Where learning lives and leaders grow.
With a campus bordered by farmland and rolling hills, yet a mere 10 minutes from a vibrant city, Bishop’s College School is a small, welcoming community established in 1836. Located in a university town in Quebec’s Eastern Townships, our school programs are rigorous yet supportive, and challenging yet nurturing. Our students are well-rounded, motivated learners who are eager to welcome new challenges.
Photo: Ville de Sherbrooke
Our mission: We create a caring community of learning and development where cultures connect and individuals matter. Our commitment to excellence in academics, wellness, athletics, creativity, and service contribute to a lifetime of engagement and global competence.
BCS is an English-language, co-educational seven-day boarding and day school for Forms II through VII (grades 7 through 12).
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Our sprawling campus is a blend of picturesque landscapes, historic architecture, and modern facilities. BCS provides the ideal venue for your departure into a whole new world of higher learning, discovery, and opportunity.
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The ideal location Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and lakes, BCS is less than two hours east of Montreal. Our campus is 10 minutes from downtown Sherbrooke, a small city with two universities and two colleges. There’s no shortage of things to do, with numerous ski centres, hiking trails, stores, restaurants, and movie theatres nearby. Discover more about the area online: www.destinationsherbrooke.com/en www.easterntownships.org We’re closer than you think!
Montreal, QC Quebec City, QC Portland, ME Ottawa, ON Boston, MA Hartford, CT New York City, NY Toronto, ON
Kilometers / Miles / Time
159 km / 100 mi / 1 h 43 243 km / 151 mi / 2 h 27 278 km / 173 mi / 3 h 54 354 km / 220 mi / 3 h 56 402 km / 250 mi / 4 h 08 455 km / 283 mi / 4 h 24 640 km / 398 mi / 6 h 57 703 km / 436 mi / 7 h 03
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ACADEMICS A Caring Network Advisors Program Learning Skills
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University Preparation
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Technology in the Classroom Applied Learning
11 Bilingual Option: French and English English as a Second Language 12 ARTS Visual Arts Literary Arts Dance 15 Drama Music 16 ATHLETICS Facilities 18 A GLOBAL COMMUNITY A Culture of Leadership 20 Beyond the Classroom 23 Community Outreach Co-curricular Activities 24 RESIDENTIAL LIFE 26 Boarding Life, Trips, Activities House Amenities 29 COME VISIT US! Admissions Process WH E RE L E A RN I N G L I V E S A N D L E A D E RS GROW } 3
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The very essence of BCS is the strength of our rigorous academic program that empowers students to think independently, critically, and creatively. Small classes create a highly collaborative educational experience. Students learn alongside motivated classmates from around the world, with guidance from teachers and supervisors.
A Caring Network The average class size is 15 students, making it possible for teachers to be involved in each student’s development. The individual attention goes far beyond the classroom — our dedicated faculty members provide a strong network of support, offering after-hours help, mentorship, and guidance. Teachers, Advisors, Houseparents, Assistant Houseparents, Residential Assistants, staff, and coaches help ensure students are on the path to success. In addition to their regular duties, faculty and staff participate fully in the life of the school: leading activities, coaching sports teams, and organizing school trips. They are passionate about BCS and help to promote a positive, collaborative learning environment.
Advisors Program Each BCS student is paired up with a member of faculty or staff who serves as their Advisor. The Advisor focuses primarily on the student’s academic and social progress and is involved in their daily lives. They also serve as a key advocate for each student and help mentor them through academic and personal challenges. Students meet regularly with their Advisor in small discussion groups with the aim of cultivating an atmosphere of trust in which students can speak openly. Advisors provide an important link between home and school, supporting students and keeping the lines of communication open with parents.
