Bodwell High School

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School Busing:

• North Vancouver

Additional notes: Pick-Up --> 7:30 - Lonsdale Quay Pick-Up --> 7:40 - Salvation Army on Fell Avenue Drop-Off --> 7:50 - Bodwell High School Pick-Up --> 8:80 - Salvation Army on Fell Avenue Drop-Off --> 8:00 - Bodwell High School

• Curriculum Progressive, International Baccalaureate
  [Show definition of Curriculum]

  Central to your child's school experience is the underlying curriculum taught in the classroom. "Curriculum" refers to both what is taught and how it's taught. When considering the different curricula outlined in the next few pages, keep in mind that few schools fall neatly into one category or another. Most schools' curricula comprise a blend of best practices drawn from multiple curriculum types. Having said that, most schools do have a general overall curriculum type. These are identified for each school on OurKids.net.

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  Curriculum approach at Bodwell: Progressive, International Baccalaureate

  Bodwell has a Progressive, International Baccalaureate approach to Curriculum (as opposed to Traditional, Liberal Arts, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf approach).

  [Show: About Progressive, International Baccalaureate?]

  Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.

  Curriculum at schools on OurKids.net

    Progressive - 37%
    Traditional - 36%
    Liberal arts - 13%
    Montessori - 11%
    Reggio Emilia - 1%
    Waldorf - 2%
  

  Bodwell has a International Baccalaureate approach to secondary curriculum.

  Some private schools offer International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. The "Diploma Programme" is offered to students in the final two years of high school, while the "Primary Years Programme" (ages 3 to 12) and "Middle Years Programme" (ages 11 to 16) serve as preparation for the diploma program.

  What Bodwell says: Bodwell High School offers a university-preparatory curriculum grounded in British Columbia academic standards and enriched by global perspective. Students follow a clear academic pathway designed to support long-term success rather than short-term results. In the junior years, students build strong learning habits, critical thinking skills, and global awareness through the IB Middle Years Programme. In the senior grades, students transition to the BC graduation curriculum, with opportunities for advanced study, including AP options, supported by structured academic routines and close guidance. Bodwell’s approach emphasizes rigour, accountability, and personal growth. Small class environments, regular feedback, and coordinated support from teachers, counsellors, and advisors help students stay focused and on track. Applied programs such as the Real World Academies further connect academic learning with real-world skills in areas like STEM and media. Graduates leave Bodwell academically prepared, confident, and ready for the demands of university and life beyond high school.

  International Baccalaureate offered:

  Program	offered
  Primary Years
  Middle Years
  Diploma program
  Career-related program

  Approach:

  Focus
  Academic

  Pedagogies and subject courses:

  • Mathematics Equal Balance

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    Mathematics approach at Bodwell: Equal Balance

    Bodwell has an Equal Balance approach to Mathematics (as opposed to Traditional Math , Discovery Math approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.

    Mathematics at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 68%
      Traditional math - 26%
      Discovery math - 6%
    

    What Bodwell says: Across Grades 8–12, including IB MYP in Grades 8–10, we combine strong fundamentals with meaningful application. Teachers provide clear, explicit instruction in key concepts and standard methods, followed by guided practice to build fluency and accuracy. Students then apply learning through multi-step problems, modelling, data analysis, and tasks that require reasoning and explanation, not just answers. We emphasize mathematical communication (showing work, justifying choices, using correct notation), perseverance, and strategic problem-solving. Support is built in through small classes, targeted feedback, re-teaching when needed, and extra help outside class. As students progress, we increase expectations for independence and challenge, including enrichment opportunities and extension problems for students ready to go further. Our goal is to develop confident learners who can master procedures, understand why they work, and use math effectively in academic and real-world settings.

    Textbooks and supplementary materials: Precalculus 11: Theory and Problems for Pre-Calculus 11 3rd Edition Precalculus 12: : Theory and Problems for Pre-Calculus 12 3rd Edition Calculus 12: Infinite Challenge Publishing's AP Calculus AB workbook

    Calculator policy: Calculators are a tool. We build fluency first, then use approved scientific and graphing calculators for exploration, checking, modelling, and statistics and graphing tasks. AP courses follow College Board section rules.

  • Science Equal Balance

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    Science approach at Bodwell: Equal Balance

    Bodwell has an Equal Balance approach to Science (as opposed to Expository , Inquiry approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.

