Sino-Canadian Program
About the School
Henan Provincial Experimental High School (河南省实验中学) is one of the most distinguished public high schools in Henan Province, consistently ranked among the top schools in central China. The school's Sino-Canadian Program — the 中加班 — was established in partnership with N.S. Offshore Schools to bring the Nova Scotia Department of Education's high school curriculum to students in Zhengzhou.
Located at No. 60 Wenhua Road, Zhengzhou, the school benefits from a vibrant academic environment and a history of producing graduates who attend leading universities in China and abroad. The Sino-Canadian program occupies a dedicated section of campus, with classrooms fully equipped for the Canadian curriculum's inquiry-based, discussion-driven pedagogy.
The Henan N.S. Offshore School program is one of a select group of schools in central China authorized by the Nova Scotia Department of Education to deliver the official Nova Scotia high school curriculum and award the Nova Scotia High School Diploma.
The integration of the Chinese and Canadian educational traditions means students are surrounded by high-achieving peers, supported by experienced Chinese academic staff for their Chinese studies, and guided by Nova Scotia–certified Canadian teachers for their Canadian curriculum courses.
Why Choose Henan N.S. Offshore Schools?
Henan Province is home to one of China's largest student populations, and Henan Provincial Experimental High School is recognized as the province's premier academic institution. Enrollment in the Sino-Canadian program places students in one of the most rigorous academic environments in the region, while simultaneously preparing them for universities in Canada and around the world.
The program's location in Zhengzhou — the provincial capital and a major transportation hub — provides students with access to a modern, growing city with strong cultural and commercial links to both Beijing and Shanghai.
The Nova Scotia Program at Henan
The Sino-Canadian program at Henan Provincial Experimental High School runs over three years, corresponding to Grades 10, 11, and 12 of the Nova Scotia curriculum. All Canadian curriculum courses are taught entirely in English by teachers holding Nova Scotia Department of Education teaching certificates.
Students follow the same graduation requirements as students enrolled in schools within Nova Scotia, Canada. Upon completion, they receive the Nova Scotia High School Diploma — an official credential issued by the Nova Scotia Department of Education, not by the school or N.S. Offshore Schools.
Dual Diploma Option: Students who also wish to write the Chinese National University Entrance Examination (Gaokao) may pursue a dual diploma track, completing both the Nova Scotia requirements and the Chinese high school requirements concurrently.
The program is designed to be intensive and immersive. Students transition quickly to English as the language of instruction and develop not only academic English but also critical thinking, independent research, and presentation skills valued by Canadian and international universities.
Meet the Principal
Originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, Tyler B. MacLean is a seasoned international educator and school leader with over a decade of experience in Sino-foreign high school programs. He brings deep expertise in school leadership, curriculum development, teacher mentorship, and the implementation of the Nova Scotia offshore program in China. He is also a published researcher with a focus on second language acquisition, online education, and curriculum design.
Nova Scotia Courses Offered
The following Nova Scotia curriculum courses are offered across Grades 10–12 at the Henan N.S. Offshore School program.
Admissions
Students interested in the Henan N.S. Offshore School program typically enter at the Grade 10 level, following completion of their Chinese junior high school education. The program accepts a limited cohort each year to ensure quality and individual attention.
Eligibility: Students who have completed Grade 9 (初三) in the Chinese education system and demonstrate strong academic performance. English proficiency is assessed as part of the application.
Application Process: Submit your academic transcripts, a personal statement, and an English language assessment. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview with the program's Canadian principal and admissions team.
For admissions enquiries specific to the Henan program, please contact us at admissions@nsoffshoreschools.ca or reach the school's Canadian principal directly.
Sino-Canadian Program
School History
Guangzhou Experimental Foreign Language School (广州市实验外语学校) was founded in September 1993 under the administration of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (广东外语外贸大学). From its first year, the school was designated by China's Ministry of Education as one of only 16 foreign language schools nationwide with the privilege of recommending students directly to key national universities. The campus spans 320 mu in Guangzhou's Baiyun District, accommodating nearly 5,500 students from primary through senior high school. The school has operated under its current name since January 2022 and holds numerous provincial and national distinctions, including Guangdong Province Model Senior High School and National Outstanding Private School.
The school is one of the very few institutions in southern China offering a complete K–12 pathway under a single roof, with a longstanding reputation for bilingual excellence and international academic culture.
