The University Transition Program

University Transition Program

University Transition Program, building, Oct 2014
Address
240D - 1924 West Mall
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada
Information
School type Early college entrance program
School board School District 39 Vancouver
School number 03995051
Grades 11-12
Enrollment 35[1] (September 2014)
Language English
Area Vancouver, British Columbia
Website universitytransition.altervista.org

The University Transition Program, often called the Transition Program, is an early college entrance program funded by the Vancouver School Board, the University of British Columbia and the BC Ministry of Education that is based in the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Each year, the program accepts 20 new students between the ages 12 and 15,[2] half of which are from outside the Vancouver School District. This is out of approximately 200 applicants; rigorous testing must be performed to select acceptable candidates.[3] Over the course of two years,[4] students aim to complete the required high school curriculum along with some university level coursework.[5] When they graduate from the program, the students usually are accepted into UBC earlier than they would if they had graduated from a regular high school (aged 14–16 instead of 17–18). The program was first established in 1993 by the Vancouver School Board, British Columbia Ministry of Education and the University of British Columbia.[6] Students of the program have access to most UBC facilities and possess UBC undergraduate student cards.[3] The program held its 20th anniversary on May 15-17, 2015.[7]

Location

The Transition Program is located in the heart of UBC, on 240D 1924 West Mall. The building the Transition Program resides in is the Auditorium Annex located on West Mall. It is above the Math Graduates office, across from the Pacific Institute of Mathematical Sciences building, and behind the Walter C. Koerner Library.[8]

Work load

The University Transitions Program's student workload is much higher than most regular high schools'. It compacts the five year high school curriculum into two years.[9] The curriculum compacting is effectively achieved due to the demonstrated high-level of learning ability and motivation of the students.

The program requires students to work hard and take responsibility for their learning outcomes while offering a supportive learning environment. The students are supported by the Transitions Program staff, parents, and themselves to ensure a positive and productive learning environment.

Achievements

Staff

Dr. Daria Danylchuk is the program coordinator who teaches Civics 11 and "Self and Society" and interviews applicants to the program.

Transition students also have two courses taught by UBC professors, which are Philosophy by Dr. Michael Griffin, who previously graduated from the program and attended Oxford University for his degree for philosophy immediately after UBC.[13] Calculus/Math is taught by Dr McDonald (Year Two) and YJ Shin (Year One), another alumnus of the program.[9] Previously, Dr. Chris Waltham taught Physics, but since the 2007 - 2008 school year, he has declined to continue to teach in the program. Dr Eric Nellis and Dr Michael Ward,[14] who formerly taught Calculus/Math, have also declined to continue teaching at Transition.

References

  1. ↑ "British Columbia Education: School Information". Government of British Columbia. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
  2. ↑ "Gifted students may find support in new school board". thethunderbird.ca. UBC Journalism 2013. 26 November 2014. Retrieved 15 February 2015.
  3. 1 2 "VSB: University Transition Program". Vancouver School Board. Retrieved 15 February 2015.
  4. ↑ "Even most gifted kids need nurturing". canada.com. 2010-2015 Postmedia Network Inc. 18 November 2007. Retrieved 15 February 2015.
  5. ↑ "The Vancouver Sun: Grade 7 Pupils Turn Undergrads at UBC". Postmedia Network Inc. 2 January 2015. Retrieved 15 February 2015.
  6. ↑ "VSB/UBC Transition Program Hones Brilliant Minds". Vancouver School Board. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
  7. ↑ "20 Year Reunion". University Transition Program. Retrieved 16 May 2015.
  8. ↑ "Contact: University Transition Program". University Transition Program. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
  9. 1 2 "University Transition Program: Program Information". University Transition Program. Retrieved 15 February 2015.
  10. ↑ "Achievements of Transition Students". 2015 University Transition Program. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
  11. ↑ "Schulich Leader Scholarships: Cheng Xie". UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
  12. ↑ "15-year-old entering UBC this year wins $80,000 scholarship". Shaw Media Inc. 19 August 2014. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
  13. ↑ "Michael Griffin, UBC Faculty Website". Michael Griffin. Retrieved 18 August 2014.
  14. ↑ "University Transition Program May 2014 Newsletter" (PDF). University Transition Program. Retrieved 16 February 2015.
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