    Science at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 68%
      Expository - 6%
      Inquiry - 26%
    

    Teaching approach: In general teachers at Bodwell use the " equal balance" method for teaching science classes. If there is a concept that they feel students can figure out through inquiry, they choose the inquiry method. However, if a particular concept is challenging for most students, then they would use the expository method (direct instruction).

    Treatment of evolution:

    Subject	offered
    Evolution as consensus theory
    Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
    Evolution is not taught

    Topics covered in curriculum:

    Subject	offered
    Biology
    Chemistry
    Ecology
    Geology
    Meteorology
    Physics
    Physiology
    Zoology

  • Literature Traditional

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    Literature approach at Bodwell: Traditional

    Bodwell has a Traditional approach to Literature (as opposed to Social Justice , Equal Balance approach).

    [Show: About Traditional?]

    In traditional literature programs students focus on decoding the mechanics of texts: plot, characterization, and themes. These texts tend to include a balance of contemporary and “classic” literature. When studying a past work, students investigate its historical context -- but only insofar as this adds understanding to the work itself. Past works are therefore studied “on their own terms”, and not merely as historical artifacts to be deconstructed: traditional literature programs are firmly rooted in the humanities, and carry the belief that great literature can reveal fundamental and universal truths about the human condition. These programs emphasize class discussions and critical essay writing, and aim to develop in students critical thinking, communication skills, and a cultivated taste and ethos.

    Literature at schools on OurKids.net

      Traditional - 23%
      Social justice - 2%
      Equal balance - 75%
    

    What Bodwell says: Bodwell’s literature program is primarily grounded in traditional literary study, emphasizing close reading, textual analysis, and formal academic writing. Students engage with mostly canonical works alongside selected contemporary texts, studying literature on its own terms while situating texts within appropriate historical, cultural, and comparative contexts. Across Grades 8–12, students develop strong skills in thesis-driven, MLA-formatted literary essays that prepare them for university-level expectations. Class discussion, seminar-style inquiry, and comparative analysis are central features of instruction. Where relevant and mandated by the Ministry of Education, Indigenous and First Nations texts are integrated thoughtfully to deepen understanding rather than replace literary study. While individual teachers may occasionally employ contemporary or social-justice-informed perspectives, the program’s core focus remains the humanities tradition: cultivating critical thinking, clear written communication, and an appreciation of literature’s enduring insights into the human condition.

    Program covers:

    Subject	offered
    Canadian lit
    American lit
    European (continental) lit
    World (non-Western) lit
    English lit
    Ancient lit

  • Humanities and Social Sciences Equal Balance

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    Humanities and Social Sciences approach at Bodwell: Equal Balance

    Bodwell has an Equal Balance approach to Humanities and Social Sciences (as opposed to Perennialism , Pragmatism approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.

    Humanities and Social Sciences at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 82%
      Perennialism - 6%
      Pragmatism - 12%
    

    What Bodwell says: Bodwell’s humanities and social sciences program balances a perennialist emphasis on historical understanding and core disciplinary knowledge with a pragmatic focus on contemporary relevance. Students study history, political studies, law, economics, Indigenous studies, and comparative cultures through both traditional academic approaches and applied inquiry. Courses emphasize essay writing, source analysis, and structured debate, while also incorporating projects that connect historical and social concepts to present-day issues. Assessments are intentionally balanced between argumentative writing and applied tasks. With offerings such as BC First Peoples, Contemporary Indigenous Studies, Asian Studies, and Political Studies, students develop cultural literacy alongside the analytical tools needed to interpret current events. The program aims to graduate students who can reason historically, write persuasively, and engage thoughtfully with social, political, and economic questions in a global context.

  • Foreign Languages Equal Balance

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    Foreign Languages approach at Bodwell: Equal Balance

    Bodwell has an Equal Balance approach to Foreign Languages (as opposed to Audio-Lingual , Communicative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.

