Values & Identity

Values

At Brummana High School (BHS) we strive to offer comprehensive preparation for the adult world. Besides imparting information and knowledge, the school tries to develop the student’s intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. It encourages the students to achieve the cultural, physical and artistic fulfilment of which they are capable.

The school continues to nurture the Quaker values BHS was founded upon in 1873, those of simplicity, peaceful resolution, tolerance, equality, justice, respect and sustainability. Students are taught to be self-reliant, cooperative and to value friendship. Above all, the school builds in students the ideals of service in accordance with the school motto: “I Serve”.

• Individuality: Quakers believe in the strong encouragement of the individual. At BHS, we also believe that each person has the capacity to develop their individual talents while learning compassion, teamwork, truth, and goodness.
• Service: Quaker faith focuses on putting beliefs into action, and because of the belief that “God is in everyone” they strive to serve and help everyone. At BHS, service is our core value. Students are urged to offer a helping hand wherever they can.
• Equality: Quakers believe everyone is equal and that everyone should listen to their “inner light” or conscience to guide them and lead them to justice. BHS instills this concept into the minds of our students so that they grow into it from early on.
• Respect: Quaker education at BHS ingrains in students a deep respect for others of different faith, identity, ethnicity, gender, etc…
• Peace: Quakers’ peace testimony comes from their belief that nonviolent confrontation of evil and peaceful reconciliation are always superior to violent measures. At BHS, a peaceful resolution of conflicts always comes first.
• Environmental Stewardship: Quakers revere life and the natural world and believe that humans are the caretakers of earth. BHS students are taught about sustainability and urged to conserve and care for nature. We serve our community as well as our environment.

Identity

Just as Lebanon balances its own proud traditions with its openness as a trading nation, BHS strikes a balance between its Lebanese roots and its global outlook. The school has, throughout its history, been considered the British school of Lebanon and enjoyed close connections with the UK. The school has a long-standing policy of accepting staff and students on the basis of merit, regardless of religion, nationality, race or gender. Staff and students are of many religious backgrounds and from all sections of the community, thus ensuring a wide social mix. The international make-up of the school is rich indeed, with over 50 different nationalities represented on campus.

The community of staff and students is coeducational and international.  Staff and students are of different religious creeds, mainly Christian or Muslim. For Arabic speaking students, the school provides an opportunity to enjoy all the advantages of an international school working in English, while celebrating their Arabic cultural heritage.

BHS seeks to maintain its standing as one of the best schools in the country and region. The original Quaker ethos has endured; the spirit of tolerance and friendliness has persisted through war and peace. New facilities are mixed seamlessly with historic buildings, and the panoramic views of Beirut and the Mediterranean Sea remain, all framed by ancient pines and flowering shrubs. At a time when families are increasingly concerned about the pollution and congestion of city life, students appreciate more than ever the green campus and healthy mountain air of Brummana, and environment that allows each and every one of them to flourish.