Branksome Hall

Deep-dive and commentary on programming

• Academics

  Academics Summary: [Hide summary]

  • Curriculum: Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
    • Mathematics: Traditional Math
    • Early Reading:
    • Writing:
    • Science:
    • Literature:
    • Social Studies :
    • Humanities and Social Sciences :
    • Foreign Languages:
    • Fine Arts: Equal Balance
    • Computers and Technology: Heavy integration
    • Physical Education:
    • IB Diploma courses: 32 courses
    • Advanced Placement courses:
    • Sex and health education: Ontario curriculum
  • Preschool/K Curriculum: Play-based
  • Curriculum Pace: Standard-enriched
  • Academic Culture: Rigorous
  • Developmental priorities: Intellectual
  • Special needs support: No support
  • Gifted learner support: No Support
  • Language: English

  
  

  • Curriculum Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate
    [Show definition of Curriculum]

    Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

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    Curriculum approach at Branksome Hall: Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate

    Branksome Hall has a Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Progressive, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

    [Show: About Liberal Arts, International Baccalaureate?]

    Liberal Arts curricula share with traditional programs their emphasis on core knowledge-acquisition, but tend to borrow more best practices from the progressive approach. A Liberal Arts program might still feature group work and projects, for example, contrary to the more singular emphasis on tests and essays at a Traditional program.

    Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Liberal arts - 17%
      Traditional - 15%
      Progressive - 17%
      Montessori - 17%
      Reggio Emilia - 17%
      Waldorf - 17%
    

    Branksome Hall has a International Baccalaureate approach to secondary 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.

    What Branksome Hall says: Branksome Hall is Toronto’s only all-girls, all-years International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. Our IB Advantage for Girls sparks students’ curiosity and passion for new challenges through our unique combination of outstanding academics, well-being, international mindedness and strong focus on innovation. Our inquiry-based Liberal Arts curriculum is enriched by our four core values: sense of community, inclusiveness, creativity and making a difference. A Kindergarten to Grade 12 independent school, Branksome Hall educates 900 girls on our 13-acre campus in downtown Toronto. Our state-of-the art facilities include an Athletics and Wellness Centre with two saltwater pools, STEAM Studio, Makerspaces and numerous flexible learning environments. We offer a Boarding Program and an immersive Study Abroad Program with our sister school, Branksome Hall Asia in South Korea. Our graduates are welcomed by leading universities in Canada and around the world, most with scholarships. More than $1 million in student financial assistance is provided each year. Branksome continues to set the pace for innovation in girls’ education, ensuring today’s students are well-prepared to solve tomorrow’s complex problems.

    International Baccalaureate offered:

    Program	offered
    Primary Years
    Middle Years
    Diploma program
    Career-related program

    Approach:

    Focus
    Academic

    Pedagogies and subject courses:

    • Mathematics Traditional Math
      Mathematics approach at Branksome Hall: Traditional Math

      Branksome Hall has a Traditional Math approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Discovery Math , Equal Balance approach).

      [Show: About Traditional Math?]

      Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.

      Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

        Traditional math - 34%
        Discovery math - 33%
        Equal balance - 33%
      

      What Branksome Hall says: The Mathematics program at Branksome provides opportunities for university-bound students to develop a strong understanding of mathematics; practise strategies for applying knowledge and skills to solve complex problems in both real-life and abstract situations; communicate reasoning using mathematical conventions and terminology; and become proficient in using graphing calculators and relevant computer software. Students will learn new mathematical concepts and skills through class discussion, group work and individual practice. In all grades, students will be encouraged to develop specific study strategies that can promote academic success here at Branksome and later at university.

      Textbooks and supplementary materials: This information is not currently available.

      Calculator policy: This information is not currently available.

    • Early Reading

      What Branksome Hall says: This information is not currently available.

      DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.

      What Branksome Hall says: This information is not currently available.

    • Writing

      What Branksome Hall says: This information is not currently available.

    • Science

      Teaching approach: This information is not currently available.

