Untitled - Branksome Hall

B r a nk s om e Hall i s...
more than meets the eye. Yes, we are one of Canada’s foremost independent schools for girls
fromJuniorKindergartenthroughGrade12.Yes,wearelocatedonapicturesque13-acrecampus
intheheartofTorontowiththeatres,museums,universitiesandlibrariesatourdoorstep.Yes,our
International Baccalaureate (IB) Program emphasizes inquiry-based learning and prepares
young women to face the challenges and opportunities of our ever-changing world. And
yes, our graduates are welcomed by stellar universities across Canada and around the globe.
Butwearemuchmore...
Weareacaringcommunity.
Weareahomeawayfromhome.
Weareaplacewheregirlscanembarkonaremarkablejourney.
vision...
mission...
To be the pre-eminent educational
community of globally minded learners
and leaders.
Each day, we challenge and inspire girls
to love learning and to shape a better world.
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O u r C o m m u n i t y.
O u r C o m m i tm e n t.
At Branksome Hall, you will find a community that cares deeply about its members
—
our students and their parents, our faculty and staff, and our thousands of alumnae
across Canada and around the world.
Visitors often comment that, from the moment they walk through our doors, they sense
our warm, nurturing environment. This sense of caring is just one of the qualities we
strive to embody at Branksome. As you read our list of values on the next page, you will
see the characteristics that we endeavour to foster in each student.
We aim to inspire girls to shape a better world, to explore their unique interests,
discover new pursuits, and realize their special talents. We encourage our students
to be open-minded and reflective, and we help them develop confidence and
Discover our IB advantage.
leadership skills that will serve them well in life. Our non-denominational environment
encourages each student to respect and consider the different viewpoints of others.
Families will discover that we communicate openly through parent information nights,
direct parent-teacher communication, newsletters, frequent e-mails, a family handbook,
and a helpful website full of resources.
You will have many questions as you make the
decision to choose Branksome Hall as your school and
Let me be the first to welcome you to Branksome Hall, a remarkable community that
as you begin the Branksome Hall journey. If you have
gives each student a chance to embark on a remarkable journey.
queries that are not answered in this booklet, we
Sincerely,
would be happy to provide you with the information
you seek. Our Admissions staff have a wealth of
Branksome experience.
In addition, visit www.branksome.on.ca/askus, where
Karen Murton
Principal
one of our student ambassadors, teachers or parent
volunteers will gladly answer your questions.
Our Promise to Every Student…
Branksome is committed to helping each student reach her full potential as she
discovers her interests, builds positive relationships, and learns to understand the
world around her. Our faculty are committed to ensuring that each girl’s learning
needs are understood and met, and that each student graduates from the school
well-rounded, independent and confident.
Girls will benefit from the following:
Committed and caring teachers
An engaging IB curriculum at all levels
Extra help and support to each student, both during and after class
Access to skilled professionals and valuable resources through our Learning
Strategies Centre — there, girls receive explicit guidance on how they learn best
Small advisor groups that meet weekly in the Senior and Middle School
Each student from Grade 7 on is offered individualized guidance counselling
and resources that prepare her for university
Stimulating visual and performing arts programs at all levels
Myriad opportunities to become leaders of teams, clubs and student government
Dozens of sports teams, an indoor pool, rock-climbing wall, fitness centre,
tennis courts and lively playing fields
Well-equipped gyms in both the Junior School and the Senior and Middle School
A community service program that is a model for schools across Canada
Clans that encourage a sense of fun and develop teamwork skills among groups
of girls of different ages
An outdoor classroom, a winding pathway through our beautiful on-site woodlot,
and a butterfly garden — all places where girls learn about our natural environment
“A s trong s en s e of communit y ru s he s over you the
minu te you walk through the d oor s. I k now the
f riend s hips I have mad e will la s t a lifetime.”
R a c h e l , G r a d e 10 s t u d e n t
Enrolment
The Journey Begins: Our Junior School
Branksome Hall is an International Baccalaureate World School. Each student’s journey
is an educational experience that promotes intercultural understanding and respect. Our
Junior School (JK– 6): 260
Middle Division (7–8): 170
Senior School (9–12): 440
Residence (8–12): 65
Total: 870
academic program focuses on creating lifelong learners.