    Foreign Languages at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 65%
      Audio-lingual - 3%
      Communicative - 32%
    

    What Bodwell says: Bodwell’s approach to foreign language learning emphasizes communication, cultural understanding, and academic proficiency within an authentic, multilingual environment. Language study is seen as both an academic discipline and a practical life skill, supporting students’ global awareness and university readiness. In Grades 8–10, students may study Mandarin or Spanish through the IB Middle Years Programme, where language learning integrates reading, writing, speaking, listening, and intercultural understanding. Instruction encourages active use of language through discussion, inquiry, and real-world contexts rather than memorization alone. In the senior grades, students can pursue Grade 12 Mandarin or AP Mandarin, developing advanced literacy, academic language skills, and preparation for external assessments and university study. Throughout the school, students benefit from Bodwell’s multilingual community, where daily interaction with peers from many linguistic backgrounds reinforces language learning and cultural competence. This structured yet immersive approach helps students gain confidence, accuracy, and long-term fluency in additional languages.

    Language instruction offered in:

    Subject	offered
    Chinese-Cantonese
    Chinese-Mandarin
    French
    German
    Greek
    Italian
    Japanese
    Hebrew
    Latin
    Russian
    Spanish
    ESL

  • Fine Arts Equal Balance

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    Fine Arts approach at Bodwell: Equal Balance

    Bodwell has an Equal Balance approach to Fine Arts (as opposed to Receptive , Creative approach).

    [Show: About Equal Balance?]

    These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.

    Fine Arts at schools on OurKids.net

      Equal balance - 65%
      Receptive - 0%
      Creative - 35%
    

    Program offers:

    Subject	offered
    Acting
    Dance
    Drama/Theatre
    Graphic Design
    Music
    Visual Arts

    Visual studio philosophy:

    Expressive
    Disciplined

    What Bodwell says: Bodwell offers a Fine Arts program for students in Grades 8–12, including Visual Arts, Music, and Performing Arts. Students learn through both creating and experiencing the arts, building technical skills, confidence, and an appreciation for artistic expression across disciplines. Learning is hands-on and supported by exploring styles and traditions. As students move through the program, they are encouraged to find their own artistic voice and take creative risks in a supportive environment. The focus is on confidence, self-expression, and personal growth, allowing students to communicate ideas and emotions in meaningful ways. Senior students may choose to extend this learning through Advanced Placement Visual Arts, where creative practice supports independence. Through partnerships with community artists, organizations, and local galleries, students engage with inspiring artwork while also gaining opportunities to exhibit, perform, and participate in competitions, connecting their creative work to real-world experiences.

  • Computers and Technology Heavy integration

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    Computers and Technology approach at Bodwell: Heavy integration

    Bodwell has a Heavy integration approach to Computers and Technology (as opposed to Light integration , Medium integration approach).

    [Show: About Heavy integration?]

    A major effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy throughout the curriculum and in everything students do. Digital literacy is understood to be a fundamental skill in the 21st century: it therefore follows, the idea goes, that teachers should find ways to connect every lesson back to technology. Effort is made to ensure the use of technology is meaningful and advances students’ skills beyond what they would otherwise be from using computers outside the classroom.

    Computers and Technology at schools on OurKids.net

      Heavy integration - 28%
      Light integration - 21%
      Medium integration - 51%
    

    What Bodwell says: Technology at Bodwell is intentionally integrated to support learning, productivity, and real-world skill development while maintaining strong academic foundations. All students use school-issued laptops with professional tools such as Microsoft and Adobe for research, writing, design, and collaboration across subjects. Classrooms are equipped with digital displays and audiovisual systems to support interactive and multimedia instruction where appropriate. Students also use secure platforms, including Microsoft Teams and email, to manage coursework and communication. Beyond core classroom use, Bodwell offers computer-focused learning through courses and programs in STEM courses (Robotics, etc.), Graphic Arts, Computer Programming 11, Computer Science 12, AP Computer Science Principles, and more. These support digital literacy, problem-solving, and university readiness.

    Program covers:

    Subject	offered
    Computer science
    Robotics
    Web design

  • Physical Education

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    What Bodwell says: Physical Education is offered in grades 8-12 and follows the BC Ministry current curriculum with the aim of providing opportunities for students to experience a variety of activities and promote lifelong, healthy living. Our Physical Education program encompasses two specific aspects: fitness and sports. The fitness component of the program is a progressive program emphasizing cardio-respiratory development. One of the goals of the program is to teach and instill the skills necessary to live an active lifestyle that promotes health and physical literacy. The sport component of the program consists of activities from a variety of sports and games. A holistic approach is followed with mental, social, and physical domains addressed. The program is intended to allow the student to develop an appreciation of sport and an understanding of the strategies, skills and basic rules involved, encouraging a lifetime of participation.