      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

      What Branksome Hall says: This information is not currently available.

    • Social Studies

      What Branksome Hall says: This information is not currently available.

    • Humanities and Social Sciences

      What Branksome Hall says: This information is not currently available.

    • Foreign Languages

      What Branksome Hall says: This information is not currently available.

    • Fine Arts Equal Balance
      Fine Arts approach at Branksome Hall: Equal Balance

      Branksome Hall has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive , Creative approach).

      [Show: About Equal Balance?]

      These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

      Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

        Equal balance - 61%
        Receptive - 2%
        Creative - 37%
      

      Program offers:

      Subject	offered
      Acting
      Dance
      Drama/Theatre
      Graphic Design
      Music
      Visual Arts

      Visual studio philosophy:

      Expressive
      Disciplined

      What Branksome Hall says: This information is not currently available.

    • Computers and Technology Heavy integration
      Computers and Technology approach at Branksome Hall: Heavy integration

      Branksome Hall has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration , Medium integration approach).

      [Show: About Heavy integration?]

      A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.

      Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

        Heavy integration - 33%
        Light integration - 20%
        Medium integration - 47%
      

      What Branksome Hall says: This information is not currently available.

      Program covers:

      Subject	offered
      Computer science
      Robotics
      Web design

    • Physical Education

      What Branksome Hall says: This information is not currently available.

    • IB Diploma courses 32 courses
      Group 1 (Language A)

      • English Literature SL

      • English Literature HL

      Group 2 (Language B)

      • French SL

      • French HL

      • Spanish SL

      • Spanish HL

      • Spanish ab initio SL

      Group 3 (Individuals and Societies)

      • Economics SL

      • Economics HL

      • Geography SL

      • Geography HL

      • History SL

      • History HL

      Group 4 (Experimental Sciences)

      • Chemistry SL

      • Chemistry HL

      • Biology SL

      • Biology HL

      • Physics SL

      • Physics HL

      • Environmental Systems SL

      • Sports, Exercise and Health Science SL

      Group 5 (Mathematics)

      • Mathematical Studies SL

      • Mathematics SL

      • Mathematics HL

      Group 6 (The Arts)

      • Music SL

      • Music HL

      • Theatre SL

      • Theatre HL

      • Visual Arts SL

      • Visual Arts HL

      • Film SL

      • Film HL
    • Advanced Placement courses
      This information is not currently available.
    • Sex and health education Ontario curriculum
      Sex and health education approach at Branksome Hall: Ontario curriculum

      Branksome Hall has an Ontario curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

      [Show: About Ontario curriculum?]

      The structure, pacing, focus, and tone of the sex education curriculum reflects that of the provincial one, taught in public schools.

      Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

        Follows provincial curriculum - 55%
        Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 45%
      

      Approach to sex and health education: Mostly value-neutral

      Branksome Hall has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).

      [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

      By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

      What Branksome Hall says: The goal of our curriculum is to encourage respectful and open-minded conversation. Our approach is to equip our students with the information they need to make well-informed decisions based on their own personal experiences, values and beliefs.

    
    

    Jump to:

    • Mathematics

    • Early Reading

    • Writing

    • Science

    • Literature

    • Social Studies

    • Humanities and Social Sciences

    • Foreign Languages

    • Fine Arts

    • Computers and Technology

    • Physical Education

    • IB Diploma courses

    • Advanced Placement courses

    • Sex and health education
  • Preschool/K Curriculum Play-based
    [Show definition of Preschool/K Curriculum]

    Preschools and kindergartens tend to have a particular curriculum or curricular approach. This refers to what is taught and how it's taught. Most preschools have a curriculum that comprises a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. A preschool's curriculum may or may not, though, reflect its higher-level curriculum (if it's part of a school with elementary or secondary programs)

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    Preschool/K Curriculum approach at Branksome Hall: Play-based

    Branksome Hall has a Play-based approach to Preschool/K Curriculum (as opposed to Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Academic approach).

    [Show: About Play-based?]

