Yesterday evening (July11), Premier David Burt and Minister of Education, Diallo Rabain attended a town hall meeting at West End Primary and addressed the Sandys community directly regarding the ongoing education reform in Bermuda.
Both the Premier and Education Minister comprehensively laid out the key points of discussion and the next steps to be taken. Those in attendance were reminded of the long journey the Government has travelled to provide the best education environment for Bermuda’s students since the reform was initiated in 2017.
Since the reform’s initiation, the process has considered input from hundreds of meetings with technical officers, stakeholders and the general public; thousands of written submissions from the public; and countless reports in support of the ‘Vision for Change for Education in Bermuda’.
The vision of education reform includes implementing a 21st Century education system by way of the introduction of an Education Authority, a Revised Curriculum, Signature Schools and Parish Primary Schools across the island.
The reform intends to provide students and their families with more choices over what they learn, how they learn, and have more opportunities beyond school for employment, further study and entrepreneurial opportunities.
The town hall held last evening evidenced a commitment from the Premier and Minister of Education to hear and receive feedback about the proposals from the West End and members of the Sandys community on the topic of education reform. Prior to last evening’s meeting the Premier and Minister held two private meetings with the West End Warrior Group to enhance the understanding of the various perspectives with a goal to advance reform in the best interest of Bermuda’s students.
In response to the concerns raised during the meeting held, last evening, the Government announced that they would revisit the scoring process and that there would be enhanced consideration for legacy, specifically for parishes with more than one school.
The Government is steadfast and committed in its commitment to advance education for Bermuda’s students to ensure the education they receive is relevant both in Bermuda and globally.
Next Steps
• Historical Consideration: A History and Legacy Committee will be established later this year to ensure the rich histories and legacies of Bermuda’s schools are honoured and preserved in the reform process.
• Re-evaluation: The scoring process for parishes with more than one Primary School will be re-evaluated to address concerns raised by the West End Warriors.
• Continued Dialogue: The Ministry of Education will maintain open lines of communication with all stakeholders, particularly groups such as the West End Warriors, to ensure all viewpoints are considered in this pivotal process.
Minister Rabain said, “Education is the foundation on which our island’s prosperity is built and the Ministry of Education is committed to making the necessary decisions to support our children’s growth and a brighter future for Bermuda.
“The Ministry appreciates the patience, cooperation and the input of all involved parties as we work together to reform Bermuda’s education for the better and equip students with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
“The engagement during the town hall not only represents the fulfillment of the Government’s pledge to meet with the West End community, but also the determination to implement an education system for the 21st Century for the advancement of Bermuda’s students.”
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