  • Advanced Placement courses

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    AP Physics 1

    AP Physics 2

    AP Studio Art: 2-D Design

    AP Studio Art: Drawing

    AP Biology

    AP Calculus AB

    AP Chemistry

    AP Chinese Language and Culture

    AP Microeconomics
  • Sex and health education British Columbia curriculum

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    Sex and health education approach at Bodwell: British Columbia curriculum

    Bodwell has a British Columbia curriculum approach to Sex and health education (as opposed to Does not follow prrovincialcurriculum approach).

    [Show: About British Columbia curriculum?]

    The structure, pacing, focus, and tone of the sex education curriculum reflects that of the provincial one, taught in public schools.

    Sex and health education at schools on OurKids.net

      Follows provincial curriculum - 58%
      Does not follow prrovincial curriculum - 42%
    

    Approach to sex and health education:

    Bodwell has a approach Mostly value-neutral (as opposed to Fairly value-based approach).

    [Show: About Mostly value-neutral?]

    By and large, students are taught about sex free of any particular moral or ethical standpoint. The school doesn't impose any particular values or value systems (such as social, political, or ideological values) on students when teaching sex and related issues.

    What Bodwell says: For grades 8 and 9, we offer 3 weeks on sexual health education covering the human body, reproduction and conception, pregnancy prevention, common sexually transmitted infections and prevention, with emphasis on healthy and active living and mental well-being. Planning 10 course is mandatory for grades 10 to 12 students and there is one week of five instructional blocks covering teenage health, and sexually transmitted illnesses.

  
  

  Jump to:

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • Literature

  • Humanities and Social Sciences

  • Foreign Languages

  • Fine Arts

  • Computers and Technology

  • Physical Education

  • Advanced Placement courses

  • Sex and health education
• Curriculum Pace Standard-enriched
  [Show definition of Curriculum Pace]

  This refers to the rate at which students move through the curriculum (e.g., topics, textbook material, skills, etc.). Curriculum pace is often defined in comparison to provincial standards.

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  Curriculum Pace approach at Bodwell: Standard-enriched

  Bodwell has a Standard-enriched approach to Curriculum Pace (as opposed to Accelerated, Student-paced approach).

  [Show: About Standard-enriched?]

  Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.

  Curriculum Pace at schools on OurKids.net

    Standard-enriched - 55%
    Accelerated - 18%
    Student-paced - 27%
  

  What Bodwell says: Students follow an accelerated schedule of up to 11 courses per year, exceeding the standard BC pace. Senior students may pursue AP and Pre-AP courses, while Real World Academies add applied, project-based learning that deepens rigour and connects academic study to university-level expectations.

  Flexible pacing style

  Flexible pacing style	offered
  Subject-streaming (tracking)
  Multi-age classrooms as standard
  Ability-grouping (in-class) as common
  Frequent use of cyber-learning (at-their-own-pace)
  Regular guided independent study opportunities
  Differentiated assessment

  What Bodwell says about flexible pacing: Bodwell’s Personalized Pathways approach uses subject streaming, differentiated instruction, and guided study to match students’ readiness and goals. Academic plans are reviewed regularly, allowing students to progress appropriately while staying aligned with graduation and university requirements, including structured English language development where needed.

• Academic Culture Rigorous
  [Show definition of Academic Culture]

  Through the collective mindset of teachers, administrators, students, and parents, each school develops and maintains its own academic culture. This generally relates to the norms and expectations created around academic performance. Many parents look to private schools because they want a specific type of culture. Some want a rigorous environment that will elevate their child to new heights. Others want a nurturing environment that will help their child develop a passion for learning.

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  Academic Culture approach at Bodwell: Rigorous

  Bodwell has a Rigorous approach to Academic Culture (as opposed to Supportive approach).

  [Show: About Rigorous?]

  A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.

