Brookes Westshore

Location

Home to natural wonders, Brookes Westshore is a day and boarding school set on four acres between the coastline, old-growth forests, the historic grounds of Royal Roads University, and the modern facilities of the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre.

Our location offers all the amenities of life on Canada’s West Coast, along with easy access to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia. A centre for arts and culture, Victoria features a contemporary music scene and world-class restaurants.

Our proximity to Vancouver and Seattle, both internationally recognized as highly livable cities, gives students opportunities to explore on weekends. In winter, students can ski at Mt. Washington Alpine Resort; in summer, they can surf the Pacific swells at Long Beach in Tofino.

Victoria, British Columbia

Vancouver Island lies off Canada’s Pacific west coast and is home to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and British Columbia’s first provincial park, Strathcona. These two natural wonders showcase the remarkable diversity of the landscape: stunning beaches, coastal rainforests, majestic mountains, and tranquil inland lakes.

Nearly 750,000 people live on Vancouver Island, sharing its land and waterways with a rich variety of native flora and fauna. With towering fir trees, a sparkling creek, and fresh air right in our backyard, our school offers opportunities for biology and environmental studies, as well as our personalized stream-stewardship program.

About Brookes Westshore

Unlock your child’s potential

At a glance

• Founded in 2008
• 300 day and boarding students
• Grades 4–12
• More than 22 nationalities
• 18:1 student-to-staff ratio
• Average class size of 20
• 100% university acceptance rate
• Curriculum: BC curriculum, IB MYP, IB DP
• Accredited by: IBO, BC Ministry of Education

Mission

We support students in a caring environment and give them opportunities to discover who they are and express themselves in the areas they are passionate about. Our students and teachers come from many countries, and we connect globally with our campuses around the world to learn about the world from the world.

We inspire and teach students about global issues by connecting local ideas and stories. We strive to use our surroundings as both a learning tool and a canvas for students to learn and take action.

Vision and core values

Our vision is to create a world of confident, connected, lifelong learners who are inspired to help others. Through challenges and leadership opportunities, we help students discover their passions, develop character, and understand their connections with others and society. We celebrate creativity, build character, and foster connections to provide an exceptional educational experience.

A welcome from the head of school

Mr. Jerry Salvador, Founder and Head of School, Brookes Westshore

Welcome to Brookes Westshore, where we do everything we can to help students feel at home. Our campus is a safe and nurturing environment where students can feel part of a second family. We focus on supporting students in leading balanced, healthy lives academically, physically, and socially.

Students will find our uniquely designed day and boarding school ideally situated between the coastal splendour of Victoria, the provincial capital, and the lush forests of Vancouver Island’s wilderness. We are directly connected to the National Historic Site at Royal Roads University and the modern facilities of the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre by the 55-kilometre Galloping Goose Trail, the western end of the Trans Canada Trail. Students can travel freely around the area using our local transit network, which gives them easy access to everything the Capital Region has to offer.

Students will experience some uniquely Canadian activities. Through field trips and on-campus camps, our school offers opportunities to experience life on Canada’s West Coast. Each year, Brookes students can take part in winter ski trips, attend national sporting events, enjoy exciting ocean activities, and explore the nearby wilderness. At Brookes Westshore, students make the most of our natural surroundings, extending their learning beyond the classroom. They can explore and study local biodiversity in science, enjoy nearby beaches in physical education by surfing and kayaking in the Pacific, and connect classroom learning with the global environment.

Every child is different, so at Brookes Westshore we seek to provide learning and cultural opportunities that respond to each student’s individual needs.

A message from the deputy head

Ms. Linda Bayes

At Brookes Westshore, we believe our role is to unlock students’ potential. We believe the International Baccalaureate is best suited to challenge students, build their knowledge and skills, and connect their learning to the broader context of a globalized world.

Our faculty bring decades of experience and the highest levels of expertise to the classroom. They are all committed to developing young minds and supporting students as lifelong learners. The relationships built between staff and students, and among students themselves, are essential to our success as a school.

Brookes Westshore actively encourages students to build connections with their peers and the wider community. In our diverse community, representing more than 20 nationalities, students learn to respect cultural differences and develop meaningful relationships with others. To support global cultural awareness, all IB students are required to study a second language.

Our vision is to create a world of confident lifelong learners who are connected and inspired to help others.

Education

Character

Students are supported in a caring environment and given opportunities to discover who they are and take action in areas they are passionate about. Our students and teachers come from many countries, and we connect with our campuses around the world to learn about the world from the world.