As you walk through the doors of the Junior School, you will be greeted by light-filled
spaces, inviting colours, and classrooms full of curious, open-minded learners.
There, students in our IB Primary Years Program (PYP) — those in Junior Kindergarten
through Grade 6 — enjoy the following:
Active, engaging classes where teachers know each student well
Daily French classes, beginning in Junior Kindergarten, featuring the engaging
Accelerated Integrative Method (AIM)
Challenging hands-on robotics programs for all ages, starting in Junior Kindergarten
SMART Board technology in every classroom, access to laptops, and a Design and
Technology Centre with touch-screen computers
A spacious Junior School Library, filled with the latest resources and technology,
with cozy, flexible seating for conducting research or listening to stories
A colourful Performing Arts Room for music, dance, theatre and assemblies
A bright, sky-lit Art Studio, with a kiln for clay work, and countless opportunities
for self-expression
Two wonderful playgrounds and an indoor gymnasium
Our students are thoughtful learners who seek knowledge and think critically. They
ask challenging questions and solve complex problems. Even at a young age, they are
comfortable with differing points of view. They understand that our world is a complex,
changing place that needs caring, compassionate and principled leaders, and they take
action to make the world a better place.
Branksome students are the leaders of tomorrow.
“Our students make a difference in the world.
They are thinking about tomorrow and planning
for it to be even better than today.”
Ms Sarah Craig, Head of Junior School
V I E W B O O K 2 0 1 0 #¡ #G LV F R Y H U #R X U #LE #DG Y DQ WDJ H
G LV F R Y H U #R X U #LE #DG Y DQ WDJ H
Remarkable Opportunities in the Junior School
Branksome Hall knows that a remarkable journey begins with remarkable
opportunities. Branksome provides Junior School students with a vast
array of activities as they begin their journey.
Academics
Discover our IB advantage:
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The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP).
From Junior Kindergarten, our students are presented with a rigorous core program in
language and mathematics. They learn primarily in English, and also have daily classes in
French as a Second Language.
Science, social studies and information technology are integrated into transdisciplinary
“units of inquiry” with a focus on conceptual understanding, critical thinking and
research skills.
Music, visual arts and physical education are taught by subject specialists. Students in
Grade 6 may choose to enter our Extended French program, in which they will receive
an enriched French language curriculum as they work toward studying history and
geography in French in Grade 7.
Athletics
The Physical Education Program at Branksome teaches healthy and active living. Younger
students focus on understanding sportsmanship and team spirit, while engaging in a variety
of fitness activities. Older students have the opportunity to develop teamwork and skills
through sport and activity in class and through the following competitive teams:
Fa l l
Swimming, Cross Country, Basketball, Soccer
Winter
Badminton, Swimming, Volleyball
Spring
Softball, Track and Field
C o - c u r r ic ula r s
CLUBS & ACTIVITIES
The Junior School’s vibrant and broad co-curricular program enriches the lives of our
students and complements the academic program. The school is alive with daily activity,
from the gym and dance floor to the playing fields and the Performing Arts Room. Children
express their creativity, athleticism and collegiality, and use each day as an opportunity to learn
something new.
Junior School students may choose from a variety of clubs and activities offered during lunch
and after school. Since school involvement is a high priority at Branksome Hall, we attempt to
involve every girl in co-curricular activities.
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Arts and Crafts
Ballet
Branksome Choir
Branksome Debating Club
Cartooning
Chess
Creative Memories
Scrapbooking
Exciting Engineering
Fashion Design
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Free Swim
Go Golf
Hip Hop
Instrumental Ensemble
Jewelry Making
Knitting and Fabric Art
Mandarin
Photography
Portrait Painting
Primary Musical Theatre
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Puppet Masters
Robotics
Scottish Dancing
Tennis
Unsolved Mysteries
Visual Arts
Whimz Animal Club
Writing Connections
Yoga
The Journey Continues: Our Middle Division
The Branksome journey continues in our recently constructed Middle Division. Girls in Grades 7
and 8 gather in small groups on cozy sofas or around meeting tables under market - style
umbrellas. There, they share their ideas, learn the importance of collaboration and teamwork,
and explore their growing sense of confidence and independence.
