The Lower Sixth Project

What Bishops’ means to us by the 1999-2000 Lower Sixth Form

B  Believe in ourselves that we can achieve anything and be anyone we aspire to become

I   Inspire us to become leaders in our society and make a differences

S  Self-confidence and respect help us to achieve new heights

H  Honesty: be honest with ourselves and others

O Obedience for those in authority

P  Poise: always carry ourselves in a dignified manner and be proud of who we are

S’  Striving to be everything we possibly can and upholding the standards of the school

Between January 31 and April 2, 1997, the Bishops’ High School Old Students’ Association implemented a six-part discussion series for students in the Lower 6th. Under the theme “Youth – A Social Perspective,” students worked in a participatory manner to explore issues such as their hopes and concerns, the meaning of the BHS and relationships with ther significant persons in their lives. They engaged in activities such as small group discussion, role play, interviews and case study writing. They enhanced their skills in public presentation, group facilitation and communication, gaining confidence in exploring their own creativity. During a half-day workshop, the students articulated their vision for the BHS and identified strategies for its realization.

One of the strategies identified by the students was development of study skills. Consequently, a study skills programme was delivered to the Lower 6th students during the 1997-98 year.

From the 1998-99 year, the thrust of the programme was refined to focusing on self-exploration and self-understanding. This theme was chosen since the issue of low self-esteem emerged during interactions with students.

This programme forms part of the wider initiative called “Operation Contact.” Operation Contact seeks to forge closer links between current and former students of the school. It has seen visiting former students assisting with tutelage in Information Technology and Business Studies, for example. It took the form of the paint project and the Career Fair organized during the 2002 Reunion.

The Lower 6th programme completed its 12th year during the period October 16 to November 20, 2009. Over the years, each group of students has presented a different picture of what it means to be in Lower 6th. While there were some common features among the responses from each group, there was also a uniqueness born of the synergy which produces the collective.
Each group has defined itself based on factors such as the number of continuing BHS students vis-à-vis the number of students who are new to the school, the ease with which integration has taken place, the sense of purpose of their lives at this stage of development and the appreciation of the opportunity to explore issues beyond the boundaries of “academia.”

Each year, the facilitation team worked on a report for the Lower Sixth Project. These reports are available here.