    Play-based programs are the most common type of preschool and Kindergarten, and are founded on the belief young children learn best through play. Largely open-ended and minimally structured, play-based programs aim to develop social skills and a love of attending school. “Pre-academic” skills are taught, but in a more indirect way than at, say, an Academic program: through children playing in different “stations” set up around the classroom, which children choose on their own volition. Stations often contain an indirect lesson or developmental goal. Play-based classrooms are highly social and active.

    Preschool/K Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

      Play-based - 20%
      Montessori - 20%
      Waldorf - 20%
      Reggio emilia - 20%
      Academic - 20%
    

    What Branksome Hall says: The Junior School sparks a joy and interest in learning that will stay with a student for life. Caring teachers stimulate natural curiosity. Small classes allow for the personal attention that helps a young girl thrive and develop her self-esteem. Students follow a curriculum that provides a solid grounding in basic skills and promotes good study habits. From the earliest age, girls learn to express themselves as competent communicators and to develop self reliance. Students learn through inquiry-based instruction within a variety of subject disciplines, including English and French, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, and Physical Education.

  • Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched
    [Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

    This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

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    Curriculum Pace approach at Branksome Hall: Standard-enriched

    Branksome Hall has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

    [Show: About Standard-enriched?]

    Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

    Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

      Standard-enriched - 58%
      Accelerated - 18%
      Student-paced - 24%
    

    What Branksome Hall says: We offer all three International Baccalaureate (IB) programs: PYP (Primary Years Program) for JK to Grade 6, MYP (Middle Years Program) for Grades 7 to 10 and the DP (Diploma Program) for Grades 11 & 12.

    Flexible pacing style

    Flexible pacing style	offered
    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 Branksome Hall says about flexible pacing: This information is not currently available.

  • Academic Culture Rigorous
    [Show definition of Academic Culture]

    Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

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    Academic Culture approach at Branksome Hall: Rigorous

    Branksome Hall has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).

    [Show: About Rigorous?]

    A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

    Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

      Rigorous - 50%
      Supportive - 50%
    

    What Branksome Hall says: This information is not currently available.

  • Developmental priorities Intellectual
    [Show definition of Developmental priorities]

    Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

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    Primary Developmental Priority: Intellectual

    The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

    Secondary Developmental Priority: Balanced

    "Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation."

    What Branksome Hall says: This information is not currently available.

  • Special needs support
    [Show definition of Special needs support]

    Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

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    What Branksome Hall says about their special need support: Branksome Hall follows an inclusion and Learning Diversity Policy where every student is the responsibility of every classroom teacher and where our teachers take ownership of the special learning needes of students in their classroom and differentiate their instruction to meet those needs.

    Academic Support:

    Subject Type	offered
    Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
    Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

    Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

    Subject Type	offered
    Accommodations
    Modifications
    Extra support

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    Summary: As Branksome Hall is an independent school with a rigorous admissions process, our students with identified learning needs are generally high-functioning students. They have formal, individual, written plans based on a psycho-educational assessment, medical documentation or social emotional documentation. Provincial funding is not available for our Learning Strategies program. For this reason, Branksome is unable to support students whose learning needs exceed the inclusive classroom.

    A - Forms of Support

    Accommodation:

    Modification:

    Remediation:

    B - Environments

    Indirect Support:

    Resource Assistance:

    Withdrawal Assistance:

    Partial Integration:

    Full-Time Class:

    
    

    Special NeedNeed

    Forms of SupportA

    EnvironmentsB

    ADHD

    • Learning disabilities
      Dyslexia (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.

      Dyscalculia

      This 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.

      Dysgraphia

      This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.

      Language Processing Disorder

      This 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 Deficit

      A 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.
    • Developmental
      Autism

      Refers 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 Syndrome

      On 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 syndrome

      his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.

      Intellectual disability

      This 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 syndrome

      This 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.
    • Behavioral and Emotional
      Troubled behaviour / troubled teens

      roubled 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 Depression

      This 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 anxiety

      This 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 thoughts

      This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.

