- What is the basic foundation of the school?
Brockton is a non-denominational, co-educational independent school that provides students with challenging academic, extracurricular and athletic programmes. The School provides a safe and nurturing learning environment that embraces diversity and prepares students for continuing study at university. Brockton and its staff help students become responsible citizens by fostering high standards of personal integrity and character. Brockton offers an enriched academic programme that meets or exceeds BC Ministry of Education requirements.
- Who started Brockton?
Brockton School was created by a group of North Vancouver parents who share a common vision for the school. Specifically, their vision for Brockton is that of a school where a rigorous academic education is balanced by arts and athletics in an environment where merit rather than materialism is the core value.
- How is the school financed?
The 'founding' parents advanced capital (in the form of unsecured, interest-free loans with a long horizon for repayment) to establish the school and see it through its start-up years. Tuition fees and the BC Ministry of Education's per capita operating grant to independent schools make up the balance of the school's financial support. Starting in 2007-2008, the school has established an Advancement Fund to provide support for the implementation of new programs and services and support the long-term future of Brockton.
- What are your fees per year?
- Does Brockton receive the government grant to independent schools?
Yes. The school has received recognition as a Group 2 Independent School by the BC Ministry of Education.
- Is there financing available to parents?
- What organizations does Brockton School belong to?
Brockton is a member of the BC Federation of Independent Schools Association. The governance model at Brockton is aligned with the requirements of the Independent Schools Association of BC and the school plans to submit a membership application to the ISA. Brockton has also been awarded the status of International Baccalaureate World School. The IB Primary Years Programme is fully authorized and the school has been awarded the status of a candidate school for the IB Middle Years Programme.
- Who runs the school?
The school is operated by a non-profit society (Brockton Preparatory School Society) established for this purpose. The society's Board of Directors, which is responsible for managing the school and its overall finances, is elected by members of the society from its membership. The Board operates at arm's length from the daily affairs of the school, which are managed by Brockton's Head of School, Mr. Robin Hinnell.
- What are the current plans for Brockton's high school?
The school currently extends to Grade 10. Grades 11 and 12 will be added in future years. The move to the new location on Duval in January 2006 enabled the Senior School to be somewhat separated from the Junior School, therefore allowing the Senior School students to experience more of a high school atmosphere while still feeling a part of the Brockton community.
- How are parents involved in Brockton School?
Parent involvement is the key to Brockton's growth. Parent involvement validates for the child the parents' choice of school. ["I believe this school is the best school for you"]. A parent volunteer team is in place for any parent of the school to join.
- Is it mandatory?
No. Brockton is not a 'parent participation' school in that sense.
- How does it work?
The Brockton Parent Community (BPC) is the umbrella committee whose 3 joint leaders coordinate all of the volunteer activities that support the school programs. Various parents play leadership roles by taking on particular events such as the "Hot lunch program" or "Spring Fair" and they secure the help of other parents in working on that particular project. Often, a parent is the lead on one activity, but also plays a supporting role in others.
- What is the code of behaviour at Brockton?
The
Student Handbook is provided to all students. It is short and clearly articulates expectations of the students on the issues: values, behaviours, "who we are as a community of young people" and "what we just don't do", as well as the process used for solving problems that may arise.
- Is there a bullying problem at Brockton? (And if not, why not?)
Brockton deals with all issues of behaviour that run contrary to the school's expectations of the students immediately and effectively while the matter is still small. There is communication with parents as necessary and the support from home is key to the success of this approach. Examples: Being mean to another student ("I only did this in fun") is not accepted - ever. Please refer to our
Student Handbook.
- Are there after school programmes in music?
Private music lessons in both piano and violin are offered on site after school and on Saturdays.
As well, the opportunity to belong to a choir (junior or senior) is available outside of the classroom as a school sponsored extracurricular activity. If a student does not participate in the either choir or private music lessons, they still receive music instruction as a part of the normal curriculum.
- Is there a school bus?
- Is there a uniform?
Yes! The uniform creates a sense of belonging and pride in the school. Uniform allows the focus to be on the character/personality of the child and the purposes of the school rather than the choice of what to wear as determined according to the dictates of peer pressure: "At Brockton you are known for who you are, not for what you wear" - Student Handbook.
Click here for Uniform Requirements.
- What is unique about Brockton School?
The character of the school, the connection that the teachers have with their students, the demonstrated success of a school culture based on the values of truth, trust, honesty and mutual respect. In turn, this leads to an atmosphere where the children learn in a physically and psychologically safe environment where the students want to learn. At Brockton, "It is O.K. (cool) to study". At Brockton, we ensure that each student has time with their teachers to explore new ideas, to receive feedback, to get to know one another. An outcome of this relationship is a true partnership in learning and living. What students take away from Brockton is much more than "marks". We believe that lifelong learning should be enjoyable to be fruitful. Our teachers are handpicked with this philosophy in mind.
