How to inspire young women to lead and succeed

Learning shouldn’t just be about attending class and checking off curriculum boxes. At The Bishop Strachan School (BSS), it’s an innovative experience of exploration and discovery. Students at Canada’s leading independent day and boarding school for girls shape their own learning journeys, drawing inspiration from exceptional teachers and the world around them.

Just ask Rachel, a Grade 12 student who’s actively involved on campus and leading the charge in student engagement groups.

Empowering students

BSS’s innovative approach is designed to inspire students’ academic achievements and encourage them to develop confidence and leadership skills. Its 950 students from junior kindergarten to Grade 12 are encouraged to participate in their education at a deeper level. With the Ontario curriculum as the foundation, “we use inquiry-based learning, where a lot of assignments are based on exploring different concepts before finding the answer from a textbook,” says Rachel. This learning process has students creating real-world connections through high-level questioning, prompting them to problem-solve rather than memorize.

There’s a long list of councils that support student interests, each discussing specific aspects of student life and involving girls from different grades. For instance, Model United Nations and DECA allow students to apply their subject knowledge, problem-solving skills and communication skills, while the rocketry team took the stage at the annual Launch Canada competition as the first high-school and all-girls team.

Rachel, co-head of the Academic Council, strongly encourages students to get involved in groups that foster collaboration, skill-building and leadership. “We meet every Monday to create initiatives that enhance student engagement and support our academic work, making sure we create real impact and take in all perspectives,” she says. “The councils are a great way to be involved with the school community and shape it to how we feel it should be.” As an ambassador, Rachel offers prospective families an introduction to the school by sharing information about her academic and co-curricular journey. She is also a team lead, overseeing and training a group of fellow ambassadors.

From engaging classroom discussions to exhilarating sports to enriching events, there’s always something exciting for students like Rachel to take part in. Students have the use of two gyms, a turf field and a pool for competitive and recreational sports. The campus also includes Design Technology labs and student collaboration spaces, plus two theatres and two dance studios.

Community connections

BSS students have the opportunity to engage with alumnae. Students build connections and learn from a global network of inspiring women. “At the fall reunion, I got to speak to a lot of different alumnae about their careers,” Rachel says. “They also speak to us at Career Breakfasts, where people come in to explain how they got where they are and how you might find your own path.”

Academics aside, Rachel and her peers are busy just being teenagers. BSS events like Spirit Week, the annual Trick or Eat food drive, plays and musical performances bring the community together. With its many committees, councils, arts programs, sports and leadership opportunities, BSS is a top pick for parents looking to inspire young women like Rachel.

Learn more about The Bishop Strachan School.