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Minister of Education, Dame Jennifer Smith, DBE, JP, DHumL, MP
The Bermuda Government offers a continuum of free education to Bermudians from birth to 16.

Compulsory school age is by law from 5 years to 18 years of age. Approximately 60% of Bermudian students who are of compulsory school age attend public schools. The remainder attend fee-paying private schools or home schools, which are known in Bermuda as tutorial sites.
Children from birth to 4 years old and their parents are served by the Child Development Programme. A variety of support services, including behaviour management, occupational and physical therapy and psychological services are offered free of charge to parents. Two year olds are assessed by CDP to determine whether their physical, psychological, social and emotional well-being are in target. Where there are concerns, CDP either refers the child and parent for additional support or supplies that support from within its own ranks.
Children who are four years of age can attend one of 10 free public preschools which are located across the Island so that children can go to a neighbourhood preschool. Preschool education is delivered by fully trained teachers ( that is, teachers who have a minimum of a Bachelors degree). Class size is maintained at 10 students per teacher.
The Island’s 18 primary schools are divided in to three zones, or districts. With very rare exceptions, students must attend a school within their zone of residence. The public primary level offers foundation educational experiences to children who are generally between the ages of 5 and 11. Approximately half of these children may have attended one of the 10 free Government preschools prior to entering primary school.
Students leaving primary school matriculate to one of 5 middle schools. Middle schools offer English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies as core courses. Students also have classes in business studies, art, music, design and technology and physical education. The programme at the middle level lasts for 3 years.
At the senior level, students enter one of two public schools, both of which are considered as state of the arts facilities, given that they both have been constructed within the past ten years.
Both senior schools offer a broad range of subjects and afford students the opportunity to delve more in depth in their subjects, with a view to ultimately achieving 104 credits after 4 years in order to be awarded the Bermuda School Certificate or BSC. Senior schools offer external examinations (GCSEs) in various subjects, with the Ministry underwriting the costs of examinations written in the core areas.
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“Step It Up” Middle School SummitEarlier today [May.4], at the National Sports Centre, the Minister of Education, Dame Jennifer Smith, formally kicked off the “Step It Up” Middle School Summit. Close to 500 students participated in today’s Summit, which concluded at 2.00 p.m. today. Minister Sends Students Letter Of SupportIn an effort to “generate community support for Bermuda’s public school students during their upcoming exams,” the Minister of Education, Dame Jennifer Smith sent each Middle and Senior School a personal letter expressing her encouragement. Elliot Primary's 250 Men's Reading ChallengeCalling all men! Join us as
we seek to make a difference
in the lives of our
students. We are asking for
all men – fathers, grandfathers,
brothers, cousins,
neighbors, mentors, and
friends to come to our
school and read to and with
our students. Primary School RegistrationMr. Speaker, last month, on 10 February 2012, I advised this Honourable House of the implementation of an amended First Entry into Primary School Policy, the first update in some 15 years.
The process is currently underway and I think this is a prime opportunity to advise you of the status to date. CedarBridge Wins Butterfield ChallengeOn Saturday, 11 February, CedarBridge Academy was named the overall winner of the third annual Butterfield Student Challenge competition held at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess. CedarBridge was also the recipient of the coveted People’s Choice Award. Ministerial Statement - First Admission Policy ChangesMr. Speaker, today is the last day for parents to register children for public school. It is therefore, an opportune time for me to share with Members of this Honourable House and the listening public, several important changes to our Policy and Procedures for First Admission to Primary School. 19 Teachers Complete Training CourseMinister of Education Dame Jennifer Smith attended a ceremony to recognise 19 teachers who completed a University of Ontario Institute of Technology Special Education course. Dame Jennifer: 2011 A Successful YearWith positive secondary school exam results, a new intervention programme which is helping to mitigate the chances of at-risk students underperforming in the classroom and a spike in enrollment at the Bermuda College, Dame Jennifer Smith has said 2011 was a successful year for public education. Bermuda Soldier Book Presented To SchoolEducation Minister Dame Jennifer Smith yesterday [Dec. 7] took part in a book presentation ceremony at T.N. Tatem Middle School along with author Senator Jonathan Smith.