We inspire and teach students about global issues by connecting local ideas and stories. We strive to use our surroundings as a tool and a canvas for learning and action.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, our students demonstrated resilience and strength through a challenging time. They quickly shifted their focus to online learning while building a student community and showing empathy and compassion for those facing the greatest difficulties. Our students made masks, distributed food packages, reached out to older and vulnerable people around the world, and supported those most in need.

Connection

We create exceptional educational environments by connecting students and schools. We connect our campuses to give students and teachers greater opportunities to learn about the world from other places and experience education in different settings. We recognize that learning is best achieved through real-world experiences and by applying what we learn in different contexts and cultures.

Through our network of schools, we connect with local and global communities. In turn, we engage students with important issues that cross cultural and social boundaries. Each year, a group of students from Brookes Westshore visits one of our campuses to experience life in another country. Students immerse themselves in the daily lives of students there, taking part in classes, extracurricular programs and clubs, and visiting local cultural landmarks. These visits build lasting connections and provide students with a valuable opportunity to deepen their cultural and academic learning.

Creativity

We believe the challenges students face throughout their lives are best addressed with curiosity and inquiry, together with creative problem-solving skills. Creativity is essential to adapting and thriving in a changing society. New technologies are developed every day, new challenges arise, and new opportunities emerge. Students need to be prepared to recognize and respond to these changes. Creative and innovative thinking are skills that can be learned, and at Brookes Westshore we create an environment that continually challenges students to develop them.

Thinking differently is integrated into every aspect of learning. Students learn to view problems from different cultural perspectives while developing critical-thinking skills and an open mind. We are continually impressed by our students’ creativity and expression: they have developed apps to organize their study schedules, produced music videos, and even built an art gallery to showcase their work. All of these examples came from the Middle Years Programme Personal Project.

Academics

Primary Years Programme

The Primary Years Programme for Grades 4 and 5 gives local students in Victoria access to an International Baccalaureate education. We follow the BC curriculum while integrating an inquiry-based program.

Joining Brookes Westshore during the primary years prepares students for the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Grades 6–10 and the Diploma Programme (DP) in Grades 11–12. Classes are tailored to individuals, creating a balanced, healthy learning environment that meets a wide range of learning needs and fosters a caring, inclusive classroom community.

Grade 4 and 5 subjects:

• French
• Mathematics
• Design
• Social Studies
• Science
• Arts
• Physical Education
• Career Education
• English

IB Middle Years Programme

Fully authorized to offer the IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP), Brookes Westshore provides a distinctive curriculum that encourages students to explore and understand the connections between classroom learning and real-world applications. This helps students develop critical-thinking skills.

The IB MYP is a coherent, comprehensive curriculum framework that offers students aged 11 to 16 academic challenges and opportunities to develop life skills. This is an important stage in young people’s personal, emotional, and social development. The MYP aims to bring out students’ potential, encourage them to face and embrace challenges, and help them build self-esteem and a personal identity.

The IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) at Brookes Westshore empowers young people to challenge themselves with confidence while equipping them with the skills they need for the 21st century and preparing them for university and beyond.

Our students are supported by professional faculty throughout their learning journey as they explore and develop their potential. The IB DP at Brookes Westshore offers a well-rounded educational experience, strengthens critical-thinking skills, and fosters a joy of learning. Graduates continue their education with confidence and strong preparation.

The IB DP provides rigorous university preparation through a two-year program comprising six subjects. At the end of the program, students sit examinations and earn an IB diploma recognized by universities around the world.

PERSONAL PROJECT

A distinctive feature of the IB MYP, the Personal Project gives students a rewarding opportunity to create a project of their choice that challenges and extends their thinking and creativity.

EXTENDED ESSAY (EE)

The Extended Essay is an in-depth research paper of up to 4,000 words. Students begin it in the first year of the program and complete it in September or October of the second year. Students are encouraged to complete a substantial portion of the essay during the summer break between the two years. Support sessions help students develop their research question, research skills, and the skills needed to complete the paper.

CREATIVITY, ACTIVITY, SERVICE (CAS)

The program’s Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirements are designed to create a balanced educational approach, support the development of global-mindedness, and contribute to communities with greater needs. Students receive support in planning and documenting these activities and must provide evidence of their completion.

SERVICE AS ACTION

Students in Grades 6–10 are required to participate in service activities: meaningful action designed to address the needs of both the student and others. Students and their supervisors determine the quality of each activity based on the following criteria: commitment and leadership skills.

