Bodwell High School ACADEMICS & EXTRACURRICULARS
Curriculum
Curriculum approach at Bodwell: Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Bodwell has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
Bodwell has a International Baccalaureate approach to supplementary curriculum.
Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.
International curriculum & programs at Bodwell: Duke of Edinburgh's Award
What Bodwell says about their overall curriculum and approach:
Bodwell's linear system gives students several advantages. Firstly, there are three entrance opportunities every year, in September, January, and July, giving students schedule flexibility. Secondly, the system allows a motivated student to complete one-and-a-half academic grades in each calendar year. This allows students to complete high school faster and begin their university studies sooner. ESL students also have an opportunity to join from November and April in addition to Fall, Spring & July intake.
International Baccalaureate program(s) offered
Program | Offered |
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Primary Years | |
Middle Years | |
Diploma program | |
Career-related program |
Approach
Focus |
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Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Bodwell: Equal Balance
Bodwell has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Bodwell says:
Teachers at Bodwell use a mix of traditional versus discovery approaches depending on their own style, the familiarity of the students to the topic and the need for interaction in class. For example, one teacher stated 'I think it is important to introduce the topic, provide examples, then have students try some on their own'. Another teacher stated 'If it is a concept most students probably know, I try to create a mini, fun, "competition". Students get into teams and answer questions. The first team to get the answer gets a point." Another teacher concluded 'I choose a mix because some students thrive on inquiry and others are uncomfortable with problem solving without the "tools" first'.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
This varies from teacher to teacher however in general Bodwell permits the use of calculators according to the rules of BC Provincial Exams. In classrooms teachers do not permit the sharing of and use of the calculator on phones unless an activity requires this.
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Science
Science approach at Bodwell: Equal Balance
Bodwell has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Teaching approach:
In general teachers at Bodwell use the " equal balance" method for teaching science classes. If there is a concept that they feel students can figure out through inquiry, they choose the inquiry method. However, if a particular concept is challenging for most students, then they would use the expository method (direct instruction).
Treatment of evolution:
Subject Offered Evolution as consensus theory Evolution as one of many equally viable theories Evolution is not taught Topics covered in curriculum:
Subject Offered Biology Chemistry Ecology Geology Meteorology Physics Physiology Zoology Literature
Literature approach at Bodwell: Equal Balance
Bodwell has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Bodwell says:
The literature program is vertically aligned to build on critical skills from grade level to grade level. Through inquiry based methods, students are asked to make personal and world view connections to the literature. A mix of modern and classical literature is explored. Across a wide range of genres, the literature chosen is thematic, focusing on: identity, social issues, cultural diversity, community and self-awareness. Traditional, academic essay writing is taught, but students also demonstrate comprehension and critical thinking by completing projects such as a film, work of art, comic strip, and/or original poetry. Cooperative learning activities including debates, skits, pair work and group discussions are an integral part of daily lessons.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Bodwell: Equal Balance
Bodwell has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Bodwell says:
Bodwell adopts a balanced approach to social studies methodology. Students are exposed to knowledge of both major historical events, and of contemporary news. Our additional focus is towards global affairs. As a school that is highly diverse, we prioritize an awareness of international interactions and critical thinking in our humanities curriculum.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Bodwell: Equal Balance
Bodwell has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Communicative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Bodwell says:
Both methods are taught in French class. At the start of a unit it might be more audio-lingual as the students are introduced to new vocabulary or grammar structures. As their language skills develop we break out into group games, go around and do interviews in French, create little skits, read short texts in French and use new vocabulary in conversation and class routines, and even give short presentations where the other students ask the presenter questions in French to further work on understanding/ and responding.
