A team of Bermudian educators have visited schools across Pennsylvania to learn about alternative learning methods that can be used in Bermuda.

The team included education officer, Dr. Judith Bartley, Cindy Smith, a counsellor at Whitney Institute, Donna Woolridge, an educational therapist, O'Brien Osbourne, also an education therapist, and Brenton Burgess, Head of Student Services at Berkeley Institute.

They were part of the International Visitor Leadership Programme which was organised by the US Consulate and this year's theme was alternative schools at the primary, middle and secondary levels. This is the fourth consecutive year of the programme.

Speaking about the nine-day trip, Dr. Bartley explained the purpose was to visit model alternative schools at all three levels.

The team visited 13 sites in six days between public and private schools who specialised in alternative learning in Pittsburg, Harrisburg and Philadelphia.

Dr. Bartley explained some of the schools went as far as having full-time psychologists and psychiatrists on-site, while other had the services come to them.

She said many schools had hands-on activities including carpentry, music and home economics.

She also said even though they looked at many programmes, they were unable to find any that operated completely without school suspensions, although, many only used it as a last resort.

Minister of Education, El James thanked the team for their hard work and US Consul General Gregory Slayton said the programme would continue for "many years".

Mr. Slayton also said next year's focus will be on early childhood education.

One of the main sponsors of the visit was AON, represented by Joe Rego.