  Academic Culture at schools on OurKids.net

    Rigorous - 53%
    Supportive - 47%
  

  What Bodwell says about their academic culture: Bodwell maintains a rigorous academic culture with clear expectations around performance, effort, and responsibility, particularly in the senior grades where university preparation is the focus. Students follow an accelerated academic schedule and are expected to engage consistently with coursework, assessments, and study routines. Rigour at Bodwell is paired with strong, structured support. Academic planning is personalized through counsellors, with access to extra help from teachers, tutoring, English language acceleration, guided study halls, and exam preparation as needed. This ensures students are challenged while being well supported. The result is a culture that values accountability, growth, and outcomes, preparing students for the academic demands of university and enabling the vast majority of graduates to achieve their postsecondary goals.

• Developmental priorities Balanced
  [Show definition of Developmental priorities]

  Schools have specific goals regarding how they want their educate and develop their students. This is part of a school's overall philosophy or vision, which is contained in its mission statement. While they tend have several developmental aims, schools tend to priortize certain aims, such as intellectual, social, spiritual, emotional, or physical development.

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  Primary Developmental Priority: Balanced

  Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation.

  Secondary Developmental Priority: Intellectual

  The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."

  What Bodwell says: Bodwell’s primary developmental priority is balanced growth, with a strong secondary emphasis on intellectual development. The school aims to develop students who are academically capable, emotionally resilient, socially and globally aware, and physically well, recognizing that long-term success depends on more than academic achievement alone. Intellectually, Bodwell challenges students to think critically, communicate clearly, and engage deeply with complex ideas in preparation for university study. At the same time, structured routines, co-curricular involvement, and boarding life support the development of independence, responsibility, and self-management. Bodwell seeks to graduate confident, adaptable young adults who can manage academic demands, work respectfully with others, and navigate an increasingly complex world with maturity and purpose.

• Special needs support No support
  [Show definition of Special needs support]

  Schools offer a wide range of approaches and services to support students with special needs. This may include individualized learning, one-on-one support, small classes, resource rooms, and learning aids. These supports may be provided in a number of different environments such as a dedicated special needs school or class, an integrated class, a withdrawal class, or a regular class with resource support or in-class adaptations.

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  Bodwell offers No support

  Bodwell offers no/limited support for students with learning difficulties or special needs.

  What Bodwell says about their special need support: When students experience learning difficulties while enrolled at Bodwell, the school responds through close monitoring, early communication, and coordinated support from teachers, counsellors, and advisors. Adjustments may include additional teacher help, tutoring, academic planning changes, or English language support where appropriate. The goal is to help students remain successful within a rigorous, university-preparatory program. Bodwell is not designed for students who require ongoing special education services, modified curricula, or intensive one-to-one learning support. For this reason, families of students with clinically diagnosed learning disabilities are advised to discuss their child’s learning profile with the admissions team before applying. Some students with mild learning differences may be a good fit, while others may require supports beyond what Bodwell can reasonably provide.

  Academic Support:

  Subject Ttype	offered
  Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation
  Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties

  Mild but clinically diagnosed ADHD:

  Subject Ttype	offered
  Accommodations
  Modifications
  Extra support

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  Summary: Bodwell High School does not offer a formal special education or remedial program, nor does it provide IEP-based instruction, modified curricula, educational assistants, or therapeutic services. As a university-preparatory academic school, Bodwell is designed for students who are able to meet Canadian academic standards within a structured and rigorous learning environment. That said, Bodwell provides personalized academic guidance and monitoring for all students. Supports may include additional teacher help, tutoring, structured study periods, academic counselling, and English language development where appropriate. These supports are intended to help students manage workload, strengthen skills, and remain successful in a demanding program. Some students with mild learning differences may find Bodwell a good fit, depending on their independence, academic readiness, and long-term goals. Each application is reviewed individually, and families are encouraged to share relevant learning information so expectations and supports can be discussed openly.

  A - Forms of Support

  Accommodation:

  Modification:

  Remediation:

  B - Environments

  Indirect Support:

  Resource Assistance:

  Withdrawal Assistance:

  Partial Integration:

  Full-Time Class:

  
  

  Special NeedNeed

  Forms of SupportA

  EnvironmentsB

  ADHD

  • Learning disabilities
    Dyslexia (Language-Based Learning Disability)

    This is a learning disability that can limit a child's ability to read and learn. It can have a variety of traits. A few of the main ones are impaired phonological awareness and decoding, problems with orthographic coding, and auditory short-term memory impairment.

    Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

    This is a sound differentiation disorder involving problems with reading, comprehension, and language.