Middle Division students benefit from the following facilities
and programs:
Immersion in the arts, with one-quarter of classroom time spent exploring
music, visual arts and drama
State-of-the-art science labs where they explore engineering, chemistry
and other pursuits
An Innovation Centre, where girls can try their hand at activities such as
robotics in our Lego League
A wide range of clubs and co-curriculars, from the Astronomy Club to
Zumba classes in the fitness room
A new outdoor play area designed for socializing, fun and fitness
Grade 7 students benefit from a homeroom structure that provides
invaluable support as they transition through the Middle Years Program
Girls in Grades 7–10
complete the IB Middle Years Program (MYP),
which builds on their learning skills and
prepares them for advanced studies. Girls
complete a Personal Project and engage in
diverse service and co-curricular programs,
which give them invaluable opportunities to
develop their communication and leadership
skills. The Middle Years Program helps
students make connections between their
subjects and the real world.
“I am close friends with an amazing group of girls who
I would not have met if it were not for Branksome.”
C l a i r e, G r a d e 8 s t u d e n t
Be remarkable.
B e a r i s k - t a k e r.
B e a c o m m u n i c a t o r.
The Journey Evolves: Our Senior School
Surrounded by classmates who are engaged and inquisitive, students
in Grades 9 through 12 complete the Middle Years Program and then
B e a t h i n k e r.
Be knowledgeable.
B e a n i n q u i r e r.
the Diploma Program, which is excellent preparation for university.
They work to receive both the Ontario Secondary School Diploma
and the IB Diploma upon graduation. Our thoughtfully developed
program builds students’ skills in research, inquiry, critical thinking and
integrative thinking. Complementing classroom studies are creativity,
Be principled.
Be caring.
action and service (CAS) pursuits that are an important part of an
IB education. CAS activities are designed to encourage students to
develop new skills and interests through experiential learning.
Be open-minded.
Be balanced.
Be reflective.
Be spirited.
Be awe-inspiring.
Be
yourself.
All Senior and Middle School students benefit
from the following:
A rich array of course choices that allow students to
develop individualized programs that meet their unique
interests and needs
A mixture of heritage buildings and new wings, all with
state-of-the-art technology and comfortable, inviting
workspaces
Extended library and computer lab hours, with access
to rich print and digital collections
Technological skills that support 21st century learning
across the curriculum
A tablet laptop program, enabling students to use their
laptops as digital notebooks, which is being phased in,
starting in fall 2010
A fitness centre with weights, balance balls, yoga mats,
training bikes and treadmills to complement our individual
programs and group activities, led by a trained fitness
instructor
Individualized guidance counselling and resources that
prepare each student for university
100 %
of our graduates attend a university of their
choice — many with major scholarships.
“ You might imagine that this is an ar t s school, but it’s a great
ar t school in a much broader contex t, and I think that’s an
ideal environment for a young person.”
Mr. Peter Oundjian, Music Direc tor, Toronto Sy mphony Orc hes tra,
and former Brank some Parent
Remarkable Opportunities in the Senior and Middle School
Branksome Hall encourages each Senior and Middle
School student to define her own remarkable journey.
We provide an array of academic, co-curricular and
athletic opportunities for every girl.
Academics
C o m m u ni t y S e r v ic e
Discover our IB advantage:
LOCAL
Best Buddies
Homework Club with Rose
Avenue Public School
Horizons tutoring program at Church
Street and Sprucecourt Public Schools
JUMP math tutoring with Rose
Avenue Public School
Peer Support
Inquiry and skill development in the IB Program prepare students for success
in post-secondary studies.
