REVIEW OF Westfield Secondary School BY Alum, Christy Yiu

Overall Experience 3.5

I spent my whole high school life in Westfield Secondary School and I would be always thankful for how down to earth the staff are as I am an international student and they constantly helped me out no matter what. I liked the third floor of our building the most, especially when it is sunny, I loved to stare at the sky with the windows. I believe all students feel peaceful when they see that view. One thing I would change would be just the curtains in the computer lab. We loved the sun but sometimes, it’s just too bright, it’s cute that when I met my other old high school friends, they were also mentioning that. I think the guidance counsellors were doing their best jobs when they were helping me to plan my uni path to ease my anxiousness as it is a very tough choice but I’m happy with how they prepared for me. I would say, they would be feeling home once they have joined Westfield. As I was having the same feeling, even though I have graduated for 2 years, I still go back to the campus almost every month as they are like my family members when I’m away from my biological family.

School Leadership 2.5

I think it would be the engagement with the students. They would ask students for feedback to improve the school. I remember they were respected, and the overall review from the students was pretty decent. I think their leadership instills confidence in the school community, as they are willing to listen to the students. They handle problems fast and usually fix the issue within a week so that the students can get back on track with their studying faster. I think they also communicate with the students effectively as they would have 1 on 1 section with the students once there's a semester change.

Teaching 3

The teachers are very nice and the class tends to be smaller so the teacher can focus on each individual more. I was happy, especially during the art courses. I felt like my art teacher and I created a strong bond that sometimes I didn't even have to finish my sentence but she already knew what I was going to create. I also asked her what can I do to improve, she gave me good advice but still gave me enough space to let me be creative. The teachers are passionate and knowledgeable about the courses too, especially our science teacher - Mr.Will. When students ask him questions, he would usually give us more add-on topics so that we can know more about the topic and giving us constructive feedback too. I would never think they challenged me as they were giving me a lot of space but my art teacher really has a huge impact on me, she is one of the main reasons why I picked media arts, she made me become obsessed with media arts.

Academics 2.5

the academic strength is having a lot of science courses, the weakness is not having enough art programs, as I am an art student. The academic culture was balanced; while some students were very competitive. The academic culture was balanced, fostering both competition and collaboration among students. While some students thrived in the competitive environment, a collegial atmosphere prevailed, with peer support being common. I felt appropriately challenged and supported, as the program emphasized critical thinking, adaptability, and practical skills. This foundation prepared me well for future academic and professional endeavors by teaching me time management, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to navigate diverse challenges. I think if the kids who would like to pursue in Science or Business program, Westfield would be great for them

Extracurriculars 2

Westfield Secondary School offered diverse extracurriculars, including basketball, arts, French clubs, and MUN. While some activities were competitive, many welcomed casual participation, fostering inclusivity and friendship. These programs provided meaningful personal growth, building leadership and teamwork skills. The school excelled in developing well-rounded students, encouraging exploration, and celebrating diverse talents to enhance the overall student experience especially the Yearbook club got me into photography.

Students 3

Westfield Secondary School had a relatively large student body. Overall, everyone enjoyed the inclusive and celebratory ambience as students showed school spirit through several events, clubs and sports, including the basketball tournament. The "ideal" student was ambitious and well-rounded but in fact, the student population represented a wide spectrum of interests, backgrounds, and abilities. Traits such as authenticity, kindness and dedication garnered the most respect among peers and staff members too. Collaboration, creativity and perseverance were valued by students despite differences. The school’s diversity—ethnic and community—enriched interactions and cultivated mutual respect. Most students got along with one another even with the teachers, with a culture of support and collaboration winning over cliques. To prospective families, Westfield’s environment fostered acceptance, individual growth, and meaningful connections between students.

School Life 3.5

Student life at Westfield Secondary School was vibrant and well-balanced, creating a positive experience for many. The school offered strong academics, diverse extracurriculars, and a welcoming community, contributing to a generally enjoyable atmosphere. Students appreciated the supportive teachers, engaging events, and ample opportunities for personal growth. However, academic pressure and competition sometimes lead to stress, particularly for high-achievers. they most were contented and passionate, with an occasional few disengaged (those who participated less in school programs). Improvements could be things like better access to mental health services, changes to schedules, and extra resources to help ease the stress. Despite these challenges, prospective families should know that Westfield promoted a shared sense of community and pride, inspiring students through opportunities to shine onstage, in the classroom and on the playing field.

Community 5

The community was very supportive and involved, creating strong ties among students, parents, and alumni. Parents were encouraged to take part in school events and governance through committees. This participation enhanced the sense of community and teamwork in the school. Another notable aspect was the alumni network. Westfield fostered strong connections, with many graduates remaining in touch via reunions, mentoring, and social media. These relationships offered both personal and professional support, highlighting the school's focus on connections. My experience in the alumni community has been positive, as I’ve kept meaningful friendships and occasionally networked with other graduates. For example, we will still hang out and have dinners together every reading week to not only maintain our friendships but also we would recall our old memories together.

School Location 4.5

The school is located in a vibrant, family-friendly neighbourhood with a food court next to the school building and there is even a bus stop in front of the school. Students often ventured beyond the school for lunch, or after-school activities, fostering connections with the broader community. The area’s safety and welcoming atmosphere enhanced the overall experience, making it an integral part of student life and providing additional opportunities for growth and engagement.

Admissions 3.5

For applicants, I recommend showcasing genuine interests, extracurricular involvement, and enthusiasm for learning. During my application process, I found the experience slightly stressful but manageable. The counselling team was approachable and focused on ensuring the school aligned with my goals and values, which eased the pressure. Be honest about your strengths and interests, and use the process as an opportunity to assess if Westfield matches your aspirations. Preparation and authenticity are key to making a strong impression and succeeding.

University placement and counselling 3.5

The university counseling program provided personalized guidance through one-on-one sessions, offering support with university selection, application strategies, and deadlines. It was helpful to receive tailored advice on building a strong application, such as crafting essays and highlighting extracurriculars. Additionally, the program facilitated access to resources like workshops and even application guides, which made the process more manageable. However, there were areas where more support could have made a difference. Early guidance, particularly in grade 11, could have better prepared me for the competitive application process by emphasizing the importance of prerequisites and extracurriculars aligned with my goals. While I felt supported, more proactive communication and earlier timelines would have reduced stress and ensured I was fully prepared to apply to my first-choice programs confidently and successfully.