Learning Skills Through the R.D.W. Howson Enrichment Centre and the Peter G. Holt Memorial Library, a wide range of services are available to empower students to become self-assured, independent learners, including: class workshops, a writing centre, math support, one-on-one assistance, tutoring, and individualized lesson plans. Learning strategists work in conjunction with teachers to help students develop confidence in their own abilities. The EC provides the tools students need to excel in their studies and in life, and can also provide the necessary support to those who will be completing advanced course work. Recognizing that not everyone has the same learning styles or needs, our staff works collaboratively with students to help them set goals, manage their time, rank their priorities, and find strategies to help them succeed academically. With this network of support in place, students are better equipped to rise to any challenge. Further individualized support is available but may be subject to additional cost.
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University Preparation Pursuit of academic excellence is a fundamental goal at BCS, and the school is proud that all BCS graduates go on to post-secondary education. Our diplomas are recognized by universities around the world. With the required prerequisites, Form VI students will receive a Quebec High School Leaving Diploma, while Form VII students graduate with an accredited Canadian Grade 12 High School Diploma, making them eligible for admissions to universities and colleges around the globe. Our university advisor works closely with each graduating student to select a college or university that matches their interests, abilities, and career aspirations. Students also have access to teachers, tutors, and advisors for guidance and encouragement throughout the application process.
International Baccalaureate
Bishop’s University Bridge Program
University Placement
Bishop’s College School is a candidate school* for the Diploma Programme. This school is pursuing authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that Bishop’s College School believes is important for our students.
Form VII students in high academic standing have a unique opportunity to further excel through our Bridge Program with neighbouring Bishop’s University. Eligible students can enroll in a first-year university course of their choice, giving them exposure to lecture-based instruction and advanced curriculum. Students receive university credit for successfully completing courses, helping to accelerate their post-secondary studies.
Our students have abundant post-secondary choices. In recent years, they have been offered admission at many universities, including: (Canada) McGill, University of Toronto, Queen’s, University of British Columbia, Concordia, Waterloo, Western, Dalhousie, Ryerson, Carleton, Bishop’s University; (USA) Harvard, Stanford, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia, American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Brown, Carnegie Mellon, University of California Berkeley; (Asia) KAIST Seoul, Chulalongkorn University; (Europe) University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, University of Sheffield, University of St. Andrew’s, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, MBA Institute Paris, London School of Economics.
*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), or the Diploma Programme and the IB Careerrelated Programme. Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit http://www.ibo.org
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SAT In addition to offering two SAT prep courses each year, BCS is also an SAT testing centre, so students have the ability to prepare for international college and university applications without having to leave campus!
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Technology in the Classroom Technology is integrated into our academic program, allowing students and teachers to take advantage of innovative tools to connect with each other, deepen their understanding of complex topics, and gain new insight. At BCS, each student is issued their own laptop for the year. Our facilities are modern and well-equipped, with Apple TVs and short-throw projectors in every classroom, a new science wing, campus wide Wi-Fi, and web-based tools.
Applied Learning BCS students are exposed to a range of teaching methods, tools, and resources that spark imagination, accommodate different learning styles, and cater to individual interests. All departments — English, French, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Arts, and Physical Education — start with the fundamentals in Form II and build toward a wide array of challenging options through Form VII, such as: English Creative Writing Advanced Functions Calculus & Vectors Data Management Biology
Chemistry Physics Accounting Economics History Political Science
Philosophy Sociology Art Music Drama Computer Science
In all of our courses, students develop critical thinking, writing, speaking, listening, and reading skills. They learn to analyze, articulate, and defend conclusions, while also looking to other disciplines for solutions to real world problems. WH E RE L E A RN I N G L I V E S A N D L E A D E RS GROW } 9
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Bilingual Option: French and English
English as Second Language (ESL)
The T.H.P. Molson Bilingual Option Program allows students to learn a second language and benefit from the unique cultural richness found in Quebec and Canada. Well-structured courses help students attain a working practical knowledge of French. Program graduates will be able to use French with confidence in academic, professional, or social settings.
Students for whom English is not their first language receive dedicated support through our ESL program for Forms II to V.
