Class Afloat provides a comprehensive, rigorous, and fully accredited curriculum for high school and university students.
Class Afloat offers internationally acclaimed high school, university and gap year programs based on experiential education and designed to complement study in a traditional classroom environment.
Credits earned as part of the Class Afloat program are transferrable to high school, universities and colleges in Canada and around the world.
For detailed information on courses offered at a grade 11, 12 or 1st year university level, explore our curriculum finder below.
The Class Afloat academic program is characterized by an emphasis on experiential learning, and cross curricular connections that utilize the history, culture and geography of our voyage as well as the tall ship environment.
Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, social responsibility and global citizenship. Accredited through the NS Department of Education and Early Childhood Development we offer the following suite of courses:
Mathematics and Science
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Oceans 11 is an academic science credit that allows students to explore oceanography both locally and globally. This course focuses on the relationship between the ocean and the terrestrial world specifically on how humans affect the oceans. This course also focuses on the role that oceans play in the earth’s sustainability. Lastly the course will draw each student’s attention to aquaculture, ecotourism and coastal management and how they impact society.
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Chemistry 11 is an academic high school mathematics course that is offered over one semester (110hrs). Chemistry 11 is an in-depth study of the units of study indicated below, and preparation for future study of chemistry. Students’ comprehension will be developed using exercises, discussion, and lecture sessions. The approach will be one of discovery. Students in this class will be expected to be independent learners and active participants.
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Chemistry 12 is an academic high school mathematics course that is offered over one semester (110hrs). Chemistry 12 is an in-depth study of the units of study indicated below, and preparation for future study of chemistry. Students’ comprehension will be developed using exercises, discussion, and lecture sessions. The approach will be one of discovery. Students in this class will be expected to be independent learners and active participants.
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Physics 11 is an academic high school mathematics course that is offered over one semester (110hrs). Physics can be defined as the science of matter and its motion. Students in Physics 11 will explore concepts such as force, energy, mass and movement. Students will be working in both a classroom and lab/activity setting to discover and understand more about how the world around them works. Students who select Physics 11 should have a solid understanding of the Mathematics 10 and Science 10 curriculum.
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Physics 12 is an academic high school science course that is offered over one semester (110hrs). Physics can be defined as the science of matter and its motion. Students in Physics 12 will explore concepts in 4 units of study.
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Biology 12 is an academic high school mathematics course that is offered over one semester (110hrs). Biology 12 is an in-depth study of the units of study indicated below, and preparation for future study of Biology. Students’ comprehension will be developed using exercises, discussion, and lecture sessions. The approach will be one of discovery. Students in this class will be expected to be independent learners and active participants.
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Mathematics 11 is an academic high school mathematics course that is offered over one semester (110hrs). Students who select Mathematics 11 should have a solid understanding of the Mathematics 10 curriculum. Course content includes: applications of rates, scale diagrams and factors, inductive and deductive reasoning, an introduction to proof, cosine law, sine law, spatial reasoning, statistics, systems of linear inequalities, and quadratic functions.
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Mathematics 12 is an academic high school mathematics course that is offered over one semester (110hours). Students who select Mathematics 12 should have a solid understanding of the Mathematics 11 curriculum. Course content includes: finance, polynomial, exponential and sinusoidal functions, Set theory, counting and probability, logical puzzles and games. Students will also complete a math research project.
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Course description not available
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The Pre-Calculus 12 course is designed to prepare students with the background skills necessary to be successful completing a Calculus course at university. Students who are enrolled in Pre-Calculus 12 are in the Pre-Calculus pathway and they must have passed Pre-Calculus 11. This pathway is designed to provide students with the mathematical understandings and critical-thinking skills identified for entry into post-secondary programs that require the study of theoretical calculus.
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This Calculus 12 course is designed as a second Grade 12 mathematics credit for those students who wish to build a foundation in the study of calculus prior to taking a full year course at the university level. This course is recommended for all students intending to pursue a career in science or engineering. The concepts of a limit, derivative and integral will be developed from multiple perspectives. Students will construct the fundamental properties of derivatives (power, product, quotient, and chain rules, implicit differentiation), explore derivatives of trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions, apply the processes to curve sketching and to problems involving rates and maximum/minimum contexts, and examine differential equations. Area under the curve will evolve into the study of the integral leading to The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Applications will include area between curves, volumes of solids, length of a curve and surface area. Throughout the course, the development of and connections between concepts will be emphasized through multiple representations and real-world contextual situations.