    Dyscalculia

    This is a kind of specific learning disability in math. Kids with this math disorder have problems with calculation. They may also have problems with math-related concepts such as time and money.

    Dysgraphia

    This is a kind of specific learning disability in writing. It involves problems with handwriting, spelling, and organizing ideas.

    Language Processing Disorder

    This is characterized by having extreme difficulty understanding what is heard and expressing what one wants to say. These disorders affect the area of the brain that controls language processing.

    Nonverbal Learning Disorders (NLD)

    These involve difficulties interpreting non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and body language. They're usually characterized by a significant discrepancy between higher verbal skills and weaker motor, visual-spatial, and social skills.

    Visual Perceptual/Visual Motor Deficit

    A characteristic seen in people with learning disabilities such as Dysgraphia or Non-verbal LD. It can result in missing subtle differences in shapes or printed letters, losing place frequently, struggles with cutting, holding pencil too tightly, or poor eye/hand coordination.
  • Developmental
    Autism

    Refers to a range of conditions that involve challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, and speech and nonverbal communication. They also involve unique strengths and differences. For instance, there are persons with both low- and high-functioning autism (some claim the latter is identical to Asperger's syndrome).

    Asperger's Syndrome

    On the autism spectrum, Asperger's is considered quite mild in terms of symptoms. While traits can vary widely, many kids with Asperger's struggle with social skills. They also sometimes fixate on certain subjects and engage in repetitive behaviour.

    Down syndrome

    his is associated with impairment of cognitive ability and physical growth, and a particular set of facial characteristics.

    Intellectual disability

    This is a condition characterized by significant limitations in intellectual functioning (e.g., reasoning, learning, and problem solving). Intellectual disabilities are also known as general learning disabilities (and used to be referred to as a kind of mental retardation).

    Williams syndrome

    This is a rare genetic disorder present at birth. It is characterized by intellectual disabilities or learning problems, unique facial features, and cardiovascular problems.

    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

    Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. These may include growth deficits, facial anomalies, and damage to the central nervous system, which can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and other problems.
  • Behavioral and Emotional
    Troubled behaviour / troubled teens

    roubled teens tend to have problems that are intense, persistent, and can lead to quite unpredictable behaviour. This can lead to behavioural and emotional issues, such as drug and alcohol abuse, criminal behaviour, eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.

    Clinical Depression

    This is a mental health disorder also called "major depression." It involves persistent feelings of sadness, loss, and anger. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms are usually severe enough to cause noticeable problems in relationships with others or in daily activities, such as school, work, or one's social life.

    Clinical anxiety

    This is a mood disorder involving intense, relentless feelings of distress and fear. They can also have excessive and persistent worry about everyday situations, and repeated episodes of intense anxiety or terror.

    Suicidal thoughts

    This involves persistent thoughts about ending one's life.

    Drug and alcohol abuse

    This involves the excessive use of drug and/or alcohol, which interferes with daily functioning.

    Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)

    This is a disruptive behavioural disorder which normally involves angry outbursts, often directed at people of authority. This behaviour must last continuously for six months or more and significantly interfere with daily functioning.
  • Physical
    Multiple sclerosis

    This is a condition of the central nervous system. It affects the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. Symptoms can include fatigue, loss of motor control, memory loss, depression, and cognitive difficulties.

    Cerebral palsy

    his refers to a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early childhood. CP is caused by abnormal development or damage to the parts of the brain that control movement, balance, and posture.

    Muscular dystrophy

    Muscular dystrophy is a neuromuscular disorder which weakens the body's muscles. Causes, symptoms, age of onset, and prognosis vary between individuals.

    Spina Bifida

    This is a condition present at birth due to the incomplete formation of the spine and spinal cord. It can lead to a number of physical challenges, including paralysis or weakness in the legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, hydrocephalus (too much fluid in the brain), and deformities of the spine.

    Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)

    This is a Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Also known as "sensory integration disorder," it affects fine and/or gross motor coordination in children and adults. It may also affect speech.

    Blindness

    Visual impairment is a decreased ability or inability to see that can't be fixed in usual ways, such as with glasses. Some people are completely blind, while others have what's called "legal blindness."

    Deafness

    Hearing impairment, also known as "hearing loss," is a partial or total inability to hear. The degree of hearing impairment varies between people. It can range from complete hearing loss (or deafness) to partial hearing loss (meaning the ears can pick up some sounds).

