The Bermuda High School for Girls is forever striving for academic excellence.

Operated under the British system of education, the school is endowed with advanced technology and dedicated teachers, both of which help students to achieve the best in education. Director of Studies Mrs. Teresa Sousa, who is responsible for all secondary academic administration including the school curriculum, said she is very pleased with the girls' academic stature. In fact, last year BHS students showed outstanding achievement when they received the highest GCSE exam results at the school since 1987. Almost 90 percent of those who sat the exams obtained grade C in five or more subjects. And the percentage of A and B grades increased by five percent since last year. Mrs.

Sousa, who helps students improve their study skills said she meets with year seven students once a week and shows them what tools are needed to succeed in the secondary department. "I talk to the girls about study skills, help them revise for internal examinations and show them how to form study groups,'' she said. Year seven is a transitional year where students spend most of the day with one teacher. But they are also introduced to changing classes and have specialised teachers for certain subjects, said Mrs. Sousa. All BHS students in years seven through 12 must take internal exams. Year 11 and 12 students must also take mid-term exams. And year 12s are required to sit five to nine GCSE exams. Mrs. Sousa works closely with year 12s. "I help to prepare the girls for study leave before they take their GCSEs. And I help them with their selection for post secondary education,'' she said. "Our programme must reflect the requirements of higher learning in Canada, the US and Britain as well as the Bermuda College so that students will be successful in applications,'' she noted, adding that 100 percent of BHS students go on to some form of higher education. "I also review all student report cards so I'm constantly monitoring the girls' academic progress. And I offer suggestions to both students and parents if the girls are not doing very well.'' The Bermuda High School has access to the best in advanced technology and most recently tapped into the "Information Superhighway'' after becoming the first school on the Island to offer Internet. Computers can be found in classrooms from years ones to 12. And the school's extensive computer laboratory is complete with computers, a laser printer, the latest in CD ROM technology and other multi-media software. "CD ROM allows for true learning in an entertaining way. It helps keep the curriculum alive and exciting,'' said Mrs. Sousa. "Our girls must be ready for whatever choices they make in the future -- international business, law, tourism etc. -- so technology is very important in education. And first hand sources like Internet allow students to study subjects from every angle,'' she said. Special needs teacher Mrs. Judy Smith added: "I've seen the school move into the 20th Century -- year one students are already learning how to use computers. "And now with Internet, we've moved into the 21st century. The school is always growing,'' said Mrs. Smith.

"We've made very healthy progress.'' Committed to providing an excellent primary and secondary educational experience for girls, The Bermuda High School expects high academic standards from its students. And the girls are not only achieving such standards, they are going beyond to new levels of learning. PHOTO INTERNETTING -- Bermuda High School for Girls was the first school on the Island to tap into the Electronic Information Superhighway and students can't seem to get enough. Absorbed, from left, are Jarita Dill, director of studies Mrs. Teresa Sousa, Keisha Pitt and sitting, Alexandra Storie.

COMPUTER WHIZZES -- BHS is in a high-tech league of its own. Students are now learning how to use computers as early as year one, becoming computer literate by the age of ten.

WORKING WITH MAC -- BHS computer coach Hazel Oakley helps a student learn how to use the Macintosh LC III in the school's top-notch secondary computer lab.