Today the Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, and the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, held a media briefing concerning the Throne Speech.
Minister Diallo V. Rabain, JP, MP
Minister of Education
Good Morning.
It should come as no surprise that in the opening remarks of the Throne Speech, the very first statements were focused on Education Reform and highlighted the critical role Education Reform plays in ensuring our country makes genuine progress.
Her Excellency highlighted, "The 2023 school year marked a milestone with Francis Patton and Purvis Primary Schools transforming into the inaugural Parish Primary Schools. This change reflects our commitment to equitable, high-quality education for all. Though reform takes time, its significance in nurturing community growth is undebatable. Education underpins societal success."
In September 2022, CedarBridge Academy and The Berkeley Institute welcomed the first cohort into the Signature Learning Programmes (SLPs). After one year, and based on recent surveys, our findings are promising:
Approximately 75% of Signature Learning Programme students report enjoying their studies, which is crucial since enjoyment fosters motivation and, consequently, academic success.
Approximately 70% of students believe Signature Learning Programme courses help them to build on their talents and capabilities. This is significant as the courses have been structured so students can have strengths-based, personalised pathways where we move away from a one-size-fits-all approach.
Approximately 70% of students believe Signature Learning Programme teachers and coursework challenge them to do their best. This matters as an appropriate level of challenge is one of the strongest predictors of academic performance.
This ongoing monitoring and evaluation is combined with reports from both Principals that are engaged, resulting in fewer examination re-sits and re-submissions of late assignments than non- Signature Learning Programme courses.
The Throne Speech also outlined the Government's ongoing commitment to education reform, specifying the establishment of transformation teams for the next two Parish Primary Schools—Elliot Primary and Harrington Sound Primary—and introducing new signature programmes in hospitality, tourism, and education services at Sandys Secondary Middle School.
The Education Reform Unit has recently advertised to recruit the next set of School Transformation Teams and is seeking dedicated educators and community partners to join this transformative initiative.
The School Transformation Teams will be responsible for supporting the unique Bermudian-led process for redesigning signature schools and parish primary schools that will form Bermuda's transformed public school system.
The responsibilities of each School Transformation Team include:
Collaboratively designing the parish primary schools for Elliott Primary and Harrington Sound Primary, utilising the 10 features of parish primary schools.
Continuation of the Year 1 and Year 7 curricula at Francis Patton and Purvis Parish Primary Schools, along with the development of the Year 2 and Year 8 curricula.
Ongoing development of the Hospitality and Tourism along with Education Services Signature Learning Programme at Sandys Secondary Middle School.
Expansion of the Signature Learning Programmes at CedarBridge Academy and The Berkeley Institute to include new strands in Arts and Culture, and Sport and Leisure Management, respectively.
This legislative year, we will present a bill to establish an Education Authority, following the Bermuda First's recommendation. This will introduce a new governance structure to effectively manage and advance the Public Education System.
Key to the success of Public Education is the introduction of a new governance and management structure and culture. The Ministry engaged the Education Authority Working Group (EAWG) to develop a multi-year implementation plan.
The establishment of the Authority is an ambitious, complex and wide- ranging undertaking that will involve numerous legal entities, public and private acts, aided schools, various unions and bargaining units, employment rights and property rights, in addition to affecting over 1000 Department of Education employees and school staff, and over 4000 students and their parents, the Ministry determined that specialised and dedicated legal advice was required to provide proactive strategic direction and to respond to both anticipated and unanticipated legal issues uncovered during the development and implementation of the Authority.
The Government's commitment to advancing Education Reform is unwavering. We are here to support and uphold the interests of the students of Bermuda today and for future generations.
Thank you.