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Go to child profileEach child holds our attention at Glenlyon Norfolk School, a Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 coed independent day-school firmly rooted in the values of the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the Round Square. As one of only 5% of IB schools in Canada authorized to offer the full continuum of IB programmes, GNS is proud of its unique 'IB Advantage': a 21st-Century approach which educates the whole child and creates global thinkers. GNS offers Family Boarding options for students who are not residents of Victoria.
What learning looks like now: Over the summer, two teams of highly experienced and qualified professionals spent hundreds of hours working on the GNS Return to School Plan to minimize the transmission of COVID-19 and maintain a safe and healthy school environment for students, families and staff. The plan is evidence-based, follows recommendations required by Public Health and the BC Ministry of Education, and best practices from BC Centre for Disease Control. It is important to note that the plans and guidelines will continue to adapt to changes in our current context and new advice from the Ministry and the Medical Officer of Health. The safety of our community and providing the high-quality GNS education we all expect remain our top priorities. Some important things to note: 1. We have followed guidelines set by the Ministry and have organized our students into Learning Groups 2. We are striving to maximize in-class instruction for all students 3. We are prepared to pivot to online or distributed learning options if required by the Ministry of Education 4. We are supportive of the use of personal protective equipment in situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained 5. We have included a checklist to use for daily health screening of students before their arrival at school
Curriculum delivery for 2020/21:
Grades | Living Arrangement | Delivery Model | Frequency |
---|---|---|---|
Day | JK - Gr. 12 | In-person | Full-time |
GNS offers bus transferring. Service options offered are regular rider, regular rider AM only, regular rider PM only, occasional rider.
The regions GNS offers busing from are:
Explore our school from the comfort of your own home! We are excited to announce that we are holding a series Virtual Open House events this year for families who wish to learn more about Glenlyon Norfolk School, our unique delivery of the International Baccalaureate curriculum and the variety of experiential opportunities we offer to our community of learners. If you would be interested in attending, please fill in the registration form below and we will send you more details about your chosen event.
Explore our school from the comfort of your own home! We are excited to announce that we are holding a series Virtual Open House events this year for families who wish to learn more about Glenlyon Norfolk School, our unique delivery of the International Baccalaureate curriculum and the variety of experiential opportunities we offer to our community of learners. If you would be interested in attending, please fill in the registration form below and we will send you more details about your chosen event.
Senior Girls Field Hockey on the Turf at Pemberton Woods
The Music Centre at Pemberton Woods
Junior School campus at Beach Drive
Middle School Classroom
Junior School Classroom
Middle School Classroom
Middle & Senior School Science Lab
Dining Hall at Pemberton Woods
Glenlyon Norfolk School started its long life in 1913 as a girls school, the founders intending to establish something better, something more forward thinking, much like other girls’ schools that have a similar pedigree. Later, a boys school was established nearby, and in 1986 they combined to become the school, at least in broad outlines, as it exists today. In keeping with the initial vision, the school intends to be at the leading edge of instruction, continually evaluating what it offers and ensuring that it’s in keeping with what students will need for success at post-secondary studies and beyond. In 1996 it became an IB World School with the adoption of the Diploma Programme, adding the Middle Years Programme and Primary Years Programme in 2004 and 2007, respectively. With them, GNS became one of the first schools in the country to offer the full continuum. The tradition of evaluation and evolution continues today, in a very literal sense, with the school in the midst of an ambitious strategic plan, one intending to keep the school at the forefront of innovation while reflecting the values and ideals that have informed the life of the school for more than a century. The offering, rightly, is highly regarded, and serves as an example to other schools nationally. The ideal student is one who can thrive in a challenging, vibrant, dynamic learning environment.
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.
Program | offered |
---|---|
Primary Years | |
Middle Years | |
Diploma program | |
Career-related program |
Focus |
---|
Academic |
DIBELS Testing: This school does not use DIBELS testing to assess reading progress.
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Evolution as consensus theory | |
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories | |
Evolution is not taught |
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Biology | |
Chemistry | |
Ecology | |
Geology | |
Meteorology | |
Physics | |
Physiology | |
Zoology |
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Acting | |
Dance | |
Drama/Theatre | |
Graphic Design | |
Music | |
Visual Arts |
Expressive | |
Disciplined |
Subject | offered |
---|---|
Computer science | |
Robotics | |
Web design |
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 |
Students remain in a regular classroom for most of the day, but are pulled out for extra support from a qualified special education teacher.