      Drug and alcohol abuse

      This 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.
    • Physical
      Multiple sclerosis

      This 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 palsy

      his 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 dystrophy

      Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.

      Spina Bifida

      This 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.

      Blindness

      Visual 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."

      Deafness

      Hearing 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 Fibrosis

      Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.

      Multiple physical

      Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

    Read our guide to special needs schools and special education

  • Gifted learner support No Support
    [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

    Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

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    Curriculum delivery: This information is not currently available.

    In-class adaptations:

    Program	offered
    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 Branksome Hall says: This information is not currently available.

  • Language English
    Branksome Hall offers English as the primary language of instruction.

    Language of enrollment include: English
• Extracurriculars
  [Show definition of Extracurriculars]

  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.

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  What Branksome Hall says:

  • Branksome Hall's rowing and debating programs are world-ranked. We are the reigning Canadian champions for both rowing and debating.

  Sports offered

  Competitive sports: 16
  Recreational sports: N/A

  Legend:     Competitive offered           Recreational offered

  all sports]

  • Archery
  • Curling
  • Badminton
  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Cricket
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Cycling
  • Downhill skiing
  • Equestrian
  • Fencing
  • Field Hockey
  • Figure Skating
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Ice Hockey
  • Ice Skating
  • Lacrosse
  • Martial Arts
  • Mountain biking
  • Racquet Ball
  • Rowing
  • Rugby
  • Running
  • Sailing
  • Skateboarding
  • Snowboarding
  • Soccer
  • Softball
  • Squash
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Track & Field
  • Volleyball
  • Weightlifting
  • Wrestling

  ---

  Clubs offered

  Branksome Hall offers 28 clubs and extracurricular programs.

  Legend:     Clubs offered           Clubs not offered

  all clubs and programs]

    Foreign Language Club

    Habitat for Humanity

    Jazz Ensemble

    Math Club

    Musical theatre/Opera

    Ballet and Classical Ballet

    Online Magazine

    Outdoor Club

    Outdoor Education

    Paintball

    Photography

    Poetry/Literature club

    Radio club

    Robotics club

    Round Square

    School newspaper

    Science Club

    Scouting

    Student Council

    Yearbook

    Yoga

    Animation

    Art Club

    Astronomy Club

    Audiovisual Club

    Band

    Chess Club

    Choir

    Community Service

    Computer Club

    Dance Club

    Debate Club

    Drama Club

    Environmental Club

  
  
• Tuition & Financial Aid
  [Show definition of Tuition & Financial Aid]

  This can depend on a number of factors, including the type of school, living arrangements, what’s included in tuition, school location, resources, and facilities. Many private schools in Canada have tuition that ranges between $6,000 and $12,000 a year. While some schools, such as schools which provide room and board, can be more expensive, many of these schools provide ways to defray the costs of tuition. For instance, they may offer merit-based scholarships or needs-based financial aid (often referred to as “bursaries” or “subsidies”).

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  Day Boarding

   

  	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day	$33,630												$36,630
  Boarding									$63,805				$66,805

  
  

  What Branksome Hall says about their tuition: This information is not currently available.

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  Need-based financial aid

  Grade range that need-based aid is offered:	7 to 12
  Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid	5%
  Average aid package size	$0
  Percentage of total enrolment on financial aid	5%
  Total aid available	$0

  Application Deadline:

  N/A  (Repeats annually)

  More information:

  https://www.branksome.on.ca/admissions/financial-assistance

  Application Details:

  This school works with Apple Financial Inc. for processing financial applications
  Branksome is proud of its ability to support students through entrance merit scholarships and a program of financial assistance (bursaries). Our philosophy is to support, in part, as many families as possible as they look to finance their Branksome experience from Grade 7 to 12.

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  Merit based Scholarships

  This information is not currently available.

