Canada’s Equestrian University-Preparatory High School for Girls Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada Discover A School that Inspires Riders of all Levels

• Students can ride within their weekly school timetable, earn credits toward graduation and work through their Equine Canada rider levels. • Students can bring their or ride one of many school . • Coaches and trainers are certified in Hunter/Jumper, and disciplines. • Our riders’ goals and competition schedules are supported by their teachers, coaches, and staff. • On-campus riding facilities allow riders to balance riding and academics, athletics, the arts, service and leadership opportunities. • Students may wear riding to class as part of their weekly uniform. • Program content includes stable management, animal husbandry, and pre-veterinary exploration. The Perfect Balance of Riding and Academics

Riding is woven into our school culture. Queen Margaret’s School combines an enriched academic experience with a unique equestrian program.

As the only school in Canada with a fully integrated equestrian program, English riding lessons are blended into the weekly timetable. Riding lessons are often scheduled within a PE block and flanked by academic subjects. Riding within the school timetable encourages riders to be active participants in athletics, the arts, clubs and social activities. Our optional program, available to students entering Grades 4 through 12, allows students to take riding lessons for fun, or pursue competitive dreams while preparing for high school graduation and post- secondary education. In addition to riding, stable management is taught and students participate in the daily care of their horse. In our small academic classes with specialist teachers, each student is supported and encouraged. Instructional strategies are centred on the ways young minds grasp and build upon new concepts. Regular field trips and outdoor education opportunities offer experiential learning outside of the classroom and stables. Development of time-management, decision-making and other leadership skills encourage independence. Students enter their post-secondary years with poise. At Queen Margaret’s School, your child will develop confidence in the classroom, the stables and the .

100% of QMS graduates are accepted to post-secondary education in Canada and around the world. Chase Your Dreams

For some, riding is a recreational pastime. For others it is a serious pursuit with expectations to compete in Canada, the US and internationally, or a route to a career in coaching or equine medicine. The quality of our program is measured not only in our long history of success in the ring, but the passion for the sport that continues beyond high school. Jump into the Riding Program for You

TRAIN TO RIDE 1, 2 or 3, Grades 4 To 12 Train to Ride (TTR) nurtures, challenges and celebrates the joy of being in the saddle and in the stables. TTR students do not need to own a horse or tack. Students are assigned a school-owned horse chosen to suit their experience and ability levels. Lessons are scheduled one to three times per week and fill program requirements for Physical Education. Optional competitions and clinics are available on and off campus. Train to Compete, Grades 8 to 12 Students entering Train to Compete (TTC) have previous riding experience and a strong desire to enhance their competitive, coaching or animal husbandry skills. Most TTC students own or have owned or leased a horse. The credit-granting TTC Program provides two lessons and one theory class per week. Additional lessons and daily practice rides may be available. In partnership with an Equine Advisor, each TTC student creates an Individualized Riding Plan that defines, monitors and encourages her goals and progress. Equine Sciences 11, Grades 10 to 12 Developed by QMS and approved by the B.C. Ministry of Education, Equine Sciences 11 covers many aspects of equine health and disease prevention, stable management, equestrian event management and officiating, coaching theory and skills, and First-Aid. This is a mandatory course for TTC riders. Experience Modern Equestrian Facilities

When Miss Shirley Burr arrived on campus in 1961, the Equestrian Centre consisted of an old barn standing on an overgrown area housing four horses.

Today the Shirley Burr Equestrian Centre offers a clean, bright 70’ x 210’ indoor riding arena with 18 stalls, an outdoor 130’ x 240’ competition ring, classroom space, stabling for more than 40 horses, and ample daily turnout space, all just a short walk from classes and student residences. Horse Boarding or Leasing Horse boarding or leasing allows rider and horse to grow their skills together. Students may bring their own horse or lease a school horse. Students must have owned or cared for a horse previously. All horses will be screened to ensure suitability for each rider’s ability level. Equestrian staff will advise on transportation options from in and outside of Canada. Train to Compete students must board or lease a horse. Train to Ride students may board or lease with prior approval and subject to available space. Soar in a Caring Residence Community

For girls entering Grades 6 to 12 who wish to live on campus, Queen Margaret’s School has carefully crafted a welcoming and nurturing residence environment that is steps from the classrooms and the equestrian centre. Respect, empathy and acceptance are embedded in our way of life at our school. The sharing of culture, interests and experiences encourages connections between students, teachers, coaches and staff. At Queen Margaret’s School, lifelong friendships are made. Daily life for approximately 95 girls is supported by an in-house nurse, counsellor and travel coordinator. Residence staff are on duty 24 hours, seven days a week. Most dormitory rooms are shared by two girls. Each hallway of rooms has a unique name and an overseeing “House Mom.” Contact our Admissions Team at [email protected] for more details about our optional student residence program.

Parents appreciate that school and riding reports are comprehensive and personalized. Communication between parents and the school is encouraged. For parents wishing to be more involved, the QMS Parents’ Association welcomes help with PA projects, events and fundraisers. Explore\ A Typical Week for a Grade 11 Rider

Saturday/ Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday

6:45 - 8:00 Wake up and prepare for the day 8:30 - 11:00 Light Breakfast Faculty Faculty Faculty Faculty 8:00 - 8:08 Advising Advising Advising Advising

Chemistry Faculty Biology English English 8:10 - 9:15 11 Advising 11 11 11 Hot Brunch 8:45 - 9:15 11:00 Boarders may sign out French Biology French Visual Art Biology 9:20 -10:25 11 11 11 11 11

10:25 -10:40 Break Practice Riding Social (optional) English TTR/TTC Social Chemistry 10:40 -11:45 Studies 11 (Riding Lesson) Studies 11 11 11

Lunch Equine Equine Equine 11:45 -12:45 Science Science Science

Social Pre-Calculus TTR/TTC Pre-Calculus TTR/TTC 8:00 -7:00 12:45 -1:50 Studies 11 (Riding Lesson) 11 (Riding Lesson) 11

Visual Art Pre-Calculus Chemistry French Visual Art 1:55 - 3:00 11 11 11 11 11

3:00 - 3:30 Academic Help

Boarders Practice Riding (optional), return 3:35 - 5:00 5:00 - 6:30 Athletics, Activities & Clubs to campus /Dinner

5:00 - 6:00 Dinner Free Time, Evening 7:00 - 11:00 Study Evening Study, Snack, Free Time 7:00 - 11:00 Lights out Lights out 11:00 11:00

Our faculty and staff recognize the commitment of highly ambitious athletes and performers. We work with our students to balance their demanding external athletic or performance schedules and their academic life. USA

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Vancouver Vancouver Island

UNITED STATES Pacific Ocean Duncan

Victoria

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Schedule your tour of our campus today!

[email protected] 250.746.4185 660 Brownsey Avenue, Duncan, British Columbia Canada V9L 1C2 www.qms.bc.ca