Jill Geden, Principal and Jason Hill, Assistant Principal
The Birmingham Covington Districtwide 3-8 School (BCS) offers a choice in educational structure and philosophy for BPS residents seeking a rigorous academic challenge.
Birmingham Covington School (BCS) is a 3-8 district wide school of choice for families residing in the Birmingham Public Schools District. We are designed to offer a clear choice in educational structure and philosophy to parents/guardians and children seeking a rigorous academic challenge. We emphasize the connections among academic subject areas and foster inquiry and collaboration. Students experience not only the basic skills in key academic disciplines but also focus their efforts on the integration and application of knowledge.
BCS has a special emphasis on comprehensive science and technology instruction. Instructional strategies and student activities include discovering practical solutions to scientific problems and student-generated questions. As students practice the principles of scientific inquiry, design and application, they develop an increasingly complex understanding of the relationships among science, technology, history, communications and the human experience.
BCS Structure & Focus
Research and experience have validated the effectiveness of interdisciplinary learning and teaching for students. BCS emphasizes the interdisciplinary connections among academic subject areas and fosters inquiry and collaboration for students. BCS organizes students into multi-grade structures to allow flexible configurations during instruction. Teachers deliver instruction in two-year academic cycles (grades 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8). Students typically remain with the same team of teachers for the duration of each two-year cycle allowing for continuity of instruction and familiarity with individual learning styles.
Integrated learning is a critical element in all classrooms at BCS. Every BCS learner will experience project-based learning with a focus on inquiry and design throughout their six years at BCS. Classes such as Engineering Technology, Engage and Thinkering Studio offer hands-on opportunities for students to demonstrate 21st Century skills both within the classroom and on a global scale. BCS students also participate in service learning opportunities throughout their six years, providing them with an opportunity to dramatically affect their local and global communities while developing leadership skills and a strong sense of character.