Primary

Collaboration

Research has shown that one of the ways girls learn best is through collaboration and teamwork. In Primary, our girls are encouraged to participate in class discussions, work together on projects and take an active role in their learning. They help each other solve problems, work through complex issues together and offer peer feedback on their work. Group presentations give the girls opportunities to develop their Public Speaking skills, ensuring they are confident in their abilities before entering Secondary.

Leadership

Leadership at BHS isn't just about having a specific role or responsibility. In 2019, BHS formally launched the "I LEAD" Leadership Framework throughout the School to positively develop leadership skills and capabilities in all of our students. By focusing on three main areas: Leading Self, Leading Others and Leading by Example, this new framework allows BHS to develop a more inclusive definition and understanding of leadership from EYP through to IB. These concepts have become embedded in our daily life in Primary, and the girls recognise their ability to be leaders - often stepping up without being asked. By the time the girls move into Secondary, they are confident in their abilities and ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that await them.

Innovation & STEAM

Through our innovation and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) approach to learning, our girls are developing the skills necessary to prepare them for the future. This dynamic approach to learning in Primary provides our students with the opportunity to explore concepts, ask meaningful questions, engage in hands-on learning and think critically about real-world problems. In our classrooms, learning becomes authentic and engaging, and students develop 21st-century skills. With the completion of the new Innovation Centre, all Primary students will now have the opportunity to experience Science lessons in state-of-the-art Science labs and facilities, unlike any other in Bermuda.

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International Primary Curriculum

Learning with the IPC means that children focus on a combination of academic, personal and international learning that is exciting and challenging.
The aim of the IPC is to help every student enjoy the learning of a wide range of subjects and to develop an enquiring mind.
Thematic units are introduced each term and give the girls a sense of their own nationality and culture while discovering a profound respect for the nationalities and cultures of others.

Literacy

Techniques to teach reading include the memorisation of sight words, phonics, the use of context and picture clues as well as individual reading practice. Girls develop their skills through shared, paired and group reading. Comprehension exercises, both oral and written, are important, and a variety of texts and resources are used to develop comprehension and vocabulary skills.

Reading readiness screening and assessments ensure that students are working at an instructional level and allow for tailored programming in Reading. Through the STAR Reading Programme, students are able to identify a reading level range, and recommended reading lists to help guide book choices. All classes have timetabled access to the Library.

Mathematics

The initial exposure to Mathematics in the early years is in terms of concrete and manipulative materials that provide the experience necessary for the building of mathematical concepts. Concrete experiences, followed by those involving pictorial representation, are provided before the student is introduced to the symbolic process. Every effort is made to allow each student to make progress at a pace that is challenging, but not frustrating.

As work becomes increasingly complex, a differentiation is made between skills mastery and the retrieval and application of such skills in problem solving and test situations. Mental Math skills are actively taught and assessed. Teachers use a range of texts, resources, ICT and manipulative materials to ensure the most complete coverage of mathematical objectives

Specialist Subjects

Music

Music is an integral part of the curriculum, and songs related to topics and celebrations are included in assemblies and special events. The use of simple rhythm instruments in Year 1 and tuned percussion instruments in Year 2 leads to reading simple music and recorder playing in Year 3. Year 4 students are offered a chance to learn a stringed instrument through the Menuhin Foundation, and we offer private tuition in a variety of wind instruments. The older year groups have the opportunity to participate in Bell Choir, Orchestra, Choir and other musical clubs that typically change from year to year.

Physical Education

The purpose of Physical Education in the early years is to help students improve and control their spontaneous and somewhat random movements. In Years 4 through 6, students are taught to use the skills they have acquired in various team sports: netball, basketball, field hockey, track and field, softball, and volleyball. All students take part in an Annual Sports Day, and students in Years 4-6 take part in Inter-School Competitions.

Dance

Dance is scheduled for all year groups in the Primary department. Educators know that training young children in the concepts of movement sequencing, patterning, and spatial relationships lays a strong foundation for the later development of reading, mathematics and other educational skills. Children in our Dance programme work actively in all of these areas.

Drama

Drama lessons are timetabled for Years 1 to 6, allowing students to engage in a range of dramatic activities through which they can develop their understanding of the world. Creative and imaginative role play, along with the exploration of voice, movement and gesture help to develop their dramatic skills.