Languages and Humanities
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English 11 is intended for students whose goals include post-secondary academic study. Students in this course will continue to examine a variety of texts such as novels, short stories, plays, poems as well as films in an analytical way in order to improve their oral and written communication skills thus extending the experiences of English 10. This course has an emphasis on text which is intended to enable students to become critical and reflective readers, and to become capable editors of their own and others’ writing. Students in this course will continue to read, write, view and speak in a variety of contexts to help them develop their own thoughts and to communicate those thoughts effectively to others.
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English 12 is a continuation of the kinds of writing and speaking done in English 10 and 11, with more attention paid to the style of literature studied as well as the development of a student’s own writing style. Students are given increased opportunities to demonstrate their ability as thoughtful, critical readers/viewers of literary and other texts. Effective argument is emphasized in both speech and writing. Students taking this course very often intend to go to university to further their academic pursuits.
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Course description not available
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Anthropology 12 will examine and investigate the history, methodology, and subtopics of the study of humanity. Our studies will focus specifically on the socio-cultural realm, however, this course will also introduce foundational knowledge on the discipline as a whole. Throughout our studies we will address such questions as: What makes humans different from animals? What is culture? Why is defining culture important for a study of humanity? What does it mean to be culturally relativistic? What can we learn about humanity from drawing comparisons? And – perhaps most importantly – how can you apply anthropological practice to navigate the world we share?
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Psychology 12 aims to develop student skills and understandings that make it possible for more effective living in our complex environment. The student’s attention will focus on the scientific approach to understanding human behaviour so that he or she may appreciate more fully the reasons that underlie one’s own acts and those of one’s fellows. Students will be able to link their learning to their experiences on the ship, making their learning active, engaging and experiential. The course will assist students in the development of critical thinking skills and will challenge their viewpoints and bias.
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Canadian History 12 aims to promote critical thinking and historical awareness though project based learning, in an interactive way, to illustrate the continuity and relevance of the topics, themes and issues in the course materials to our daily lives.
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Global History 12 examines major themes in the history of the post-World War II era. Students examine these themes in units: The Global Historian; Dynamics of Geo-Political Power (East-West: The Role of Super Power in the Post-World War II Era); The Challenge of Economic Disparity (North-South: The Origins and Consequences of Economic Disparity); Pursuit of Justice; Societal and Technological Change; and Acknowledging Global Interdependence. Students will examine this history from a political, social and economic perspective and will use the research and inquiry skills of the historian. Throughout the course, students will examine the question: “How did the world arrive at its current state at the beginning of the 21st century?”
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Global Geography 12 is a course that allows students to explore the world in which they live, understand its contemporary planet condition and examine solutions to maintain it, and its people for future generations. The ongoing theme throughout this course is the era of globalization in which we are currently living in. Students will explore our complex world using geographical skills to come to an understanding of how the physical, biological and human elements of the planet are dependent upon each other for survival. Ultimately, the course will attempt to find answers to the question: “How did the world arrive at its current state and what changes can we make to ensure our survival as a human species?”
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Political Science 12 is a thought-provoking and dynamic course that is designed to provide students with an understanding of the facts about the basic institutions and practices of politics, particularly Canadian politics, and to give them the beginning of a theoretical or conceptual framework that will help clarify or explain the relationships among the various facets of politics. A strong emphasis is placed on both critical thinking and critical writing. An interest in government, politics and political philosophies and current global development is certainly preferable, and students are encouraged to keep abreast of developing global political issues. Students who intend to pursue a career in law, the humanities, business, economics, international development, the arts or politics it, are certainly encouraged to consider taking this course.
About the High School Program:
- Class Afloat signature courses “Sociology of Community” and “Maritime Studies” (Physical Education Leadership 12) make further use of our environment for learning and reflection
- High School credits are transferable to Cégep courses offered via Class Afloat partners Cégep Marie-Victorin
- Small class sizes: 3-12 students per class
- Daily study hall and extra help provided as needed
- Class Afloat graduates consistently admitted to their first choice post-secondary option
- Students enrolled in a Grade 12 program are prepared for a Nova Scotia Ministry of Education High School Diploma
University students are enrolled in Acadia University, one of Canada’s top-ranked undergraduate institutions, through their distance learning department, Open Acadia.
Class Afloat University students may choose two or three Open Acadia courses from a list of select Arts and Science courses.
Open Acadia Courses
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This course will teach you about the oceans of the world, what lives in them, how they function, how they are important to humans and our impact on them. Everywhere in the ocean, there is life. For all its vastness, the ocean is fragile and humans need to know far more about it before we damage it beyond repair. In this course, you will experience the vastness, study the complexity, and observe the fragility.
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This course introduces students to novels, plays, and poems from the twentieth century and earlier. This course will develop creative and analytical skills and will provide students with strategies for writing clearly and persuasively.