In order to sign up for this option, students should have basic proficiency in French, allowing them to write essays and participate in class discussions. French-speaking students can also benefit from this program, since they can take certain classes in their mother tongue, helping ease the transition to an English school.
Current courses offered in French: Form III Form IV Form V Form VI
Univers social (Social Science) Histoire et éducation à la citoyenneté (History & Citizenship) Histoire et éducation à la citoyenneté Monde contemporain (Contemporary World)
A well-appointed ESL Centre provides a welcoming environment for students to improve their English proficiency and work towards integration into our regular English program.
*Further individualized support is available but may be subject to additional cost.
Summer Language Camp For students who want to learn either English or French as a second language, BCS also offers a four-week Summer Language Camp. Please see our website for details: www.bishopscollegeschool.com/ summer-language-camp
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Visual Arts Students with a passion for the arts have no shortage of opportunities at BCS, and students who have not yet discovered their passion have a place to learn and explore. In our spacious art studio, students can experiment with a wide range of media, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and any others that interest them. The art program has a focus on creativity and studio work, as well as art history and theory. Since 1992, BCS has held the Stoker Arts Festival each spring for students to attend workshops run by local artists. They also have a chance to participate in an exhibition of student works and enjoy live performances by musicians from the Sherbrooke area.
Literary Arts
Dance
For those who would like to see their work published, our award-winning, student-run magazine, Inscape, features drawings, paintings, photography, stories, and poetry.
Led by a professional dance instructor, students learn, practice, and perform jazz, classical ballet, contemporary, and hip hop in the dance studio.
*Dance classes offered are subject to change.
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Drama The BCS Drama program offers students a chance to challenge themselves by working on stage, developing acting skills, and portraying authentic characters. There are opportunities to write and perform monologues, short plays, and film scripts; to build sets and props; and to create film projects. The performance space is the R. Lewis Evans Memorial Theatre, a 90-seat black box theatre with computer-controlled lighting and audio systems, which are operated by students. BCS Drama also has a studio classroom / rehearsal hall. Two to three major productions take place each school year.
Music With four bands (marching, junior, senior & stage), a choir, and the chance to perform at events throughout the year, music is well-integrated into life at BCS. In class, students develop an appreciation for various styles of music. The BCS Choir performs at the school, in Montreal, and at Bishop’s University during the year. There are three major music events every year: the December Concert, the Spring Concert, and the Cadet Inspection.
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Athletics are an integral part of daily life at BCS, with all students participating in either team or individual sports five days a week. Being part of a team helps young people develop maturity, confidence, cooperation, and leadership. For those who seek the thrill of competition, we have a wide range of options including rugby, hockey, skiing, and ultimate frisbee. Recreational sports are also available: non-competitive intramurals, fitness, and adventure training. Sports offered by season: Fall
Winter
Spring
Adventure Training Cross-Country Running Football Horseback Riding* Soccer Intramurals
Alpine Skiing* Basketball Winter Adventure Training Cross-Country Skiing Curling Dance Hockey Snowboarding* Squash Swimming
Climbing Fitness Ultimate Frisbee Golf* Rugby Softball Tennis Horseback Riding*
* Additional fees required
I have been exposed to a new standard here: a standard of challenging yourself and exceeding your limits, which now translates into everything I do. Although many people think sports get in the way of our daily lives, I think they add in many ways: they teach us respect, cooperation, communication, sharing, focus, hard work, and commitment. Victoria L.
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Facilities BCS athletic facilities include an on-campus indoor hockey rink, two full-size basketball courts, a 40-foot climbing wall, three international squash courts, and a fitness centre. Outdoor facilities include six sports fields, three tennis courts, a softball field, and several kilometres of wooded cross-country trails. A university swimming pool and the local golf course are within walking distance of BCS.
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A GLOBAL COMMUNITY 1 8 } BC S V I E W B O O K
The diversity of our student body is one of our greatest strengths. International students make up nearly 40 percent of our population, representing 35 different countries. Students from around the world live, work, and play alongside each other, developing lifelong bonds. The cultural exchanges that take place on a daily basis allow our students to learn about each other’s traditions, values, languages, and beliefs.
