"Igniting Curiosity, Shaping Innovators: Exploring Science Beyond Boundaries"
At Thornlea Secondary School, our Science Department offers innovative and engaging lessons designed to inspire curiosity and a passion for discovery. We proudly host student-led clubs such as the Bio Club, Chem Club, Physics Club, the Thornlea Environmental Association (TEA), the Thornlea STEM Initiative Council, and Doctors Without Borders, where senior students take the lead in hands-on activities like experiment demonstrations, biology dissections, science games, and peer tutoring. These clubs help prepare students for university and external competitions, such as the University of Waterloo’s Avogadro Exam for Grade 11 students and the Chem 13 News Exam for Grade 12 students, all while developing essential scientific skills through active facilitation and exploration.
Our mission is to foster a welcoming and dynamic environment where every student is encouraged to strive for excellence and reach their full potential. We offer inclusive learning opportunities through various STEM activities, ensuring all students can participate and excel in science. Our students actively engage in HOSA, a global student-led organization that promotes healthcare careers, and take part in experiential learning opportunities like the University of Waterloo’s Chem Lab Day, which features lab work, mini-lectures, and university tours.
Thornlea also offers an AP curriculum in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, providing a rigorous academic experience that prepares students for post-secondary education. In addition, we offer the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program in Health and Wellness, where students can earn specialized certifications to enhance their career prospects. Our students regularly participate in the York University Science Fair, showcasing their scientific achievements and exploring advanced concepts. Through these enriching experiences, we aim to develop the next generation of scientific thinkers and innovators.
Special Program Opportunities
AP and Pre-AP:
The York Region District School Board has chosen Thornlea Secondary School to offer the Advanced Placement Program for students who want to challenge themselves with a more rigorous curriculum. We invite all students who are willing to accept the challenge of a more demanding academic curriculum to consider enrolment into pre-AP Science in Grade 9, pre-AP Biology and/or Chemistry in Grade 11, and in Advanced Placement Biology and/or Chemistry in Grade 12. Although it is not a mandatory prerequisite to take grade 9 Pre-AP Science, Grade 11 Pre-AP Chemistry, or Grade 11 Pre-AP Biology, it is highly recommended for success in Grade 12 AP Chemistry or Grade 12 AP Biology.
The Advanced Placement Program (AP) is an international course of study written by university professors, which allows students to write standardized exams around the world. Successful completion of the AP Biology or AP Chemistry exams in May can earn credits or advanced standing at universities in Canada and abroad. The biggest incentive for students enrolled in the program, is that they will be well prepared to meet the challenge of university courses.
Other Program Opportunities:
- Biology, Chemistry and Physics Competitions
- Science Olympics
- York Region Science Fair
Links and Research Aids
Ontario Educational Resource Bank (login for student: yrdsbstudent password for student: oerbs)
Contacts
| Staff Name | Ext. # |
|---|---|
| Dr. T. Manivannan (head of Department) | 183 |
| C. Wan (Assistant Department Head) | |
| R. Ackerman | |
| J. Vervaeke | |
| A. Manners | |
| S. (Lisa) Wang | |
| N. Paydar | |
| D. Chan | |
| T. Reed | |
| L. Chu (On Leave) | |
| S. Houmani | |
| A. Nejadi | |
| R. Moghaizel |