Language instruction offered in:
Subject Offered Chinese-Cantonese Chinese-Mandarin French German Greek Italian Japanese Hebrew Latin Russian Spanish ESL Fine Arts
Fine Arts approach at Bodwell: Equal Balance
Bodwell has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive, Creative approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]Program offers:
Subject Offered Acting Dance Drama/Theatre Graphic Design Music Visual Arts Visual studio philosophy:
Expressive Disciplined What Bodwell says:
We offer Fine Arts for Grades 8 to 12, with Advanced Placement Visual Art 12 through submission of Art portfolios to the College Board. All Fine Arts courses follow BC Ministry current curriculum focus on core competency and connection to real life. The art teachers use a variety of medium. We are lucky to be on the North Shore with many boutique art galleries and studios with specialties plus the Vancouver Art Gallery and local art destinations that students go. We have increasing contact and join projects with community partners. Our students are also outdoor and active getting inspirations for art work. They also participate in art competitions and events regularly.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Bodwell: Medium integration
Bodwell has a Medium integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration, Heavy integration approach).
[Show: About Medium integration?]What Bodwell says:
Bodwell is well equipped with cutting-edge network infrastructure, equipment, software applications, and databases. Apart from in ICT, teachers are free to utilize technology in their classrooms or not. We have a Bodwell standardized laptop that is used for academics only. The goal is to enhance learning and improve communications between staff and students. In addition, Bodwell students have a professional license to Office 365 which provides all Microsoft Office apps online and locally on their laptop. Students also have access to lynda.com and all major Adobe products. 7 smart boards (SB685 series and SB885 series) have been installed in different classrooms to enhance student learning—targeting various subject areas (Math, science, English, Humanities, ESL).
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Bodwell says:
Physical Education is offered in grades 8-12 and follows the BC Ministry current curriculum with the aim of providing opportunities for students to experience a variety of activities and promote lifelong, healthy living. Our Physical Education program encompasses two specific aspects: fitness and sports. The fitness component of the program is a progressive program emphasizing cardio-respiratory development. One of the goals of the program is to teach and instill the skills necessary to live an active lifestyle that promotes health and physical literacy. The sport component of the program consists of activities from a variety of sports and games. A holistic approach is followed with mental, social, and physical domains addressed. The program is intended to allow the student to develop an appreciation of sport and an understanding of the strategies, skills and basic rules involved, encouraging a lifetime of participation.
Advanced Placement courses
- AP Physics 1
- AP Physics 2
- AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
- AP Studio Art: Drawing
- AP Biology
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Chemistry
- AP Chinese Language and Culture
Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Bodwell: British Columbia curriculum
Bodwell has a British Columbia curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).
[Show: About British Columbia curriculum?]Approach to sex and health education:
Bodwell has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Bodwell says:
For grades 8 and 9, we offer 3 weeks on sexual health education covering the human body, reproduction and conception, pregnancy prevention, common sexually transmitted infections and prevention, with emphasis on healthy and active living and mental well-being. Planning 10 course is mandatory for grades 10 to 12 students and there is one week of five instructional blocks covering teenage health, and sexually transmitted illnesses.
Language
Learn about Bodwell High School's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Bodwell offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English, Spanish, Mandarin
Curriculum Pace
Curriculum Pace approach at Bodwell: Standard-enriched
Bodwell has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).
What Bodwell says about their curriculum pace:
Students have an accelerated course schedule (up to 11 per year, vs 8 in standard BC curriculum) with the opportunity to enroll in AP and Pre-AP courses as they reach senior years.
Flexible pacing style
Type | Offered |
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Subject-streaming (tracking) | |
Multi-age classrooms as standard | |
Ability-grouping (in-class) as common | |
Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace) | |
Regular guided independent study opportunities | |
Differentiated assessment |
What Bodwell says about their flexible pacing:
The LAP (Language Acceleration Program) is a specialized English as a Second Language (ESL) program for students who are becoming proficient in English.
Academic Culture
Academic Culture approach at Bodwell: Rigorous
Bodwell has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
What Bodwell says about their academic culture:
Bodwell offers a university preparatory program. When many of our students are from overseas and some are recent immigrant children, we offer a custom-designed Academic and English Preparation for them to improve their English skills before regular courses. Students succeed in the Language Arts, and are equally successful in provincial exams and in grade 12 academic averages to qualify for students’ choice universities. We provide additional formal learning Saturday mornings for specialized language courses, outdoor education, career exposure and community service projects. 80% of our 650 students are boarding on-site and our day and boarding programs are well integrated.
