Bermuda High School for Girls and Warwick Academy have announced IB exams will be cancelled this year.

A BHS press release follows:

Bermuda High School for Girls has announced to students, parents and staff that the IB examinations due to take place between April 30 and May 22, will not be held this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A formal letter from Siva Kumari, Director-General of the International Baccalaureate, stated: “As an organisation, it is critical for IB to ensure that the options it provides its global community of IB World Schools are based on compassion and fairness for the difficult circumstances that its students and educators are experiencing.”

Dr Kumari added: “As a result, based on considerable advice from stakeholders across the globe, including schools, students, universities and official bodies, IB has determined what it believes to be the most responsible and ethical way forward.”

Linda Parker, Head of School at BHS, noted: “We will be continuing with regular remote teaching this week for the remainder of the term. We must wait to determine how classes will proceed after the holiday (online or on campus). Our main priority is to ensure that all IB course content and outstanding coursework are completed.

“Our students have worked very hard over the last two years and we need to celebrate their achievements and success. Please be assured that we will work closely with IBO to ensure that our students’ best interests are met for the next stage of their academic journey.”

Warwick Academy principal Dave Horan shared a letter with parents confirming the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) had announced the cancellation of the May 2020 exam session.

Mr Horan wrote to parents: “I know there are many questions and we will be unpacking these with the IBO, and with you, over the next few days. The most important message I can give right now is that both the IBO and WA want the very best for our students and we will make sure that we deliver this within the constraints of the environment we find ourselves in at the moment. We also want to make sure that students are recognized for their hard work over the past two years and I believe, from the letter, that the IBO are of the same mindset.

“Please expect further communication from us during the day today which will guide lessons this week, address outstanding internal assessments (coursework) and speak to final transcripts. Please also note that in their letter the IBO mentions that a FAQ document will be available on Friday.”