Grade 6–10 subjects:

• English
• Extended Mathematics
• English or another language
• Drama
• Physical and Health Education
• French
• Social Studies
• Design
• Science
• Visual Arts
• Mathematics
• Service as Action

Grade 10 and 11 subjects:

• Chemistry SL/HL
• English SL/HL
• Self-Taught Language A SL
• Physics SL/HL
• Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation SL/HL
• English B HL
• French SL
• Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL/HL
• French B SL
• Visual Arts SL/HL
• Economics SL/HL
• Theory of Knowledge
• History SL/HL
• Creativity, Activity and Service
• Business Management SL/HL
• Extended Essay
• Biology SL/HL

Arts

Students at Brookes Westshore can expand their creative exploration through subjects such as Visual Arts, Design, Studio Art, and Drama. From Grades 4 to 12, students have opportunities to explore and create in a range of art forms, from painting and drawing to working with clay, printmaking, and creating stop-motion videos, and much more.

Our goal is not only to spark students’ curiosity and interest in the arts, but also to help them develop skills, strengthen creative thinking, and learn to engage with and evaluate art.

• Grades 4–5: Design
• Grades 4–12: Visual Arts
• Grades 4–12: Visual Arts and Drama
• Grades 11–12: Studio Art
• Grades 11–12: IB Visual Arts

Physical education

The Athletics Department at Brookes Westshore strives for excellence in physical education and sport. We encourage students to establish and maintain healthy, active lifestyles and provide them with many opportunities to participate in physical activities. These activities help students develop values such as cooperation, commitment, fair play, and perseverance. To support well-rounded development, we work to create sporting opportunities for every student and help them learn and improve the skills needed to take part in physical activity throughout their lives.

In school sports, we are a member of BC School Sports, an organization of 450 schools that governs high school sports across the province. Membership gives our students opportunities to participate in inter-school sports, including competitions with other member schools. We are also part of the Lower Vancouver Island Secondary Schools Athletic Association (LVISSAA) and the Lower Island Middle School Sports Association (LIMSSA). These organizations host competitive tournaments and sports events in which we regularly participate at the local level.

SPORTS PARTNERS
• Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre
• Royal Roads Recreation Centre
• Bear Mountain Tennis

SPORTS ACTIVITIES
• Golf
• Tennis
• Ice hockey
• Horseback riding
• Archery
• Bowling
• Touch football
• Fitness

COMPETITIVE SPORTS TEAMS
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Track and field
• Cross-country running
• Badminton
• Swimming

Classroom and beyond

As students at Brookes Westshore, students are empowered to explore a wide range of important global, national, and local topics and issues. We encourage them to become creative, critical, and reflective thinkers. We work alongside students to help them become knowledgeable and well-rounded individuals who can develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically.

At Brookes Westshore, we encourage and inspire students as they discover a passion for learning. We foster supportive classrooms grounded in purposeful inquiry and provide space for students to explore and build their skills.

Whether students are enrolled in the Primary Years Programme (Grades 4–5), the IB Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10), or the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12), we inspire them to make real-world connections with their learning and prepare them for success in their next steps after graduation.

Extracurricular activities

We understand that extracurricular activities not only give students opportunities to develop leadership skills but also support their personal growth. At Brookes Westshore, we offer more than 30 after-school activities, aiming to promote a healthy, balanced lifestyle and encourage students to explore activities they may not have felt confident enough to try before.

Students can learn and develop new skills while improving their physical health, creativity, and academic abilities. They can also interact and socialize with peers, creating a fun and welcoming environment. Join Brookes Westshore for a colourful and enriching educational experience.

Activities offered at school:

• Volleyball
• Fitness centre
• Swimming club
• Performing arts
• Archery
• CAS project group
• Chess and board games
• Hip-hop dance
• Model United Nations
• Tennis
• Music group
• Soccer
• Theatre
• Spanish
• Woodworking
• Dance
• Tennis
• Golf
• Ice hockey
• Basketball
• Creative writing
• Photography
• Pottery
• Japanese
• Horseback riding
• Drama
• Knitting and embroidery
• Model building
• Multimedia group
• Outdoor adventures
• Public speaking and debate
• Book club
• Career Education
• Miniature painting
• Mandarin
• Sewing
• Badminton
• Table tennis
• Football
• Hiking
• Leadership

Boarding

At Brookes Westshore, we understand that education is about more than acquiring knowledge. Students’ time at our school is central to their growth, and we take this responsibility seriously. Our community is committed to working with students to help them develop character, identify their core values, and put those values into practice.

