Independent Directed Studies (IDS)

Independent Directed Studies allows you to initiate, develop and complete your own course under the supervision of a teacher. An IDS course must be based upon at the learning outcomes of Ministry Authorized or board authorized courses.

What are learning outcomes?

Learning outcomes are statements of what students are expected to know and do at a certain grade. The learning outcome statements are content standards for the education system.

The learning outcomes of all Grade 10, 11 and 12 Ministry and board authorized courses are eligible to be used in an IDS course. You may study one or more learning outcomes in depth, or study more broadly a wide variety of learning outcomes from a single course.

The IDS course allows you to:

  • go beyond the regular curriculum and learning outcomes.
  • learn in depth about a topic that interests you
  • create your own course that fits your needs and interests
  • develop your research skills
  • think critically and problem solve
  • work with mentors and community members
  • work with people who have similar interests to you

Earning Credit

IDS credits may only be used to satisfy elective requirements for graduation. The maximum value for a single IDS course is four credits, but there is no limit to the total number of IDS credits a student may earn. The number of credits you earn for an IDS will be set out in the plan developed by you and your teacher, and approved by a principal. IDS courses can be for 1, 2, 3, or 4 credits. This is determined on the number of hours it will take you to complete the course:

  • 30 hours = 1 credit
  • 60 hours = 2 credits
  • 90 hours = 3 credits
  • 120 hours = 4 credits

Grade 12 IDS credits may count toward the minimum of 16 Grade 12 credits required for graduation.

For more information on earning credit with an IDS course see: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/policy/policies/earning_credit_through.htm

Course Layout

  • First Assignment (15%) – negotiating an independent study: outlining a clear area of study, learning outcomes and tasks, evaluation, a plan for further exploration and a learning resources development plan.
  • Area of Study #1 (15%) – identify one big idea and a clear area of study, undertake exploration and complete the linked tasks.
  • Area of Study #2 (15%) – identify one big idea and a clear area of study, undertake exploration and complete the linked tasks.
  • Area of Study #3 (15%) – identify one big idea and a clear area of study, undertake exploration and complete the linked tasks.
  • Area of Study #4 (15%) – identify one big idea and a clear area of study, undertake exploration and complete the linked tasks.
  • Learning log (5%) – track hours and activities.
  • Self-evaluation (5%)
  • Plan for further exploration (5%)
  • My learning resources (10%) – an annotated list, with reviews, of the resources identified and used during this exploration.

Assessment

  • First Assignment                       15%
  • Area of Study #1                       15%
  • Area of Study #2                       15%
  • Area of Study #3                       15%
  • Area of Study #4                       15%
  • Learning Log                               5%
  • Self-evaluation                            5%
  • Plan for further exploration      5%
  • My earning Resources              10%

Required Resource: will depend on your area of study and can be discussed when you develop your plan with your teacher.

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