The book and a forthcoming documentary tell the story of Major Toby Smith — the Senator’s grandfather — who was a member of the first contingent of Bermudian troops to travel to the UK in 1940. Boost for students’ artistic ambitionsTalented teenagers Kioshi Burgess, Noah Furbert, Adrien Lewis, Amani Walker and Aalai Wolffe are the first recipients of Capital G Bank’s ‘Inspiration Scholarship’.
The youngsters say the award money will get them one step closer to their dream careers in realms like music, acting, singing and dance. CedarBridge notes success of male graduatesFormer CedarBridge Academy head boy Andrew Fleming was valedictorian at this year's graduation Valedictorian and graduated with the highest GPA in the school's history, an impressive 3.98 I just wrote the essay from the heartProud moment: Tracey Simmons-Burgess hugs her son Jaret Simmons after he was announced the winner of the Tom Pettit Thanksgiving Essay Competition at Camden yesterday.
Article includes link to Jarret's winning essay, "Why I am Thankful" (Photo by Mark Tatem) Press Release - Bermuda College Information BoutiquesOne of the key findings of the Bermuda College 2009 Public Perception Survey was that close to three-quarters of residents would probably or definitely have a household member attend Bermuda College in the future. Student Performance on External Examinations and Graduation - Darren JohnstonDame Jennifer, Minister of Education; PS Jones; Ms McDonell, Commissioner of Education; Dr Simmons, Director of Academic Services, members of the press, and public education stakeholders it is my pleasure on behalf of the Board of Education to congratulate our students for their graduation and testing achievements. Press Release - The Status of EducationLast week, the Permanent Secretary, the Commissioner and I used the first day of school to recharge our batteries. Seeing children who were excited about their first day back at school, entering the class ready to learn about the world, other people and themselves; their minds open to discovering new skills and putting new knowledge to use was invigorating. It helped us to focus on the reason for our work. |
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Lt. Col David A. Burch makes donation to Purvis Primary School

On Tuesday, November 7, 2011, Colonel David Burch, the newly elected Progressive Labour Party representative for Constituency 27, attended the “I love to Read” Assembly at Purvis Primary School. After giving the children words of encouragement, Colonel Burch presented the school with a donation from the Constituency 27 of the Progressive Labour Party. Here Colonel Burch is pictured with the principal of Purvis Primary, Judith Alexander, and students (front row) Aleigha General, Dennis Zuill, and Zakira White, head girl, (back row) YasminEve-Townsend, deputy head girl , Markius Rawlins, head boy and Isaiah Cabral, deputy head boy. |
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Blueprint for Reform in EducationThe Strategic Plan for the Bermuda Public School System maps out our strategic vision to improve public education. It will operationalise the priorities recommended in the Hopkins Report (2007) and address the goals and targets set for improved student outcomes. (We value your feedback on this plan. Please email your comments to blueprint@moed.bm) |
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Ministry Headquarters & All Departments
14 Waller's Point Road
Southside, St. David's DD 03
Tel: 441-278-3300 or 236-6904 Fax: 441-278-3348
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Budget Brief - Ministry of EducationI am pleased to report that Education has had a most productive 12 months. Even the 4th Quarter Report of the Bermuda Omnibus Survey reports that “residents’ perceptions of the overall quality of public education has improved in the past year, although continued improvement is clearly required.” 2012-2013 Budget StatementLast year, the Ministry of Education shifted its focus to concentrate on its core functions of teaching and learning.
The shift in the Ministry’s focus has been very successful. Ministry officials have been able to assess the quality of leadership and teaching in every school and have developed plans to work with all schools to address student performance.
The next Budget year will see the Ministry continue this focus in recognition with its partners (Board, Principals and teachers) that it is headed in the right direction. We are determined to remain consistent, to embed change, to monitor progress and provide support to school leaders and schools as necessary. |
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Capital G Is Accepting Applications For The 2012 ‘Inspiration’ Scholarship For Artistically Gifted Students
Capital G invites Bermuda’s middle and senior school students who are artistically gifted to submit an application for the 2012 Capital G ‘Inspiration’ Scholarship.