A Culture of Leadership BCS has a strong culture of student leadership. We are committed to helping students become well-rounded individuals, who feel empowered to assume leadership roles. Through our involvement with global organizations, students have many opportunities to explore their capabilities by volunteering for service projects locally and internationally. Students assist those in need while cultivating skills and a compassion for others— inspiring what we hope will be a lifelong commitment to engagement in their communities.
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Beyond the Classroom At BCS, we believe that participating in school activities, volunteering for community events, and taking part in international projects are all key learning experiences that help develop active, contributing members of society. Our students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones by getting involved in multi-cultural initiatives, exchanges, and adventure programs. For example, at the end of every school year, an exemplary Form V student is presented with the Outward Bound Award, which includes an all-expenses paid leadership trip through Outward Bound, a nonprofit educational organization and expedition school. Students can also spend a term abroad at another school, immerse themselves in a new culture during a service trip, or represent the school at global leadership conferences. In the end, the entire school benefits: upon returning to BCS, students share their experiences with their fellow students and teachers through presentations at morning assembly.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Ondaatje Endeavour
Round Square
Students aged 14 and up can participate in the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program, which operates in more than 100 countries. By being involved in a wide range of activities and volunteer opportunities, students accumulate hours toward a Gold, Silver, or Bronze level award. Duke of Ed, as the program is known at BCS, helps develop character, discipline, teamwork, confidence, and responsibility. The awards are recognized by universities and employers.
A small group of students join our annual Ondaatje Endeavour, a world class expedition that tests stamina and courage. The goal of this endeavour is to challenge students to do things they would not otherwise do, so that they discover that their potential is, indeed, greater than they would have otherwise thought. In recent years, groups have gone horseback riding in the Andes, hiking in Morocco, scuba diving in Belize, and cycling in Peru.
BCS believes in fostering international understanding, and is one of more than 100 members belonging to Round Square — a worldwide association of schools working to promote dedication to service, internationalism, democracy, environmental conservation, and adventure. Through Round Square, students can go on exchanges, volunteer for projects in developing countries, attend international conferences as BCS ambassadors, and participate in activities at school and in the local community.
www.dofe.org
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www.roundsquare.org
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Community Outreach BCS is honoured by its relationship with our neighbours in the Lennoxville-Sherbrooke area. Our students engage with the community in many ways: helping stock the local food bank; singing carols at the seniors’ home; preparing a holiday dinner at the women’s shelter; participating in the Lennoxville Terry Fox Run for cancer research; attending memorial services for veterans; caring for pets at animal shelters; cleaning up graffiti and trash; and raising funds for homeless teens. Our students, teachers, and staff also organize awareness days and fundraisers for many causes, including Pink Shirt Day against bullying, Denim Day for domestic abuse, Media Awareness Week, Movember for men’s cancers, and many more.
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My three sons attended BCS and learned about the importance of community service and giving back to the world through their experiences at the school. Perry C.
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Co-curricular Activities Clubs and Groups
Cadets
BCS has a wide selection of student-led groups, such as: Human Rights, Choir, Yearbook, Pride Alliance, Amnesty International, Environmental Club, Players’ Club, Band, Inscape literary magazine, Robotics, Model UN, and Carnival.
Established in 1861, the Bishop’s College School No. 2 Cadet Corps is the oldest continually active school cadet program in Canada. Our program focuses on leadership, teamwork, skills development, self-discipline, and cooperation. This respected school tradition provides formal training in team-building as well as outdoor survival and emergency first aid.The highlight of the cadet program is the ceremonial Cadet Parade and Inspection that takes place every spring. All students participate in the cadet program throughout their time at BCS.
Activities Students also have activity periods, during which they can choose from many options, including: Chess, Debating, Film, Knitting, Rocketry, Yoga, Philosophies Café, Recreational Hockey, and Zumba.
