Charlotte Fleming
Dean of Student Leadership,
The Bishop Strachan School
Abinaya Thamphirasan
Dean of Boarding,
The Bishop Strachan School
Kristen Clarke
Dean of Teaching and Learning,
The Bishop Strachan School
The Bishop Strachan School helps girls develop confidence, voice and leadership – empowering them to navigate and shape the world.
In the heart of Toronto, there’s a storied institution that’s been uplifting and advancing the education of girls for over 150 years. Through one-of-a-kind learning experience and opportunities, students become the best versions of themselves and go on to achieve remarkable success.
This is The Bishop Strachan School (BSS), one of the most esteemed and impressive all-girls schools in the country. From junior kindergarten to grade 12, the academy has created an environment that actively cultivates and equips young girls to become fearless leaders.
“Students tackle academically rigorous programming that fosters confidence, curiosity, and leadership,” says Charlotte Fleming, Dean of Student Leadership. “They thrive within our vibrant and inclusive community, where they are encouraged to think critically, challenge the status quo, and make a meaningful impact on the world around them.”
Signature of a BSS Girl
There are certain attributes that teachers instill in each BSS student. These qualities shape how a young girl sees herself, approaches the world, and her ability to take on anything that comes her way. Students are encouraged to adopt a growth mindset and maintain a persistent desire to learn through hard work. They are inspired to be ethical citizens who prioritize inclusivity, empathy, and value differing perspectives.
“We strive to be catalysts for change, empowering women to grow,” explains Abinaya Thamphirasan, Dean of Boarding. “We provide opportunities that challenge their thinking both individually and collectively on a global level.” Other attributes of the Signature of a BSS Girl include curiosity, self-awareness, grit, voice, and leadership.
Complementing this framework perfectly is the school’s unique teaching philosophy. Along with following the Ontario curriculum, their academics are enhanced through the Culture of Powerful Learning. It’s a holistic method that nurtures social, intellectual, physical, emotional, spiritual, and ethical growth.
Education that exceeds expectations
“This research-based approach relies on inquiry at its root and extends to other teaching practices such as direct instruction and problem/project-based learning,” adds Kristen Clarke, Dean of Teaching and Learning. “BSS has created a caring, thorough academic program that focuses on girls’ learning and on developing fearless leaders”
BSS has created a caring, thorough academic
program that focuses on girls learning and developing into fearless leaders.
– Kristen Clarke, Dean of Teaching
The pedagogy also includes experiential education, discussion-based learning, and knowledge building. Students are motivated to follow their interests and take risks through arts, athletics, and other academic enrichments. They also explore interdisciplinary connections, environmental understanding, and the multiplicity of contemporary global perspectives. The program is backed by intentional guiding principles – including engagement, innovation, transparency, excellence, and authentic, meaningful work.
Students who board at BSS get the chance to put their skills to the test in exciting ways outside of the classroom. “Boarding is more than a place to sleep,” Abinaya says. “It’s an experience that cultivates resilience and a strong sense of community that will shape your future decisions and goals as a lifelong learner.”
Championing female leadership
At its core, the school’s mission is to inspire the female leaders of tomorrow. Girls are taught that leadership takes many forms beyond who is sitting at the head of the table. Instead, it’s about finding their unique voice and embodying meaningful values.
As Kristen explains, it’s embedded into everything students experience on a daily basis. “In the classroom, students see fearless leadership modelled by peers who lead innovative discussions, exploring real-world issues and tackling authentic data. They have access to highly impactful female role models in business, research, spoken word, and beyond.”
The school’s academic and extra-curricular activities strategically cultivate leadership competencies, refining essential skills and providing meaningful moments for practice and growth. Students are provided with many practical opportunities to foster their leadership skills. There are formal trainings and workshops throughout the year that explore a variety of topics such as public speaking, creating inclusive spaces, and skillful facilitation.
Making a difference
There are many chances for students to take on leadership themselves, including student council roles or by becoming a prefect. Older students in these formal leadership positions embark on retreats to cultivate their leadership ‘toolkits’ and practice foundational skills. Plus, each student leader has a faculty advisor to guide them along the way and access to other customized mentorship opportunities.
“The world needs more female leaders. That’s why we empower our students to discover their own authentic leadership style that’s purposeful and positively impacts those around them,” Charlotte says. “They are the architects of a future where women in leadership will be the norm.”
Learn more about BSS at bss.on.ca.
