The Ministry of Education has extended the deadline to apply for scholarships and awards until after the holiday on Monday, April 21, 2025. That means students have more time to submit their applications.A spokesperson from the Ministry said, “We know how important it is to support Bermudian students, and we’re proud to offer a range of scholarships and financial awards, including the Further Education Award for those in postgraduate studies. We encourage all students pursuing post-secondary education to take advantage of these opportunities to help lighten the financial load for themselves and their families.”Whether you’re currently studying abroad, planning to attend Bermuda College, or heading to a school overseas, there’s still time to apply online, and the process is simple.For detailed information on the applications and award categories, visit www.bermudascholarships.com, listed under the Ministry of Education. For questions regarding the Ministry of Education Scholarship and Awards, please email scholarships@moed.bm.

The Education Reform Unit's (ERU) School Transformation Teams (STT) have been diligently working, meeting weekly in preparation for the September 2025 opening of two new parish schools: Devonshire Parish School, which will open at the current Elliot Primary School site, and Smith's Parish School, which will open at the Harrington Sound School site. These teams are pivotal in redesigning Bermuda's public education system to prepare young learners for a successful future. Meeting weekly, the teams are engaged in prototyping new features of their parish school,  gathering feedback, and refining key foundational documents, including each school's Case for Change, Vision For Learning, and overarching Blueprint Statements. In addition to developing curriculum and learning experiences for Years 1 and 7, the teams are designing innovative learning spaces and unique school features tailored to meet the needs of students and the broader community. They are also innovating and co-developing advanced strategies to redefine modern teaching and learning.  Since September 2024, the teams have conducted prototyping sessions with stakeholders, including students and parents, ensuring that their voices help shape the future of these schools. The School Transformation Team members include Principals Kimberly Creighton (Elliot) and Cindy Weeks (Harrington Sound); Deputy Principals; Department of Education Officers, Teachers; Paraeducators; Counsellors; Encore Teachers; Education Reform Unit Leads for Parish Primary Schools, ERU, Dr. Jana Pitcher and Luann Wainwright-Dill; School Transformation Co-Lead, Acting Director of Accountability and Standards, Department of Education, Terry Cox. STT Co-Leader Luann Wainwright-Dill said: "The Education Reform Unit wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the late Ms. Beverley Issac (pictured) for her invaluable contributions to the Smith Parish School STT. As a dedicated and passionate member of the Team, Ms. Issac devoted countless hours to advancing education reform. Her commitment and service leave a lasting impact. She will be deeply missed." Beyond the work at Elliot and Harrington Sound, the School Transformation Teams are also making strides in the continued transformation of the current parish school in Hamilton Parish School at the Francis Patton School site and Warwick Parish School at the Purvis Primary School site. For more information on the Parish School transformation process at Elliot and Harrington Sound, visitlearningfirstbda.com. 001: Devonshire Parish STTLeft to right seated: Anthony Crichlow, Makese Gilbert, Denise McCrary, Shiquita CarrLeft to right standing: Alana Wilson, Terry Cox, Kimberly Creighton, Jenna Bean, Daltonell Minors, Arnold Manders, Shannalee Aberdeen, Luann Wainwright-Dill O04: Smiths Parish STTLeft to right seated: Jana Pitcher, Cindy Weeks, Beverly Isaac, Kennelyn Smith, Carmelita TrottLeft to right standing: Luann Wainwright-Dill, Karen Bramlett, Terry Cox, Kim Ashby, April Roach-Maule, Terri-Lyn Talbot

The Government of Bermuda proudly congratulates Dr. Rajeev Goonewardene, Ph.D, the Department of Education's Acting Education Officer for Science, on being recognised as a Top Performer in the United Arab Emirates Digital Educator Global Academy, where over 11,000 educators participated globally. Dr. Goonewardene's achievement was honoured during a Suhoor gathering, a cherished tradition of the holy month of Ramadan, hosted by H.E. Abdulla Nasser Lootah, UAE Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Sharing. The event brought together representatives of 32 countries participating in the UAE's Government Experience Exchange Programme (GEEP) in the spirit of collaboration and unity. Bermuda's Special Representative for the Middle East, Ms. Alexia Hefti, accepted the award on Dr. Goonewardene's behalf. The Digital Educator Global Academy is a fully-funded UAE initiative designed to equip more than 11,000 educators from around the world with cutting-edge skills in areas like e-learning and artificial intelligence. Participants engaged in interactive training to enhance digital learning environments and drive innovation in their home countries' education systems. The Minister of Economy and Labour, Hon. Jason P. Hayward, stated: "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Goonewardene on this outstanding achievement. To be recognised by the UAE during Ramadan—an occasion dedicated to reflection and community—makes this honour all the more meaningful. His award is a testament to Bermuda's ability to shine on the world stage. It highlights the dedication of Bermudian educators to embracing digital transformation and educating a future-ready Bermuda." The Minister of Education, Senator Crystal Caesar, said: "We are pleased to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Dr Rajeev Goonewardene, who excelled amongst the 11,000 worldwide to take the top honour in the UAE's Digital Educator Global Academy. Dr. Goonewardene has set a new standard of excellence. His achievement inspires us and significantly contributes to the future of learning in Bermuda and the global education community." Minister Caesar added, "We are delighted that over 70 Bermuda Public School system educators also enrolled in the UAE's Digital Educator Global Academy; the course was self-paced and had to be completed by January 31, 2025. "On behalf of the Ministry of Education, we extend our congratulations and look forward to the integration of this professional development opportunity." Dr. Rajeev Goonewardene shared: "I am truly honoured and humbled to have represented not only Bermuda but also my dedicated Curriculum and Assessment team at the Department of Education in the Digital Educators Global Academy training programme." He added: "This has been an enriching experience, allowing me to expand my expertise. It is a privilege to contribute to Bermuda's reputation as a leader in digital education, demonstrating that despite our small size, we continue to make a significant impact on the global stage." Bermuda's participation in the Digital Educator Global Academy is part of a broader engagement in the UAE's Government Experience Exchange Programme, following the Partnership Agreement signed on July 10, 2024, between Minister Hayward and H.E. Abdulla Lootah. This partnership continues to offer Bermuda valuable opportunities for knowledge-sharing in governance, education, and innovation. Dr. Rajeev Goonewardene, Ph.D His Excellency, E Dr. Waleed Al Ali, Secretary General of the Digital School; Alexia Hefti, Bermuda's Special Representative, Middle East and Africa (accepting on behalf of Dr G), and His Excellency Abdulla Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange. 

