MR. SPEAKER,
In education terms, seven years is 1400 school days, 2404 students starting compulsory schooling in P1, and 1829 students graduating from S4. In seven years we have cohorts of students who have completed the full cycle of primary or senior schooling and have completed at least one associate degree at Bermuda College.
So, it’s an important time, MR. SPEAKER, to reflect on the past seven years since we took office. While we've faced many challenges, it's crucial for everyone in this Honourable House and the public to be reminded of some key moments that required our attention and highlight how we addressed those concerns. Let's take this opportunity to recognize and appreciate our collective achievements.
MR. SPEAKER,
In August 2017, in my second ever cabinet meeting, as the Minister of Education, I had to present a cabinet paper seeking approval to hire an abatement firm to cleanse the mould from Dellwood Middle School. On June 12, 2017, Dellwood was forced to close, and all students were moved to Bermuda College for the rest of the school year. The outgoing OBA Government's focus on the then America’s Cup event appears to be the only rationale for their inability to remediate the mould after two months of closure. Thankfully, the school opened on September 13, only two days after all other schools.
MR. SPEAKER,
As if that wasn’t enough, another significant matter threatened to disrupt our students' learning and had to be dealt with in short order. On June 21 2017, the Bermuda Union of Teachers held an emergency meeting in which a vote was passed for all teachers to be on “Work to Rule.” against the then OBA Government. This development was not resolved until three months later. On September 2nd, a mere eight days before the start of the 2017-18 School Term, an agreement was reached to end the work-to-rule. Again, the America’s Cup focus appears to have taken precedence over our education system.
MR. SPEAKER,
I speak to these to remind honourable members and the listening public of the state of affairs in which the incoming PLP Government found our public school system. A victim of neglect that had seen 4 Education Ministers in 5 years and unsustainable draconian budget cuts. Budget cuts that led to years of inadequate infrastructure upkeep; schools regularly closed due to mould infestation or bird mites, schools without the basic necessary services like internet access, Wi-Fi access, modern computer hardware, lack of basic school supplies and scholarship and awards slashed by 50% from the levels in 2012.
MR. SPEAKER,
Before we could embark on meaningful reform of our education system and begin phasing Middle Schools out, basic remedial work was needed to stabilise the BPSS and their facilities, repair a strained relationship with Union Partners, and provide the basic 21st-century learning tools.
MR. SPEAKER,
During those first years, the need to have comprehensive evaluations of our school buildings to address Safety and Health matters; as a result of the lack of funding for regular maintenance, the removal of antiquated technology like “dial-up internet” and years-old computers, inadequate basics supplies and others things that had been not address by the previous administration, took up our immediate attention.
MR. SPEAKER,
By the end of our first 100 days in office, the commencement of upgrading all schools to high-speed internet and Wi-Fi was well underway. Safety and Health reports had been drafted, and funding to address immediate concerns had been found and allocated. The strategic education plan, Plan 2022, was sent back out for further consultation and refined to fully reflect the changes the people of Bermuda wanted to see in the public education system.
MR. SPEAKER,
This additional consultation, insisted upon by the PLP Government, allowed Bermuda's voices to be heard. It has been used to underpin the education reform we see today and will continue to see as we move into the future.
MR. SPEAKER,
You have heard me say before, and I will continue to say for as long as I have the privilege of serving in this post, that our goal is to provide a world-class Public Education system. A public education system that helps our children follow their passions and interests, build on their talents and capabilities, and achieve their career and life aspirations. A public education system we can all be proud of.
MR. SPEAKER,
Let me take you and the listening public on a journey of just a few of the changes that can be seen and felt already, from entering the public school system in the early years through to higher education at Bermuda College, which is the direct result of this PLP Government’s laser-like focus on providing the necessary funding and resources to build a system that caters to all of our students.
MR. SPEAKER,
Early Childhood Education and services are key to developing well-rounded and successful students. Over the last 7 years, gaps that hindered progress in the early years have been identified and addressed. One significant achievement is the introduction of the BrightStart Program. Starting preschoolers at three and having the preschoolers for another year strengthens relationships between preschool and families. It gives the preschoolers time to learn and be supported by developmentally appropriate practices and interventions. Additionally, the expansion of services at the preschool level was done to include an ASD Program, ensuring tailored support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and fostering inclusivity.
