School Profile
Bell High School (Bell H.S.) is a composite school situated on the edge of the beautiful NCC parkland bordering Lynwood Village in Bells Corners near the junction of the Queensway and Highway 416. The school features a variety of academic programs serving students in grades 9 to 12. Bell H.S. boasts over 40 years of academic, extracurricular and athletic excellence. We provide opportunities for students empowering them in developing their skills and talents in a safe, equitable learning environment. We endeavour to promote a caring and respectful community through the following values: acceptance, appreciation, cooperation, empathy, fairness, integrity, optimism, perseverance, respect and responsibility.
At Bell HS a respect and an acceptance for differences is part of our educational approach for preparing students for a successful future in Canada’s diverse society.
Our Students
In September 2008 enrolment at Bell High School was 946. Of these 189 entered in their grade 9 year and the remainder across grades 10 to 12. Our primary feeder school is D.A. Moodie; however, in being a Gifted Centre we also attract students from many other elementary schools from the western corridor of the district.
As an E.S.L. (English as a Second Language) centre, we serve a student population rich in diversity with representation from over 30 countries. We also provide a safe and caring environment for many international students representing different countries who add additional richness to the school environment. Finally, Bell proudly teaches 20 students in our Program for Pupils with Developmental Disabilities who are involved in many aspects of school life.
Our Staff
The principal, two vice-principals, custodial and office staff and over 70 teachers, educational assistants and technicians are dedicated and committed to creating a safe and caring learning environment for students. The staff is an active, eclectic group from a variety of cultural backgrounds, with a wide range of interests and expertise. Many staff possess coaching certification and expertise in a variety of sports and in the arts. Instructors in our Outdoor Education Program have experience as wilderness guides. Individual Bell staff members are recognized on a regular basis for their excellence in teaching and for their extra-curricular contributions. Bell teachers are also active in presenting creative programming and sharing best practices at the provincial level.
Parents and Community
The Bell High School Council is an active, dedicated group of parents, teaching and non-teaching staff, community representatives and students all working together to enhance educational opportunities for our students. The group meets on the last Monday of each month to discuss pertinent, relevant OCDSB issues pertaining to secondary education and to advise the principal on many matters affecting students. New members are always welcome. For further information please contact the school office.
Programs and Services
Academic Programs
A triple track school, our programs include regular English, French Immersion, and a program for students indentified as Gifted. Additionally, we have an ESL (English as a Second Language) program offering courses at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Academic support is provided through our Student Success program.
Our strong academic offerings include excellent Technology, Fine Arts and Outdoor Education programs. We also prepare students for a range of Advanced Placement (AP) exams in Grade 12.
Our student services department features educational, career, and personal counseling, both in the classroom and on an individual basis. There are extensive opportunities available to students for career exploration through the Cooperative Education Program.
Special Education and ESL Programs
There are nearly 250 gifted students at Bell H.S. Students may take up to four credits at the gifted level in each grade, 9 through 11. In grade 12 students may take up to three gifted courses and Advanced Placement preparation (AP) is also be an option in certain disciplines. Many of our gifted students are also in the French Immersion program.
Bell H.S. features an excellent English as a Second Language program. In addition to five levels of English language instruction, other academic subjects are offered exclusively for ESL students so that academic and language skills may be reinforced.
Students with special learning needs are supported by Special Education resource staff. Using primarily an integrated approach, students also receive small group instruction where necessary in an active resource classroom.
Facilities and Resources
Outdoor facilities include several large playing fields, access to an on-site indoor ice surface, and over 10 km of trails through the Greenbelt. Indoor facilities include: spacious, bright classrooms and hallways with considerable natural light and fresh air; an excellent Library and Information Centre equipped with a variety of up-to-date information technology equipment; large gymnasia with stadium seating; a dance studio; an art studio; 2 music studios; an outstanding drama studio; computer labs and technical areas which support a wide range of courses including information technology, computer engineering, transportation technology, construction technology, technological design, communication technology and grade 9 integrated technologies.
Safe Schools Initiatives
The Bell H.S. Code of Conduct was developed by students, parents, and teachers and is printed in the Student Agenda issued to every student in September.
