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Brookes Westshore ACADEMICS & Curriculum
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Insider community voices
Hear directly from Brookes Westshore community as they share insights into the Academics.
Curriculum
[Show definition of Curriculum]
Curriculum approach at Brookes Westshore: Progressive, International Baccalaureate
Brookes Westshore has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).
[Show: About Progressive, International Baccalaureate?]
Brookes Westshore 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.
What Brookes Westshore says about their overall curriculum and approach:
We currently offer the IB Diploma Programme for grades 11 and 12, and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grades 6 through 10. Our school embraces the newly revised BC Ministry curriculum and is taught through the MYP and IB framework. Our approach is to engage students in big ideas, asking essential questions to make learning meaningful and relevant. For 2020 we will be pioneering a grade 4 and 5 class as we build towards offering the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP).
International Baccalaureate program(s) offered
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| Primary Years | |
| Middle Years | |
| Diploma program | |
| Career-related program |
Approach
| Focus |
|---|
| Academic |
Pedagogies and subject courses:
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Mathematics
Mathematics approach at Brookes Westshore: Equal Balance
Brookes Westshore has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math, Discovery Math approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Brookes Westshore says:
This information is not currently available.
Textbooks and supplementary materials:
This information is not currently available.
Calculator policy:
This information is not currently available.
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Early Reading
Early Reading approach at Brookes Westshore: Balanced Literacy
Brookes Westshore has a Balanced Literacy approach to Early Reading (as opposed to Phonics-intensive, Whole Language approach).
[Show: About Balanced Literacy?]What Brookes Westshore says:
This information is not currently available.
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
What Brookes Westshore says:
This information is not currently available.
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Writing
Writing approach at Brookes Westshore: Process approach
Brookes Westshore has a Process approach approach to Writing (as opposed to Systematic approach, Equal balance approach).
[Show: About Process approach?]What Brookes Westshore says:
This information is not currently available.
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Science
Science approach at Brookes Westshore: Equal Balance
Brookes Westshore has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository, Inquiry approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]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
Literature approach at Brookes Westshore: Equal Balance
Brookes Westshore has an Equal Balance approach to Literature (as opposed to Traditional, Social Justice approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Brookes Westshore says:
We teach literature as a progression of analysis skill building, and learning to express ideas through presentations and writing through the grades. Students are exposed to diverse cultural views through different types of texts and being able to understand the different means through which a writer can convey their ideas and purpose to an audience. Students are encouraged to think independently and collaborate with others in the learning process. In the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, students will study Language and Literature course in their mother language. Many of our international students in this programme love to be able to have this opportunity.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Canadian lit American lit European (continental) lit World (non-Western) lit English lit Ancient lit Social Studies
Social Studies approach at Brookes Westshore: Thematic
Brookes Westshore has a Thematic approach to Social Studies (as opposed to Core Knowledge, Expanding Communities approach).
[Show: About Thematic?]What Brookes Westshore says:
This information is not currently available.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Brookes Westshore: Equal Balance
Brookes Westshore has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism, Pragmatism approach).
[Show: About Equal Balance?]What Brookes Westshore says:
This information is not currently available.
Foreign Languages
Foreign Languages approach at Brookes Westshore: Communicative
Brookes Westshore has a Communicative approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual, Equal Balance approach).
[Show: About Communicative?]What Brookes Westshore says:
Most of our students study French until Grade 10 and many universities require an additional language for their programs. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme requires all IB students (Grade 11 and 12) to complete a second language.
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 Brookes Westshore: Equal Balance
Brookes Westshore 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 Brookes Westshore says:
Visual Arts encourage students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. Students develop analytical skills in problem-solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers. By exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and reflect upon a wide range of contemporary art practices and media. Courses are designed for students who wish to study the arts at a post High School level, as well as for those who are seeking lifelong enrichment. We celebrate the visual arts in the way we create images and objects, and in the way we appreciate, enjoy, respect and respond to the practices of art-making by others from around the world. Theories and practices are dynamic and connect many areas of knowledge and human experience through individual and collaborative exploration, creative production and thoughtful interpretation.
Computers and Technology
Computers and Technology approach at Brookes Westshore: Light integration
Brookes Westshore has a Light integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Heavy integration, Medium integration approach).