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BCS is a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment. With a strong campus support system, varied activities, and a welcoming atmosphere, our residential program helps students thrive — growing and learning surrounded by caring and attentive role models. Our structured boarding program helps students develop independence and personal responsibility, which will benefit them once they move on to university.
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Boarding Life, Trips, Activities Houseparents provide structure within the residences and are supported by Assistant Houseparents and Residence Assistants (RAs). Just like parents, they celebrate victories, inspire achievements, and comfort heartaches. Teachers are also involved in residential life, offering supervision and mentorship alongside Houseparents on evenings and weekends. On weekends, both boarding and day students take part in a variety of fun activities, such as: skiing/snowboarding, movies, go-karting, shopping, dances, sporting events, talent shows, skating, amusement parks, and drop-in basketball. They also have access to the town of Lennoxville, the Student Centre, and the sports complex, for relaxing or hanging out with friends. From sightseeing to white-water rafting, attending hockey games or an opera, students regularly enjoy cultural, recreational, and sporting events in the area. Long weekends feature trips to destinations such as Toronto, Quebec City, Niagara Falls, Disney World, and New York City. Through these interactions and experiences, international students have a chance to learn about Quebec and Canadian culture. For students who must travel on their own, we supervise ground transportation to and from the airport and coordinate arrangements with families.
House Amenities slip and slide
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The residences provide everything students need for studying, living, and socializing at BCS. Each room is shared by two students and includes workspace and storage. Residences feature common rooms, internet access, telephones, TVs, and kitchens stocked with healthy snacks so students can prepare food at night or on weekends. Each house also runs its own tuck shop, where students can purchase treats, and the proceeds go back into the individual residences.
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I have developed so many great friendships and wonderful
memories over my six years here. BCS is a community that celebrates multiculturalism and opens many doors around the world through the close relationships we build. Laurie I. WH E RE L E A RN I N G L I V E S A N D L E A D E RS GROW } 2 7
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Come Visit Us! There is no better way to learn about life at BCS than to see for yourself. To register for one of our Open Houses, or to arrange a campus tour, please visit our website or call 819-566-0227.
Where learning lives and leaders grow.
Admissions Process Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We require entrance tests and an interview with a member of the Admissions staff. For students who are unable to join us on campus, interviews can be arranged via Skype.
Required Documentation: •
BCS Application Form $100 CAD application fee. Two recent passport-size photographs of the student. Apply online at www.bishopscollegeschool.com
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Confidential Report from Schools An administrator or teacher at the student’s current school must complete the report and send it directly to BCS by mail, email, or fax (819-566-8123).
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Financial Assistance Application (if applicable). Complete an application at www.applefinancialservices.ca.
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Government-issued Identification For Canadian students: a copy of the official long version of the birth certificate showing the names of both parents. For international students: a copy of the passport identification page and a birth certificate translated into English.
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Copies of school transcripts We require copies of the previous year’s transcript and the most recent report card with the application. The student’s year-end transcript must be submitted prior to arrival in September. If these documents are in a language other than English or French, they must be translated into English prior to submission. Additional transcripts may be required for Form VI and VII applicants.
Entrance Tests: •
All students write a BCS Math and English entrance test. These tests can be administered at BCS or at the student’s current school under the supervision of a teacher or counsellor.
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If completed, results from the SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), or TOEFL Junior completed within the last year may be submitted as supplements to the admissions file and, in some cases, may be considered in lieu of BCS testing.
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Additional testing may be requested.
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Where learning lives and leaders grow.
Book a tour of the BCS campus today!
www.bishopscollegeschool.com
BISHOP’S COLLEGE SCHOOL 80 chemin Moulton Hill C.P. 5001, Succ. Lennoxville Sherbrooke, QC J1M 1Z8 CANADA T +1 (819) 566-0227 1 (877) 570-7542 (toll-free) F +1 (819) 822-8917 admissions@bishopscollegeschool.com
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