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A student looks into a microscope in the science lab, with another student in the background
Academics
Senior School
Challenged to excel
In the Senior School (Grades 9 - 12), students drive their own learning with curiosity and commitment. They are challenged and supported to excel every day. They develop strong academic, communication and collaboration skills. Just as importantly, they learn to overcome obstacles, appreciate each other’s strengths and care about the world around them. Our graduates go out into the world as capable, confident and compassionate women.
The Senior School program is comprehensive, offering more than 100 credit courses. Electives are available in business, technology, and visual and media arts, among other areas. BSS goes beyond the Ontario curriculum, enhancing it with our unique approach, the Culture of Powerful Learning.
At BSS, Senior students can choose their own path. They are encouraged to ask big questions and answer them through inquiry and exploration. Meaningful assignments that tackle real-world problems inspire them.
At BSS, Senior students can choose their own path. They are encouraged to ask big questions and answer them through inquiry and exploration. Meaningful assignments that tackle real-world problems inspire them.
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Advanced Placement
BSS offers 14 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. AP courses provide an enriched curriculum and move faster than regular credit courses. They are an opportunity for students to stretch themselves and explore university-level materials. Recognized around the world, the AP program complements the rich learning that BSS offers. The AP Capstone Diploma takes the challenge a step further. Our students' strong results in AP courses - exceeding international averages - confirm their readiness for university. -
Co-operative Education
With the BSS Co-operative Education program, students in Grades 11 and 12 get real-world, hands-on experience. The program combines in-class learning with placements at non-profit organizations or businesses, turning theory into practice. -
Online Learning
Online courses are available to BSS students. They offer solid course material, great teachers, collaboration with other students and strong support. -
University Preparation
The Senior School program lays a strong foundation for university studies. Our students have strong critical thinking, communication, analytical and research skills. They can motivate and advocate for themselves. They embrace challenge and change. One hundred per cent of BSS graduates are offered placement at top-tier universities and colleges in Canada and beyond.
Sheila Barclay, Mathematics Teacher and Lead Mentor
Whenever possible, we offer experiences that allow for student voice and choice. Teachers are there to guide student thinking, suggest resources and to ensure that multiple sources and perspectives are incorporated into the work.
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A group of students is sitting around a table and one student smiles at another -
Students in English class smile while discussing something -
Students build wooden birdhouses at work benches in the design tech lab using tools
What learning looks like in the Senior School
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Grade 9
In English, students discussed novels that focus on self-discovery, finding voice and the power of persuasion. They developed speeches and spoken word poetry, exploring their own voices in powerful ways.
In Health and Physical Education, students developed the skill of sending and receiving, first in Flag Football, then in the fast and furious game of Rugby 7s, and finally in Ultimate Frisbee. -
Grade 10
In Careers, students studied women leaders and created posters with QR codes linking to information about their leadership strategies.
In English, students thought about how Shakespearean stories of teenage rebellion compare to contemporary texts. They tackled the oft-asked question, ‘Why do we still study Shakespeare?’ -
Grade 11
In Accounting, students completed a “shoebox” assignment. They journaled transactions from a variety of source documents to produce financial statements. They then wrote a letter to the owner outlining concerns and recommendations.
In Chemistry, students experimented with cyanotypes, a photographic printing technique used to create blueprints.
In AP English Language and Composition, students learned how purpose, occasion and audience drive different types of writing. They wrote scripts for documentaries, policy proposals for politicians, articles for youth magazines, and much more. One student scripted a TED Talk about the benefits of learning another language to improve cultural understanding. -
Grade 12
In French, students read novels highlighting the homeless situation in France, then compared it to the situation in Toronto. In the process, they learned more about the causes of homelessness globally.
In Chemistry, one student looked at the impact of fentanyl use in Indigenous communities, incorporating feedback from Indigenous counsellors.
In AP Calculus, students applied their knowledge to increasingly complex situations, working collaboratively to solve problems using multiple approaches.
Co-Curriculars that Deepen Learning
The Senior School is a vibrant place where learning happens everywhere. Students can choose from a wide range of co-curricular activities depending on their interests and talents.
By participating in academic teams, community groups, councils, and sports teams, they build teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
There are many opportunities for students to take on formal leadership roles within the School. In some cases, students are elected by their peers and faculty. In others, they are interviewed by Faculty Advisors and student leaders. Positions range from Prefects and Ambassadors, to Mentors, Academic Team Heads and Team Captains. After all, leadership is best learned by doing!
Learning goes far beyond the school walls. A strong outdoor education program, international trips, exchange programs, and a far-reaching service learning program all add depth and texture to the Senior School Experience.
By participating in academic teams, community groups, councils, and sports teams, they build teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.
There are many opportunities for students to take on formal leadership roles within the School. In some cases, students are elected by their peers and faculty. In others, they are interviewed by Faculty Advisors and student leaders. Positions range from Prefects and Ambassadors, to Mentors, Academic Team Heads and Team Captains. After all, leadership is best learned by doing!
Learning goes far beyond the school walls. A strong outdoor education program, international trips, exchange programs, and a far-reaching service learning program all add depth and texture to the Senior School Experience.
