We Hear You Loud and Clear! Spring surveys give voice to all Andreans
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our feedback on this year’s surveys was incredibly telling. We truly value all you shared. From your remarks and opinions, we can see how satisfied our constituent groups are, but we can also see where you need us to improve. Take food, for example. In 2013, parents wanted to see an increase in the quality and variety of food served in the dining hall. Since then, the College has increased its investment in Food Services by 11%, and parent satisfaction has risen by 9%. Here is a snapshot of other major findings (and some things to work on) from the surveys conducted this spring.
Old Boys Survey On the whole, Old Boys are satisfied with their St. Andrew’s experience (93%). Past students felt they were sufficiently challenged academically (93%); the courses they needed for their future education were available (95%); and they felt well-prepared for university (88%). On the other side of the coin, Old Boys would like to see St. Andrew’s become more affordable for their sons. In response, the Admission Department is working to develop a scholarship dedicated to sons of Old Boys. SAC also continues to grow the endowment to provide financial assistance through scholarships and bursaries.
Parent Satisfaction & Engagement Survey We are hugely gratified by the fact that 99% of parents said their sons enjoy going to school. Parents are proud to say their child goes to St. Andrew’s (93%); they would recommend St. Andrew’s to family and friends (92%); and parents believe the School is successful in achieving its mission of “developing the complete man, the well-rounded citizen” (88%). From 2013 to 2015, parent satisfaction with the academic program rose by 6%. Parents are looking for continued improvement in this area, and over the past three years, the School has increased academic spending to 51% of total expenses—equating to an additional $421,629. In addition, SAC introduced two new courses to add to their son’s resume – AP Capstone and broadcast journalism. The Andrean Diploma with Honours was also awarded, with the Class of 2015 being the first to receive this distinction. Boys are encouraged to work toward receiving this diploma by demonstrating their well-roundedness in academics, athletics, 14 FALL 2015
Parents indicate increased satisfaction with academics, such as the new broadcast journalism course introduced this year. Grade 11 classmates (l-r) Ayodeji Ogunremi, Ruan Austin, and KP Omenuko practice their interview technique.
co-curriculars, leadership, and community service. The Andrean Diploma with Honours was earned by 39% of students on graduation day in June.
Student Survey It’s been decades since the students were surveyed, so it was time they had their say! Students are extremely satisfied with their experience at SAC – they believe the School offers outstanding facilities, both academic and athletic (87%); they feel their teachers truly care about them (85%); that their teachers respect their ideas and suggestions (86%); and that their teachers foster enthusiasm and interest in their courses and encourage them to think more deeply about their subjects (85%). Students suggested Internet speed be increased. The School listened. The IT Department conducted an evaluation of the School’s bandwidth, and it was determined that Wi-Fi and Internet speeds were not up to par for a school so technologically blessed. In response, SAC upgraded from 100Mbps to 1Gbps – a tenfold increase in bandwidth. All students are enjoying the faster speeds as they complete their course work, but boarders especially are reaping the benefits as they stay connected with family around the world. NICOLETTE FLEMING For a more in-depth look at the surveys, visit www.sac.on.ca/executivesummaries.