The Bermuda High School for Girls’ mission is to educate young women to the highest international standards and foster confident, resilient and responsible global citizens.

To achieve these characteristics, our school is mindful to integrate the Round Square IDEALS of Internationalism, Democracy, the Environment, Adventure, Leadership and Service into everything we do.

Starting in Year 9, Service is a mandatory activity throughout the school year: Year 9 — ten hours; Year 10 — 15 hours; and Year 11 — 20 hours.

IB Students complete 150 hours, distributed evenly between the three areas (creativity, action, service), during the two-year programme.

Once a student regularly attends their community service activity, they begin to understand the true meaning and value of service for others.

Sometimes skills learnt in service activities are not things that can be learnt in a classroom. For example, gardening at the Sunshine League.

Not only is service beneficial to others, but it provides a personal feeling of satisfaction; aiding others is an uplifting experience.

Quickly, students can begin to appreciate their impact on society and the community, and see that they can make a difference.

Giving back encourages youth to become aware of certain issues/situations, and opens their minds to how they can help.

Another benefit of service is that leadership skills are obtained — we become role models for the younger students in the school, and we develop our social skills too, as we have to learn to communicate with lots of different people.

Community service can be even more enjoyable if you get involved in something about which you are passionate.

For example, if students are interested in a career in the medical field, working at a doctor’s office or volunteering at KEMH as a Candy Striper can help them to understand the career in more depth.

BHS has many opportunities for us to take part in international service trips. For example, BHS students have travelled to Thailand and Costa Rica to build houses and dams for those in need.

Everyone who returns from these trips talks about what a great experience they had, and how they wish they could return again.

Taking part in service at BHS opens doors to meet new people, even possible employers, and is a very worthwhile part of our education.