Opposition Leader Jennifer Smith said yesterday.

"We believe that schools can and should teach moral values and build character,'' she said at a Progressive Labour Party press conference.

Ms Smith added that school rules and the expectations of teachers already contributed to laying down a framework for moral fibre.

She added: "In the past, such education was a natural part of the curriculum, but changes in today's society dictate the need for a more formal approach.

"We think it is desirable to include religious instruction in the curriculum to give students an understanding of the moral foundation of Bermuda's society.'' Ms Smith explained that she saw a broad-based examination of the role of religion as the way to go, rather than concentrating on a specific denomination, like Anglicanism.

She said: "In Bermuda, you first of all have to understand why religion is important culturally.

"There was a historical connection between the Church of England and Government because we had a state church, if you will -- but that is no longer the case.

"Religious instruction would have to take account of changes in Bermuda and the impact other religions have had.'' Ms Smith added one example of the role of the churches in Bermuda was the opening up of secondary education to black youngsters through the efforts of Bishop Berkeley last century. The Berkeley Institute bears his name.

And she said that the individual churches would still have a major role to play.

Ms Smith said: "The churches have a role to play and you can't usurp that role.'' She was speaking as the PLP unveiled its plans for education if it wins power at the General Election.

Ms Smith slammed the UBP for recycling 30-year-old promises and claimed Government had an "unacceptable'' report card for providing educational opportunities for all.

And she said reports as far back as 1987 identified problems in the school system.

But she added that this month, Minister of Education Tim Smith revealed that only 64 percent of CedarBridge Academy graduates had reached the required literacy grade level.

She added: "I can promise that a PLP Government will ensure that immediate steps are taken to qualify and quantify the level of literacy in Bermuda and ensure that literacy levels are raised across the board.'' And she called for the re-introduction of truancy officers to enforce school attendance.

EDUCATION ED