Branksome Hall - Review #1

Branksome felt like a second home. The IB program started in Grade 7 which was unique, but what stuck with me even more was how we were taught to understand how we learn, not just what to learn. Student voices actually mattered whether it was at a forum or just chatting with Ms. Skinner or Ms. Dianne in the hall. There was always this sense of support, from Junior School all the way up.

The best thing that happened to me was finding my voice. I used to be shy, but Branksome helped me step up in leadership, especially during Spirit Council events. I learned to speak in front of 800 students something I never imagined doing. If I could go back, I’d remind myself earlier that it’s okay to ask for help; people are always willing.

Branksome gave me so much friends who feel like sisters, mentors who believed in me, and the confidence to take on anything. My advice to new students: say yes more often. Join that club. Try out for the team. Don’t skip Spirit Week prep! Oh, and don’t miss the banana bread at the Caf, it’s elite.

What I loved most about Branksome was the sense of belonging. I literally grew up there from Grade 3 to Grade 12, so it became part of who I am. The friendships, the teachers who really knew you (like Ms. Lepore always noticing when something was off), and the school spirit during events like Spirit Week made it feel like a community, not just a school. There was always something going on, always someone to talk to, and always support when you needed it.

If you’re new to Branksome, my biggest advice is to say yes to clubs, to events, to trying something new. It’s okay to be nervous; everyone’s just figuring it out too. Don’t be afraid to talk to your teachers because they genuinely care. Definitely try the banana bread from the caf (it’s legendary), and if you need a quiet moment, the treehouse-style study nook in the Library is a hidden gem.

The IB program was intense, but it truly prepared me for university. I appreciated how accessible our teachers were, Ms. Foucault in Math and Ms. Lepore in English were always patient and knew how to break things down. I liked that we were encouraged to question ideas and bring our perspectives into the classroom. The focus wasn’t just on getting high marks but it was about thinking deeply.

Branksome had a great mix of competitive and recreational sports. I played volleyball and joined intramural soccer. The Rowing program had a strong presence, but you didn’t have to be a high-performance athlete to feel included. The coaches, like Coach Megan, cared just as much about our effort and teamwork as they did about the scoreboard.

I didn’t major in the arts, but I was always amazed by how lively and supported the arts scene was. The annual Arts Night showcased incredible talent. I had friends in the IB Music and Theatre programs who practically lived in the studios, and the teachers like Mr. Blundell were super encouraging. The arts wing was a place of creative buzz.

Branksome offers a club for almost every interest from DECA to baking. I was especially active in Spirit Council and a service club that partnered with Sistering, a local women’s shelter. There were real chances to make an impact, even as a younger student. Clubs were never just resume-fillers but they were places where you formed friendships and found causes you cared about.

Though I was a day student, many of my friends were boarders, and I often visited the dorms. What stood out was how homey they felt. The girls decorated their doors, celebrated birthdays, and always had snacks on hand. The dorm staff were like second moms Ms. Agnes, in particular, was beloved for her calm presence.

As a day student, I often had lunch in the Dining Hall. The salad bar was a favourite, and the stir-fry days were a hit with everyone. The food was diverse and inclusive because there were always vegetarian, halal, and gluten-free options. You could eat with your friends wherever you liked; there was no assigned seating, just good conversation.

Being right off Mount Pleasant made Branksome feel like part of the city, not separate from it. By Grade 9, we were allowed to go off-campus for lunch. Pizzaville and Starbucks were popular haunts. The area was quiet, walkable, and surrounded by trees, perfect for decompressing after a long class or walking with friends.

The best part of Branksome’s social life was how genuine it felt. We had big traditions like Gala and Spirit Week, but even the everyday moments hanging out in the Caf, having spontaneous dance parties during exam week were special. We were bonded by the shared experience of growing up together in an all-girls space.