Developmental priorities
Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced
Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.
Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
What Bodwell says about their developmental priorities:
Our philosophy is to develop “active learners and well-rounded citizens who contribute positively to the world”. We emphasize equally on intellectual, social-emotional and physical development, the latter especially in terms of active living, health and fitness. 80% of our 650 students are boards and we make good use of the time resources and campus facilities to support these developmental goals. In addition to academic excellence, our students strive towards to a variety of athletic events (competing to provincial levels) and extra-curricular events including life skill workshops, career orientation and community services, local and international.
Special needs support
Bodwell offers No support
Bodwell offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.
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Learning disabilitiesDyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.DyscalculiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.DysgraphiaThis is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.Language Processing DisorderThis is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor DeficitA characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
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DevelopmentalAutismRefers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).Asperger's SyndromeOn the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.Down syndromehis is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.Intellectual disabilityThis is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).Williams syndromeThis is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
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Behavioral and EmotionalTroubled behaviour / troubled teensroubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.Clinical DepressionThis is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.Clinical anxietyThis is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.Suicidal thoughtsThis involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.Drug and alcohol abuseThis involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
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PhysicalMultiple sclerosisThis is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.Cerebral palsyhis refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.Muscular dystrophyMuscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.Spina BifidaThis is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.BlindnessVisual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."DeafnessHearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).Cystic FibrosisCystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.Multiple physicalAccommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Academic support
Type | Offered |
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Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Mild but clinically diagnosed learning disabilities
Type | Offered |
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Accommodations | |
Modifications | |
Extra support |
What Bodwell says:
Our school’s unique learning needs arise from a bigger group of ELL students coming from around the world. Therefore, we are carefully screening out students who might have other special learning needs that we cannot meet. If we discover students who might need assessment and eventually special education services, their parents will be carefully informed of how and where to get them.
Additional support
Type | Offered |
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Social skills programs | |
Occupational therapy | |
Psychotherapy | |
Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
Curriculum Delivery: This information is not currently available.
Class structure
Program | Offered |
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Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
In-class adaptations
Program | Offered |
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Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement) | |
Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement) | |
Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others) | |
Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement) | |
Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement) | |
Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement) |
What Bodwell says about their gifted learner support:
If students who are found gifted can benefit from our program offering, then they will continue at our school and their learning goals will be clearly set up among teachers, counsellors, students and parents. If we find out that they should be offered other opportunities, we discuss with parents to make this happen.
Homework Policy
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Bodwell students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.
8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
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Bodwell | 45 mins | 60 mins | 90 mins | 120 mins | 160 mins |
Site Average | 58 mins | 75 mins | 86 mins | 102 mins | 109 mins |
What Bodwell says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
How assessments are delivered across the grades
Type | Grades |
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Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 8 to Gr. 12 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 8 to Gr. 12 |
Extracurricular Activities
While academics remain the priority for most private schools, many also place a strong focus on a well-rounded education and encourage participation in extracurricular activities such as sports, music, arts, or clubs. Involvement in extracurriculars helps stimulate students in their studies, makes them more motivated to learn, and can make school more enjoyable and fulfilling. Extracurricular activities can also provide students with a much-needed break from the stresses of academics, while helping them to develop skills and allowing them to take part in valuable social situations.
Sports offered
Bodwell High School offers 8 competitive sports and 20 recreational sports.
- Badminton
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Downhill skiing
- Field Hockey
- Football
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Martial Arts
- Rugby
- Running
- Snowboarding
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Track & Field
- Volleyball
- Weightlifting
- Wrestling
Clubs offered
Bodwell High School offers 26 clubs and extracurricular programs.
What Bodwell says about their extracurricular activities:
- GVISAA Boys' Volleyball Champions 2014
- GVISAA Girls' Volleyball Champions 2014
- NSSSAA Senior Boys' Basketball Champions 2016
- BCHSBBA Senior Boys' Basketball Champions 2015
- NSSSAA Boys' Swimming Champions 2015