Senior Years Programme

The Senior Years Programme (SYP) at BHS offers a co-educational, two-year programme which prepares students for university. We encompass an educational vision which ensures that BHS graduates not only gain places in the university of their choice, but become critical thinkers and life-long learners.

Multiple Pathways, One Goal

At BHS, students can choose the pathway that best suits their strengths, interests and future aspirations. As the only school in Bermuda to offer both A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB), students can pursue a programme that aligns with their academic goals and preferred learning style.

Whether choosing A Levels, the IB Diploma Programme, or the IB Courses Programme, students benefit from a personalised academic journey designed to prepare them for university and beyond.

Personalised Learning & Support

Every SYP student receives an individualised educational experience. Small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and flexible timetables allow students to take ownership of their learning while receiving the support they need to thrive.

Students work closely with faculty who understand their goals and learning styles, creating an environment focused on personal achievement rather than competition

University & Future Readiness

Preparing for life after BHS begins on day one. Students receive expert support from a dedicated University Admissions Counsellor who guides them through programme selection, university applications, scholarships, and career planning.

With a 100% tertiary education progression rate and graduates attending universities across the UK, Canada, the United States and beyond, students leave SYP ready for the next stage of their journey. Click here to see a full list of acceptances.

Global Opportunities

As Bermuda's only Round Square school, BHS provides students with exceptional opportunities to engage with the world beyond the classroom. Through international conferences, exchanges, service projects and educational travel, students develop global perspectives, leadership skills and meaningful cultural connections.

Students may also participate in optional work experience placements to gain valuable insight into potential career pathways and professional environments.

The SYP Difference

The co-ed Senior Years Programme is unique among the senior educational programmes offered by other schools.

Multiple Study Pathways - We are the only school on the island to offer A Levels alongside the IB. The A Level Programme and the International Baccalaureate Diploma are recognised as being the most internationally accepted education programmes worldwide.
Individualised Approach - Students benefit from an individualised educational approach with the flexibility to decide their own course of study within the parameters of the A Level and IB requirements. Along with selecting their own subjects, their timetables allow them to manage their own time and create a flexible study schedule.
Personalised Experience - Each student who comes through our programme receives an individual experience. Our dedicated teaching staff are on hand to ensure that each student achieves academic success tailored to their learning style. This individualised attention creates a familial feeling among year groups, ensuring that there is no academic competition.
University Admissions Guidance - When it comes to applying for tertiary studies, our students have the advantage of turning to a dedicated University Admissions Counsellor. Mrs Kate Ross is on hand to offer expert guidance to students in selecting the university and course of study that will guarantee a successful future.
Rhode Scholars - Through the Senior Years Programme, we have produced 10 Rhode Scholars, all of whom have achieved great academic and professional success. Our Rhode Scholars include Madison Quig ’19, Emma O’Donnell ’17, Isabelle Stone ’14, Deirdre Collins ’13, Aliyyah Ahad ’08, Eleanor Gardner ’09, M. Alisha Gabriel ’06, Michèle H.B. Smith ’06, Lucy C. Hall ’03, and Christie Hunter-Arscott ’01.
Global Educational Opportunities – As the only Round Square school in Bermuda, BHS offers students countless opportunities to attend overseas conferences, service trips and academic exchanges. To date, students have travelled to destinations including Kenya, Japan, Colombia, South Africa and more.
Optional Work Experience - BHS students have the added benefit of engaging in various work experience opportunities. Students with an interest in a particular industry are partnered with a professional in that field to gain insight into potential career paths. This programme is not mandatory

A Levels Pathway

A-levels are UK qualifications studied after GCSEs. It is a highly respected qualification which is recognised for higher education entry in the UK, North America and around the world. 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 Years 12 and 13. Most universities and higher education institutes will require a minimum of 3 subjects, sometimes based on certain grades in specific subjects.

Sample subjects include: English Literature, Business, Geography, History, Psychology, Sport and PE, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Art, Music, and Theatre.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma

The International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) was conceived under the auspices of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation by a group of educationalists, including Kurt Hahn, founder of Gordonstoun. It is governed by the International Baccalaureate Office in Geneva. More than 166,000 students are examined in 156 countries. Since its foundation, the IB Diploma has become a symbol of academic integrity and intellectual promise. Its reputation for rigorous assessment gives International Baccalaureate Diploma recipients access to the world's leading universities and ensures solid preparation for academic success.

IB students will take six subjects, including one subject from each of the groups below, although a Group 6 choice may be substituted for an additional subject from Groups 2 - 4. Of these six subjects, three are to be taken at a Higher Level and three at a Standard Level. Sample subjects include:

Group 1 – Studies in Language and Literature
Group 2 – Language Acquisition
Group 3 - Individuals and Societies
Group 4 - Sciences
Group 5 - Mathematics
Group 6 – The Arts

In addition to the six subjects, there is a core component required, including Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

The Renaissance Centre

The SYP Team

Head of SYP

Sarah Wheddon has over 20 years of teaching and leadership experience in Bermuda. Since starting at BHS in 2004, Sarah has taught English to Years 7-13 and PSHE to a number of different year levels. She has held leadership positions as a Head of Year, Head of Upper Years and Interim Head of Secondary, focusing on pastoral care and encouraging students to succeed in their individual paths.

As the Head of SYP and IB Coordinator, Sarah is committed to empowering teachers and providing an environment where students can enjoy the pre-university courses with curiosity and a feeling of accomplishment. She works closely with the pastoral Heads of Year, the University Admissions Counselor and students' families to offer support and enhance the opportunities open to every student as they graduate.

University Admissions Counsellor

With 40 years of teaching experience, Kate Ross brings a wealth of knowledge to her role as University Admissions Counsellor. Kate has been a valued member of the BHS team for 30+ years, holding various positions within the Secondary Department including Senior Music Teacher, Head of Arts, IB Coordinator, Head of IB and Head of Senior Years.

As University Admissions Counsellor, Kate plays an important role in helping students charter their path in tertiary education. Kate’s extensive network of working partnerships with University Admissions offices around the globe are a valuable asset in ensuring that BHS students are not limited in the application and selection process.