Our Purpose - Bodwell High School

The Waterfront
School That Embraces
The World
Our Purpose:
We provide a culturally diverse environment for students from
around the globe, and enable them to become active learners and
well-rounded citizens who contribute positively to the world.
2 3

WELCOME
From the Principal
At Bodwell we believe that students are at the center of education.
Everything that happens in our school must be judged by the sole measure:
how well will this promote learning for students while reflecting the purpose
of the school.
The desire to learn is what binds us together at Bodwell. Both staff and
students understand that learning most effectively occurs in an environment of
trust. Once this is established, learners are empowered to voice their opinions,
take risks, and support others, even others from dissimilar backgrounds. This
environment fosters a lived experience of our motto, “Strength in Diversity”.
At Bodwell we recognize that learning is a process shaped by internal and
external experiences, honed by exploration, reflection, and evaluation.
This foundation supports our goal for all students: to provide a
unique educational experience in an intercultural environment
that will lead to a drive to serve others and make a
difference in an ever-changing world.
Kevin Booth, B.P.E, Ed Cert., Ed.Dip., MA
4 5
Principal
“Intelligence plus
character – that is the
goal of true education”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

DIVERSITY
Bodwell students come from communities across Canada and around the world
Expanding Boundaries
As global citizens, young people come to Bodwell from all over the world. By living and
studying together, students learn about the many differences that make each society distinct.
These young sojourners quickly encounter Bodwell's firm belief: there is “Strength in
Diversity”. They discover such a principle not only from dedicated teachers; they also learn
it from one another. Through school life, students realize that the more we can share and
understand our unique perspectives, the richer and stronger our lives become.
Most importantly, these future world citizens learn about the values needed to live together,
values common to many societies around the globe. Students learn these principles
through our House System, which is named after four great world leaders in history.
Through their inspirational stories and messages, students learn the values of
■ fairness and social justice
■ non-violence and peaceful resolution to conflict
■ intercultural understanding and acceptance
■ compassion and service to others
■ respect for the dignity of the individual
■ hope for a better world.
6 7
“Education is the most powerful
weapon which you can use to
change the world.”
Nelson Mandela,
Anti-apartheid activist and President of South Africa
“Literary education is of no
value, if it is not able to build up
a sound character.”
Mahatma Gandhi,
Non-violent leader of Indian independence movement
“We must learn to live together
as brothers or perish together
as fools.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Leader of the African-American civil rights movement
“Cultural pluralism is the very
essence of Canadian identity.”
Pierre Trudeau,
former Canadian Prime Minister and advocate of
multiculturalism in Canada

VANCOUVER, CANADA
“I speak of a Canada where
men and women… of the
diverse cultures of the world,
demonstrate the will to share
this land in peace, in justice,
and with mutual respect.”
Pierre Trudeau
A Diverse City in a Vibrant Land
Vancouver stands out in how it embodies the modern spirit of Canada. Boasting a rich
aboriginal heritage, the region is now home to people from all over the world. It is a model
of Pierre Trudeau’s ideal of multiculturalism—people of many languages and cultures, all
living and thriving together. Bodwell teachers often make use of this dynamic element
through field trip explorations in the community. Both inside and outside of Bodwell,
students can take comfort in a friendly atmosphere of tolerance.
The World’s Most Liveable City (The Economist)
Be it shimmering oceans, lush temperate rain forests, or glimmering glass towers, Vancouver
is renowned for its West Coast beauty and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Here students have
the opportunity to visit world-class museums and art galleries, tour outstanding Canadian
universities, and experience the snowy ski slopes which were host to the 2010 Winter
Olympics – all within a short distance.
Conveniently located on Vancouver’s North Shore, Bodwell High School’s waterfront
location allows students to look out over the calm ocean inlet to Downtown Vancouver, a
city core that offers a safe, fun place to shop and enjoy many events year-round. Frequent
public transit service allows for easy travel. All this and more makes Vancouver, Canada an
excellent place to live and study.
8 9
Grads Make Friends For Life
Bodwell graduates celebrate
success in style aboard a dinner
cruise around Vancouver’s
English Bay. With the city
and coastline as a sparkling
backdrop, students forge
memories that remain bright
long after graduation.
"As the MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale, I’ve had the privilege
of visiting Bodwell School on a number of occasions, and have
always been impressed with the engaged and enthusiastic staff
and students. In our beautiful, diverse and dynamic province
children can receive a world-class education. Upon graduating,
they have access to some of the best universities or institutes on
Earth, something I am particularly proud of as B.C.’s Minister of
Advanced Education."
Honourable Naomi Yamamoto
Minister of Advanced Education

