The students at the Bermuda Institute have put a spark in their school curriculum.

The pupils in grades nine through 12 now have the opportunity to learn basic electrical wiring skills.

But the new class involves more than just reading from a book.

The students are using their knowledge to help maintain the school and build the new gymnasium.

"The students started off learning the basic theories of electricity, voltage and wattage,'' teacher Gregory Outerbridge explained. "They were also taught about the materials and tools that electricians use and how to use them.

"Now they are learning about single-pole switching, two-way switching and how to replace recepticles.'' Mr. Outerbridge boasted that the students have successfully replaced recepticles, rewired lights and changed switch covers in various classrooms throughout the school.

They have also completed such tasks as digging trenches and jackhammering on the construction site which is soon to be the new school gym, he added.

"The students visit the gym construction site about three times a week,'' Mr.

Outerbridge said. "They assist the site electrician, Mr. Rupert Holdipp, with his job and they also help with other duties.'' He added that the students take field trips to the Bermuda Electric Light Company and different construction sites around the Island to see electricians at work.

"The group, which includes three female students, chose the basic electrical wiring course as an elective,'' Mr. Outerbridge explained. "They are all progressing very well.''