The Sino-Canadian Program (中加班)
The N.S. Sino-Canadian Offshore School program at Guangzhou Experimental Foreign Language School delivers the full Nova Scotia Department of Education high school curriculum across Grades 10, 11, and 12. Students enrol directly into the Nova Scotia provincial education system upon entry, receiving a Personal Education Number (PEN) registered with the Nova Scotia Department of Education. Graduates receive the same Nova Scotia High School Diploma issued to students in Canada — treated as domestic applicants in the Canadian university admissions process.
All subjects are taught entirely in English by Nova Scotia–certified teachers. Assessment combines continuous coursework, midterm and final examinations, and mandatory Nova Scotia provincial examinations at Grade 12. The program also incorporates supplementary Chinese-medium courses — including Chinese Language and Chinese History — so students may pursue a dual diploma pathway alongside their Canadian studies.
The program operates on a two-semester system (September–January and February–June, approximately 19–20 weeks each). The Nova Scotia curriculum is grounded in active knowledge construction, collaborative learning, and the six Essential Graduation Competencies: citizenship, communication, personal-career development, creativity and innovation, critical thinking, and technological fluency.
Given the host school's designation as a Ministry of Education foreign language school, students entering the program typically arrive with a strong English foundation — accelerating their transition to full English-medium instruction and enabling rapid progress through the Nova Scotia curriculum.
University Outcomes
The Nova Scotia High School Graduation Diploma is accepted by universities and colleges worldwide. Graduates of the Guangzhou N.S. Offshore School program have been admitted to the following institutions:
Graduates may apply directly to universities in Canada, the US, UK, and Australia — without a foundation year or international bridge program.
Meet the Principal
Ms. Apple Aberia is an experienced educational leader and Nova Scotia–certified teacher with over 15 years in education, including five years as Principal of the Sino-Canadian Program at Guangzhou Experimental Foreign Language School. As Principal, she oversees academic planning, teacher development, and curriculum implementation, working closely with both Chinese and Canadian partners to ensure program quality, student success, and teacher growth.
Guided by a constructivist philosophy, Ms. Aberia promotes active, engaging, and meaningful learning. She has taught Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Social Science, and was recognised as an Outstanding Teacher in the Philippines. A former Research Adviser, she has coached students to compete at the international level, including the 2015 International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Pennsylvania, USA. Passionate about multicultural education, she is committed to making learning inclusive, fun, and globally minded — helping both students and teachers reach their full potential.
Foreign Teaching Staff (2025–2026)
Eight Nova Scotia–certified foreign teachers deliver the Canadian curriculum. All hold valid Nova Scotia teaching certifications issued by the Nova Scotia Department of Education.
Courses Offered
The program uses a two-semester structure. The table below reflects the actual courses delivered in the current school year (2025–2026), drawn directly from the official school profile.
| Grade | Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 10 | EAL 10 Mathematics 10 Drama 10 / PE 10 Marketing Studies 11 |
English 10 Mathematics 10 Drama 10 / PE 10 Science 10 |
| Grade 11 | English 11 Chemistry 11 Mathematics 11 Oceans 11 |
English 11 Biology 11 Physics 11 Pre-Calculus 11 Economics 11 |
| Grade 12 | English 12 Chemistry 12B Physics 12A Pre-Calculus 12 Global Economics 12 |
English 12 Physics 12B Chemistry 12B Calculus 12A Entrepreneurship 12 Biology 12 |
Course offerings are reviewed each school year and may be adjusted based on enrollment and teacher availability. All courses follow the Nova Scotia Department of Education curriculum.
Admissions
The Guangzhou N.S. Offshore School program accepts a carefully selected cohort of students at the Grade 10 level each September. Entry at Grade 11 is occasionally possible for students with demonstrable prior Canadian curriculum experience, subject to the program coordinator's assessment.
Eligibility: Students who have completed Grade 9 (初三) in the Chinese junior high school system. Given that the host school is a designated foreign language school, applicants are expected to have a solid foundation in English. Strong academic performance across all subjects — not only English — is required, as the Nova Scotia curriculum is academically demanding across all disciplines.
Application Materials:
- Academic transcripts from Grades 7, 8, and 9
- Personal statement written in English (minimum 300 words)
- Two teacher recommendation letters (at least one from an English teacher)
- English reading and writing assessment administered by the program
- Interview with the Canadian principal or program coordinator (in-person or video)
Dual Diploma Option: Students who also intend to sit the Chinese National University Entrance Examination (Gaokao) may enroll in the dual diploma track, completing Chinese high school curriculum requirements concurrently with their Nova Scotia coursework. This track requires careful timetabling and a high level of academic commitment, but keeps both domestic and international university pathways fully open.