• Enrollment
  [Show definition of enrolment]

  Private schools come in all shapes and sizes. Some larger schools have enrolment numbers in the thousands, while some smaller schools have only a few dozen students. Boarding schools tend to be on the larger side, while alternative schools, such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf, are normally smaller. Besides the overall size of school, there are other important facts you’ll want to know about a school’s enrolment. For instance, here you can learn about a school’s enrolment for separate streams (if they have them), such as day and boarding, its average class size, and its average enrolment per grade.

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  Enrolment Details:

  	Grades	Gender	Living Arrangement	Enrolment
  Group 1	JK to Gr. 12	All girls	Day	900
  Group 2	Gr. 7 to Gr. 12	All girls	Boarding	54

  Additional Statistics:

  Total enrolment	954
  Average class size	12 to 22
  % of international students (total enrolment)	N/A
  Number of different nationalities within student population	N/A
  Five-day boarding program offered	N/A
  % in boarding (grade-eligible)	9%

  Student Distribution:

  	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Enrollment	10	16	30	32	40	44	46	46	86	88	103	99	104	99
  Boarding Enrollment									2	2	9	18	14	13

• Admission
  [Show definition of Admission]

  Private schools in Canada have admissions policies. All schools have some required application materials, though these vary between schools. These may include letters of application, application fees, essays, and exams (such as the SSAT). Many schools also require interviews with prospective students, either with their parents, on their own, or both. Schools also have different standards and priorities when evaluating student applications, different acceptance rates (which may vary between grade levels), and target different kinds of students. To improve your child’s chances of acceptance, you should find out everything you can about a school’s admissions policies and how they assess applicants.

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  Admissions Requirements

  Assessment	Required	Grades
  Interview		JK - 12
  SSAT		9 - 11
  SSAT (out of province)		7 - 11
  Entrance Exam(s)
  Entrance Essay

  Day students: December 01, 2021
  Boarding students: Rolling
  Offer mid-year entry: No

  Fees:

  Application fee: N/A
  Registration fee: N/A
  Deposit: N/A

  What Branksome Hall says:

  • Completed online application form (www.http://branksome.on.ca/admissions/Pages/Apply.aspx)
  • Recent report cards: the most recent report card plus the final report cards from the two previous years
  • Any other pertinent educational information that might assist the school in understanding your daughter's history (e.g., an educational assessment)
  • Interview for Grades 4-12
  • Entrance test (SSATs or Branksome Hall entrance tests) for Grades 9-11

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  Acceptance

  Acceptance Rate: 30%

  This is the percentage of applicants typically accepted into the school. So if 50 students are admitted out of 100 applicants, the school has an overall acceptance rate of 50%.

  
  

  Day Boarding
  

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  Student Entry Points

  This shows approximately how many openings there are likely to be in each grade in a typical year, as well as the estimated acceptance rate for each grade level.

  
  

  Student Type	JK	SK	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
  Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate)	10 - 14	4 - 8	12 - 18	4 - 6	4 - 8	2 - 4	0 - 4	0 - 4	40 - 46	0 - 4	12 - 24	6 - 12	4 - 8	0
  Boarding Acceptance (Acceptance rate)									0 - 4	0 - 4	3 - 12	4 - 12	4 - 8	0 - 2

  Type of student Branksome Hall is looking for:
  Students who thrive at Branksome Hall are thoughtful learners who seek knowledge and think critically. Even at a young age, Branksome Hall students are comfortable with differing points of view and they ask challenging questions and solve complex problems. It is important that students are interested in engaging with the school, their community and the world around us. Some key words that describe the Branksome Hall student include risk-taker, communicator, thinker, inquirer, principled, caring, open-minded, balanced, reflective, spirited and awe-inspiring.
• University Placement
  [Show definition of University Placement]

  Where graduates of a school do their post-secondary studies can be an important factor in choosing a private school. Do you want your child to go to a Canadian university, an Ivy league school in the US, or some other institute? Regardless of your inclinations, take a look at a school’s university placement record, and the services they offer to support university applications and decisions.

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  Key Numbers

  Average graduating class size	115
  Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation	N/A

  Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada	N/A
  Students who attended a Ivy+ school Number of students in the past 5 years that that attended one of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford or Cambridge (UK)	38

  Post-Secondary Schools Attended

  This information is not currently available.