Subject Type | offered |
---|---|
Learning strategy and study counselling; habit formation | |
Extra support and minor accommodations for children experiencing subclinical difficulties |
Subject Type | offered |
---|---|
Accommodations | |
Modifications | |
Extra support |
Read our guide to special needs schools and special education
Program | offered |
---|---|
Full-time gifted program (parallel to rest of school) | |
Part-time gifted program (pull-out; parallel to rest of class) |
Curriculum delivery: Enrichment (The main focus is on enrichment. This means that while students may work at a marginally quicker pace than public school peers, the primary aim is to study subject in broader and deeper ways.)
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) |
In grade Gr. 12, GNS students perform an average of 2 hours of homework per night.
JK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GNS | 0 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 15 mins | 30 mins | 45 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 60 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins | 120 mins |
Site Average | 6 mins | 15 mins | 17 mins | 23 mins | 30 mins | 35 mins | 40 mins | 53 mins | 57 mins | 69 mins | 80 mins | 97 mins | 106 mins |
Lettered or numbered grades | Gr. 6 to Gr. 12 |
Prose (narrative)-based feedback | JK to Gr. 12 |
Academic achievement reporting | JK to Gr. 12 |
Habits and behaviour reporting | JK to Gr. 12 |
Parent-teacher meetings | JK to Gr. 12 |
Competitive sports: 13
Recreational sports: 2
Glenlyon Norfolk School offers 22 clubs and extracurricular programs.
JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
Day | $17,135 | |||||||||||||
Day (Domestic: in province) | $18,955 | $21,315 | $23,035 | |||||||||||
Day (Domestic: out of province) | $23,155 | $25,465 | $27,165 | |||||||||||
Day (International) | $30,150 | $32,380 | $34,045 | |||||||||||
Homestay (Domestic: in province) | $36,905 | $38,625 | ||||||||||||
Homestay (International) | $47,970 | $49,635 |
Discounts
Discount Type | Enrolment Type | Amount |
---|---|---|
2nd child (sibling) | all students | 5% |
3rd child (sibling) | all students | 10% |
4th child (sibling) | all students | 10% |
Grade range that need-based aid is offered: | SK to 12 |
Percentage of grade-eligible students receiving financial aid | 15% |
Average aid package size | $2,000 |
Percentage of total enrolment on financial aid | 15% |
Total aid available | $1,000,000 |
This school works with Apple Financial Inc. for processing financial applications
Please note that at this time bursaries are only available to domestic day students. The application for financial assistance is separate from the application for admission. Both must be submitted at the time of application in order to be considered for financial assistance. Candidates wishing to apply for financial assistance must complete and submit the Financial Aid for Canadian Students (FACS) application form available via the Apple Financial Services website.
Students applying for an entrance scholarship to Grades 6-12 should have an outstanding academic history, achieve the equivalent of an "A" standing on the entrance exams, have a demonstrated interest/commitment to the visual or performing arts and/or athletics, and have a willingness to participate fully in the life of the school.
Students applying for an entrance scholarship to Grades 6-12 should have an outstanding academic history, achieve the equivalent of an "A" standing on the entrance exams, have a demonstrated interest/commitment to the visual or performing arts and/or athletics, and have a willingness to participate fully in the life of the school.
For more details, visit:www.mygns.ca/admissions/tuition-and-financial-supportGlenlyon Norfolk School is proud to introduce the GNS Community Scholarships, which provide entrance scholarships of up to $10,000 for new Senior School students joining us in the 2020/2021 school year. These scholarships are renewable annually, provided that each recipient meet and exceed our expectations in terms of contributions to the GNS community.
Step 1: Complete the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM and submit your application fee.
Step 2: Submit copies of your two most recent report cards.
Step 3: Submit two reference letters; one academic and one personal (coach, music teacher, etc.).
Step 4: Submit your personal statement about why you would be a great Community Scholar in a format of your choosing. Make a 60-90 second video, write an essay, create a work of art or come up with another unique way to present yourself and show off your unique personality. Make sure that your submission answers:
Steps 1 to 4 must be complete before April 30, 2016 for an applicant to be considered.
Step 5: Contact the Admissions Office (250.370.6801 or [email protected]) to book a time to write your entrance test and have your personal interview. Testing and interviews will be held on April 27, May 4 and May 11.