The Minister of Education, Senator the Hon. Crystal Caesar, and the CedarBridge Academy Board of Governors have issued a statement today addressing the video about students fighting at the senior school.  "I have seen the video, and I am gravely concerned about the appalling behaviour of the students involved and the inaction of those who stood by without intervening. Incidents like these are not only alarming but entirely unacceptable. The Ministry maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward violence on our school campuses," said the Minister of Education, Senator Crystal Caesar. "I will work closely with the school to take swift and decisive action in addressing this matter, and we will utilise every measure available under the legislation to address this matter swiftly and decisively." The CedarBridge Academy Board of Governors Chair, Senator Lindsay Simmons, JP stated, "CedarBridge Academy is fully aware of the videos circulating regarding recent altercations among students. This behaviour violates the values and standards of our institution. We have commenced the necessary steps to address this unacceptable behaviour per our policies, and the issuing of consequences has also commenced. "Violence has no place at CedarBridge Academy. Our priority is to provide a secure, respectful, and orderly environment where students can focus on their education. We are actively working with students, parents, and staff to reinforce expectations, enhance disciplinary measures, and prevent any recurrence of such incidents. CedarBridge Academy is committed to maintaining a school community built on respect, unity, and accountability. Those who disrupt this environment will be addressed appropriately."

The Minister of Education’s Debate Challenge 2025 concluded with resounding success on Sunday, 16 March, 2025, at the CedarBridge Academy Cafetorium. Young debaters captivated the audience by showcasing excellence and eloquence. Since October 2024,  34 talented young debaters have participated in the weekly training sessions. These students competed in the preliminary, quarter, and semi-final rounds, culminating in the finals on Sunday, 16 March 2025.  The grand final students in the 10-11 age group debated the motion “This House would ban social media”, while the 12-14 age group tackled the complex topic “This House believes that major tourist destinations should significantly limit the number of tourists that can visit.” After fierce and compelling debates, the following students emerged victorious: • 10-11 Age Group Champions:• Russian Thompson, Connor Faries and Xela Hall • 12-14 Age Group Champions:• Nylah Matthews, Rudy Puhekker, and Etana Holdipp-Lynch Additionally, the top individual performers from the preliminary rounds were recognised:• Russian Thompson was named Overall Winner in the 10-11 age category.• Annabelle Nelson claimed the Overall Winner title in the 12-14 age category In attendance at the finals were, the Minister of Education Senator, the Honorable Crystal Caesar, JP and Commissioner of Education, Kalmar Richards, and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Senator the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP, commended the students for their poise, intellectual agility, and public speaking prowess. They emphasised the significance of debate as a critical tool for youth empowerment and expressed their pride in seeing public school students excel on such a grand stage. Debate leader and coach Gladstone Thompson stated, “I am so proud of our students and how they demonstrated their ability to engage in meaningful, well-researched discussions. The level of research, critical thinking, and articulate argumentation displayed by the participants left the audience and adjudicators in awe. The future of Bermuda is undoubtedly in capable hands.” Minister of Education, Crystal Caesar stated, “Today, we have witnessed something extraordinary. We have been in the presence of young minds who have challenged, inspired, and electrified us with their eloquence, conviction, and confidence in articulating their points.  Minister Caesar added, “As we bring this phenomenal event to a close, I want to acknowledge that this is not just an ordinary debate tournament. It is a historic and unforgettable moment that will be etched in the memories of all who have witnessed these talented students. “We owe gratitude to those who laid the foundation for this event. The former Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, was the catalyst, inspiring the creation of this tournament and encouraging Mr Gladstone Thompson to bring this vision to life. Because of their leadership and foresight, we have had the opportunity to experience the joy, pride, and inspiration these young people have brought to our community. The success of this year’s Minister’s Debate Challenge would not have been possible without the dedication and leadership of Gladstone Thompson, the Dynamic Debater’s team, and Kim Jackson and the Mirror’s team.” “If we remain committed to the triad of success—the parent, the educator, and the student—and if we work tirelessly to strengthen that partnership, ensuring it is free of distractions and negative influences, then Bermuda will be well-equipped to face the challenges of the future with strength and confidence. “As we close this chapter of the Minister’s Debate Challenge 2025, I extend my deepest appreciation to everyone who has played a role in making this tournament a success—the organisers, educators, parents, and most of all, our phenomenal debaters.” For information about future debate opportunities, contact Mr. Gladstone Thompson – dynamicgladstone1@gmail.com