GRADES 8-12
“The complete education
gives one not only power
of concentration, but
worthy objectives upon
which to concentrate.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Grade 8 & 9 Courses
■ English
■ Social Studies
■ Mathematics
■ Science
■ Business Education
■ French
■ Health and Career Education
■ Physical Education
■ Music: Concert Band
■ Visual Arts
10 11
Academic Program
Challenge. Hard work. Success. These are just three of the central themes of our Regular
Academic Program of Study. Through engaging courses and curriculum, young people push
their learning farther, expanding the boundaries of their intellect.
Bodwell’s courses carefully follow the Provincial Curriculum prescribed by the British
Columbia Ministry of Education. Students who fulfill the graduation program receive a high
school graduation diploma issued by the Ministry of Education.
Junior and senior grades are specialized to best fit the needs of Bodwell students:
■ The junior years—Grades 8 and 9—are essential for directing young people down the
right academic path and to form study skills that will benefit them for years to come. They
lay the foundation for higher levels of learning through a full spectrum of courses in the
Sciences, Languages, Humanities, Fine Arts and in Physical Education.
■ The senior years—Grades 10, 11, and 12—challenge and enrich maturing minds as
students prepare for university. Our goal is to ensure young people will overcome all the
demands of post-secondary education. Through a wide variety of elective courses, students
broaden their skills and knowledge about the changing world.
Required Courses:
■ Language Arts
- English 10, 11 & 12
■ Mathematics
- Foundations of Math & Pre-Calculus 10
- One of Foundations of Mathematics 11 or Pre-Calculus 11
■ Social Studies
- Social Studies 10 & 11
■ Science
- Science 10
- Science 11 (one of:)
- Biology 11
- Chemistry 11
- Physics 11
- Science and Technology 11
■ Fine Arts (one of:)
- Drama
- Concert Band, etc.
■ Applied Skills (one of:)
- Applied Digital Communications
- Digital Media Development
■ Graduation Transition
Grade 10, 11 & 12 Courses
Elective Courses:
■ Accounting
■ Advanced Placement Calculus
■ Advanced Placement Studio Art (Drawing)
■ Communications
■ Composition
■ Economics
■ Entrepreneurship
■ French
■ Geography
■ Global Education
■ History
■ Information & Computer Technology
■ Japanese
■ Law
■ Leadership
■ Mandarin
■ Physical Education
■ Psychology
■ Social Justice
■ Spanish
■ Tourism

ENGLISH
IMMERSION
Academic and English
Preparation includes:
■ Academic Skills
■ Canadian Studies
■ International Studies
■ Leadership & Culture
■ Science
■ Art
Academic and English Preparation (AEP)
For young global citizens, being able to communicate fluently in several languages is no longer an
option; it is a necessity. Becoming multilingual opens up valuable opportunities and empowers
young people with the crucial ability to communicate across cultures.
AEP is a specialized English as a Second Language (ESL) program for students who are becoming
proficient in English. Taught by dedicated teachers with expertise in both international education
and ESL instruction, high school subject content is interwoven into AEP to ensure a smooth
transition into Regular classes.
Bodwell offers AEP classes for grades 8, 9, 10, and 11. Each AEP class is subdivided into beginner,
lower intermediate, and upper intermediate language levels. Once a specific level of English
proficiency has been met, a student may be promoted to the Regular Academic Program. In
addition to English, students learn crucial skills for academic success, such as teamwork, research,
and critical thinking.
12
Bodwell’s Trimester Calendar
Fall Semester
(September - December)
Winter Semester
(January - April)
4 Subjects 4 Subjects
Summer Semester
(April - July)
4 Subjects 4 Subjects
Fall Semester
(September - December)
4 Subjects 4 Subjects
There are several advantages of the trimester calendar to international students. Firstly, there are
three entrance opportunities every year. Students can begin at Bodwell in September, January, or
April. Secondly, after reaching an acceptable English level through focussed study in the Academic
and English Preparation (AEP) Program, students can take four academic subjects in each
subsequent semester. In two semesters, a student may complete eight academic subjects required
for an academic grade. To his or her advantage, a student may complete one-and-a-half academic
grades in each calendar year. This allows international students to keep up with their peers while
ensuring English competence.
At Bodwell, Canadian students can flexibly use the summer semester for valuable overseas travel
and language learning. If students choose to continue their studies through the summer, they may
complete high school more quickly and begin university studies sooner.
13
“Language is related to man’s life
in society as breathing is related
to life itself.”
Pierre Trudeau

