Innovation and STEAM at BHS

Our main goal, at BHS, is not just to ensure that our students get into the university of their choice, but to best prepare them for successful futures, no matter what they study at university or what careers they may pursue.  Responding to an ever-changing world and job market, we knew that we needed to invest in innovation, develop our girls’ skills in the STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) and embed more inquiry-based learning and problem solving into our teaching.

Head of School, Linda Parker, at the opening of the Innovation Centre, November 2020. 

Over the last few years at BHS, increasing emphasis has been placed on STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths), both in curricular and extra-curricular pursuits. STEAM is a way of learning, not only important subject knowledge, but also a set of skills that today's employers consider critical. By infusing STEAM into our learning at BHS, we will ensure that our graduates will have the ability to navigate an ever-changing world, where communicating effectively and collaborating with diverse groups of people to solve problems is highly valued. 

Girls’ school grads are 6 times more likely to consider majoring in math, science, and technology compared to girls who attended co-ed schools.

Goodman Research Group, The Girls’ School Experience: A Survey of Young Alumnae of Single-Sex Schools

 

What does this look like at BHS? 

  1. We create opportunities for students to develop their problem-solving, team-work, communication and resiliency skills. 
  2. We provide opportunities where students can link learning across disciplines to address questions, solve problems and demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways. 
  3. Linking learning to real-life situations and problems.

Innovation Centre

The culmination of more than five years of designing, planning and building, the new spaces complement changes to the learning ethos of the School and reflect the changing needs and interests of girls in education. We also knew that we needed to expand and modernise our campus and build new facilities to meet our students’ growing needs.

The Innovation Centre consists of five Science Labs, two Computer Science and Robotics Labs, a Creation and Innovation Space, a Learning Commons and Library, a Digital Media Studio, along with many collaboration spaces and a Leadership Centre for girls.

The Arts Wing is comprised of three large, bright Fine Arts Studios, including Digital Arts and Ceramics Studios and an Art Gallery, upgraded Music Rooms and Practice Suites, a Recording Studio and Dance Studio. A Blackbox Theatre with Drama studios was also created from renovated space which will allow for more student-led productions and small performances. An outdoor “Idea Hub” connects the Visual Arts with the Maker-Space.

click for a virtual tour of the innovation centre

 

STEAM Week

Held every year in June, STEAM Week is a chance for Secondary students to work in groups to solve a problem through the five components of STEAM; Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics.

STEAM week is an excellent opportunity to give the students a wider educational experience and bring learning to life with real-world problems.

Read about STEAM week 2019

read about steam week 2018

Innovation Expo

Students from across Primary and Middle school showcased their work  to parents and peers. On display was a dazzling array of creativity – for example, replica Roman landmarks, Mars Rover stations, catapults, and Lego structures. Props made by students for the recent production of The Little Mermaid were on show, as well as items the girls had made using the 3D printer and the GlowForge Laser Printer. The projects  highlighted the cross-disciplinary approach to learning which BHS has adopted in the past few years. 

click here to read more