Students from Surrey feel as though their school experience is worsening over time because of overcrowded schools, a new report says.
Two focus groups of students were created in December 2023 by the Surrey school district, in which more than 25 youth from each group discussed different topics, with the findings now released in a report.
Consisting of students from Grades 10 to 12, each session lasted 90 minutes and was guided through discussion points, the results state. Almost all students said their experience in Surrey’s schools today is “worse” compared to just two years ago, the report states. Over-capacity schools have led to feelings of isolation and reduced access to resources, it finds.
“One student shared that in Grandview, there are too many students for them all to be in the gym at the same time — they need separate assemblies for different grades/parts of the school,” the report reads.
This and similar experiences create a sense of isolation for students as there is a lack of inclusivity, it goes on to say.
“You feel detached from the school in portables. You don’t feel like you are part of the school,” one student from a focus group said.
Surrey school district is nearing 400 portables, with the structures located at most schools in the region. In addition to the isolation students detailed, environmental implications were also a factor as to how the portables affect student experience.
“(With portables) weather has an effect…Snow, rain. It’s hard to get to them. In summer you have to open all the windows because it’s too hot,” another student said.
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Classes themself are also a point of concern, according to students, who say they have less access to resources and teachers because of just how many students there are in their schools. Hallways are crowded, lunch rooms are full, and in some instances, there are multiple classes being taught in the same room, making it difficult to learn.
“When everything is filled to capacity, you don’t have the same choices” for courses, one student is quoted as saying.
Another shared how difficult it is today for students to contact teachers and school counsellors for help. One student even said that online communication with teachers has been strained, let alone in-person.
“It’s tough for teachers, too. There are just too many students to get everything done,” a student shared.
During the discussion, students also shared concern for those in younger grades trying to navigate overcrowded schools.
“I think younger kids are feeling a little scared or not welcomed. There’s just too many [students]. They can feel lost.”
As for what students enjoy about their school experience today, diversity in schools topped the list, along with the abundance of extracurricular clubs.
Learning about different peers’ lifestyles and cultures is a positive to many, the report adds. They are also able to gain leadership experiences by participating in different clubs in school settings.
During the course of the discussion groups, students also had an opportunity to share how the last two years could have improved.
A detailed list was provided to the district by students, including making schools more inclusive, fostering a school community and creating more space for the increasing number of students.
Combating bullying by students being kind to one another both in-person and online was described by students as one change they’d like to see.
According to school district data, bullying has been the most reported issue among students since last year. Received through their Protecting Surrey Schools Together (PSST) anonymous online tool, district spokesperson Ritinder Matthew shared that in the 2022-23 school year, a total of 398 submissions were made, with bullying being the most prominent issue reported, at just under 40 per cent of the submissions.
So far this year, the trend seems to be continuing, with bullying still being the most common issue for students.
Students would also like “easier access to school staff” like counsellors and “being able to have that connection and support with teachers” that many feel is currently lacking.
In contrast to the parents focus group, students would like to see more options for hybrid online and in-person classes be available, while also seeing equal access to resources for all students in technology and textbooks.