ACTIVE
LEARNING
"A good head and good heart
are always a formidable
combination. But when you
add to that a literate tongue
or pen, then you have
something very special."
Nelson Mandela
Learning by Doing
In this rapidly changing twenty-first century, it is essential that students gain a deep, critical
understanding of the world around them. The best way to achieve this understanding is through
active participation, which demands students take direct responsibility for their own mastery
of ideas.
Bodwell teachers guide students through their development with engaging and interactive handson
strategies. Learning activities often include networking with the local community. Many classes
typically go on field trips each semester, often to diverse destinations. Lessons frequently involve in
a wide variety of learning experiences, such as:
■ presentations
■ projects
■ debates
■ interviews
■ lab experiments
■ literature circles
■ film making
14
■ learning journals
■ concept mapping
■ peer teaching
■ model construction
■ role plays
■ guest speaker sessions
■ class blogs
Small Class Size
Small classes strengthen active learning. Students are able to receive increased individual attention
from teachers in terms of instruction and assessment. With smaller classes, each class forms
an intimate, closely-knit and multicultural family, allowing students to support one another’s
learning. Bodwell limits each class to a maximum of 24 students, while the average number per
class is approximately 20. Academic and English Preparation classes are even smaller to promote
enhanced focus on English mastery.
Use of Technology
The careful use of technology in the classroom further bolsters active learning. Students directly
learn foundational computer skills needed for application in the modern world. During class,
proficient teachers thoughtfully guide young people in activities boosted by use of information
technology. Smart Boards in numerous classrooms allow students to model and manipulate
challenging curricular concepts. As every student is required to have a laptop computer, activities
involving simulation, collaboration, and online research are integral parts of the learning process.
Bodwell students emerge with an understanding and zest for the growing role of technology in
their lives.
15

ATHLETICS
Competition and Collaboration
To compete on an athletic team is an enriching challenge for the mind, body, and spirit. Yet
competition takes on an even more profound meaning when a young person’s teammates come from
countries all over the world—each with a unique language and culture. This diversity only serves
to make the athletic experience that much more exciting and rewarding, with each young person
contributing their own key strengths to the team effort. On the basketball court, over the soccer field,
and in the swimming pool, lasting friendships are forged and lifelong lessons are realized. At Bodwell,
young athletes think globally and win locally.
In sports, our students compete in two athletic leagues, the North Shore Athletic Association and
the Greater Vancouver Independent School Athletic Association. Our athletic programs have won
numerous championships in both leagues, a credit to our well-qualified coaches and athletes working
together. While a full-sized gymnasium and an indoor swimming pool support many immediate
sporting options, Bodwell has also received special commendation from the BC Ministry of Education
in how the school benefits from local facilities in the community.
Athletic Teams and Clubs
■ Boys Basketball
■ Boys Soccer
■ Boys Swimming
■ Boys Track and Field
■ Girls Basketball
■ Girls Volleyball
■ Girls Swimming
■ Girls Track and Field
■ Co-ed Badminton
■ Co-ed Softball
Competitive Teams
■ Outdoor Adventure
■ Cross Country Running
■ Ski and Snowboard
16 17
■ Fitness
■ Floor Hockey
■ Table Tennis
■ Tennis
■ Track & Field
■ Yoga & Stretching
■ Wrestling
Sport Clubs
“I have always
believed that exercise
is the key not only to
physical health but
to peace of mind.”
Nelson Mandela

