Achieving Excellence in Private School Academics
“They take smart risks, engendering a growth mindset, entrepreneurialism, and resilience.” – Grit & Joy: The Brentwood Strategic Plan
As a university preparatory school, the pursuit of academic excellence is one of Brentwood’s fundamental aims. Our curriculum is built around authentic learning opportunities that allow our students to experience a wide variety of teaching styles and learning techniques. Our academic schedule is flexible—enabling students to take courses that provide the best learning experience and strongest academic support. The teaching staff are committed to inspiring students and helping them discover a passion for lifelong learning.
Academics at Brentwood
What makes Brentwood academics different?
For one, we build our timetable around our students—not the other way around. Our evidence-based tripartite schedule enables academic success and wellness at the same time.
We prioritize curiosity, deep learning, and balance—so our students grow into thinkers and doers.
See for yourself!
Our Philosophy
Our private school academic program is driven by a commitment to provide a leading-edge place of learning for our students and staff. Brentwood recognizes that all students learn in their own unique way and need to be engaged to achieve their best. We ensure our students can capitalise on problem-solving opportunities through creative and critical thinking. We empower students to embrace curiosity and a willingness to take risks and make connections across a wide array of disciplines. Specific importance is placed on global mindedness, learning outside the classroom, and inspirational teaching from our passionate staff.
Learning Outside the Classroom
Since our private school is located on one kilometer of oceanfront, we are able to give our students exciting educational opportunities. Just outside our doors, students can observe wildlife and habitats, collect samples, investigate biospheres and biomes—or simply surround themselves with nature. This accessibility to the ocean, as well as annual trips to wilderness learning centres like Strathcona Park Lodge or Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, allows the integration of marine biology and oceanography into our science programs in a real and meaningful way.
Students also have the opportunity to take cultural trips to local communities (Duncan and Chemainus), partner with local elementary schools and look to our First Nations communities to share knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing. Learning outside the classroom is an authentic and enriching academics practice at Brentwood.
Student Support
Teaching students how to advocate for themselves and their own unique learning style is a key goal for everyone involved in our academic support system.
Students have easy access to teachers, tutors, counsellors, and advisors—all helping to support academic pursuits. We encourage our students to seek guidance and assistance through the many options available to them.
All of Brentwood’s teachers are involved in programs that take place outside of academic classes by offering extra help sessions, supervising evening Prep, coaching, or instructing in the arts. This allows our teachers to develop an in-depth understanding and personal relationship with our students as they interact in different venues and pursuits. Our staff members take the time to understand each of our students and provide personalized support to help them realize their full potential.
Schedule
Brentwood’s distinctive Tripartite Program is a scheduling framework that gives our students access to the most options in academics, arts, and athletics. A key component of the Tripartite Program centres around running our academic classes in the mornings.
Courses are taught Monday to Saturday, six days per week, from 8:15 am to 1:15 pm (Saturdays 10:15 am to 12:45 pm).
Following an afternoon of arts or athletics, students then re-engage in their academic tasks during evening study— known at Brentwood as “Prep”. During this time, students have access to additional help from the teachers who are on campus to support the houses and study areas.
Academics
The Brentwood timetable is focused around academics taking place in the morning, daily. Courses are taught Monday to Saturday, six days a week, from 8:15 am to 1:15 pm (Saturdays 10:15 am to 12:45 pm). Six academic blocks are rotated with three blocks per day on alternating days. A short break after the first class of the day, known as ‘Cookie Break’, gives students the chance to get a snack before finishing their morning classes. Tutorial blocks also take place on Tuesday and Friday mornings, where students have the opportunity to gain additional instruction in subjects that may require extra help.
Academic Block Rotation
Arts Schedule
Arts take place on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons. Each arts afternoon is broken up into hour-long blocks, allowing students to choose up to four different arts courses. This scheduling framework enables students to try a multitude of artistic fields during their time at Brentwood and allows them to grow a love of the arts through regular practice. Our arts program has flourished in this environment and the results speak for themselves—on stage or screen, in the studios and workshops, and through our exhibits on public display around campus.