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An introduction to the following questions: How do markets work? When do markets successfully allocate resources? What causes markets to fail and what can be done about it? How do firms make production decisions? What results from firms having market power? In this introductory course, you'll explore how economic agents such as consumers, firms, industries and governments interact in the thing known as the "economy."
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The national accounts. The measurement of macroeconomic indicators. The determination of aggregate employment and output in the short-run, the long-run and the very-long-run. The monetary system and monetary policy. The balance of payments accounts and exchange rate determination. Stabilization policies and policies to promote economic growth. The course will challenge you to think about everyday news from an economic perspective. For example, what exactly is inflation and why is it always in the news? Why does the Canadian dollar fluctuate and how do these fluctuations impact the economy? How do government expenditures or interest rate changes influence economic activity?
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A theoretical and experiential investigation of leadership and group dynamics for professional and voluntary settings. Emphasis is given to the application of theory for effective leadership of groups and organizations within a community development context. In this course, you'll explore both the theory and practice of leadership with the goal of becoming a more effective and self-aware leader.
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This course introduces sociological concepts, principles and approaches through a focus on issues of relevance to Canadian society such as political economy, aboriginal rights, ethno cultural diversity, and immigration, among others. This course will introduce you to the discipline of sociology through a focus on Canadian Society.
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Development of the basic skills needed for effective communications. Communication theory is introduced. Grammar and sentence structure are taught. Emphasis is upon developing an effective, concise, direct writing style. Students also learn the appropriate techniques and formats for writing reports and letters, and how to plan and deliver oral presentations and speak in public. The textbook can be ordered online from Amazon: please be sure to use ISBN: 9780132385688 This introductory course will develop the skills you need for effective communication in professional environments.
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An introductory survey of psychology with emphasis on basic processes, including perception, learning, biological bases of behavior, cognition, and basic research methods.
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The basis of food selection for health. The course stresses evaluation of personal nutrient intake, especially carbohydrate, fat, and protein, in relation to needs for active living, weight management, and chronic disease prevention. Issues will be discussed within a contemporary context. Open to non-nutrition majors only. In this introductory course designed for non-Nutrition majors, you'll explore the role of nutrition in health. In the course, you'll study both the science of nutrition and how it can be applied to planning and achieving a healthy diet.
About the University Program:
- Open Acadia university credits can be transferred to leading post-secondary institutions in Canada, the United States and around the world.
- All university courses are facilitated aboard the ship by Class Afloat faculty, who also provide structured tutoring and support in a classroom setting.
- Class Afloat signature courses “Sociology of Community” and “Maritime Studies” (Physical Education Leadership 12) are taken by all Class Afloat University students and high school students alike. These courses make further use of our environment and port visits for learning and reflection.
- Opportunities to participate in “citizen science” research initiatives through the 5 Gyres Institute.
A Gap Year at sea is a way to see the world without taking a break from your studies.
Our Gap Year program empowers students to tailor their academic needs and interests into an individualized lesson plan. Students are required to enrol in a minimum of two courses from the Class Afloat high school or university curriculum.
The beauty of this Gap Year program is that students have the freedom to choose courses that interest them. Imagine sailing to over 20 ports on four continents while studying the subjects you love!
Gap Year Course Selection
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Enrol in grade 11 or 12 high school courses either for credit or as interest courses.
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Enrol in 1st year university courses for credit.
About the Gap Year program:
- In addition to the regular academic programming, students take on a more active role in sail maneuvers and general ship maintenance.
- Gap Year students are required to adhere to the academic policies and procedures of Class Afloat and Acadia University. Information about these policies and procedures is available in the Parent and Student Handbook.
All Class Afloat students participate in two official voluntary service-learning projects. During these port stays, students stay with host families and are immersed in local cultural activities, volunteer initiatives, and community events, gaining valuable insights about themselves and life in less developed communities. In 2021-2022 students will not participate in the Dakar service project due to pandemic considerations.
Voluntary Service Learning Projects
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Class Afloat has a long-standing history of visiting Dakar, working in partnership with Fann Hospital to ensure upkeep of the Fann Hospital Community Garden. Created in 2003 to support the Infectious Diseases Ward, produce and herbs from the garden help supplement the diets of patients and provides Class Afloat students with a hands-on opportunity to give back in a big way. [In the 2021 202 academic year no Dakar service project will take place do to Pandemic restrictions.]
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During their time in the DR, students will work closely alongside the Fundacion Mahatma Gandhi-Las Terrenas, a community volunteer service organization that works in educational and community development.
Class Afloat proudly supports students pursuing their Duke of Edinburgh International Award. For more information on how to qualify, please visit dukeofed.org.