MR. SPEAKER,
To modernise our preschools, outdated dial-up internet was replaced with high-speed internet, and tablet devices were provided to enhance digital learning. The recent refurbishment of Lyceum Preschool is a model for future educational reform, setting a high standard for other institutions to follow. These initiatives collectively demonstrate our commitment to improving early childhood education and providing robust support for our youngest learners and their families. Parents have praised the BrightStart Program, which has supported young students significantly and relieved the parent’s burden of paying for early child care. The ASD Program has ensured that all children receive the necessary assistance they need at an earlier age. The technological upgrades have brought preschools up to speed with 21st-century learning, significantly improving educational experiences.
MR. SPEAKER,
Significant progress has been made at the primary and middle school levels, with the phasing out of middle schools and introducing the Parish Primary School concept.
MR. SPEAKER,
Recognising the need for students to access high-quality 21st-century learning opportunities, installing high-speed internet and modern devices became a priority. Ironically, the Wi-Fi equipment purchased for America’s Cup that had no identified use after the event, which had previously resulted in budget cuts to education, was repurposed to equip our schools with modern Wi-Fi resources. This strategic reallocation of resources, the provision of updated devices, and the implementation of initiatives like Schoology proved invaluable, particularly when the COVID-19 pandemic struck.
MR. SPEAKER,
While the pandemic caught school systems worldwide off guard, Bermuda was able to leverage the systems already in place to establish a remote learning regime more quickly than anticipated. Although the learning curve was steep, as these resources were only just being implemented, the foresight to prioritise technological advancements in the early years of the PLP Government allowed us to avoid the pitfalls of outdated dial-up internet in our schools. This proactive approach ensured that our students continued to receive a quality education despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic.
MR. SPEAKER,
Education Reform prioritises providing our students and educators with updated learning tools. As a result of the pandemic and lessons learned, every child entering the BPSS in P1 now receives a Chromebook that remains with them throughout their primary school years. The implementation of PowerSchool, Schoology, and the eventual introduction of Google Classroom has given students, educators, and parents unprecedented access to school staff and children's schoolwork, along with consistent monitoring of student progress. As a BPSS parent, I have set up my PowerSchool account to send weekly updates, allowing me to review and promptly address any issues. This system provides parents with real-time reporting of their child's progress, ensuring they stay informed and engaged in their child's education.
MR. SPEAKER,
The progress of transforming our primary schools into Parish Primary Schools is underway, with Purvis Primary and Francis Patton Primary leading the way. Despite the challenges of being the first to undergo this change, feedback from educators, parents, and, most importantly, students has been generally positive. While there are still areas to improve, the progress is evident. Each school has benefited from multi-million-dollar upgrades that are completed or currently underway.
MR. SPEAKER,
As they enter their second year of transformation, innovative learning experiences such as the Dual-Language and the ColLABoratory programs are thriving. Initiatives like Co-Teaching, “Learning Beyond the Walls,” and the Integrated Learning Model have shown data-driven success. Notably, Y1 reading benchmarks have outperformed the last three years, and there have been observed improvements in students' confidence, communication, and presentation skills.
MR. SPEAKER,
The transformation of Elliot Primary and Harrington Sound Primary, scheduled to begin phasing in as Parish Primary Schools in September 2025, is progressing steadily. We understand that fully transforming our system will take time to happen. However, it requires stability and a willingness to stay the course despite inevitable headwinds. This dedication ensures that our educational system will continue to evolve and improve for the benefit of all our students.
MR. SPEAKER,
The development of our Signature Senior Schools is significant. We are now entering the 3rd year of Signature Learning Programmes, which provide our children and young people with a less narrow focus on knowledge-based learning outcomes and better accommodate the development of 21st-century skills and dispositions. Signature Learning Programmes provide the platform for more real-world learning experiences and inquiry-based learning and teaching approaches. Through the diversification of Curriculum Boards, learners can now access meaningful, relevant and internationally recognised curricula. While this transformation is not complete, the voices of our community to provide students with genuine pathways beyond school, be it trades, international business or hospitality and tourism, is well underway. This is a vast improvement on the “one-size fits all” system we inherited when taking office.