Eligible applicants for the Capital G ‘Inspiration’ Scholarship must demonstrate a clear special talent in the visual or performing arts. Student applicants must be aged 13 to 18 years old and currently enrolled in a public or private middle or senior school.
The closing date to submit applications is May 31st, 2012. Please find attached the Capital G ‘Inspiration’ Scholarship application, scholarship fact sheet and related advertising. Applications are also available via the links below:
http://www.capital-g.com/about/community/capital-g-inspiration-scholarship
http://bermudascholarships.com
http://www.centreonphilanthropy.org/events/view/575/2012-04-02
Should you have any questions regarding the scholarship, please contact Capital G Marketing on 294-5023 or email giveback@capitalg.bm |
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Tomorrow's Voices Training ScheduleAs Bermuda’s first and only Autism Early Intervention Centre, the staff at Tomorrow’s Voices remains dedicated to bringing
the island of Bermuda the finest offerings available globally in terms of service delivery to youth with autism and other
disabilities and training opportunities for those who work with these youth. |
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| EASTERN ZONE |
Count |
| East End Primary |
1 |
| St. David’s Primary |
1 |
| St. George’s Preparatory |
2 |
| Francis Patton Primary |
2 |
| Harrington Sound Primary |
2 |
| Elliot Primary |
2 |
|
|
| CENTRAL ZONE |
Count |
| Victor Scott Primary |
1 |
| Gilbert Institute |
1 |
| Northlands Primary |
2 |
| West Pembroke Primary |
2 |
| Prospect Primary |
2 |
| Paget Primary |
2 |
|
|
| WESTERN ZONE |
Count |
| Heron Bay Primary |
1 |
| Dalton E. Tucker Primary |
1 |
| Somerset Primary |
1 |
| Port Royal Primary |
2 |
| Purvis Primary |
2 |
| West End Primary |
2 | |
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Registration Information - 2012-2013Enrolment for first entry into the Bermuda Public School System will occur on the following dates:
MONDAY, 6 FEBRUARY, TUESDAY, 7 FEBRUARY, WEDNESDAY, 8 FEBRUARY, THURSDAY, 9 FEBRUARY
AND FRIDAY, 10 FEBRUARY 2012 |
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Regulations - University of West Indies ScholarshipCompleted application form for the above award, together with all available supporting documentation, must be submitted to the Scholarships and Awards Office, Ministry of Education, not later than 1st April, 2011. Other Government ScholarshipsRegulations for
Bermuda Government Teacher Training Awards,
Bermuda Government Further Education Awards,
Bermuda Government Mature Student Awards and
Bermuda Government Interest Free Student Loans |
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CaribECD link NewsletterDEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS AND EXPANDING OPPORTUNITIES - Strengthening the Caribbean Early
Childhood Development (ECD) Network CaribECD Web Site - Teleconference Reports"The Caribbean Early Childhood Development (CaribECD) website is designed to share information, knowledge and resources relating to the status and development of young children in the Caribbean" |
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UWI Press Remarks - Minister of EducationLadies and gentlemen, the Ministry of Education recognises that it is critical to develop strategic partnerships with overseas learning institutions in order to ensure that our students are afforded the best possible opportunities to reach their full potential. |
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Bermuda: 5 Centuries Teacher GuideThis teacher guide brings our island history alive and makes it accessible, especially for young people. This special teacher guide was created to offer instructional support and help teachers and their students get the most out of this unprecedented narrative history. A Resource Guide on Sustainable Development IssuesIn order to Chart Our Course and decide our future
we must all have an understanding of the issues that affect our Island, both locally and globally. This Resource Guide was designed to introduce teaching and activity strategies on Sustainable Development issues into our school settings. |
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Information for ParentsFind out about Cambridge international qualifications. View selected syllabuses, past papers, examiner reports, resource lists and other materials |
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Site of the Week - ePalsePals is the leading provider of safe collaborative technology for schools to connect and learn in a protected, project-based learning network. With classrooms in 200 countries and territories, ePals makes it easy to connect learners locally, nationally or internationally. Aol KidsPlay online at this Web site for kids with games, music, cartoons, movies, animals and celebrities. The Internet has never been so much fun! |
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