Art

The teaching of art and art skills provides the students with opportunities for self-expression, which helps build skills that foster their social, intellectual, emotional and creative growth. At all levels, art enhances work covered in other parts of the curriculum. The IPC units studied at each year level provide a springboard for a variety of art lessons as well as crafts.

Foreign Languages

Starting in EYP, students have a blended modern foreign language programme, learning both French and Spanish. Maestra Rouja provides students with an early foundation in language learning, supporting cognitive development, cultural awareness, and communication skills. Basic communication skills are taught through the use of songs, games, role play and puppetry. Activities designed to encourage basic reading and writing are part of the programme.

Information Technology (IT)

Technology is used in a variety of ways to enhance teaching and learning. Not only are students taught skills in touch-typing, word processing, PowerPoint presentations, spreadsheets and more, but they are also introduced to coding using Kodable and Tynker. Digital Citizenship is taught in both PSHE and IT lessons. iPads are used in the classrooms, and the classes have scheduled time in the computer lab.

Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)

PSHE lessons are taught using a combination of stories, short films, role-play and discussion to teach Life Skills. Hands-on activities are integrated into lessons wherever possible. The lessons cover a wide variety of life skills topics, including: Families & Communities; Health & Safety; Diversity; Citizenship and the Environment. A respect and responsibility for the environment is developed with all year groups, and internet and cyber safety is covered with older students.

Innovation and STEAM

Through our Innovation and STEAM approach to learning, BHS is building the skills needed for our students to face the future. STEAM education is a transdisciplinary approach to learning where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world lessons as students apply science, technology, engineering, arts and maths in contexts that make connections between school, community, work, and the global enterprise while emphasizing the 21st skills of communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking needed to compete in the new economy. (Adapted from Tsupros, N., Kohler, R., & Hallinen, J., 2009). Our Innovation and STEAM education transcends the traditional STEAM disciplines by also focusing on the skills of:

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Collaboration and Leadership
Agility and Adaptability
Initiative and Entrepreneurialism
Effective Oral and Written Communication
Assessing and Analysing Information
Curiosity and Imagination

Extra-Curricular

For students in Year 3-6, there are a variety of clubs that are offered by Specialist teachers, volunteers and some outside agencies with an additional cost. Examples of clubs that have been offered include:

Sports - Gymnastics, Basketballl, Netball, Running, Football, Field Hockey, Archery and Fitness.

Musical - Orchestra, Bell Choir, Musical Theatre, Song Writing and Glee Club

Other Clubs- STEAM, Computers, Baking, Girls Leadership, Mindfulness

Paid Clubs (outside providers) - Zumba, Fencing, Archery, Doodle Art, Yoga, Cross Fit

After School Care and Camps

The BHS After School and Holiday Care programmes provide a safe, fun-filled and stimulating programme for Primary students. Led by dedicated staff, the girls take part in free play on the playground, arts and crafts, computer time, games and seasonal activities. They are also given a quiet place to complete their homework, if needed.

After School Care takes place during the school term from 3:00pm until 5:30pm and can be signed up on a term by term basis, or as needed.

During school holidays and the month of July, themed based camps are held from 8:00am until 5:30pm. Arts and crafts, field trips, guest speakers, science activities, baking, and costume parties are a few of the activities the campers engage in.

For information please contact BHSholidaycare@bhs.bm or call 278-3037 after 2pm.

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A look at Primary Life

In IPC, the Year 4 students learned all about Forces. During this special project, they had to design and create a water slide with recyclables. The challenge was to create a slide that was water-repellent.

Meet Nichola Cunha

Head of Primary

Mrs Cunha holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Allison University, New Brunswick, Canada, a Bachelor of Education degree from St Thomas University, New Brunswick, Canada, and a Masters of Education degree from Mount St Vincent University, Nova Scotia, Canada. She has over 20 years of experience in education as a teacher and in various leadership positions at Harrington Sound Primary, Saltus Grammar School and BHS. Having taught Years 4 to Year 6 and Mrs Cunha has served as Mathematics and Numeracy Coordinator, Year Level Leader, VLE Coordinator and Booster Camp Supervisor. Mrs Cunha also has extensive knowledge of Parent Portals, managing multiple platforms throughout her time at BHS.

Mrs Cunha is excited to step into her new position as Head of Primary and ready to embrace the challenges it brings. She is committed to building strong partnerships with students, staff, and families. Her aim is to cultivate an environment where every student is valued, supported, and empowered to realise their full potential academically, personally, and as future-forward learners, nurturing the development of the whole child.