Positive school climate is promoted through Student Council activities, school program initiatives, extra-curricular activities, and through awareness activities undertaken by the OCDSB Social Worker, the on-site Rideauwood counsellor, the Multicultural Liaison Officer, and the School Resource Officer.
Clubs and Activities
A wide range of interscholastic teams and an intramural program provide all students with an opportunity to improve fitness by engaging in team and individual sports. A number of our teams have achieved success at the regional and provincial level, most recently Cross-Country Running, Alpine Skiing, Track and Field, and Rugby. Extra-curricular activities have included: a variety of vocal and instrumental music groups, drama performances, musicals, Students’ Council, Athletic Council, Key Club, P.E.A.C.E. Club, Interact Club, Yearbook, OSAID, Christian Breakfast Club, Bell Islamic Students’ Association, Debating Club, and EarthCare. All clubs »
Measures of Student Achievement and Success
Staff and students at Bell are justly proud of the students' accomplishments. The school has placed very well in the University of Waterloo Math Contests, placing among the top 20 schools in Canada. Student Aaron Volkner also placed first in Canada in the University of Waterloo Programming Contest and recieved a bronze medal at the world championships.
Our current and graduating students have all had consistent measures of success. Of our 224 graduates in 2008, 98 were Ontario Scholars and 33 recieved OCDSB Silver Medals. More Success Stories »
Leadership Recognition
Students
As representatives of the student population, our Students’ Council demonstrates excellent leadership. They plan a wide, eclectic range of activities from dances to fundraising events for those in need in our community and beyond. The students of Bell High School have been recognized by the United Way for their outstanding contributions during the annual fund raising campaigns over the years.
The annual student leadership camp, planned and run by students, has become a model for others to follow. Bell students have consistently maintained involvement with Live It Up, a city of Ottawa healthy lifestyles program encouraging participation in physical activity. We also have an active group of students working on environmental issues through EarthCare initiatives. Through peer mediation and peer tutoring many students work to assist their fellow students to develop their academic and interpersonal skills.
In addition to informal recognition on a regular basis, we also acknowledge student contributions through school announcements, newsletters, assemblies, our principal’s report to school council, and end-of-year awards ceremonies. In addition, we recognize student leadership by incorporating their suggestions into our planning. Our monthly V.I.B. award recognizes seven students who have demonstrated positive attributes such as academic improvement, academic excellence, leadership or perseverance.
Staff
Members of our staff have taken a leadership role in working on O.C.D.S.B. curriculum and evaluation initiatives.
Our staff members have a wealth of professional qualifications including Bachelors and Masters degrees, specialist subject area qualifications as well as additional qualifications in Special Education, English as a Second Language, Music, Visual Arts, Guidance, Cooperative Education and Computers in Education. They have actively participated in numerous Board-wide professional development activities in literacy and numeracy, and we recognize their initiative by providing and supporting opportunities for further professional growth. Staff are active in the development and training of future teachers through partnerships with a number of Teacher Education programs including Ottawa, Nippissing and Queen’s universities. We recognize staff leadership via personal interactions with one another, letters of thanks, school announcements, school newsletters, performance appraisals, and our principal’s report to school council.
Parents/Guardians/Volunteers
We welcome parents, guardians and volunteers in many aspects of school life. We have very active volunteers in a number of areas around the school including our library and Community Living classrooms. Our school grounds look attractive all year thanks to volunteers. We are also proud to have a volunteer in the Science department through the Engineer in Residence program. Thanks to the support of grade 9 families our participation in the annual Take Our Kids To Work program is excellent with 174 grade 9 students participating in 2008. Our supportive School Council meets regularly throughout the school year. As invaluable partners, we thank our parents, guardians and volunteers on an ongoing basis and look for opportunities to acknowledge them.
Community
General Dynamics Canada has a long standing partnership with Bell H.S. and we continue to value their support.
Our school is part of the Ottawa 67’s Adopt-A–School program.
We have a friendship agreement with CUDEC, a school in Mexico City, and look forward to seeing how this partnership develops.
Many of the businesses in Bells Corners support the school through donations of advertising space, prizes and discounts on purchases.
We recognize our community partners through our school announcements, school newsletters, principal’s report to school council, and thank you cards. We also invite them to events such as awards ceremonies and commencement.