A Message from our Head of School - Jerry Salvador

It was another week of opportunities for our students to connect with each other and the wider community. Thanks to all staff and students who have worked hard to unlock the potential of our school.

A particular highlight was the All Candidates’ Meeting. There were some pretty incisive questions from our students which drew clear distinctions between the parties and their stance on key issues. It was a great success, and we were delighted that so many of our families attended the event.

This week’s newsletter is focused on the IB programme. Linda Bayes, our VP of Academics, provides a wonderful overview of how the IB works and the specific skills we want our students to acquire. Check out her article: What is an IB education? 

Also remember that you can join us for two upcoming events:

Halloween Dance (October 30th from 5:30 to 8:00 pm)

We would love to see you at our Halloween dance. Please dress up and have scary fun with our community. Keep an eye open for volunteer opportunities.

Royals Hockey (Saturday November 2nd) 

Come along with us to support the Royals.

Join us! Be Brookes!

WHAT IS AN IB EDUCATION?

Brookes Westshore is very proud to be able to offer the IB as the curriculum. The programmes we offer have become highly recognized by universities around the world because they prepare students to learn independently, think critically and become responsible members of the community. Brookes Westshore is authorized to provide the IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 6-10) and the Diploma Programme (Grades 11-12).

The philosophy of the IB places emphasis on a constructivist approach to education which includes the scaffolding and building of knowledge over time:   

Teaching and learning in the IB celebrates the many ways people work together to construct meaning and make sense of the world. Through the interplay of asking, doing and thinking, this constructivist approach leads towards open, democratic classrooms. An IB education empowers young people for a lifetime of learning, independently and in collaboration with others. It prepares a community of learners to engage with global challenges through inquiry, action and reflection. (IBO, What is an IB Education)

With the vast amount of knowledge available to students, the IB takes a conceptual approach to learning, and this is very evident in the Middle Years Programme. Conceptual Learning places emphasis on students understanding overarching ideas (concepts) rather than simply memorizing some facts or formulas. The goal is to understand great issues and how they relate to our daily lives.

These concepts are implemented in the Middle Years Programme through Units of Study. A class will focus on 2-3 concepts which are explored and developed over an extended period of time. Each unit is designed around a global context which facilitates the development of meaningful learning experiences.

A Global Context for Learning

The IB promotes the development of Internationally Minded students through the learning of other languages and cultures.  Each programme requires that a student study a second language in all years of the programme.  As well, students are encouraged to look at issues through different cultural lenses.

All IB students are taught the development of the skills necessary to become life-long learner.  These skills are called Approaches to Learning which include social awareness, communication, self-management, research and thinking skills.  These skills are explicitly taught in every year of the programme. 

Service Learning is an aspect of all IB programmes which helps students to foster an attitude of helping others who are less fortunate.  Our community service projects have taken off this year and students are involved in many service activities such as working with the disabled, the homeless, and seniors.

The curriculum of Diploma Programme is a prescribed syllabus for each subject with overarching themes of inquiry, service, critical thinking and life-long learning. The syllabus for each subject group is reviewed and revised every 7 years by a group of international educators and subject group examiners.  The Diploma Programme is a rigorous academic programme which prepares students to a very high standard for university. 

The IB programme creates life-long learners prepared to make a better world!

Grant grew up in the Cowichan Valley and now lives in Colwood - close enough to respond to any IT emergencies that may arise! His passion for technology began at a young age and has only grown in recent years. Fascinated by how things work he is dedicated to solving staff and student IT challenges at Brookes Westshore. Being self taught, Grant is a creative problem solver - a skill that is often called upon in his work supporting student and staff. "I love helping students with their IT challenges and it was so much fun to hand out the school laptops to grade 6 to 8 students this year." With a background in small business support, he is enjoying the new challenges of an educational environment. Grant has been working tirelessly to improve the IT infrastructure at Brookes Westshore and has a strong vision for the future of Brookes ICT.  
 

Democracy in Action at Brookes Westshore

Local candidates from Esquimalt, Saanich and Sooke took to the hustings in an open All-Candidates Debate held at Brookes Westshore on Wednesday in the build-up to the federal election next week.

Our students posed their questions to candidates from the Liberal Party, the NDP, the Green Party, the People’s Party and the Communist Party. The local candidates fielded questions on a wide range of topics – from the environment to human rights, and from tax policy to immigration.

“We are delighted to offer our students the opportunity to engage with the democratic process here in Canada,” said Head of School Jerry Salvador, “Here at Brookes we place value and focus on building community.”

Jerry continued, “Watching our respected candidates’ voice their stances, here on the Brookes campus, and watching our students connect their learning to a local political context has been a rewarding experience for us all and a great way to connect with our community.” 

Clear from the questions being posed by students, environmental sustainability is high priority for students at Brookes Westshore.

“It is so important that we take action on the climate crisis,” says Tristan, Grade 10,  “I really wanted to hear what each party is going to do to make sure our environment is protected.”

One candidate in particular was surprised (and delighted) to learn that a future leader of his party was in the audience. Sam, a Grade 6 student, was determined to announce his stated ambition to lead the Green Party one day.

The candidates meeting will be followed on Friday with a full-scale mock election - the culmination of Student Vote activities at Brookes Westshore. Student Vote is a nationwide program that over one million students participate in to become educated in governance and politics, cast their votes, and encourage active civic engagement as students transition to adulthood (see https://studentvote.ca/canada/ for more details). 

A Week of Dorm Activities with Ms Aija

Last weekend a group of students attended the Camosun Men’s and Women’s volleyball home opener games! Camosun played VIU, our Island Rivals from Nanaimo. The Women’s team lost in close sets, and the men won with their crushing hits and inability to make a mistake! Students loved cheering on these athletes and watching their pure athleticism.

On Saturday, another group of students explored Fort Rodd Hill, an old military base that was originally set to protect Vancouver Island’s coast from enemy countries. It is now a beautiful historic site and stamped with a picture-perfect light house.

Lastly, on Sunday students created decorations that decorated the common rooms for their Thanksgiving Dinner! Thanksgiving is a special holiday in Canada, and we were so happy to spend the day and weekend with you all. We have so much to be thankful for!

Dear Community,

We would like to thank everyone for their contributions toward our Terry Fox Run this year. Our goal was to raise 5 dollars per community member or approximately $1200. We are pleased to announce that our supportive community raised $1661.85. This money is donated directly toward funding Cancer Research. We look forward to our community continuing to support and help serve in meaningful ways.

Due to a change in BC Provincial Exams, please find our updated Academic Calendar on our website.