For those who expect more than a traditional education
Why are the classrooms walled in glass? Because we deliberately break down the boundaries between subjects and grades. There is no insularity at Stratford Hall, and the only pomp and circumstance is at graduation.
Welcome to Stratford Hall, one of only a few Canadian schools to offer a complete K-to-12 International Baccalaureate programme, a highly respected and rigorous liberal arts curriculum. We are certainly the only one to combine the IB with a circus school, kayaking trips, and provincial medal-winning Ultimate sports teams. At Stratford Hall, we have a tradition of breaking with tradition; because your child will need more than tradition to meet the challenges of the world they will inherit. At Stratford Hall, your child will be given the opportunity to learn and to thrive; to discover their unique strengths, and to explore the diverse opportunities our rapidly changing world can offer. Under the care and guidance of Stratford Hall’s staff, they will grow and mature, while equipping themselves with intellectual tools, strength of character, and a global perspective.
A broad, forwardlooking education
The IB programme is one of the world’s most demanding. At Stratford Hall, we deliver the IB Continuum with a difference. Here your child will not be exclusively focused on math, sciences and test-taking drills. Our holistic curriculum is designed to develop our students’ curiosity, judgement, character and perspective—attributes that will serve them throughout their lifetime, while also contributing to high academic achievement. When students begin in Kindergarten, they quickly pick up the work ethic and attitudes that they will need in later years. In our supportive environment, they learn more than simple course materials: they absorb the spirit of intellectual curiosity that is so central to life at Stratford Hall. Stratford Hall parents (and their friends) frequently tell us of the dramatic difference they observe in the way their children interact with adults. They see thoughtfulness, attentiveness and an awareness of international issues. They consistently refer to our student’s capacity to articulate and support their opinions and perspectives. We at Stratford Hall are proud to say, quite simply, that we seek to develop outstanding human beings that are defined by more than their GPA.
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop learners who are: • Inquirers • Knowledgeable • Thinkers • Communicators • Principled • Open-minded • Caring • Risk-takers • Balanced • Reflective
This is Phys-Ed?
Many first-time visitors are amazed that two of our buildings contain full-sized comprehensive gymnasiums, with exercise and training facilities that rival those of a downtown sports club. And, while we do have Phys-Ed classes, we integrate fitness into other studies: our circus program combines artistic and theatrical elements with strength and physical coordination. And just try pounding on one of our Japanese Taiko drums in Music class—it epitomizes the synchronization of mind and body. Don’t look for our school football or rugby teams. For our Middle-Years and Diploma Programmes, the school’s favourite team sport is Ultimate (the sport with the flying disc). Why Ultimate? Because it embodies many of our core principles: it’s a non-contact team sport that is played by mixed-gender teams; it’s self-refereed and it’s untraditional. Our teams excel at Ultimate, winning bronze, silver and gold medals at the BC Ultimate Championships, beating out teams from schools with far more students.
Students can choose from a variety of team sports: soccer, basketball, volleyball, track & field, swimming, badminton, and Ultimate.
“I love coming to work each day with teachers who share my passion for education, and I love that Stratford Hall is so unique. It really is a family.”
- Casey Turnpenny, PYP Curriculum Coordinator
“We will always be thankful to the school for working with us to guide our children in the direction of being consciously positive contributors to society - caring, collaborative, and curious people. It has been our experience that the values instilled by the school are the values we share.” – Alain & Linda Quennec, parents
“Whether it is in the extra hours during study centre or even on the weekends, our teachers have done more in our lives than just teach us Math or English. They have helped us grow into the well-rounded and capable individuals we are today.” – Rika Wong, Class of 2016
“I think we work well with the community around us because of our service. We take learning to the next level with great challenges and supportive teachers.” – Grade 6 student
“I love my school because everyone here is nice.” – Grade 1 student
The Outdoor Educational Experience
Nurturing thoughtful, considerate individuals with insight, intelligence and adaptability.
At Stratford Hall, we feel that outdoor experiential learning is essential—and a perfect counterpoint to life in our urban school. Every year, every grade (even kindergarten) leaves school for one or more outdoor trips, whether it’s camping, kayaking, hiking, or a visit to Science World. Nature is the best science and ecology lab, and these trips are ideal for fostering environmental stewardship, building collaborative skills and push boundaries through risk-taking.
A dynamic education in a vibrant urban setting
Our program takes place in the vibrant, multicultural mosaic of Commercial Drive.
Our location may be unexpected—in the heart of Commercial Drive— but our purpose-built facilities are warm, welcoming, light-filled and ideal for learning and living. The urban community that surrounds us helps our students develop into well-rounded, empathetic citizens; people with the values, sensitivities and intellectual tools that will enable them to thrive and lead in our increasingly interconnected world.
From the Head of School Choosing a school for your child goes beyond a desire for test scores or formal measures of achievement. While we do not minimize the importance of those benchmarks, the school you choose for your child will be their schoolday home for many years, where so much of their character and habits will be developed. This is where they will learn—by observing their schoolmates of every age—how to interact with others. It is where they will develop their sense of individuality, and learn to contribute to their community. At Stratford Hall, we have built more than a school. We have built an educational atmosphere where each individual is welcomed, accepted, respected and supported. In the time I have been at Stratford Hall, I have watched our young people grow and mature, and I have seen the effects of this school’s principles and philosophy. I am very proud of the quality of character that is developed here. When you visit Stratford Hall, you may feel, as I did on my first walk through these halls, that this is where you wish you’d gone to school. You can now give your child the opportunity to discover their strengths, stretch their minds, develop life-long friendships ... and learn how to throw a disc with confidence.
Jason McBride Head of School
3000 Commercial Drive (at East 14th Avenue) Vancouver, BC V5N 4E2 stratfordhall.ca T 604 436 0608 F 604 436 0616