[Show: About Light integration?]What Brookes Westshore says:
This information is not currently available.
Program covers:
Subject Offered Computer science Robotics Web design Physical Education
What Brookes Westshore says:
We believe in a creating a balance of the physical and academic by providing PE to all of our students. Daily physical activity is a requirement of all of our students.
IB Diploma courses
Group 1 (Language A)
- English Literature SL
- English Literature HL
Group 2 (Language B)
- French SL
- French HL
- French ab initio SL
- Japanese ab initio SL
Group 3 (Individuals and Societies)
- Economics SL
- Economics HL
- Geography SL
- Geography HL
- History SL
- History HL
- Psychology SL
- Psychology HL
Group 4 (Experimental Sciences)
- Chemistry SL
- Chemistry HL
- Biology SL
- Biology HL
- Physics SL
- Physics HL
Group 5 (Mathematics)
- Mathematical Studies SL
- Mathematics SL
- Mathematics HL
Group 6 (The Arts)
- Visual Arts SL
Advanced Placement courses
This information is not currently available.Sex and health education
Sex and health education approach at Brookes Westshore: British Columbia curriculum
Brookes Westshore 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:
Brookes Westshore has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).[Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]What Brookes Westshore says:
This information is not currently available.
Language
Learn about Brookes Westshore's languages of instruction and enrolment.
Brookes Westshore offers English as the primary language of instruction.
Language of enrolment include: English
Curriculum Pace
[Show definition of Curriculum Pace]
Curriculum Pace approach at Brookes Westshore: Accelerated
Brookes Westshore has an Accelerated approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Standard-enriched, Student-paced approach).
[Show: About Accelerated?]
What Brookes Westshore says about their curriculum pace:
Our International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme provides the opportunity for students to learn how to learn. The IB programme provides for a deeper learning than the standard provincial curriculum.
Flexible pacing style
| Type | 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 Brookes Westshore says about their flexible pacing:
This information is not currently available.
Academic Culture
[Show definition of Academic Culture]
Academic Culture approach at Brookes Westshore: Rigorous
Brookes Westshore has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).
[Show: About Rigorous?]
What Brookes Westshore says about their academic culture:
This information is not currently available.
Developmental priorities
[Show definition of 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 Brookes Westshore says about their developmental priorities:
We offer challenging learning environments to develop the imagination and the motivation to excel, and to inspire a joy of learning that is infused with enthusiasm and empathy.
Special needs support
[Show definition of Special needs support]
Brookes Westshore offers Full-time Dedicated Class
Students are placed in a separate special education class.
A - Forms of Support
Accommodation:
Modification:
Remediation:
B - Environments
Resource Assistance:
Withdrawal Assistance:
Partial Integration:
Full-Time Class:
Special NeedNeed
Forms of SupportA
EnvironmentsB
ADHD
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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 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | |
| Modifications | |
| Extra support |
What Brookes Westshore says:
As a small school our learning assistance is limited to extra support after classes with some in-class accommodations based on specific student needs and the classroom learning environment.
Additional support
| Type | Offered |
|---|---|
| Social skills programs | |
| Occupational therapy | |
| Psychotherapy | |
| Speech-language therapy |
Gifted learner support
[Show definition of Gifted learner support]
Curriculum Delivery: Enrichment
The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.
Class structure
| Program | Offered |
|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|
| 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 Brookes Westshore says about their gifted learner support:
Our teachers work hard to help each student achieve their highest success. There are many ways for students to excel, particularly within the higher grades and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
Homework Policy
[Show definition of Homework Policy]
Nightly homework
In grade Gr. 12, Brookes Westshore students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.
| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookes Westshore | 0 mins | 0 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins |
| Site Average | 31 mins | 37 mins | 44 mins | 56 mins | 60 mins | 75 mins | 84 mins | 100 mins | 107 mins |
What Brookes Westshore says about their flipped classroom policy:
This information is not currently available.
Report Card Policy
[Show definition of Report Card Policy]
How assessments are delivered across the grades
| Type | Grades |
|---|---|
| Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
| Prose (narrative)-based feedback | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
| Academic achievement reporting | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
| Parent-teacher meetings | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 |
