years seven through 12. As well, she directs the school choir, orchestra, string group and band. Music classes are compulsory in years seven to ten and become optional for 11th and 12th year students, said Mrs. Ross, who has been teaching at BHS for nine years. Once students opt for music in years 11 and 12, they must fulfil the stringent IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) requirements, she added. Mrs. Ross teaches music through composition. "Students learn theory by applying it rather than studying it as a separate subject,'' she said, adding that the three elements of music in her class are composing, listening and performing. The past year has kept Mrs.

Ross exceptionally busy for not only is she carrying on with her lunchtime and after school music clubs, she has been involved with numerous centennial celebrations. Under her expert direction, the School Centenary Chorus and Orchestra presented a successful concert in the Cathedral last November. And most recently, she conducted the music for the school centennial drama, "The Torchbearers''. Mrs. Ross, who is also a Year 12 homeroom teacher, said she loves her job. "It's very stressful at times. But what keeps me going is seeing the girls work together. They put so much effort into what they're doing.'' She added: "As a teacher, we have so much power and it's important to treat such power and influence responsibly. We must be ready to listen and always willing to learn.'' Indeed, Mrs. Ross finds learning exciting as she is presently working on her Masters degree in education. "A Masters degree will provide me with other options for the future,'' she noted. "I love what I'm doing but I want to be able to have more of a choice.'' PHOTO MUSIC TEACHER -- Mrs. Kate Ross