MUSIC
■ Acting
■ Drama
■ Hip Hop
■ Guitar
■ Advanced Band
■ Jazz
Performing Art Clubs
■ Music Technology
■ Rock Band
■ Vocal/Choral
Finding Meaning in Melody
In cultures worldwide, music is a vital part of life. It uplifts the human spirit, creates harmony
between peoples, and communicates different perspectives on the world. Young people
learn about themselves and others, and how to join together with other musicians to give
rise to stirring melody.
All students in the music program have the opportunity to perform as part of an
instrumental ensemble. There are also extracurricular groups for particularly motivated
students. These ensembles often perform at school-wide assemblies, and in competitions
and workshops at various locations around the community. Students in the Beginner Band
are introduced to a large variety of instruments. Goals for more advanced students include
developing stronger technique, more focused tone quality, and increased understanding of
phrasing and musical expression.
Creative Expression
Every young person has the potential to explore the world as an artist. This is crucial for personal
growth of creativity and innovation, which are highly-valued attributes in an ever-changing world.
At Bodwell, the Fine Arts punctuates a student’s well-rounded education by contributing visual
arts and performance components. Students develop skills in such areas as drawing, painting,
sculpture, and digital media. Students learn to respond to artwork by describing and interpreting,
and by holding in-class critiques. Further, the theatrical arts provides a venue for English
oral rehearsal, in which students have the opportunity to develop their public speaking and
presentation skills. Throughout the year, the school offers numerous opportunities for students to
showcase their talents through performances and art exhibitions both in school and around the
region.
■ Creative Arts
■ Open Art Studio
■ Fashion Design
■ Photography
■ Knitting
Art Clubs
■ Video Production
&ART
18 19
“True art takes note not
merely of form but also
of what lies behind.”
Mahatma Gandhi

GLOBAL
CITIZENSHIP
20
Education for Changing the World
Young people are growing up in challenging times. The world is evolving: technologies are
advancing, economies shifting, and environments often degrading. Digital communication
has made the world smaller while populations are becoming more diverse.
In the midst of all this dizzying change, Bodwell empowers students with many of the skills
needed to play influential roles in the world-to-come. At the center of this learning is the
concept of global citizenship. In a thought-provoking environment, Bodwell students gain an
understanding of:
■ connectedness – that all societies are dependent on one another
■ responsibility – that young people have a duty to be active citizens
■ involvement – that there are countless opportunities to make a positive difference.
By learning how to interact with different peoples, students learn to look at themselves
from the eyes of others; they forge a unique global identity; and they build bridges for
mutual understanding.
Bodwell provides students with the following opportunities that enhance their sense of
global awareness:
■ academic courses, such as History, Social Justice, and Leadership
■ extracurricular clubs, e.g., Volunteer Club and Recycling Club
■ a House System that promotes universal values
■ the Student Parliament—an elected body of young school leaders
■ international educational connections, such as a partner community in Kenya
■ commemoration of international events, such as World Peace Day.
Volunteering and service learning are elements running throughout the school’s
programs. Students must complete 30 hours of work/volunteer experience in community
organizations before graduation. Notably, each year since 2007 a group of our students
travels to Kenya to provide aid and goodwill to our partner community. Through these
activities, students acquire a positive drive for bettering the world, as well as valuable
experience for entrance to university.
21
“The role of leadership today
is to encourage the embrace
of a global ethic.”
■ Student Parliament
■ House Captains
■ Dormitory Prefects
■ Yearbook
■ Rafiki and Multicultural
■ Recycling
■ Investment
■ Math
■ Public Speaking
■ Nature
■ Science Fair
■ Chess and Games
■ Computer
Service Clubs
Academics Clubs
Pierre Trudeau