A lesson from history: When parents think back and reflect on what the best educational experiences were in their lives, rarely do they mention the large building or the new desks, but more the quality of the teachers that they met. At Brockton, we are committed to giving our students that quality of learning experience, inspired by great teachers who subscribe to our school's vision.
Brockton communicates frequently and effectively with all its constituents (parents, teachers and students) on all matters, for example, programmes, student progress, governance and parent activities. Brockton is clear about its purposes and the school's vision, and has adopted a proactive style of communication as a top priority.
- What is the Brockton academic program?
The Brockton academic program is underpinned by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years (K to 5) and Middle Years (6 to 10) programmes. Brockton is authorized for the IB Primary Years Programme and is a candidate school for IB Middle Years Programme.
Click here for a link to the IB Organization's website. Within the context of the International Baccalaureate Programme, the courses at Brockton meet or exceed the requirements and standards of the Ministry of Education in British Columbia.
Click here for more information about IB at Brockton.
- What does an "enriched education" mean at Brockton?
In educational jargon we use the phrases: critical thinking skills, problem solving, research and writing, the independent learner. All these phrases when captured by the teachers in the classrooms, in their instruction every class of every day, and captured by the students in their individual work, coupled with the implementation of the International Baccalaureate Programme, mean "enriched education".
For students who wish to participate, Brockton also offers extracurricular activities outside of the classroom. These activities include art programmes (visual and performing), sports programmes (seasonal), outdoor programmes (kayaking, canoeing, skiing, hiking, track&field, etc), social programmes (cooking club, french club, social outings) and more. New programmes are made available in each of the three terms at Brockton.
- Tell me about the regular class programme.
All subjects are taught within the philosophy and framework of the International Baccalaureate Programme with the objective of helping the student become a lifelong learner.
In the Primary Years Programme - All students in the Elementary grades follow a course in the core subject areas: Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies and Science. These are taught by the classroom teachers trained in elementary education. They also have three art classes and two music classes each week taught by specialist teachers. French is taught at all grade levels, beginning in Kindergarten, by a French specialist Teacher.
Click here for more information.
In the Middle Years Programme - Physical Education, Art and Music as well as the core subjects of French, Art, History, Geography, Math and Science are taught by specialist teachers. The curriculum at all grades includes Information Technology and Personal Planning. Also included are opportunities to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards and Drama stage productions.
Click here for more information.
To enhance the regular classroom programme, age appropriate extracurricular activities are provided throughout the year.
Click here for more information.
- What about outdoor education?
- How are applicants assessed?
The most important question for all parties is: "Is this school the right place for the child?" All applicants are assessed and the assessment varies according to grade level. Interviews, assessment tests, previous school reports, and interviews all play a part in this process.
- Is there homework at Brockton?
Yes! Not busy work, but 'meaningful follow up' work or 'preparation for the next class'. In brief, homework is a vital experience - it is the student's opportunity for developing the skills of private study.
- Does Brockton have athletics teams?
Brockton is fully committed to the importance of competitive athletics in the lives of young people. Brockton students compete in individual sports such as Triathlon, Track and Field and Cross-country running or where team rosters are small e.g. Volleyball, Basketball and Ultimate. The school has contacts with other small independent schools and sets up games with these schools. Brockton also actively encourages students to participate in community teams for involvement in other sports such as soccer.
- Are there any intramural sports?
In the course of the year the extracurricular programme includes basketball, indoor soccer, volleyball, floor hockey, running, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, kayaking and indoor rock-climbing, as well as a variety of sports taught in the Phys Ed programme.
- What activities are offered in the arts?
We have both Junior and Senior choirs, an art club for Senior students and a crafts club for Primary students. Our Winter and Spring concerts include some drama as well as performances by the choirs and all students in the class music programme.
A Performing Arts extracurricular programme was introduced two years ago in the Senior School. The students perform a full length theatre production each year.
- How many students are in a class?
The policy and business plan is for maximum class sizes of 20 students in Grade 1 and above, 16 students in Kindergarten.
- Is there after school care at Brockton?
Yes. The After School Care programme is offered every school day until 6:00 p.m., and full days on most school holidays. Brockton's care programme is fully licenced and fees for the programme are eligible for tax deduction as a child care expense under the Income Tax Act of Canada. The programme includes homework supervision so that the children complete their homework prior to going home. Healthy snacks are provided and the programme includes physical activity in the gym or on the field each day.
Click here for more information