  Areas of Study

  • Branksome Hall
  • OurKids.net Site Average

  Branksome Hall Graduates’ Post-Secondary Studies:

  This information is not currently available.

  Aggregate of All Schools’ Post-Secondary Studies:

    24% - Liberal Arts and Sciences
    25% - Engineering and Applied Sciences
    24% - Business/Commerce
    4% - Fine and Performing Arts
    14% - Applied Health Sciences
    2% - Applied Professional Studies (Post-grad certificate / diploma)
    6% - Other
  

  
  

  Services Offered to Students

  Career planning
  Internships	N/A

  Mentorship Program	N/A
  University counseling

  What Branksome Hall says:

  • Choosing a university is a match to be made and not a prize to be won. At Branksome Hall, the Guidance and University counselling team prides itself on providing individualised support for our girls through the university exploration and application process. Postsecondary planning begins in Grade 10 with the Careers Studies course, and carries through the Diploma 1 and 2 (Grade 11 and 12) years. We encourage students to discover the best university fit for them, through one-on-one counselling, exploration of postsecondary resources, writing clinics, application workshops, student-parent information evenings, and annual visits from over 80 university representatives. The enrichment offered through the academically rigorous International Baccalaureate program offered at Branksome Hall, enhances the girls’ educational experience, thoroughly preparing our students for the demands of university programs, and providing multiple avenues for girls to explore their passion for service learning, athletics and well-being, and creativity. Given their rich academic and co-curricular experiences, it is no surprise that Branksome girls are admitted to, and thrive at, a wide variety of top universities and programs in Canada and globally.
• Notable Alumni
  [Show definition of Notable Alumni]

  Many private schools in Canada have numerous graduates who have gone on to great things. Learn about a school’s most influential, important, successful, and famous alumni.

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  Alumnus	Grad Year	Accomplishment
  Budge Wilson	1945	Award-winning Canadian author. Member of the Order of Canada. Received the Order of Nova Scotia.
  Nancy Ruth	1960	Canadian Senator
  Ann Rohmer	1976	Lead TV anchor of CP24, Toronto
  Linda McQuaig	1969	Noted social critic, author (The Wealthy Banker's Wife), and journalist. The National Post described her as "Canada's Michael Moore".
  Marjorie Gross	1974	Television writer and producer. Wrote for numerous shows including Seinfeld.
  Stacey Farber	2005	Actress best known for her role as "Eleanor" on the TV show, "Degrassi: The Next Generation"
  Jackie Burroughs	1957	Gemini-winning actress. Received a Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement.

• Principal's Message
  Karen L. Jurjevich, Principal

  “Branksome Hall will change your life.”

  This is something I've told new students and families countless times over my more than two decades serving as Branksome’s Principal.

  Since our founding in 1903, thousands of great women have walked our halls as Branksome students. They have been routinely welcomed into the finest colleges and universities around the world, with many receiving scholarships. Branksome alumnae have gone on to make a difference in just about any and every imaginable field and endeavour. I can't help but be awed by the impact they have had, and continue to have, on the world around us.

  But I shouldn’t be surprised. Our alumnae's inspiring achievements are, in many ways, a direct reflection of their Branksome experience. Everything we do is guided by our powerful mission: each day, we challenge and inspire girls to love learning and shape a better world.

  Branksome is a unique school. As Toronto’s only all girls, all years IB World School, we offer our students an academically excellent program in tandem with unmatched commitments to global engagement and well-being. At Branksome, girls are taught the skills they need to thrive in our changing world. They learn how to find their own strong voices and develop as lifelong learners.

  As you read through this website, you’ll discover more about the Branksome difference and what sets us apart. When you’re ready to learn more, drop by our campus for an Open House or reach out to our Admission team. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing more about what makes our school so very, truly remarkable.

  Sincerely,

  Karen L. Jurjevich
  Principal

  
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