“I never really felt that I fit in anywhere until I came to Brookes. Three years after graduating, I still keep in touch with my international friends, because at Brookes you build relationships unlike those anywhere else.” – Student Madelaine, Canada

Having support while away from home is important. Boarding at Brookes Westshore is a unique and exciting experience. Our small community maintains a safe, comfortable, family-like environment where students can learn, interact, and work together. With students from more than 22 countries, we are a place where students form lasting relationships, respect and celebrate diversity, and experience new adventures through our boarding program.

Our students can take part in traditional Canadian experiences through field trips and on-campus camps. Each year, Brookes students have opportunities to join annual ski trips, attend national sporting events, take part in water sports such as kayaking and surfing, and explore the surrounding wilderness through outdoor activities. Students can also go on weekend trips to Vancouver, Seattle, and wilderness destinations on Vancouver Island.

“Brookes has become my home… all the teachers, students, dorm supervisors, kitchen and maintenance staff, and the people who work in the laundry room… I love being around them! It’s really different from the other schools I’ve attended.” – Student Sumika, Japan

Our boarding students live in bright, open-plan dormitories with home-like amenities, including:

• Modern twin bedrooms
• Private bathrooms
• Recreation room
• Common living spaces
• Residential support staff
• Full-service dining hall and a modern kitchen for student use

Facilities

• Fitness centre
• Science laboratory
• Dormitories
• Art studio
• Kitchen
• Common areas
• Technology laboratory
• Dining area

Students have full access to nearby tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and hockey rinks.

Graduation

We are pleased to report that 100% of our graduates have received offers from renowned universities around the world. The dedicated advising team at Brookes Westshore supports and guides students as they plan for the future. Students learn the steps they need to take to achieve their dreams and connect with universities across North America and beyond. Their time at Brookes Westshore provides a strong foundation for university studies and future careers.

“The IB program was challenging, but it prepared me for all the essays and research I needed to do in my Asian Studies program at the Australian National University.” — Student Henry, South Korea

The path to college and university begins in Grade 9, with weekly workshops led by university counsellors. Students learn more about themselves through assessments of their interests, strengths, and career goals:

• Grade 10 students continue to develop self-understanding through assessments that help them learn more about their personalities and intelligences. Students and parents meet with the university counsellor in January to select DP courses. We encourage parents to attend regular meetings with the university counsellor.
• Grade 11 students focus on self-discovery, researching their interests and considering how to turn their passions into careers. At the same time, we focus on selecting colleges and universities, and locations best suited to each student.
• Grade 12 students focus on the college and university application process, based on the locations and timelines of the institutions that interest them. The university counsellor guides students through essays, résumés, interviews, and completing their applications. We also arrange university visits during the school year so students can meet representatives from institutions around the world.

Teachers at Brookes Westshore come from around the world. They bring not only subject-matter expertise but also a passion for education and a commitment to supporting students throughout their time at Brookes. Our teachers bring decades of experience to the classroom, gained not only in education but also in business, the public sector, and higher education.

Brookes Westshore offers local and global educational perspectives through internationally experienced teachers.

• More than 22 nationalities
• 32% hold a master’s degree
• 24 IB educators
• 20 personal development specialists
• 100% certified to teach in BC

Student population:

• 1% Africa
• 42% North America
• 5% Europe
• 20% South America
• 32% Asia

Global campuses

Brookes Education Group offers international exchange, leadership, and cultural programs, giving students and teachers opportunities to connect with Brookes’ global network of schools. All Brookes schools are located in places with distinctive cultures around the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Russia, and India. We celebrate cultural and ethnic diversity and consider understanding and embracing cultural differences essential to effective communication in the 21st century.

Cultural exchange programs

• Steadfast Youth Leadership Program
• International Cultural Exchange Program
• Global Mobility Program – Teacher Collaboration
• Global Cultural Tour

Admissions

Brookes Westshore values diversity, inclusion, and the multicultural nature of our community. We welcome students from around the world. We currently represent more than 21 countries across Grades 4–12. At Brookes Westshore, we equip students with the tools to pursue their dreams. With small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and a supportive community, we help students develop critical-thinking skills and a lifelong passion for learning.

Our vision is to support a future in which students are confident, lifelong learners who are connected and inspired to help others. We look forward to meeting students and sharing our community with you!