    Cystic Fibrosis

    Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic condition, which affects the body's respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. It affects young children and adults.

    Multiple physical

    Accommodating a wide range of physical conditions and disabilities.

  Read our guide to special needs schools and special education

• Gifted learner support In-class adaptations
  [Show definition of Gifted learner support]

  Schools support students with gifted or advanced learning abilities in a several ways. Whether they offer a full-time gifted program or part-time support, they normally provide some form of accelerated learning (delivering content at a faster pace) or enrichment (covering content more broadly or deeply). Many schools also offer a wide range of in-class adaptations to support advanced learners, such as guided independent studies, project-based learning, and career exploration.

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  Curriculum delivery: Acceleration and enrichment (There is an equal emphasis on acceleration and enrichment.)

  In-class adaptations:

  Program	offered
  Custom subject enrichment (special arrangement)
  Custom curriculum compacting (special arrangement)
  Guided independent study (custom gifted arrangement)
  Cyber-learning opportunities (custom gifted arrangement)
  Formalized peer coaching opportunities (specifically for gifted learners to coach others)
  Custom subject acceleration (special arrangement)
  Career exploration (custom gifted arrangement)
  Project-based learning (custom gifted arrangement)
  Mentorships (custom gifted arrangement)

  What Bodwell says: Bodwell does not operate a formal gifted program but supports high-ability students through a combination of acceleration and enrichment within its university-preparatory model. Advanced students may access accelerated coursework, AP options, guided independent study, and project-based learning, including through Real World Academies in areas such as STEM and media. Academic pathways are personalized, allowing motivated students to pursue greater depth, challenge, and university-aligned experiences within the regular program structure.

• Language English
  Bodwell offers English as the primary language of instruction.

  Language of enrollment include: English, Spanish, Mandarin
• Homework Policy
  [Show definition of Homework Policy]

  Homework is work that's assigned to students for completion outside of regular class time. There's a long-standing debate over homework. Should homework be assigned to school-age children? If so, in what grades? And how much homework should be assigned? In selecting the right school for your child, it's important to look closely at a school's homework policy.

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  In grade Gr. 12, Bodwell students perform an average of >2 hours of homework per night.

  Nightly Homework

  	8	9	10	11	12
  Bodwell	45 mins	60 mins	90 mins	120 mins	160 mins
  Site Average	55 mins	69 mins	80 mins	96 mins	104 mins

  What Bodwell says about their flipped classroom policy: This information is not currently available.

• Report Card Policy
  [Show definition of Report Card Policy]

  While all schools measure individual progress and achievement in students, they have different ways of doing this. For instance, many traditional schools gauge progress through report cards, which give students lettered or numbered grades. Other schools, meanwhile, measure progress in other ways, either in addition to or instead of giving grades. For instance, they may offer prose-based feedback (i.e, comments), academic achievement reporting, habits and behaviour reporting, and parent-teacher meetings. In choosing the right school for your child, take a close look at its policy for measuring the individual progress of students.

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  How assessments are delivered across the grades:

  Lettered or numbered grades	Gr. 8 to Gr. 12
  Prose (narrative)-based feedback	Gr. 8 to Gr. 12

For more than 20 years, I have had the honour of working with students, families and a dedicated staff team at Bodwell High School. Over that time, one thing has become increasingly clear: the world our children are entering is changing quickly, and the kind of education they need is changing with it.

Bodwell is a university-preparatory high school in North Vancouver where diverse Canadian and international students learn together and grow together. This global environment is not an add-on. It is a powerful part of how students develop confidence, new perspectives, and the ability to thrive in universities and careers that are increasingly global.

Our students earn the British Columbia Dogwood Diploma, learn in small classes, and receive personalized guidance from teachers and counsellors who know them well. Alongside strong academics, students gain real-world skills through advanced coursework, mentorship, and our Real World Academies (including STEM and Media), where they create projects and portfolios that help them stand out in university admissions and feel prepared for what comes next.

Many Canadian families choose Bodwell because it offers a focused, supportive environment with high expectations and a global perspective, while students can still live at home and remain connected to family and community.

Choosing a high school is an important decision. We invite you to explore whether Bodwell may be the right place for your child’s future. There's no better way than to visit our campus, either virtually or in person. I look forward to meeting you and showing you around this special place!