Brentwood College School - Review #1

Brentwood wasn’t just another boarding school for me it was a community that helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. What really set it apart for me was the tripartite structure, a daily rhythm that gave equal weight to academics, athletics, and the arts. It was normal to spend the morning solving calculus problems, the afternoon trying out rowing drills on the ocean, and the evening rehearsing a house skit or building out a group business plan. That rhythm taught me not just time management, but that being multifaceted wasn’t optional but rather it was encouraged. I remember arriving for my tour during Regatta weekend and watching students run full-on concession stands as part of their Entrepreneurship class. That was when I knew that this was a place where I’d be challenged and supported to grow beyond just math and numbers.

If I had to name one way Brentwood changed me, I’d say that it made me braver. Not in the cliche sense, but in the small everyday ways like asking questions in class, trying a sport I’d never done, showing up to a volunteer event where I knew no one. It’s also where I discovered my career path. Through conversations with Ms. McLean and the university counseling team, I started to see how my love of numbers could translate into actuarial work, a field I now find endlessly fulfilling. My biggest advice to new students? Say yes more often. You won’t regret it.

To incoming students: lean into everything. Join the club. Talk to the teacher. Try the weird food at dinner. Brentwood only gives back what you put in and if you’re all in, it’ll change you. Also, don’t underestimate the power of a good snack, butter chicken Fridays and cookie day Wednesdays are Brentwood canon. For reflection, head to the dock behind the Art Centre , it’s quiet, peaceful, and perfect for taking a breath. As for dorms? Each one has its quirks, but what matters most are the people inside. They’ll be your second family before you know it.

What I liked most about Brentwood was how it allowed and expected us to be more than just one thing. I didn’t have to choose between being “the math kid” and someone who enjoyed the arts or community service. The school’s structure made space for all those parts of me to grow at the same time. I came in with a strong academic focus, particularly in math and statistics, but left with a broader understanding of who I was and what I valued not just because of the classes, but because of the people, the setting, the rhythm of life there.More than anything, it was the community that made the biggest impact. The relationships with teachers like Mr. Miller and Mr. Cowie, the calm support of my houseparent, late-night talks with dorm mates, the moments of shared silence looking out at the water those were the things that stuck. Brentwood taught me to take myself seriously but not too seriously, to work hard but also make space for reflection, connection, and joy.

Favorite snack? Cookie Day, no question. Best spot on campus? The dock behind the Arts Centre — peaceful, great for thinking or just catching your breath. And dorms? They’re all good what matters most is the people. You’ll find your crew. Say yes to things that scare you a little. That’s how you grow. I came in focused on math and left with close friends, unexpected passions, and a better sense of who I am.

Academics at Brentwood were intense but in a good way. The classroom culture made it okay to ask questions, take risks, and chase curiosity. My love for numbers had always been strong, but it was at Brentwood that it took on direction. Teachers like Mr. Cowie and Mr. Rattan, both known for their sharp intellect and dry humour, helped deepen my thinking in Math and Physics. Mr. Miller, my Biology teacher, pushed us to ask “why” and how instead of just what. That focus on inquiry stuck with me. The hands-on projects, like during Regatta Entrepreneurship or our statistics group modeling exercises, helped me see how theory translated into real-world action. Brentwood didn’t just prepare me for university — it showed me how I wanted to engage with the world.

I started off in rowing, because, well you know how could you not when you’re surrounded by that stretch of ocean every morning? Though I didn’t stick with it for long, I don’t regret trying it. The discipline, early mornings, and sheer power of the rowing culture left a lasting impression. Coach Brian Carr was firm but inspiring. He is the kind of person who saw your potential even before you did. Eventually, I transitioned to more recreational fitness and joined a few casual intramural games. Brentwood's philosophy on athletics was never about everyone being elite but also it was about everyone showing up, moving, and pushing their limits. That mindset is something I carry with me even today.

While I wasn’t center stage in Brentwood’s theatre productions, I was always a fascinated spectator. The T. Gil Bunch Centre for the Arts was one of the most impressive facilities on campus because it was a constant hub of activity. Whether it was a House Music competition, a student-led art exhibition, or one of the mainstage plays directed by Ms. O'Toole or Ms. Vickers, there was a deep reverence for creativity here. I admired how Brentwood celebrated artistic expression with the same energy as a varsity win. The annual ArtsWeek, in particular, was a time when even the most STEM-minded among us got pulled into painting murals or building Regatta decor. You couldn’t help but be inspired.

Beyond clubs, Brentwood gave us real opportunities to lead, serve, and connect with issues bigger than ourselves. As part of SPARC, I helped plan donation drives and community outreach events in nearby Mill Bay. Brentwood didn’t just talk about service, it built it into our everyday lives. The Student Activity Council (SAC) did an amazing job organizing events that balanced fun and intention from dorm games nights to themed dances. What stood out was how easy it was to start something new because students had the freedom and backing to build initiatives from the ground up.

I was placed in one of the boys’ dorms, and while I can’t remember a single “quiet” night, I wouldn’t trade it. Dorm life was chaotic in the best way . We shared snacks, endless hallway banter, and the occasional prank war. My houseparent, Mr. Morrison, was a calm, steady presence. He had a way of making sure everyone felt heard even during stressful exam weeks. There was structure (bed checks, study hours), but also room to just be teenagers figuring it out together. Roommates became brothers, and our common room became our shared living room. The friendships forged there outlast dorm keys and senior privileges, they’re still with me now.

The cafeteria crew, including the ever-smiling Chef Neil, deserves way more praise than they get. The food was genuinely good, especially considering they were feeding hundreds of teens with wildly different tastes. Fridays usually meant butter chicken, which quickly became a cult favorite. And there was cookie day, which always felt like a midweek miracle. Meals were also a social glue and there were no assigned seats, so lunch was often the best time to meet someone new or debate math problems over grilled cheese. Dining wasn’t just about food but it was where the school’s social heartbeat pulsed loudest.

Mill Bay might seem sleepy at first glance, but that’s what made it feel like home. On weekends, we’d grab coffee at Serious Coffee, stroll the marina, or volunteer at local events. The nearby town of Duncan gave us a bit more to explore movies, meals, even the odd thrift store trip. But honestly, Brentwood’s campus was its own little world. We were surrounded by forest, sea, and sky. Whether it was an early morning fog over the water or a pink sunset reflecting off the docks, that setting grounded us even in the busiest of weeks.

There’s something rare about the social scene at Brentwood: it was inclusive without trying too hard. From Day One, it didn’t matter if you were a lifer or a Grade 11 transfer basically people made space for you. Respect wasn’t earned through status or cliques, but through how you treated others. I made friends across grades, countries, and interests. Some of my best memories include bonfires by the beach, random group karaoke in the dorms, and deep talks during long hallway walks. The mix of people was what made it special for me it felt like a little world, held together by shared effort and kindness.