Grade 12 in BC: what your child learns and what's open to them
19 contests and programs open to grade 12 students in British Columbia. You don't need to do all of them. Pick the ones that match what your child enjoys.
Math
Canadian Math Kangaroo Contest
A fun, international multiple-choice math contest from Grade 1. Parents register directly, and the contest is written on a Sunday in March.
Grades 1–12$20 last year if registered by…MathCanadian Open Mathematics Challenge (COMC)
Canada's national high school math challenge and the path to the Canadian Math Olympiad. Written October 29, 2026.
Grades 9–12$30–$35 per student through a…MathEuclid Mathematics Contest
The University of Waterloo's senior contest for Grade 12, written at school on April 6, 2027.
Grade 12$18 per studentMathAMC 10 and AMC 12 (American Mathematics Competitions)
75-minute US high school math contests, open to Canadian students through a host. Written November 5 (A) or November 13 (B), 2026.
Grades 8–12Set by the host school or centreMathCEMC Problem of the Week
A new math problem every Thursday at five levels from Grades 3–4 to Grades 11–12, with the solution a week later. Sign up by email or read it online.
Grades 3–12No fee is listedCoding
FIRST Tech Challenge in BC
Team robotics for Grades 7–12. Teams design, build and code a robot. The Lower Mainland qualifier is December 5, 2026 in Surrey.
Grades 7–12Paid per teamCodingCanadian Computing Competition (CCC)
Canada's main programming contest for students, with Junior and Senior levels. Written online at school on February 17, 2027. Schools must register by February 11.
Grades 9–12$10 per studentScience
Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair
The regional science fair for Grades 7–12 in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, the North Shore and nearby districts. The 2027 fair is April 8–10 at UBC.
Grades 7–12$65 per student last yearScienceSouth Fraser Regional Science Fair
The regional science fair for Grades 7–12 in Surrey and Delta, held at KPU Surrey. The 2027 fair is April 7–8.
Grades 7–12$60 per student last yearScienceUBC Physics Olympics
A hands-on team physics competition for BC high schools at UBC. The 2027 event is Saturday, February 27. Schools register teams in the fall.
Grades 8–12$80 per team last yearScienceUBC Geering Up Saturday Clubs
Saturday morning science and engineering clubs at UBC for Grades 1–12, run in fall and winter sessions. Bursaries of up to 90% are available.
Grades 1–12$350 per session for elementary…Language & reading
Vancouver Writers Fest Youth Writing Contest
A free-to-enter short story and personal essay contest for BC students in Grades 5–12. The next contest opens in spring 2027.
Grades 5–12No entry fee is listedLanguage & readingCBC First Page Student Writing Challenge
A national CBC Books challenge for Grades 7–12: write the first page of a novel set 150 years in the future. Usually open for entries in February.
Grades 7–12No entry fee was listed in 2026Language & readingSurrey Libraries Youth Writing Contest
A free writing contest for Surrey residents aged about 12 to 18, with categories for short stories, poems, comics and more. Usually open from May to July.
Grades 7–12FreeLanguage & readingDELF Prim and DELF Junior French Diplomas (Alliance Française Vancouver)
Official French-language diplomas recognized worldwide. Alliance Française Vancouver lists DELF Prim (ages 8–11) and DELF Junior (ages 12–17), but kids' exam dates aren't posted yet.
Grades 3–12Kids' exam fees not posted yetLanguage & readingBC Debate and Public Speaking Tournaments (DSABC)
School-based debate and public speaking tournaments that lead to BC and national championships. Junior public speaking starts in Grade 6.
Grades 6–12School membership is $200 a yearArts, music & chess
Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program Exams
Graded music and theory exams used across Canada. For the January 2027 practical exams, register by November 3, 2026.
K–Grade 12Fees depend on the subject and…Arts, music & chessVancouver Kiwanis Music Festival
Metro Vancouver's large music competition festival, with feedback from adjudicators. Solo registration runs November 2, 2026 to January 18, 2027.
K–Grade 12Entry fees vary by classArts, music & chessBC Youth Chess Championship and Canadian Youth Chess Championship
Rated chess tournaments for players under 18. Score 50% at a qualifier, such as the BC Youth Chess Championship, to play at the national CYCC each July.
K–Grade 12Varies by tournamentGuides for grade 12 parents
Put every deadline in your calendar
One step, no account. Each deadline comes with a reminder a week before, and the calendar updates itself when dates change.