C o - c u r r ic ula r s
THE ARTS
7/8 Singers
BH Dance Crew
Chamber Choir
Jazz Choir
Senior Choir
Chamber Strings
Concert Band
Symphony Orchestra
Stage Band
Creative Outlet
Middle Division Drama
Grade 9 Drama
Senior Drama
The Kilt Press
Writer’s Guild/Perennial
CLUBS & SOCIETIES
Animal Rights Club
Astronomy Club
Branksome Business Club
Classics Club
Culinary Club
Debating Society
Duke of Edinburgh
Fashion Club
Forensics Club
Games
IB Student League
Innovation and Robotics
IT Club
Knitting Club
Middle Division Creative Writing
Public Affairs Cabinet
Red Maple Reading
Rock Climbing Club
Round Table Society
SLOGAN (Yearbook)
Social Justice Club
Sustainability Club
World Affairs Conference
ATHLETICS
Fa l l
Basketball
Cross Country
Field Hockey
Learn-to-Row
Soccer
Swimming
W i n te r
Alpine Skiing
Badminton
Ice Hockey
Rowing
Swimming
Volleyball
Spring
Rowing
Rugby
Softball
Track and Field
Tennis
LEADERSHIP
Alumnae/Parents’ Association
Representative
Assembly Committee (Gr. 8)
Clan Chieftains (Gr. 10)
Clan Representatives (Gr. 8)
Community Service Council
Heads of Clubs and Societies
MYP CAS Representatives
Our House Committee (Gr. 7–8)
Residence Heads of House
Residence Junior Dons
Rowing Captains
School Prefects (Gr. 12)
Senior Clan Chieftains
Student Life Committee (Gr. 7–12)
Sustainability Council
INTERNATIONAL
Cambodia service trips
Costa Rica service trips
Queenstown Get Ahead Project (QGAP) School
“Triangle of Hope” partnership, South Africa
Exchanges
Branksome Hall offers two- to eight-week international student exchanges
for Grade 8–10 students and has partnerships with the following schools:
AUSTRALIA
Kambala School, Sydney
St. Hilda’s, Gold Coast
Ravenswood, Sydney
Methodist Ladies’ College, Melbourne
BERMUDA
Bermuda High School
for Girls, Pembroke
FRANCE
La Source, Paris
NEW ZEALAND
Tamaki, Auckland
Diocesan School for Girls, Auckland
St. Margaret’s College, Christchurch
SPAIN
Colegio Jesús María de Juan Bravo, Madrid
U.K.
Queenswood, London
St. George’s, Edinburgh
Sherborne Girls’ School, Dorset
Tudor Hall, Oxford
Future opportunities at Branksome Hall Asia, on Jeju Island, South Korea.
*
South Africa Community Service Trip
Experience Branksome. Experience the World.
Branksome Hall values experiential education — the real-life extensions of learning
through which students discover their strengths, their broader community and
the world. We encourage each girl to follow her own remarkable path.
We use the resources of the vibrant city at our doorstep, including museums, public
libraries, concert halls and theatres.
Outdoor and experiential education begins in the Junior School and extends through the
Senior and Middle School years.
In September, a “Week Without Halls” takes Senior and Middle School students on
stimulating outdoor excursions and cultural encounters.
International Community Service projects with partners in South Africa, Costa Rica and
Cambodia, as well as inner-city opportunities in Toronto, allow girls to put their skills,
talents and beliefs into action.
An International Student Exchange Program, beginning in Grade 8, links Branksome
students with more than a dozen schools in seven countries.
As they learn to understand and embrace the world around them, Branksome
students make remarkable contributions, both locally and globally.
International languages
Our international campus
As a globally minded school, we offer
English as a Second Language (ESL) and
an International Languages Program that
includes courses in Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese,
French, German, Korean, Malay, Mandarin,
Russian, Spanish, Tamil and Turkish to
support students whose mother tongue is
not English. Other international languages
may be provided on request.
Branksome Hall Asia is scheduled to open
on Jeju Island, South Korea, in 2012. Our
new school will provide access to a quality
Branksome education for an increased number
of students from Northeast Asia and other
parts of the world. For our students in
Toronto, Branksome Hall Asia will provide
the opportunity for new student exchanges,
residential trips and access to such Jeju Island
activities as horseback riding, golf, sea
kayaking and scuba diving.
