Brentwood College School - Review #1

One of the most unique aspects of Brentwood College School is that it has a tripartite program, with equal focus on academics, arts, and athletics. As an African, I was most impressed with how well-rounded the approach was at the school as students were not only brought up to be able to succeed academically but were also brought up to express themselves creatively and physically. I was in the ceramics program, and being awarded the H.O. Smith Bowl of Excellence in Ceramics is also still one of my proudest accomplishments. Something I never, ever expected to do before Brentwood, it actually showed me that a positive surroundings can unlock dormant abilities.

The best thing that happened to me in my life at Brentwood was discovering how much I was able to become when placed in a supportive and challenging environment. I had migrated so I was stepping into a completely new culture and learning system. I was nervous at first, but Brentwood gave me a platform where I could thrive academically, socially, and as an individual. Winning the H.O. Smith Bowl for Excellence in Ceramics was a source of pride for me, especially as I never imagined that I could succeed in the arts. It served as a reminder that improvement comes in unexpected ways. I became more confident in leadership too as being a prefect at Mackenzie House made me more responsible and empathetic. I learned how to listen, how to help others, and how to step up to the challenge even when I didn't realize I could. Brentwood pushed me outside of my comfort zone, and it was for the best. I graduated more independent, more confident, and with a better sense of the world and where I belong in it. That transformation — above and beyond any particular achievement — is most precious to me.

I was so focused on adjusting, keeping up academically, and making a good impression that I didn’t fully embrace all the social and extracurricular opportunities right away. Brentwood had so much to offer, from the arts to athletics to clubs and student leadership and while I eventually found my footing, I wish I had allowed myself to be more open and curious from the start. My advice for students going to boarding school, especially international students or scholarship recipients like myself, is this: don’t be afraid to take up space. You belong there. Ask questions, get involved early, and trust that you have something valuable to contribute. Take the time to get to know your teachers and houseparents as they truly care about your growth. And find ways to make your voice heard, whether it’s through leadership, art, sports, or service. Being at Brentwood was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and while I wouldn’t change the path I took, I do wish I had taken full advantage of every moment from day one.

What I loved most about Brentwood College School was how it truly felt like a second home. From the very beginning, I was embraced not just as a student, but as a member of a vibrant, diverse, and supportive community. Coming to Canada could have felt overwhelming, but Brentwood had a way of making each of us feel seen and valued. The school’s tripartite structure encouraged me to grow not just academically, but also through the arts and athletics. I appreciated how the faculty took time to understand my background, and how dorm life, especially in Mackenzie House, gave me a sense of belonging and purpose. Whether I was in the ceramics studio, on the volleyball court, or attending a late-night dorm tea session with Mr. Robinson, I always felt part of something greater. Brentwood helped me grow into the confident, curious, and resilient person I am today and that’s what I’ll always treasure most.

To any incoming students, especially those coming from far away like I did, my biggest piece of advice is Brentwood has so much to offer, and the more you immerse yourself, the more you’ll grow. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; the teachers and dorm staff truly care and want to see you succeed. I came in with a strong sense of purpose, but Brentwood helped me develop a stronger sense of self. I highly recommend Mackenzie House not just because it was my home, but because it felt like a real family. The houseparents, especially Mr. Robinson, created such a welcoming space. I’ll never forget our duty nights with tea and snacks (Ill keep repeating) those little moments meant a lot. And yes don’t miss the chocolate chip muffins from the Tuck Shop. Trust me on that one. Also, take time to walk by the waterfront and just soak in the beauty of the campus. It’s the kind of place that helps you find your footing and your voice.

Brentwood's curriculum was demanding but supportive. Most beneficial was the individual connection I had with my teachers. Having had a different academic experience, I initially felt overwhelmed, but teachers like Mr. Garvey, Ms. Hedquist, Mr. Gage, Ms. Reynolds, Ms. Murtland, and most especially Mr. Robinson served to ease me through my initial days. They made an effort to know where I was from and helped me not only to fit into the Canadian curriculum, but also to the high level performance expectation of a challenging course program. The class mix was also the highlight. I was encouraged to experiment with both arts and sciences, and it was through that that I was able to learn about ceramics, again, something which I never had a chance to attempt but ended up excelling at. The amount of work was definitely rigorous, but I never felt alone. There was always support on hand, whether that was in the tutorial blocks, during the evening prep time, or in one-to-ones with teachers. Brentwood provided me with an environment where intellectual challenge was not about marks, but of learning and discovery. That has translated to university and life.

One of the greatest things about Brentwood, in my opinion, was mandatory sports participation every term. At first, this called upon something seemed so intimidating, but it quickly became one of the top highlights of my high school life. I especially enjoyed playing volleyball and strength & conditioning. These sports not only kept me active and healthy, but I also learned discipline, time management, and teamwork. The sports program was diverse and inclusive because there was something for all, no matter if you were a seasoned veteran or someone who just wanted to try it out. Our coaches were great, all of them encouraging us to do our best while keeping the atmosphere light. The facilities were first-rate: from the fitness centre to the waterfront and gymnasium, all of them geared towards students developing physically as well as mentally. Most surprisingly was the emphasis that Brentwood placed on balance. Athletics were not just about winning but they were about building character and establishing habits of healthy living for life. I've carried that lesson with me to university, and I still make it a point to put fitness first in my lifestyle.

