Many new programmes that will be added to the curriculum in public schools, Minister of Education Terry Lister said yesterday.

The mathematics literacy project is a new initiative to improve students' mathematics skills.

Education Minister Terry Lister said: "You may smile when I say improve mathematics skills.

"The mathematics literacy project is designed to meet the needs of both high flyers and those whose performance is not so high.

"Fifty four primary school teachers, coordinators from mathematics, information technology, science/social studies teachers, as well as for five middle school resource teachers will be the leading teachers for their schools," he said.

"These teacher leaders will enhance their skills and develop the tools required to ensure that mathematics is integrated across the curriculum.

"As a result of their active participation in new learning experiences, we anticipate that the skills of the teachers and the students will be improved, Mr. Speaker, we want to spark a revolution in terms of how people view the importance of mathematics."

Teachers have already embarked on a site visit to South Carolina where a partnership programme was set up with the University of South Carolina through Bermudian Dr. Lew Matthews, said Mr. Lister.

At the primary level, $292,000 was set aside in the budget for the mathematics literacy project.

Primary schools are implementing all aspects of the primary school curriculum, which was locally developed but based on international standards of excellence, said Mr. Lister.

Initially, only three subjects were introduced three years ago for this curriculum.

Mr. Lister told the House: "Since then full implementation of all nine of the subjects taught at the primary level has occurred.

"Over the past three years principles have received training so that they can appropriately guide their teachers into the full use of the curriculum. Teachers themselves have attended meetings and training sessions so that they are aware of what is involved in the curriculum."

The primary school curriculum was awarded $274,000 in this years budget.

Mr. Lister said the Ministry intends to survey schools and parents to determine what additional resources and staff development needs there might be.

"We believe that this curriculum is sound in its content and are especially proud of the emphasis which is placed on matters Bermudian.

"In support of the Bermudian content, we will continue to make a grant to the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo which offers well-thought-out and age-appropriate lessons on Bermuda's fish, flora and fauna for our students."

This year the grant is $50,000.

Mr. Lister said he did not feel enough emphasis was placed on Bermuda's maritime history in schools.

He said: "We intend to change this with a renewed focus in schools on our maritime heritage."

The aquatics programme will receive $50,000 to help teach all students how to swim by the end of primary school.

"During the middle years, they will learn to sail and by the time they reach senior school, they will be well poised to participate in offerings from the Bermuda Sloop Foundation."

Mr. Lister noted the increase in violence amongst Bermuda's youth.

A character education programme, the Living Values Programme, will be introduced in schools.

"The Ministry does not wish to operate schools as prison camps, although at the request of the middle and senior schools, we have facilitated the hiring of security firms. We intend to review the role of the security firms at our schools at the end of this year."

The Ministry believes that a way to stop the violence is for individuals to maintain self-restraint and develop pride within themselves.

The Living Values Programme promotes "good character", he said.

This programme has been in effect at Somerset Primary School, Elliott Primary School, and Harrington Sound Primary School since September 2003.

Mr. Lister said: "All staff members will be involved with this process and parents will be kept current on the schools' goals throughout the initial year.

"We plan to expand the programme to another six schools in September 2004 and so we have secured $220,000 for the extension to the new schools, as well as so that the programme can continue at the three original schools."

The Ashay Rites of Passage Programme will also be put in place in hopes that it will create positive behaviours among Bermuda's young.

This programme has been allotted $60,000 to cover the costs of programme development, workbooks and other supplies.

It will also cover the hiring of Melodye Micere VanPutten, who developed the programme and is the instructor of the pilot programme at Dellwood Middle School.

Mr. Lister said: "The intent of the programme is to assist students to develop a sense of pride in themselves and their culture."