For more details, visit:www.mygns.ca/community-scholarshipsGrades | Gender | Living Arrangement | Enrolment | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Group 1 | JK to Gr. 12 | Coed | Day | 690 |
Group 2 | Gr. 7 to Gr. 12 | Coed | Homestay | 50 |
Total enrolment | 740 |
Average class size | 16 to 18 |
% of international students (total enrolment) | 15% |
Number of different nationalities within student population | 20 |
JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day Enrollment | 27 | N/A | 35 | 29 | 40 | 38 | 44 | 57 | 59 | 61 | 61 | 77 | 75 | 75 |
Homestay Enrollment | 2 | 5 | 6 | 16 | 13 | 5 |
Assessment | Required | Grades |
---|---|---|
Interview | 6 - 12 | |
SSAT | ||
SSAT (out of province) | ||
Entrance Exam(s) | 3 - 12 | |
Entrance Essay |
Day students: Rolling
Homestay students: Rolling
Offer mid-year entry:
N/A
Application fee: $250
Registration fee: $2,000
Deposit:
N/A
Application requirements include receiving a completed application form along with a $250 application fee and the two most recent report cards for the applying student. Older students must then complete the entrance exams. We also require the completion of a confidential student report from a current teacher. For international students, we also require copies of passports for both the student and his or her parents, as these are necessary for preparation of custodianship documents. Once these items are received, we perform an onsite or Skype interview. We also prefer, where possible, for the applying student to visit the school for a day.
This is the percentage of applicants typically accepted into the school. So if 50 students are admitted out of 100 applicants, the school has an overall acceptance rate of 50%.
Student Entry Points
This shows approximately how many openings there are likely to be in each grade in a typical year, as well as the estimated acceptance rate for each grade level.
Student Type | JK | SK | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 23 - 30 (72%) | 0 | 7 - 11 (72%) | 2 - 3 (72%) | 3 - 4 (72%) | 3 - 12 (80%) | 2 - 6 (72%) | 16 - 17 (80%) | 10 - 19 (80%) | 10 - 15 (80%) | 11 - 19 (72%) | 15 - 21 (72%) | 14 - 16 (72%) | 0 - 4 (90%) |
Homestay Acceptance (Acceptance rate) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Average graduating class size | 75 |
Students accepted into post-secondary studies upon graduation | 100% |
Percentage of students who attend post-secondary institutions outside of Canada | 11% |
Students who attended a Ivy+ school Number of students in the past 5 years that that attended one of Harvard, Yale, Princeton, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Stanford, University of Chicago, Oxford or Cambridge (UK) | 4 |
University of Victoria | 33% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
University of British Columbia | 22% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Queen's University | 17% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
University of Toronto | 14% | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Dalhousie University | 10% |
Glenlyon Norfolk School Graduates’ Post-Secondary Studies:
Aggregate of All Schools’ Post-Secondary Studies:
Career planning | |
Internships | N/A |
Mentorship Program | |
University counseling |
What GNS says:
Alumnus | Grad Year | Accomplishment |
---|---|---|
Jonnie Penn | 2004 | Jonnie Penn is the creator, executive producer and cast member of MTV series The Buried Life and co-author of the book “What Do You Want To Do Before You Die?”. |
Atom Egoyan | 1978 | Atom Egoyan is one of the most celebrated contemporary filmmakers on the international scene. His body of work includes theatre, music, and art installations. |
Timothy Williams | 1983 | Timothy Williams is a multi award-winning composer and orchestrator of film, TV, video games and theatre, with over 63 feature film credits. |
The Glenlyon Norfolk School Board of Governors is excited to announce Mr. Chad Holtum as the new Head of School starting July 1, 2020. Mr. Holtum has been instrumental in the growth of the GNS community since 2013, including helping to shape our Family Boarding program and the ongoing WONDER campaign.
Mr. Holtum has a strong commitment to community, and that starts right in our own area. He encourages local students to join the school through the GNS Community Scholarships program, which grants entrance scholarships of up to $10,000 to new domestic students in Grades 8 to 12.
“The GNS Community Scholarships are an excellent opportunity for students to be part of our school while gaining exceptional university preparation,” said Mr. Holtum. “We are excited to offer these scholarships and give students opportunities that will help support them throughout life.”
Mr. Holtum fully believes in the benefits of the GNS experience as his two sons and nephew are all students at the school.
“My favourite thing about GNS is our community,’ he said. “It’s our students, faculty and staff, alumni, parents, grandparents and friends of GNS that help with our continued success. We are very fortunate to have such a strong community.”
Previous to joining GNS, Mr. Holtum taught in the public school system before moving to work with independent schools including Queen Margaret’s and Shawnigan Lake School. We are excited for Mr. Holtum to continue as an advocate for Glenlyon Norfolk School and want to wish him a warm welcome as the new Head of School.
January 21, 2021
Introducing Gryphon House: Family-style Boarding
GNS is delighted to announce that the school has received an extraordinary opportunity to complement our very successful Family Boarding pro
Read full article
October 14, 2020
New Main Building Opens at Junior School Campus
The building was designed to create a school atmosphere that centres around inquiry-based learning and collaboration.
Read full article
August 11, 2020
Two GNS Students Receive TD Scholarship for Community Leadership
Jessica and Charlotte were two of just 20 students across Canada chosen for the TD Scholarship for Community Leadership.
Read full article
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