DREAMS
FULFILLED
A Bodwell graduate receives an esteemed doctoral
degree in education from Simon Fraser University.
Leaders of Tomorrow
High school is a first step, but it is a decisive step. Bodwell students set their hopes high.
It is our aim for these ambitions to become a reality. With the help of counselors and
teachers, students discover their interests and learn to set goals for further study. Our
graduates achieve fluency in multiple languages, prepare themselves for academic rigour, and
hold a deep desire for life-long learning. Most graduates enter post-secondary programs
at prominent universities in Canada and around the world. Above all, it is our wish for
graduates to lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives in whatever direction they choose.
Bodwell alumni follow their dreams in a wide range of disciplines and in many parts of the
world. Alumni have specialized in a myriad of professional fields, not limited to aircraft
engineering, environmental economics, medicine, and psychology. Others have followed
artistic dreams, studying in prestigious acting schools and local fine arts institutions. While
some alumni return home or venture to new communities, a number of Bodwell students
fall in love with the charms of Vancouver and ultimately put down roots in Canada’s
West Coast.
BODWELL Graduates at Universities World-wide
■ Acadia University
■ University of Alberta
■ University of British Columbia
■ Carleton University
■ Concordia University
■ Dalhousie University
■ Emily Carr University of Art & Design
■ University of Guelph
■ University of Manitoba
■ McGill University
■ McMaster University
■ Ontario College of Art & Design
University
■ University of Ottawa
■ Queen's University
■ University of Regina
■ Simon Fraser University
■ University of Saskatchewan
■ University of Toronto
■ University of Victoria
■ University of Waterloo
■ University of Windsor
■ York University
■ University of Arizona
■ Arizona State University
■ California College of the Arts
■ Cornell University
■ University of California San Francisco
■ University of San Francisco
■ University of Hawaii
■ School of the Art Institute of Chicago
■ Indiana State University
■ University of Massachusetts Boston
■ Michigan State University
■ Parsons The New School for Design
■ State University of New York
■ University of Cincinnati
■ Oregon State University
■ Penn State University
■ University of Texas
■ Utah State University
■ Tecnologico de Monterrey
22 23
■ University of Bath
■ University of Bristol
■ Central Saint Martins College of Art
and Design
■ University College London (UCL)
■ University of Liverpool
■ University of Manchester
■ University of Sussex
■ University of Warwick
■ University of York
■ Glion Institute of Higher Education
■ Swiss Hotel Management School
■ Australian National University
■ University of Melbourne
■ Hong Kong University
■ Keio University
■ Sophia University
■ Waseda University
“You must be the
change you wish to
see in the world.”
Mahatma Gandhi

BOARDING
Support & Engagement
Through dormitory living, students experience personal growth and civic development.
They learn self-discipline and develop confidence in their own identity. Becoming curious
about a wider world, they are inspired to serve others.
In a secure environment, students are regularly supervised. Medical care is available
whenever needed. Smoking, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited. Detailed
procedures are in place to handle emergencies.
Dormitory students benefit from an orderly and structured program which also leaves
time to relax. Boarders speak English regularly and develop friendships with fellowstudents
from different cultures. They learn proper ways to deal with differences and
resolve conflicts. Each student is respected and learns to respect others.
Boys and girls live in separate halls on different floors and wings. In each hall there is a
student lounge equipped with a kitchenette, along with common bathrooms, laundry
machines, and luggage storage. A staff suite is located in each hall to allow close
supervision. All bedrooms have breathtaking views of either the waterfront or the
mountains. Bedrooms are mainly double and triple capacity. Housekeepers look after
cleaning and replacement of beddings while a Matron delivers their school uniforms for
dry-cleaning.
Students have easy access to school amenities including the gymnasium, indoor
swimming pool, outdoor playground and tennis court, music room, movie theatre, and
cafeteria. Healthy multicultural cuisine is served daily throughout the year.
24 25
School-day Schedule
7:00 am Morning call
7:30 am Breakfast
8:20-11:30 am Classes
11:30-12:20 pm Lunch
12:20-3:30 pm Classes
3:30-4:30 pm Extracurricular activities
3:30 pm Dormitory Halls open
5:15-6:00 pm Dinner
6:15-7:45 pm Study Time I
8:00-9:30 pm Study Time II
6:00-10:30 pm Free time – drop-in
sports & recreation
10:30-11:00 pm Hall time
11:00 pm Quiet time
11:30 pm Lights out
Weekend Schedule
8:30 am Continental breakfast
11:00-11:45 am Brunch
12:00-5:00 pm Outings and clubs
5:15-6:00 pm Dinner
6:00-11:00 pm Sports, recreational
& cultural activities
11:00-11:30 pm Hall time
11:30 pm Quiet time
12:00 pm Light out
“We may have all come
on different ships, but
we're in the same
boat now.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