Brentwood's commitment to the arts is truly one of the hallmarks of the school, and something that I will always hold dear. I participated in the Visual Arts program, specifically ceramics, and it ended up being one of the most transformative parts of my Brentwood experience. The quality of instruction was superb I'll never forget the guidance and encouragement that I received, which ultimately led to me winning the H.O. That remains one of my proudest achievements. The facilities were state-of-the-art. The studios were always alive with creativity, and the equipment available to students made experimenting and refining your craft easy. Whether it was ceramics, painting, photography, or sculpture, the school offered plenty of opportunities for students of every skill level. Even though I wasn't directly involved in the music or theatre programs myself, I always enjoyed the way that the arts were such a central part of the Brentwood community. The shows, concerts, and performances were celebrated school-wide, and students poured their hearts into their work. It created a dynamic, welcoming atmosphere that encouraged artistic expression and enjoyment.

Brentwood's after-school program was as solid and diverse as its arts and academic curriculum. The highlight of my experience was getting to do so many different disparate activities outside the classroom. The school definitely encourages students to live well-rounded lives and that includes clubs, volunteer community service, and leading programs. As a prefect at Mackenzie House, I got to be a leader in a way that gave me a real sense of responsibility. It wasn't just about delegating tasks or keeping the house in order, it was about creating community. I especially enjoyed being on duty with Mr. Robinson, who made it all feel cozy and meaningful. He'd have us over for tea nights and help us with our homework, and we felt as though we actually had a support system. Aside from many volunteer opportunities, there were also a few community service requirements. Brentwood placed a lot of value on service, and students were encouraged to give back, either in school-sponsored outreach programs or independently. That ethos of service has stuck with me ever since. From special interest clubs and cultural clubs to leadership councils and beyond, Brentwood's extracurricular life gave students the freedom to explore their passions and voices. The number of options meant that no matter where you were from or what you liked, you could find your niche and make a difference in some way.

Dorm life at Brentwood was the most legendary and the most fulfilling part of my boarding school life. I lived in Mackenzie House, and it was home to me. It wasn't so much the physical space specifically that made it so special even though the rooms themselves were comfortable and well-organized but it was the people involved. We weren't just housemates, we were a genuine family. We usually had one other student in our room, which allowed us to have very strong friendships. There was enough space to make the rooms personal and create a home-like living space. While I don't remember the process of actually choosing rooms being a priority, I do know that dorm transfers could be made if needed, and students were generally placed where they'd thrive. Late-night food access wasn't on our radar since we had schedules for formal dining but it didn't feel like a loss somehow. House bonding, routine, and mutual support culture created residential life something I looked forward to every day.

Brentwood's cafeteria was more than a meal location, it was a hub of daily life and connectivity. Meals were eaten in a large, open-concept dining space with breathtaking ocean views that never ceased to center me and make me grateful. The cafeteria provided flexible breakfast, lunch, and dinner times, which was so convenient for students with demanding schedules. There was no seat plan, which I liked. It meant that we could sit with different friends from different houses or grades, and it kept meal times informal and relaxed. The range of food was also something I really liked. The catering staff did an excellent job of providing for different dietary needs. The quality of the food was consistently good, and there were theme nights and special meals that made it interesting and fun. While I sometimes longed for old-country traditional dishes, I felt the school did its best to make meals nutritious, inclusive, and fun. Eating together every day helped to create a sense of community that made Brentwood feel like home.

Brentwood is located in the peaceful, small town of Mill Bay on Vancouver Island, and that peace, natural setting had a huge influence on my boarding experience. The school is literally oceanfront, we could see the sun rise over the ocean and even walk down to the docks during break times. Mill Bay town itself is a quiet town, but we did get to make the rounds at local shops, cafes, and supermarkets, especially on weekends or field trips from home. There was even a cordial relationship between the school and town community that is from volunteer activities to meeting familiar faces within the community. Although the school was somewhat in its own bubble, those small excursions outside of campus helped us to pick up on how to handle real-life interactions in a gentle, supportive way.

The social life at Brentwood was enjoyable and meaningful part of my high school life. As an international student, I was not certain how I would be accepted, but the community truly embraced diversity and made it easy to belong. I got to meet people from every part of the world, and the connections I made there still mean the world to me. I was most impressed by the sheer range of opportunities to connect across grades, houses, and backgrounds whether be it through house events, weekend socials, sports games, dances, or even just hanging out at the Student Centre. Mackenzie House, my home, was my second home, and the house parents made it feel like family. The prefect system was also such a big part of community building, and as a prefect myself, I enjoyed being able to help make that open, welcoming space for others. Social life at Brentwood wasn't popularity but it was belonging, growth, and shared experience. That made all the difference.