Senior Years Programme

BHS Introduces A Levels

BHS is excited to announce that, beginning in September 2023, the School will offer the option to study either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or Advanced Levels (A Levels) in Years 12 and 13, to all students in Bermuda.

What are A Levels?

A Levels are a UK-based qualification, 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 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 or A Levels? 
Choosing which course to study is a big decision. As BHS students select their GCSE subjects in Year 9, the discussion regarding the IBDP and the A Level programmes will begin. During Term 1 and the first part of Term 2 in Year 11, internal and external students will meet with the Head of SYP and the University Admissions Counsellor to discuss and decide upon the most suitable programme and subjects within that programme, for optimal success when applying to University.

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT IB AND A LEVELS

Our highly experienced teachers offer a personalised approach to every student’s education, ensuring that your child will fulfill, and exceed, their potential. Since the inception of the IB programme in 2000, BHS graduates have consistently scored above the worldwide average and go on to universities around the world. By introducing the A Levels, we are confident this additional pathway will enhance the BHS experience for all our current and future students in their last two years of High School. 

2022 IB Results

The Bermuda High School (BHS) has announced the results of its 2022 International Baccalaureate Diploma cohort. Head of School, Mrs. Linda Parker commented, “Our students have done a phenomenal job this year and we are so proud that 100% of them have achieved their IB Diplomas; this is well above the worldwide pass rate of 88.96%. This is the first time that this cohort has sat international examinations, as they were unable to sit their I/GCSE examinations 2 years ago due to the pandemic. These students have been dedicated and determined to do their best.  These excellent results speak to the hard work and focus of our students and the unwavering commitment and expertise of our teachers to ensure that every student fulfilled their potential.”

The average Diploma point score for the 2022 BHS cohort was 35 points, well above the worldwide average of 32 points. 

Our top scorer, Kristy Sanchez achieved 44 points out of 45 points and will be heading to McGill University to study Biology.  Salayah Stange received 42 points and will be studying Actuarial Science and Mathematics at The London School of Economics. Cayetana van den Berg-Tejedor earned 39 points and plans to take a Gap Year before attending St Andrews University to study Economics and Sustainable Development. Another student scored 38 points.  Anjelina Chandrasekaran was awarded 37 points and will attend The University of Birmingham or The University of Leicester to study law.  Jada Davis achieved 36 points and will attend Rutgers University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Finance.  Yvé Smith and Ashley Attride-Stirling both scored 35 points.  Yvé will attend Western University (2nd Year) to pursue a Bachelor of Management in Organisational Studies while Ashley will complete a degree in Art and Design at Leeds University.

Head of IB, Sarah Wheddon remarked, “The 2022 exam session ran smoothly and I have been especially proud of the supportive nature of the students during the two-year programme. Not only have our students excelled academically in completing the IB Diploma and IB Courses programmes, they have also developed key skills and attitudes, leadership, confidence, resilience and global mindedness.” 

This year’s graduates have a diverse range of interests, talents and career plans for the future, and they are heading off to universities in Canada, the USA and the UK. Some of the other disciplines to be studied include Bio-Behavioural Health, Business, Commerce, English Literature, Exercise Science, Filmmaking and Psychology.

In Canada, students were offered places at Brock University, Dalhousie University, Kings College, Lakehead University, McGill University, McMasters University, Queen’s University, Ryerson University, University of Calgary, University of Ottawa, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, Western University and Wilfrid Laurier University.

Graduates going to the USA were offered places at Adelphi University, Central Washington University, Penn State University, Rutgers University, St. John’s University, Syracuse University and The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

In the UK, students were offered places at Bournemouth University, Cardiff University, Imperial College of London, Kings College of London, Kingston University, Leeds University, Liverpool John Moores University, London Metropolitan University, London School of Economics, Manchester Metropolitan University, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford University, Southampton University, St. Andrews University, Sussex University, University College of London, University of Aberdeen, University of Birmingham, University of Chichester, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, University of Huddersfield, University of Leicester, University of Manchester, University of Reading, University of Stirling, University of Strathclyde, University of Surrey, Warwick University and Westminster University.

Mrs. Parker concluded, “The Class of 2022 has been challenged during a remarkable period, but as a year group, and as individuals, they found ways to support each other and achieve their goals. They have proven themselves to be strong-minded, independent learners who are confident, talented and passionate young people, ready to take on the next chapter in their educational journeys. We are very proud of all of our IB students and we wish them continued success.”

Experience

BHS was the first IB school in Bermuda and will be the only school to offer A Levels. It has been successfully preparing students for college and university for the last 20 years. This wealth of experience means that all BHS SYP students will receive the best possible foundation to be successful after graduation; no matter the path they choose. 

In the college-like atmosphere, students feel well supported and experience increased independence.
There are opportunities to attend overseas conference, service trips and academic exchanges  through the Global Round Square membership.

Preparation

Every student at BHS is given the opportunity to undertake the challenging IB Diploma Programme or A Levels and teachers work hard to tailor the programme to suit each students' needs. The critical thinking and time management skills that are needed to be successful in the SYP programme are two of the ways graduates say they were more than ready for the shift to university learning. 

Small class sizes foster close relationships between student and teacher, and this personal support creates an atmosphere where students feel comfortable to voice their opinions or concerns.  Consistently, our BHS graduates achieve their goals and many have gone on to accept places at top universities around the world. 

CLICK HERE TO DISCOVER WHY SYP STUDENTS SUCCEED

International Currency

Mrs. Parker often tells graduates that their exam results are "International Currency" which they can use all over the world. BHS students graduate with two diplomas; the BHS School Diploma and the IB Diploma and as such, students are able to present two sets of credentials to universities for consideration. The IB Diploma not only prepares students for university, but it prepares them for success in an international world. 

The skills learned during the IB create a solid foundation for lifelong learning. IB graduates join a network of accomplished alumni around the world with limitless possibilities and opportunities for success. 

Meet Sarah Wheddon

Head of SYP

Sarah 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 as Interim Head of Secondary, focusing on pastoral care and encouraging students to succeed in their individual paths. 

As the Head of SYP and SYP 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 Counselor and students' families to offer support and enhance the opportunities open to every student as they graduate.