Athletics Schedule
Athletics are run on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday afternoons—with our competitive teams also attending tournaments and league games when scheduled. Students are able to choose a different sport for each of the three terms. We offer a broad spectrum of recreational and competitive athletic opportunities, and encourage—particularly at the younger levels—student participation in multiple sports.
Food & Nutrition
At Brentwood, we recognize the importance of good nutrition and how our diet impacts our intellectual performance, physical wellness, and overall quality of life. Our Food Services Team goes to great lengths to provide students with healthy meals that are prepared on site—all while supporting specific students with dietary restrictions. Our daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner servings consist of a prepared meal that is complemented by self-serve options such as soup, sandwich or wraps, and the salad bar. Outside of the main meals of the day, students can fuel up at ‘Cookie Break’ after the first class of the day, or during evening Prep—when snacks are available in the houses. As well, each Sunday students are treated to the famous Brentwood Sunday Brunch—with more delicious choices available than space on the plate.
Advisors
Every Monday morning, students in small grade groups meet with their Advisor to review the students’ overall Brentwood experience. Their Advisor is a person that helps students to navigate the plethora of options and opportunities at Brentwood—with a focus on making sure that the student is overcoming challenges and working towards a productive outcome in all areas of their experience, through self-advocacy. The strong relationship developed by Advisor and advisee, as they continue together through each grade, ensures that each student is properly supported and understood in all aspects of their learning journey.
Tutorial
Dedicated time has been placed in our timetable to help students when they require additional instruction or assistance with their academics. This time highlights the need for students to develop the skills to identify any challenges they face and how best to self-advocate for their own learning styles. Tutorial takes shape in many ways, from one-on-one instruction with teachers to group work in our collaboration areas.
Assembly
Every Thursday, our students and staff gather in the Killy Theatre for the schoolwide assembly. During this time, staff and student presenters promote upcoming events, celebrate our accomplishments, and reflect on topics taking place in the Brentwood community and around the world. Assembly brings our community together, where all students can feel the support of their peers while presenting or while being recognized for an achievement.
Sleep-in
Every Wednesday morning, students begin classes at 9:30 am instead of 8:15 am. This mid-week sleep-in is designed to give students a well-deserved rest that will help them with both their physical and mental wellness. As well, during this time, our faculty meet to further their professional development in a collaborative setting.
Evening Prep
On weeknights, as the day is winding down, students return to their houses and engage in two hours of academic study, known as Prep. From 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm dedicated study time is supervised by the faculty, giving students the opportunity to get extra help when required and to not simply do homework in isolation. With all the students doing their prep at the same time, no one is missing out on any activities—further reducing distractions and increasing their ability to focus on completing work successfully.
Saturday Night
Saturday nights are one of the most engaging and joyful nights on campus. Many of the major school events take place on a Saturday night, including athletics showcases and arts performances that are attended by the entire school. Throughout the year, each boarding house will host an evening ‘open house’—where students from across campus come to enjoy a themed evening and celebrate the pride of each house. Saturday evenings are also a time when students can enjoy activities organized by their respective houseparents. These relaxed times in the house are often mentioned by alumni as some of their favourite moments at Brentwood.
University Placement
Through self-evaluation, research, post-secondary school visits, and extensive counselling, students learn to make informed decisions about the schools and programs which most suit their aptitudes and aspirations. Brentwood’s university counselling team works with each student individually to ensure our students have the support needed to effectively plan their post-secondary education.
Academic Facilities
Our oceanfront campus is outfitted with the latest technology to provide our students with the best possible learning environment, both inside and outside of the classroom. Teachers take full advantage of our unique setting on the waters of the Saanich Inlet and use outdoor teaching spaces during all times of the year. Classrooms are designed with flexible seating arrangements to facilitate different learning techniques.
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Curricular Activities
Brentwood’s academics are challenging and immersive. Our teachers diversify the way in which they deliver the academic curriculum through a variety of activities and teaching methods. Many of the most memorable lessons include experiential learning—where students take a hands-on approach to education.
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+1 (250) 743-5521
admissions@brentwood.ca
info@brentwood.ca
2735 Mount Baker Road
Mill Bay, BC, Canada V8H 1K8