Friends of the Bermuda Aquarium have made a splash with an intensive teacher training programme focusing on the Island.

The Bank of Bermuda (Cayman) recently announced it has sponsored a Cayman Island high school teacher to attend the course held at the Bermuda Biological Station for Research.

Jennifer Artuch, the teacher chosen to attend, is head biology instructor at St. Ignatius High School. She has been joined by teachers from the US and Bermuda.

The course, which began on August 1, ran through to August 7. Topics included coral reefs, inland saltwater sounds, saltwater ponds, seagrass beds, mangrove swamps, sandy beaches, rocky shores, coastal habitats and open seas. These teachers will then be able to pass on their knowledge to the recently-formed sixth form class.

Managing director Allen Bernardo was very optimistic about the success of the course.

Speaking of it as an "opportunity for marine biology to be taught in Cayman classrooms'', Dr. Bernardo said: "Bermuda, with its many marine systems, is a world leader in marine conservation. We are delighted to be initiating this worthwhile education, particularly in the same country as our head office.'' Ms Artuch expressed her appreciation at being selected for the programme.

She said: "We are delighted that Bank of Bermuda has decided to sponsor this teacher training course for secondary school biology and science teachers.

Marine ecology will play an important part in our students futures, particularly on an island such as ours.''