Spotlight on Burnaby’s Secondary Schools: Burnaby North

Burnaby North has distinguished itself as a top destination for learners in academics, athletics, and the arts. Founded in 1922, Burnaby North has approximately 1800 students.

Home to the Largest Advanced Placement Program in Canada

Burnaby North offers the Excel Program, the largest AP (Advanced Placement) program in Canada. Students from grades 8 through 12 are able to participate in the program. If students’ exam marks in AP courses reach a certain threshold, they can earn university credits, making the program an attractive option for ambitious learners. Attaining university level courses in high school can also save money on university fees later on. Courses are offered in the core curriculum, as well as in art history, music theory, studio art, economics, environmental science, and more. Forty percent of Burnaby North students take at least one honours or AP course.

Burnaby North Offers the Prestigious Cambridge Capstone Program

The Advanced Placement Cambridge Capstone and Credential Program has been offered at Burnaby North since the 2014-2015 school year and is by application only. The two-year program consists of seminar and research components, and provides opportunities for students to examine real-world problems in depth. Capstone, developed by the AP College Board, is offered in only a handful of Canadian secondary schools.

Athletics Shine at Burnaby North – Home of the Vikings

Burnaby North has a distinguished ice hockey academy, whereby students can fully develop their ice hockey skills while completing their academic requirements at the same time. Famous hockey alumni of Burnaby North include NHL players Cliff Ronning and Joe Sakic – otherwise known as “Burnaby Joe”. Other athletic opportunities include swimming, curling, volleyball, tennis, golf, skiing, badminton, soccer, table tennis and rugby.

Burnaby North Has Distinguished Arts Programs

Burnaby North is well known for its extensive range of music programs. The school offers a beginner concert band, keeping this exciting opportunity open to many students – even those who have never played an instrument before! For more experienced musicians, there are junior, intermediate, and senior concert bands. Burnaby North is also one of the few secondary schools in the Lower Mainland to have a string orchestra. It has intermediate and senior jazz bands, and a choir. Burnaby North ensembles compete in prestigious music competitions, such as the Kiwanis Music Festival, and perform annually at the Michael J. Fox Theatre in mid-March. The school also has respected drama and dance programs.

Support and Help is Readily Available for International Students at Burnaby North

Burnaby North has strong support staff for international students, and for those with English language challenges. There is also an international student club that meets regularly, and many opportunities for international students to immerse themselves in school life – an essential component in improving English competency. Other exciting school clubs to join include Computer Coding, United Nations, Debating, and Anime, to name just a few.

Burnaby North offers its students a rich academic, social, athletic, and artistic environment, propelling them to success in the transition to life after high school.