2018-2019 Stratford Hall Prospectus

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For those who expect more than a traditional education

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.

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.

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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

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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.

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“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.”

- Amanda Lempriere, 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

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“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

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The Outdoor Educational Experience

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.

Nurturing thoughtful, considerate individuals with insight, intelligence and adaptability.

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A dynamic education in a vibrant urban setting

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.

Our program takes place in the vibrant, multicultural mosaic of Commercial Drive.

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About our Teachers

30/58

Faculty members with master’s or doctorate degrees

3

Currently pursuing master’s degrees

20/58

Staff have taught internationally

13

Number of different languages staff speak

Inclusivity at Stratford Hall At Stratford Hall, we pride ourselves on our position as an IB/DP-for-all school. It is in our mandate to maintain an inclusive culture where students of all races, genders, socio-economic backgrounds and learning styles and levels – whose needs we can effectively support – are welcome. We wish we could accept every applicant who applies to Stratford Hall, but there are times when a student’s academic or socio-emotional needs are best suited to a different environment. In those cases, Admissions will work with families to recommend alternative programs. Our goal is to ensure that every student we accept is set up for success at Stratford Hall.

Post-Secondary Success In May 2017, we graduated our 11th cohort . The number of students who have completed our program and passed post-secondary entrance exams now totals 162. Nearly all our graduates pursue post-secondary studies, although some take a gap year first. Very few enter the world of work directly.

In 2017, our 32 graduates earned nearly $400,000 in scholarships. More than 80% of our university applicants were accepted by their first choice institution (of those who expressed a preference). Two students opted for a gap year to work and travel. Our Diploma Programme scores continue to rise; in 2017 the average score was 34.5. The average score for IB schools in the Americas region is 27.6. A passing score for the DP is 24 and the maximum score is 45.

Our graduates have been accepted at the following institutions: Canada Acadia University | Brescia University College | Brock University | Capilano University | Carleton University | Concordia University | Dalhousie University Douglas College | Emily Carr University of Art + Design | University of Guelph | Kwantlen Polytechnic University | Langara College | Wilfrid Laurier University | McGill University | McMaster University | Mount Allison University | Nova Scotia College of Art & Design | Ontario College of Art + Design Queen’s University | Quest University | Ryerson University | St. Francis Xavier University | Saint Mary’s University | Simon Fraser University | Trent University | Trinity Western University | University of Alberta | The University of British Columbia | University of Calgary | University of the Fraser Valley University of King’s College | University of Northern British Columbia | University of Ottawa | University of Saskatchewan | University of Toronto University of Victoria | University of Winnipeg | University of Waterloo | Western University | York University

USA The Art Institute of Chicago | Bowdoin College | California College of the Arts | Minerva | San Francisco Art Institute | University of Hawaii University of Pennsylvania | Wesleyan University

International Amsterdam Fashion Academy | King’s College London | Durham University | Hong Kong University | University of Bath | University of Cambridge University College London | University of Edinburgh | University of Manchester | University of St. Andrews | University of Surrey | University of Sussex University of Warwick | University of York | Maastricht University | Oxford Brookes University | Sciences Pro

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3000 Commercial Drive (at East 14th Avenue) Vancouver, BC V5N 4E2 stratfordhall.ca T 604 436 0608 F 604 436 0616

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