Because Guangzhou Experimental Foreign Language School is itself an admission-selective institution, students who gain entry to the N.S. Offshore School program are joining a peer group of high achievers. The combination of the school's academic culture and the rigour of the Nova Scotia curriculum makes this one of the most demanding — and rewarding — high school environments available to students in southern China.
For application enquiries, please contact N.S. Offshore Schools at admissions@nsoffshoreschools.ca or speak directly with the school's International Department at No. 599 Guanghua Road First Section, Baiyun District, Guangzhou.
Sino-Canadian Program
About the School
Changchun Experimental High School (长春实验中学) is one of the most prestigious high schools in Jilin Province and a flagship institution in northeast China's educational landscape. The school's Sino-Canadian Program — the 中加班 — was established in partnership with N.S. Offshore Schools to bring the Nova Scotia Department of Education's high school curriculum to Changchun and the wider Jilin Province region.
Changchun, the provincial capital of Jilin, is a major academic and scientific city — home to Jilin University and the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics. The city's strong culture of academic achievement makes it a natural home for a rigorous Canadian offshore program.
The Changchun N.S. Offshore School program is Nova Scotia Department of Education–authorized, making it one of the very few internationally accredited Canadian high school programs in China's northeast. Graduates receive the official Nova Scotia High School Diploma.
The program benefits from the school's exceptional academic infrastructure, a dedicated Canadian teaching team, and close integration with the school's Chinese faculty.
Why Choose Changchun N.S. Offshore Schools?
For families in northeast China — particularly in Jilin, Heilongjiang, and Liaoning provinces — the Changchun N.S. Offshore School program represents the closest and most accessible Nova Scotia–authorized offshore school. Students need not travel to Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou to access a credible Canadian high school diploma program.
The combination of rigorous Chinese academic culture and the Nova Scotia curriculum's emphasis on critical thinking and communication produces graduates who are exceptionally well-prepared for university study anywhere in the world.
The Nova Scotia Program at Changchun
The Changchun N.S. Offshore School program delivers the full Nova Scotia high school curriculum across Grades 10, 11, and 12. All courses in the Canadian program are taught in English by teachers holding Nova Scotia Department of Education teaching certificates.
The program is structured to prepare students for direct entry into Canadian universities, with a strong emphasis on English academic writing, quantitative reasoning, and the sciences. Students from Changchun who have completed the program have been admitted to universities including Dalhousie University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Toronto, and Acadia University.
The northeast China location brings a particularly strong STEM culture to the program. Science courses — Physics, Chemistry, and Biology — are among the most popular electives, and the school's science laboratory facilities support hands-on, inquiry-based learning consistent with the Nova Scotia curriculum.
Meet the Principal
Originally from Scotland, UK, Mike Cormack is an experienced international school leader, English educator, and published writer with more than fifteen years working across the UK and China. He currently serves as Principal of the International Division at Changchun Experimental High School, leading academic, pastoral, and operational systems within the Nova Scotia curriculum framework.
His professional interests span curriculum development, safeguarding, staff mentoring, school improvement, and building strong academic culture in cross-cultural settings. He has worked with IB, Scottish, and Nova Scotia curricula, and has contributed to IB and WASC accreditation processes. Alongside his education career, Mike is a published author and regular contributor of cultural criticism and book reviews to international publications.
Nova Scotia Courses Offered
The following Nova Scotia Department of Education curriculum courses are offered at the Changchun N.S. Offshore School program across Grades 10–12.
Admissions
The Changchun N.S. Offshore School program accepts students entering at Grade 10, following completion of the Chinese junior high school program (初中). The program accepts a carefully selected cohort each academic year, with the primary intake in September.
Eligibility: Students who have completed Grade 9 (初三) with strong academic results, particularly in Chinese, Mathematics, and Science.
Application Materials: Grades 7–9 academic transcripts, a personal statement in English, two teacher recommendation letters, and an English assessment test. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an in-person or online interview.
Student Dormitory: On-campus dormitory accommodation is available for students traveling from outside Changchun.
The Changchun program is particularly well-suited for students from Jilin, Heilongjiang, and Liaoning provinces who seek a Nova Scotia–authorized Canadian diploma without relocating to China's major coastal cities.