institution -- a stature made manifest in its perpetual quest to excel, not only in academics but in every aspect of school life. As times have changed, so too has the school. Said special needs teacher Mrs. Judy Smith: "We're making very healthy progress. "Department heads and teachers are progressive.

They have drive which makes the whole school function smoothly and provides for a better working environment and ultimately a better education for our students.'' BHS can now meet the needs of special students. "We are better able to absorb special students into the mainstream,'' said Mrs. Smith, referring to a deaf girl in her class. "We're going from strength to strength and broadening our vision.'' She added that a wider cross-section of the community now attends the private school, once regarded as quite elitist.

"The increase in applications to BHS tells me the public is focusing more on educational standards. They have adapted a new attitude and appreciation for the school.'' Student assistance is available both in the form of bursaries and academic scholarships. And in the last five years, three new grants have been established, according to headmaster Mr. John Wright. "The new scholarships are specifically targeted at bringing new secondary students into the school -- our girls are not eligible,'' said Mr. Wright, noting that BHS has an open enrolment policy for girls coming into years one, two and three.

But students hoping to be accepted in later years must take special examinations. Another BHS attribute is its unique corporate adopt-a-school programme. Heddington Insurance has contributed $25,000 to $30,000 a year for the past five years, said Mr. Wright, adding the insurance company's five-year commitment to the school ends this year. "But Heddington has been of great assistance to us in many of our programmes like setting up a reading clinic, a careers fair and a student leadership conference. "We have also worked with them to bring in special guest speakers from other schools and the community,'' he said. As part of a non-academic programme at BHS, dean of students Mrs. Elizabeth Hayes supervises the student society, which meets once a week to discuss school activities and organise events. Said Mrs. Hayes: "I help the students plan things like school dances. And I teach leadership skills through the student society.'' In focusing on the growth and development of girls beyond academics, Mrs. Hayes takes charge of school attendance matters, health and discipline. She also teaches a life skills programme, which is designed to help students cope with issues like peer pressure and build self-confidence. As well, she serves as a guidance counsellor to help girls decide on colleges and career. To assist in the girls' career choice, BHS plans career placement days annually where senior students shadow someone in business, giving them first-hand experience in the workplace, said Mrs. Hayes. Also in June last year, BHS invited all of Bermuda's secondary students to attend a special Career Day. The morning kicked off with a lecture by event sponsors Heddington Insurance Ltd., and was followed by a presentation by Ms Cathy Lapsley of the Bermuda Quality Awareness Team. Booths on computers, Police and banking were set up in the School's Queen Elizabeth Hall for students to explore in the morning. And workshops on various careers including insurance, accounting, the hospitality industry and banking were provided in the afternoon. Also outside of academics but vital to the well-being of students, BHS has recently adapted a new fitness scheme. Designed for secondary students, the programme requires them to take part in at least three aerobic activities per week on top of regular physical education classes, said Mrs. Hayes. She added the programme is a graduation prerequisite for years 11 and 12 students. "We offer an after-school aerobics class and there is a running club as well as team sports that the girls can participate in,'' she said. BHS also presents an opportunity for students to partake in internationally acclaimed public speaking tournaments. Just last year, three students travelled to England, where they competed in the World debating and Public speaking Competition at the Taunton School. As well, BHS is one of only a handful of schools on the Island to have their own debating team. One of the most notable credits to BHS, however, is its lack of a discipline problem, which is typically found in most schools. Mr. Wright said the reason for this is because of an abundance of parental support and because its students are all girls. He added the girls have a close relationship with the staff which provides for a healthy school environment. "Remember what you are and what you represent'' is a motto Mr.

Wright instils in his students. "I tell the girls to be proud of who they are and where they come from. "It's important because they're always representing their families and their school,'' he said. He added that BHS displays 58 different flags -- representing all of the girls' countries of origin -- in a parade held close to United Nations Day to demonstrate the school's multicultural makeup. PHOTO DEBATING TEAM -- (from left) BHS students Jennifer Burland, Sarah Carr and Stephanie Henderson competed with 50 other students representing 10 countries in the World Debating and Public Speaking Competition at the Taunton School in England last year.

MULTICULTURAL SCHOOL -- Students are pictured here parading around the field with flags from different countries. BHS holds a parade close to United Nations Day each year, which showcases 58 different flags to represent all of the countries from which the students originate.