Annual Student Survey reveals important insights

June 14th, 2011 | Tags: academics

This past March, Bodwell began a new tradition.  Every year, we are conducting a school-wide student survey to learn more about what we as a school are doing well and what aspects we can further improve upon for our students.  What better way to do this than to directly ask the students about their experiences!

65% of students in the school participated in our most recent survey, conducted online.

Here are a few highlights of the student responses.

Students agreed most with these three statements:

• I now have more respect for people from different cultures & countries.
• I am good friends with students from different cultures, countries and language groups.
• I try my best to succeed at Bodwell.

When asked “What is the best feature or quality of Bodwell, which makes it different than other schools?” the most common student responses were:

1. Multicultural, diverse, international school, “Strength in Diversity”
2. Enjoyable, pleasurable experience, good memories, fun, friends
3. Trimester system, faster graduation
4. Relationship with teachers, friendly teachers, helpful teachers
5. Learning/improving English, English Only Policy
6. Quality teaching, quality of education, program of study, engagement
7. Dormitory Program
8. Sports program

Students had some very helpful suggestions on ways to make Bodwell even better. These include: continue to diversify the types of cafeteria food, continue to have even more diversity in the school, and continue to encourage students to improve their English through continual practice. Students are also excitedly looking forward to completion of the facility expansion, including the new dormitory wing which opens this summer.

Finally, here are some notable comments from students, in their own words:

Bodwell’s “Strength in Diversity” is what makes Bodwell special from other schools. There is interaction with people all around the world, and it amazing getting to know their culture and how many things we might have in common with someone that lives thousands of kilometres away from your hometown.

~ female, Mexico, Regular Grade 10, dorm, 2nd semester

In Bodwell I’ve learned not just to respect different cultures and get to know more about each of them, but to improve my personal skills, to play sports, to be a leader, to live with people from the same age as me and even to see my defects and best qualities that I couldn’t see before I came.

~ female, Regular Grade 10, dorm, 2nd semester

It is just amazing that all the students and staff are like family. We are all from different countries; however, it does not really matter to us. We just belong together!

~ female, Korea, Regular Grade 12, dorm & homestay, 9th semester

I like the sport system in Bodwell. It has been very successful. When I first came here I don’t have skills for any sport. However when I came here I started to play basketball and tennis, in order to make my body stronger. I will go to gym. I want to say I love Bodwell’s sport system.

~ male, Taiwan, Regular Grade 12, dorm, 5th semester

The quality of the teachers and the students in Bodwell is absolutely higher than other schools.

~ female, China, Regular Grade 12, dorm, 10th semester

Bodwell has had helped me a lot, and I really appreciate everything: the teachers, students, counsellors, and the dorm staff. Every single person is really kind, and I think this is one of the reasons Bodwell is awesome.

~ male, Japan, AP Grade 9, dorm, 3rd semester

I love it here and I wish I could stay longer, but I will always remember Bodwell and the people and my many experiences. If I have kids I would most likely send them here! I will miss Bodwell a lot but it will always be in my heart!

~ female, Canada, Regular Grade 12, dorm, 5th semester

I love the semester system. Normally by now I’d be bored out of my mind but I still feel engaged and driven.

~ female, Canada, Regular Grade 10, living at home, 2nd semester

I am impressed and will never regret spending my high school life in Bodwell.

~ female, Thailand, Regular Grade 12, dorm, 5th semester