Secondary - Bermuda High School for Girls

Secondary is a time when students broaden their educational horizons, learn new skills and discover their passions. Through a wide range of classes, BHS students are given the opportunity to explore new subjects while strengthening their foundational knowledge and building key skills and competencies. This period of their education is filled with collaborative experiences, creative expression, and a growing responsibility for their learning under the careful guidance of dedicated and caring teachers.

Innovation & STEAM

Through our innovation and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) approach to learning, BHS is building the skills needed for our students to face the future. STEAM is a transdisciplinary approach to learning where academic concepts are coupled with real-life examples, which make connections between school, community, work and the world while emphasising the 21st Century skills of communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. With the completion of the new Innovation Centre, all Secondary students now have the opportunity to experience lessons in state-of-the-art Science labs and facilities, unlike any other in Bermuda.

Support

Moving into Secondary is a big step, and our experienced staff will guide students through this exciting transition. They will support not only their academic learning but also the social and emotional changes that come during this sometimes challenging period. As the only all-girls school on the island, we have developed a deep understanding of our students and offer guidance and encouragement for them to develop a sense of agency, communicate effectively and build their confidence. After their five years in Secondary, they will be ready to take on the rigours of SYP, engaged in their learning, and as community-minded citizens.

Leadership

Leadership at BHS isn't just about having a badge. In 2019, BHS formally launched the "I LEAD" Leadership Framework throughout the School to positively develop leadership skills 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 build on leadership capabilities and skills in all students, and develop a more inclusive definition and understanding of leadership from EYP through to SYP.

Middle School

Middle School comprises Years 7-9 and is a period of much growth and change for adolescents. Students' needs are met through a broad and balanced experience with a strong pastoral focus and learning inside and outside the classroom. Units of work are based around the English National Curriculum that has been adapted to include more local and international elements, as well as encompass our Innovation and STEAM approach to learning.

Senior School - I/GCSE

Students study for their I/GCSE examinations throughout Years 10 and 11. This curriculum has been specifically selected to prepare students most effectively for their future SYP studies. It allows them to select subjects that relate to their interests and skills, together with a balanced range of core subjects in English Language, Literature, Mathematics, Science and a Foreign Language. Students sit the PSAT in Year 11 and have the option to sit the SAT in the SYP years.

SYP at BHS

Every student at BHS is given the opportunity to undertake A Levels, the IB Diploma Programme, or the IB Courses Programme.

A Level students choose 3 or 4 subjects to study in depth over one or two years, with final exams marked on an A*- G grading scale, taken at the end of Year 12 and Year 13. Most universities and higher education institutes will require a minimum of 3 subjects, sometimes based on certain grades in specific subjects.

IB Diploma Programme students study six courses; 3 at higher level and 3 at standard level. Students must choose one subject from specific groups, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics.

In addition, the programme has three core requirements that are included to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding: Theory of Knowledge, an Extended Essay and Creativity, Action, Service (CAS).

The IB Courses Programme offers students the opportunity to study 6 IB subjects, without the constraints imposed by the Diploma. For example, students do not have to complete 3 Higher Level and 3 Standard Level subjects. They could complete 6 Standard Level subjects or any combination of Standard Level or Higher Level subjects. The students have the flexibility to select the level and variety of subjects related to their future tertiary requirements. Additionally, students in the IB Courses Programme do not have to complete the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) or Creativity, Action and Service (CAS). The IB Courses Programme, for example, is a great option for those considering further studies in the Arts. Students will present certificates in these 6 IB stand-alone subjects for university/college admissions, as opposed to an overall IB Diploma score.

For more information on SYP at BHS, please contact Sarah Wheddon.

The Benefits of Staying at BHS

As a small island, we relish our unique culture and environment. Past the physical aspects of Bermuda, many of our cultural norms are rooted in our perception of the education system. One of these most notable behaviours is the desire to send our students overseas to boarding school as they enter senior school, but in doing so, could we be doing our children a disservice? Please click here to learn more about the strategic advantages to keeping your daughter at BHS.

Fiona O'Sullivan

Head of Secondary

Fiona O’Sullivan, originally from Ireland, is an experienced senior leader who has spent the majority of her career working in international education in Qatar. In her previous role as Deputy Head of Secondary, Fiona led on teaching and learning, quality assurance and professional development across the school.

Fiona is passionate about creating a positive and inclusive school environment where students feel supported, challenged and inspired to achieve their full potential. She has extensive experience across secondary education, working closely with staff and middle leaders to strengthen teaching and learning and to build a collaborative and supportive school culture. As a classroom teacher, Fiona has a strong track record of success, particularly in Business education, and she remains committed to ensuring that students experience both academic achievement and personal growth. She has also led several international trips, giving students valuable opportunities to broaden their horizons and develop a global perspective.