BRANKSOME BOARDING
BOARDING AT A GLANCE
BRANKSOME’S IB ADVANTAGE Branksome Hall is a leading International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for girls. Established in 1903 in Toronto, Canada, Branksome is an independent university preparatory school whose exemplary liberal arts curriculum prepares its graduates to be creative thinkers and problem solvers. In Grades 7–10 the Middle Years Programme (MYP) is designed to provide a progressive platform for learning, inquiry and growth. Based on their post-secondary goals, Grades 11 and 12 students choose to complete either the full IB Diploma Programme (DP) or Branksome Hall’s unique IB Select pathway, which offers a personalized course selection that plays to each student’s strengths and assets, and ensures graduates are prepared for the rigour of a university education.
OUR MISSION
OUR VALUES
Each day, we challenge and inspire girls to love learning and to shape a better world.
SENSE OF COMMUNITY INCLUSIVENESS CREATIVITY MAKING A DIFFERENCE
OUR VISION
The IB Programme is viewed as the gold standard by universities worldwide. More than 2,300 universities across the globe recognize the IB as a valued secondary school credential. Increasingly, the best higher education institutions seek out and reward IB graduates.
To be the pre-eminent educational community of globally minded learners and leaders. 2
BRANKSOME HALL
More about Boarding at Branksome Hall
Learn more about our IB Advantage
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LIVING ON CA M P U S
OUR TORONTO ADVANTAGE
Students live in one of two heritage homes on campus that have been converted into residences. The youngest Boarders may live in a triple or double room, while single rooms are reserved for the most senior students.
WELCOME TO TORONTO, CANADA’S LARGEST AND MOST DYNAMIC CITY! Celebrated for its rich multiculturalism, Toronto warmly welcomes cultures from around the globe. Known for its safety, Toronto offers a secure and supportive environment for all residents. Toronto is a global leader in education, home to world-renowned institutions and resources. As a hub for innovation and creativity, the city attracts cutting-edge startups and established tech giants. With film festivals including the famous Toronto International Film Festival, art galleries, live theatre, orchestral and ballet performances, Toronto loves to celebrate the arts.
The city’s thriving economy provides abundant career opportunities across various sectors, particularly in finance, healthcare and the booming tech industry. Nestled in the downtown residential neighbourhood of Rosedale, Branksome Hall offers a unique blend of serene surroundings and proximity to the vibrant heart of the city. Our students can enjoy all the advantages Toronto has to offer, from top-tier education and innovation resources to post-secondary and career prospects and an exciting multicultural experience.
iCAST
JOIN US AND DISCOVER YOUR FUTURE IN TORONTO!
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BRANKSOME HALL
The Innovation Centre and Studio Theatre is a state-ofthe-art environment equipped with innovative, futurefocused spaces where arts and STEM flourish and converge in unprecedented, unexpected ways.
TRAINING AND TEACHING POOLS DINING HALL With a focus on fresh and healthy menu offerings, including a vegan station, the Dining Hall serves over 3,000 meals each week.
Two saltwater swimming pools are used by Branksome students for training, lessons and competitions.
ATHLETICS & WELLNESS CENTRE Opened in 2015, this award-winning facility has transformed our campus and become a hub of activity, wellbeing and fitness.
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A DAY IN THE LIFE
WEEKEND AC T I V I T I E S
Imagine waking up in Sherborne House, saying good morning to your roommate, getting ready for the day and then heading over to the Athletics & Wellness Centre for a hot and delicious breakfast.
Boarding staff work with other school departments and outside providers to develop, organize and chaperone activities both on and off campus after school and on weekends. These include, but are not limited to:
You’re deciding between going for a quick swim in the saltwater pool or doing a bit of cardio in the Fitness Centre before class, but then you remember there’s a special session for Boarders at the Innovation Hub, so off you go to design something cool. After school, you check in with the Boarding Advisor in Sherborne House while eating a quick snack and telling her all about your day. You pick up your violin and rush off to orchestra rehearsal; there’s a big music festival next week. At dinner, you celebrate your roommate’s birthday with balloons and cake. She loves the present you 3D printed for her! After dinner, it’s time for homework and you’re putting the finishing touches on your French creative writing assignment and practising your Grade 10 Personal Project presentation. Once study time is over, you pop in a load of laundry before gathering with your friends in the common room to play video games before it’s time to get ready for bed. Your Boarding Advisor comes around to your room to say goodnight and remind you about the special schedule for Hockey Day tomorrow. You can’t wait to dress in green and cheer on the hockey team with your friends! 6
BRANKSOME HALL
A BALANCED AND SUPPORTIVE SCHEDULE WEEKDAYS 7:00–8:30 a.m. Breakfast in the Athletics & Wellness Centre 8:30 a.m.–3:45 p.m. Classes (Boarding houses are closed to students at this time)
• cultural and festive meals
• community service activities
• supervised sessions in the Athletics & Wellness Centre fitness studio, gymnasium and pool
• professional sporting events and theatre or orchestral performances in Toronto
• day trips to visit local universities and attractions (such as Canada’s Wonderland and Niagara Falls) • cooking lessons
3:45–5:45 p.m. After-school activities and free time. Participate in co-curriculars or sign out to go off campus with a member of staff (Grades 7–8) or a friend (Grades 9–12)
• arts and crafts
5:45–6:45 p.m. Dinner in the Athletics & Wellness Centre, including special dinners
Activities build community within the diverse group of students living on campus, support student wellbeing, foster a growth mindset and embrace international mindedness. Activities also provide opportunities for students to try new things and learn more about themselves, each other, the school community, the city of Toronto and Canadian culture.
7:00–9:00 p.m. Study time 9:00–10:00 p.m. Quiet time and getting ready for bed (laundry, showers, etc.)
Circle of Care We know that physical and emotional well-being are crucial to effective learning. As we challenge and inspire girls to love learning, we also help our students to be healthy in mind and body. In addition to the Boarding staff, students are supported by:
BH BOARDING HANDBOOK
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School Counsellors School Nurses Committed teachers and administrators Skilled Learning Strategies teachers University Counsellors and Advisors Community, Inclusion and Belonging team • Social Workers
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APPLYING TO BRANKSOME HALL Branksome Hall values multiple perspectives and we welcome applications from many different countries, cultures and backgrounds. As a small Boarding community that supports each student on their personal journey, successful applicants will be girls who are looking to experience inquiry-based learning in the classroom as well as in their personal growth. Students who are open to sharing their lives with other students from around the world will thrive in our Boarding program. Students applying to Branksome Hall are asked to submit: 1. Application www.branksome.on.ca/admissions 2. Year-end academic reports (for three years, including the current school year) 3. Teacher recommendation forms 4. Introductory video (a brief overview of the student and their desire to join Branksome Hall) As spaces in our boarding program are limited, we encourage families to submit all required application materials as early as possible. Once an application is complete, the Admissions Office will contact applicants to schedule an interview and provide regular updates throughout the admissions process.
APPLY NOW Be part of Branksome Hall and join our incredible Boarding experience
Branksome Hall 10 Elm Avenue, Toronto ON M4W 1N4
Tel. 416-920-6265 ext. 268 admissions@branksome.on.ca branksome.on.ca