team building challenges, outdoor safety, introductory wilderness first aid, Nordic skiing, show shoeing, back country skiing and/or riding, day hiking, backpacking, use of compass and GPS, climbing, flat water canoeing, kayaking, sea kayaking and overnight camping using industry standards as a guideline for course development and instruction. Course fees and fundraising cover costs for outdoor recreation activities. Some students may wish to certify in areas of interest to them. Additional certification costs will not be covered by course fees. Space is limited for this course so early registration is required. If you have specific courses you need for your home country, please check with our Academic Advisor prior to selecting this course on the course selection sheet, to ensure you can also obtain your specific course requirements.
High Performance Athletes - Whistler Secondary
Home to the 2010 winter Olympics, the world-class four-season resort of Whistler/Blackcomb offers both summer and winter sports including downhill mountain biking, ski/snowboard, ski cross, Nordic skiing, ski jumping, biathlon/cross country skiing, Skeleton/Luge. The Olympic Training centre is open throughout the year and elite coaching is available to students in these programs.
The Sports School at Whistler Secondary exists for students who are committed to ski and snowboard racing through the Whistler Mountain Ski Club. Students must prove they have the commitment and determination to train at a competitive level, which requires absences from regular classes and extended absences for training and competing away. The Flex-Ed Program was designed to accommodate the training/study/work needs of students using a combination of on-line and classroom learning. It is particularly suited to meet the learning needs of elite athletes.
Pemberton
Ski/Bike/Board Academy (SBBA) - Pemberton Secondary
The SBBA program takes place during second term (February-June) and is for students who are interested in becoming Ski and Biking instructors. It consists of 4 courses: Outdoor Education, Active Living, Film & Photo Media and BC First People's (Social Studies course). The Ski/Board aspect involves 18 full days on Whistler mountain with ski & snowboard instructors teaching students basic techniques, race techniques, jumps & rails, all mountain free ride, back country safety and instructional techniques. At the end of the winter component, students will be able to receive their Level 1 ski or snowboard instructors certification and their Avalanche Safety Training Level 1. The mountain biking component will be of similar format focusing on the 'enduro' style trails around Pemberton. The main purpose of this course and the philosophy behind it is to provide students with unique outdoor recreation experiences, promote healthy lifestyles, provide students the opportunity to develop teamwork and leadership skills and learn the importance of responsibility and accountability. Outdoor skills will be acquired through the outdoor activities that students will participate in and the related classroom activities. This course is open to students who will be attending for the full academic year and in grades 10, 11 or 12. It requires a separate registration and letter of recommendation. Additional fees apply.