Academic Requirements
Auburn Academy provides a rigorous curriculum for its students centred on the "three A's" philosophy. Students are expected to enrol in a variety of courses which expose them to a myriad of experiences in academics, athletics, and arts. As a means to standardise these expectations. The Faculty Committee on Examinations and Standing has developed policies governing the academic requirements that students must meet in order to receive a diploma from the Academy.
Coursework Requirements
The Academy's coursework requirements are indicated below with links to courses that satisfy each requirement.
Computer Science
Two terms (one year)
English
Eight terms (four years)
Fine Arts (includes Music)
Eight terms (four years)
Health and Human Development
Eight terms (four years)
Mathematics
Six terms (three years)
Students must take up to Single Variable Calculus
Physical Education/Athletics
Two terms (one year)
Every student is required to join a sports team for one season
Science
Six terms (three years)
Two terms each of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
Social Science
Four terms (two years)
World Languages
Six terms (three years)
All six terms must be in the same language
Examination Requirements
Each instructor can elect to give a midterm examination which occurs during week eight of the term. Each term is fifteen weeks. A final examination may come in the form of a traditional exam or a project-based assessment at the discretion of the instructor. Lengthier examinations will take place during the finals period, which occurs one week after the end of the term.
All students are expected to sit for the Secondary School Competency Certificate (SSCC) examinations throughout their time at the Academy. Students may choose which year to take each examination. SSCC examinations are graded from zero through nine. Scores of one or greater warrant receipt of a certification; five or above a certificate with distinction; eight or above a certificate with high honours; nine a certificate with highest honours. A zero is a failing score. Each exam may only be taken once for credit.
SSCC examinations attempt to subvert the traditional high-stakes examination and instead guide students through a series of real-life applications that encourage application of core concepts rather than rote memorisation of many factoids. The aim is to give students a comfortable environment to prove their competency in a subject, not to cause undue stress. To decrease stress levels, there are no time limits, although each section of an exam must be taken in one sitting.
Required Disciplines
Arts (choose one from italicised list below)
Computer Science
English
History and Geography
Mathematics (up through Pre-Calculus)
Physical Education
Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
World Language
Additional Subjects (Optional)
Ancient History
Astronomy
Calculus
Dance
Economics
Engineering
Filmmaking
Government
Graphic Design
Music Performance
Musicology
Photography
Psychology
Statistics
Theatre
Visual Art
Certificates
While Academy students do not declare majors or concentrations in specific disciplines, they may elect to pursue certificates. Certificates are awarded to students who complete the entire pathway of an eligible discipline. Students who complete a capstone paper in addition to the pathway for a discipline are eligible for a Certificate with Distinction. Certificates with Distinction are completed under the tutelage of a faculty member.
Computer Science
Entire pathway
With Distinction: Capstone programming project
Creative Writing
Novelette
With Distinction: Full-length novel
English
Capstone analytical paper
With Distinction: Capstone thesis
Filmmaking
Independent short film project
With Distinction: Substantial independent film project
Mathematics
Entire pathway
With Distinction: Capstone paper or mathematical proof
Music Performance
Successful jury performance for all four years
With Distinction: Graduation recital in third or fourth year
Musicology
Eight courses
With Distinction: Capstone paper
Science
Entire pathway in Division of Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
With Distinction: Research paper
Social Science
Please contact the Department of Social Science for more information.
Theatre Arts
Involvement in at least one Academy production each academic year
With Distinction: Solo performance
Visual Arts
Successful portfolio evaluation for all four years
With Distinction: Solo exhibition
World Languages
Entire pathway
With Distinction: Completion of Literature course
Design Your Own Certificate
Contact the relevant academic unit for information.
Performance Assessment
Student performance is assessed using a typical letter-based marking system based on the percentage of total points earned. The ranges below show the truncated percentages (i.e. 92.99% is interpreted as 92%). Grade-point average (GPA) is computed accordingly.
93–100% — A (significantly exceeds expectations, 4.00 grade points)
90–92% — A– (greatly exceeds expectations, 3.67 grade points)
87-89% — B+ (exceeds expectations, 3.33 grade points)
83-86% — B (meets expectations, 3.00 grade points)
80-82% — B– (just meets expectations, 2.67 grade points)
77–79% — C+ (satisfactory, 2.33 grade points)
73–76% — C (acceptable, 2.00 grade points)
70–72% — C– (passing, 1.67 grade points)
60–69% — D (does not meet expectations, 1.00 grade points)
0–59% — F (failing, 0.00 grade points)
Course Selection
Students are expected to choose between seven and ten courses each term. The normal course load involves seven classes and a free period, although students who wish to explore a wider variety of topics may elect to take up to ten courses each term.
Course selection occurs at the end of the previous academic year for returning students and during matriculation for new students. All students will meet with their Academic Advisor to determine the courses that best match their interests, goals, and needs.
Skills Mastery forms are available in the Office of the Registrar in ADM 1104.
Challenge Testing
Students who feel that they have met the requirements for a course may elect to sit for a challenge test. A score of 80% or higher on a challenge test is considered equivalent to completion of that course. Challenge tests are a good option for students with an interest in a certain area who wish to free up their schedule for more advanced courses. Students may request a challenge test through the respective department chair or division head.