MR. SPEAKER,
It is not just the academics either. Our Senior Signature Schools have begun implementing the Character Strong Programme through Advisory to create a school environment supporting all students' healthy social and academic development. Build trusting relationships with and amongst students and advisors. This has encouraged growth, self-reflection and problem-solving among students. As we consider the very recent, tragic events, this Government commits to continuing the expansion of work in this space, including our Parish Primary schools, as we firmly believe our schools should be seen as places where healing could and should happen.
MR. SPEAKER,
The transition from Senior School to Higher Education is a significant one. Over and over, we read news stories and research studies demonstrating that black students face considerable barriers in attending and completing college and gaining a solid economic foothold, with a significant barrier identified being the cost of higher education.
In 2017, this PLP Government pledged to increase funding for scholarships to provide public school students with more opportunities for higher education and to enhance accessibility to Bermuda College by offering financial support to students in need. Since then, the Government has returned the funding for tertiary education to the levels it was at when the PLP was voted out of office in 2012.
MR SPEAKER,
Between 2012 and 2017, the OBA cut this crucial funding from just over $2 million to around $1 million. Since 2017, money allocated to Scholarships and Awards has steadily increased to just over $2 million. This increased funding has enabled more students to benefit from financial support for tertiary education, including an annual grant of $300,000 to Bermuda College for financial aid and creating the College Promise program. The College Promise program allows graduates from The Berkeley Institute and CedarBridge Academy with a 3.0 GPA or higher to attend Bermuda College tuition-free.
MR. SPEAKER,
I recall a conversation with a student who intended to attend St. Francis Xavier University through our College Promise program. They explained how this program, along with Bermuda College’s articulation agreement with St. Francis Xavier University, would allow them to transfer Bermuda College credits and enter the third year of a Bachelor's program. By choosing this pathway, the student and their family would potentially save approximately $68,000 in tuition and fees compared to the costs of studying abroad directly after high school. This highlights how the College Promise program is not only helping parents save money but also opening educational doors for all students.
MR. SPEAKER,
The PLP government firmly believes in prioritising our students' futures, unlike the OBA. The previous government's decision to cut funding for scholarships and awards by half was unconscionable, showing a lack of foresight and moral responsibility. I shudder to think of how many students had their educational dreams deferred or cancelled due to their shortsighted and morally bankrupt decision to divert funds from these essential student support initiatives. While the government elected by the people should have been saying “Good Luck in School” to students, they unfortunately were saying “Better Luck next time”.
Finally, MR. SPEAKER, I want to pay tribute to the Education Authority Working Group members. This dedicated group believes in the transformation needed within public education and has demonstrated its commitment through significant personal contributions. They have diligently researched, conducted numerous meetings for almost three years, and compiled a comprehensive plan for an Education Authority without compensation or public recognition. Their selfless efforts have laid the groundwork for a transformative change in our education system.
I look forward to this house's return in September, when I will table the Education Authority Legislation, marking the next major phase in our education reform. This legislation will be crucial in ensuring that our education system continues to evolve and meet the needs of all Bermudians.
MR. SPEAKER,
While today highlights some of the many initiatives over the last seven years, this is by no means a complete list. The tireless efforts of the dedicated members of the Education Reform Unit, the Department of Education, Libraries and Archives, and Bermuda College staff are continuously focused on improving education delivery to our students and creating pathways for all Bermudians to thrive.
MR. SPEAKER,
As we celebrate these seven years of progress, we must acknowledge the hard work and dedication that have brought us to this point. However, now is not the time for complacency. The journey ahead requires an unwavering commitment to transforming Bermuda's public education system. Bermuda's children deserve nothing less than our best efforts to provide them with the highest-quality education.
MR. SPEAKER,
Let us continue to strive for excellence, ensuring that our education system not only meets but exceeds the needs of our students. We must prepare them for a bright and prosperous future, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to succeed in an ever-changing world. Our goal is to foster an environment where every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute positively to our society.
Thank you, MR. SPEAKER.