All the World in a Dorm
Dormitory living allows young people from across the globe to contribute to a
genuine community of diversity. To facilitate cross-cultural friendships, we make
every effort to encourage students of different languages to share a bedroom.
The dormitory is made up of six Halls, each run by a live-in Hall Advisor who acts
as a dormitory parent, looking after the needs and safety of each student. Hall
Advisors come with professional backgrounds such as teaching, social work, and
counselling, and with a passion to work with youth to create a home environment.
Together with students, they develop a hall identity through activities such as weekly
meetings and monthly birthday parties.
To promote a sense of community, we organize customary events like Family
Dinner and Dorm Olympics. On weekends, there are free, supervised outings to
famous attractions such as Whistler, or for fun activities such as bowling. Additionally,
students may choose to participate in a variety of club activities, ranging from hiphop
dance and yoga and to guitar lessons and cooking. Throughout the week, they
may join in gymnasium sports, movie nights, or other drop-in activities.
Each weekday evening, all students must engage in a 90-minute study time with
the support of certified teachers. Attendance and productivity marks are given
daily and form part of students’ monthly evaluation report, which also details
performances in curfew, hygiene, and participation in activities.
The Dorm Prefect is an honoured and well-respected role assigned to students with
demonstrated leadership. Prefects assist in dormitory routines and activities.
“I felt that people must
use every possible means
to get to know each
other better.”
Pierre Trudeau
26 27
LIVING
TOGETHER

CANADIAN
FAMILIES
Home Away From Home
There is no better way to gain an understanding of a different culture than to completely
immerse oneself in it. Drawing from a diverse collection of families wishing to host
international students, Bodwell arranges accommodations for students best suited to
their particular needs. It is essential for students to feel happy, safe, and comfortable.
Each student has a private bedroom in a house located near the school. Our dedicated
homestay coordinator works closely with the student and homestay family to ensure a
good relationship.
Students in homestay learn about Canadian culture as they explore new foods, customs,
and practices. Students have the chance to improve their listening and speaking skills
through daily interaction with the host family and the community. Students also have the
opportunity to experience some independence: preparing their own breakfast, tidying their
bedroom, and taking a public bus to school.
MULTILINGUAL
COUNSELING
Guiding the Whole Student
Counsellors serve as a crucial link between students, teachers, dormitory staff, homestay
families, and parents. As many students in Bodwell journey far from home, this link becomes
even more important. Counsellors advise the whole student in all aspects, including
academics, health, and happiness, as well as their learning of relational and problem solving
skills. The counselling staff also provides timely emotional support and resources needed to
meet the challenges of adolescence.
Other than English, our team of counsellors speak French, Spanish, Portuguese, German,
Russian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. Students are comfortable to talk with their
counsellors in their preferred languages. Counsellors also communicate directly with
parents in different languages.
Upon arrival, new students draw on a thorough orientation delivered by the Principal,
Assistant Principal, and counsellors. Students are provided help to smoothly integrate into
the regular flow of school life and activities. Counsellors guide students in their study plans,
graduation requirements, and application for post-secondary institutions of their choice.
From the first day to the final departure, Bodwell students find unending support from the
counsellors.
28 29
“Happiness is when
what you think, what
you say, and what you
do are in harmony.”
Mahatma Gandhi

LOOKING
The Waterfront
School FORWARD That Embraces
The World
The ultimate journey comes after graduation, when young citizens–grateful for
their experience at Bodwell High School–venture forth, inspired by a diverse
perspective of themselves, their home, and the globe.
A world of possibility awaits.
31

“It is not where you start but how high you
aim that matters for success.”
Nelson Mandela
955 Harbourside Drive, North Vancouver, BC, Canada. V7P 3S4
Main: +1-604-924-5056
Fax: +1-604-924-5058
Email: offi ce@bodwell.edu
www.bodwell.edu
32