REVIEW OF Westfield Secondary School BY parent, Dorothy Osehobo

(5) Student Experience

Physical activities/sports/recreation are exceptional in this school. Students have access to the gym and lined up activities for them each day for active living. Teachers are always looking out for students' safety and well-being to assist in any way possible with learning. My child is usually followed up in school for any kind of difficulty that might be arising in his studies with a great amount of attention to detail in what the student needs to know in their line of study. I realized that the school has a special skill in encouraging active participation of students in the day-to-day class activities, through interactive learning, games and more. So I realize that the school has small classrooms, convenient for learning. The teacher can observe the students better and give them individualized attention to help them study better.

(5) School Leadership

Very clean. They have a decent environment for learning. Teachers are ready and willing to teach and listen to the needs of pupils. They handle the discipline issue very fairly by involving the parents of students and following the government's humanitarian goals, policies and procedures desired to maintain other respects. This code involves punctuality, respect for humanities, classroom conduct, dress code, consequences for misbehaviour and anti-bullying policy and academic integrity. This code outlines expected behavior consequences for violation and mental conflict of resolution.

(5) Teaching

Teachers are passionate and knowledgeable. In Westfield, I observed the expert of teachers to create a vibrant and engaging learning environment. Teachers here go beyond curriculum to inspire student's curiosity, excitement and in love for learning. They're deeply committed to their subjects. They often bring in real-life examples and stories and creative mental into classrooms to make lessons more relatable. These teachers have a strong grasp of the content they teach and can explain complex concepts in a simple way. Their depth of understanding allows them to answer questions thoughtfully, adapt lessons to student's needs and provide meaningful feedback together with passion and knowledge, teachers in Westfield make education very interesting for their pupils. And they foster both intellectual and emotional growth for their students. I have observed these in my son - Corey.

(5) Academics

Westfield Secondary School offers a well-rounded curriculum, designed to meet diverse student needs and prepare them for post-secondary education and career pathway. The key component of the offer consists of core subjects. Students are expected to take courses in English, Math, Science and Social Studies. These foundational subjects provides critical skills for further academic and personal development. They have a variety of courses, allowing students to explore other interests in other areas like Arts, Business, Technology, Law, Physical Education and Language. At the beginning, they will evaluate the student's past academic performance and put them in the right class. Westfield has specialized programs such as S.T.E.M tailored for Engineering, Mathematics, Arts, Vocational Training for students interested in specific areas. Because of these, I truly feel the academic program at Westfield Secondary School will adequately prepare my child for his life's next steps.

(5) Extracurriculars

I feel there are enough extracurricular opportunities offered at Westfield Secondary School. The school offers excursions: Field trips and more. After school, they also offer so many extracurricular activities, for example, basketball, soccer, volleyball, badminton and as well as academic clubs such as Model United Nations, French, Spanish, English, Mathematics clubs, and more, ... to help students develop their skills in general.

(5) Students

The student body here is very calm and friendly, typically ranging from two hundred to three hundred students. Students are often seen engaging in lively discussions, group projects, and various extracurricular activities. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming which fosters a sense of community that encourages collaboration and support. I think what stands out to me about the general atmosphere of the student body is the strong spirit during events like sports games, university fairs and orientation. In some events, students wear school uniforms and participate enthusiastically. Interactions among students are generally positive. They often collaborate on projects and study together. And they show a willingness to help one another as well. Overall, the student body shows a sense of enthusiasm that enhances the overall school experience.

(5) School Life

My kids like the school for its availability and safe environment, prompt response to students' needs and concerns. I think it's also because Westfield Secondary School offers a high quality of student life, a supportive community and a range of extracurricular activities. My son thrives in this environment, enjoying his classes and the friendships he forms. The curriculum is engaging. My son has a strong sense of belonging, and there are opportunities for personal growth. However, like any school, there are areas for improvement. I would love to have more mental health resources provided by the school so that we can provide better support for students facing stress or anxiety. For prospective families, it’s worth noting that the school emphasizes open communication between students, teachers, and parents. The school communicates often with the parents about their children's performance at school. The overall atmosphere is one of enthusiasm for learning and a commitment to inclusivity, which can be reassuring for families considering enrolment.

(5) Community

I feel that the broader community at Westfield Secondary School is quite engaged and supportive. Parents are generally welcomed and encouraged to participate in various aspects of school life, from volunteering at events to joining parent-teacher associations. Thanks to this involvement, there's a sense of unity among families and contributes to a collaborative environment. Many parents appreciate the opportunities to connect with teachers and staff, as well as with other families, which strengthens the community ties. However, I think there's always room for improvement. I hope the school can offer more opportunities for parental involvement such as workshops, guest speaker series, or regular community forums. By doing these, parents can have a chance to share their skills or experiences, which could also enrich the school environment and provide diverse learning experiences for students. Overall, the parent community at Westfield is active and supportive, which contributes positively to the overall atmosphere of the school.

(5) School Location

The neighbourhood surrounding Westfield Secondary School is very good, with plenty of amenities such as parks, shops, a food court and cafes. This accessibility encourages students to explore beyond school grounds after classes, which helps foster a sense of connection to the local area. Many students take advantage of nearby recreational facilities. Events in the community, such as festivals or markets, also see student involvement. Westfield is part of a dynamic community that encourages students to engage both inside and outside school. This connection enriches their experience and helps them develop a broader sense of belonging.

(5) Admissions

When planning to apply for admission to Westfield Secondary School, my advice would be to start early and familiarize yourself with the school's values and programs. This can help you know why you believe the school is a good fit for you or your child. Engaging with current students and parents can also provide valuable insights into the culture and expectations. From my personal experience, I found the application process to be fairly straightforward. Admissions officers were generally approachable and willing to answer questions.

(5) University placement and counselling

The university counselling program at Westfield Secondary School is designed to provide comprehensive support to students navigating the application process. Counsellors typically offer one-on-one meetings to discuss academic goals, interests, and potential career paths, which can help students identify suitable post-secondary options. I got the chance to attend the counselling program session and see how it went. In my experience, if I was the student getting advice from the counselling program, I felt supported through personalized advice on selecting courses that aligned with my aspirations. The workshops on application timelines and requirements were particularly helpful, as they provided a clear roadmap for the process. However, I think it's better if there's earlier guidance on scholarship opportunities and financial aid. Because it would have allowed more time to research and apply for funding.