“I h ave n eve r ex p e r i e n c e d a n o t h e r s c h o o l e nv i ro n m e n t
t h a t h a s s o s u c c e s s f u l l y i n c o r p o r a t e d s t u d e n t s’ p a s s i o n s
a n d a s p i r a t i o n s i n to t h e l e a r n i n g ex p e r i e n c e.”
M r. G r a h a m Po r t e r, S o c i a l S c i e n c e s Te a c h e r
A Home Away from Home: Our Residence Program
Girls from around the world come to Branksome Hall to embark on a remarkable
journey. Branksome Hall offers an inspiring Residence Program for up to
70 students from more than a dozen countries, including Canada, starting at
Grade 8 (age 13).
Residence students live and study in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment,
supervised by residence staff who are educators and expert caregivers.
Residence staff liaise regularly with subject teachers, guidance counsellors
and international language teachers to help ensure the best possible learning
opportunities for each student.
As residence students live on campus, they are able to take full advantage
of the wide range of activities offered in the school’s exciting co-curricular
program, including athletics, the arts, debating and community service.
Our Residence students enjoy the following:
The opportunity to develop lifelong friends
ESL and international language studies, including support to ensure they are
comfortable and confident in their new learning environment
Individualized counselling and university preparation
Three residence buildings, each with a unique character, all with common
rooms, music and computer rooms, laundry facilities, as well as Internet access
in every room
Health Centre staff — a nurse and doctor — who monitor the health and
well-being of all residence students
The MacNeill House dining room, where students and staff meet each night
for family-style dinners; residence staff work with our foodservice provider
to ensure nutritious and delicious meals
Caring Residence Dons, each of whom mentors a small group of girls known
as a “family”; Dons ensure social and emotional development of students
and track academic progress; residence families meet weekly for fun activities
that include crafts, fitness pursuits and neighbourhood trips
A rich weekend program that takes advantage of all that Toronto offers, including
trips to Niagara Falls and theatrical productions such as Cirque du Soleil
Social weekend activities with other independent schools
The opportunity to take part in the day-girl boarder exchange
Student leadership opportunities within the Residence Council
Evening fitness and aquatics programs
Evening dinner presentations and guest speakers
“ Branksome really helped me to believe in myself
and to shoot for the stars. It gave me the tools
to achieve and define my own success.”
Mr s . Ja c q u i SZE TO Me ie r s‘87,
Re s i d e nce A l u m n a a n d C u r r e nt Pa r e nt
All residence students who are new to Branksome Hall participate in a week-long
orientation program that helps them ease comfortably into residence life.
For more information on our Residence Program, visit www.branksome.on.ca/residence.
Starting Your Journey
Get to know Branksome Hall
Applications to Branksome Hall may be made at any grade.
Scholarships are available to students entering Grade 7 to Grade 11
and are based on academic merit and co-curricular involvement.
Financial Aid is available to new or returning students in Grade 7 or higher.
For details on key application dates, the admission process, or scholarships
and Financial Aid, visit www.branksome.on.ca/admissions or contact our
Admissions Department.
“ What I love most about Branksome is the fac t that, when
I wake up in the morning, I’m excited to go to school.”
A s h l ey, G r a d e 11 s t u d e n t
19
Come to our Open Houses, take advantage of our
ambassador tours, and explore our website. You
w ill f ind a welcoming env ironment and many
opportunities to find out about life at
Branksome Hall.
Do you have questions about academic s? Spor ts? Clubs?
Our Residence Program or our philosophy on education?
If you have queries about any thing to do with life or learning
at Branksome Hall, we would be happy to provide you with the
information you seek.
Visit www.branksome.on.ca/askus and
one of our student ambassadors, parent volunteers
or teachers will gladly answer your questions.
“We are an environmentally friendly school and
are always conscious about protec ting our
planet and it s valuable resources.”
So p h ie, G r a d e 12 s t u d e n t
“M y Br ank s ome ex p erience lef t me with an
ind elible note book of plea sur a ble memorie s.”
A my V E R N E R ’ 98, J o u r n a l i s t a n d A l u m n a