The Ministry of Education is making preparations to celebrate the opening of Bermuda’s first two signature schools on Monday.

CedarBridge Academy and The Berkeley Institute are on course to open their doors on time with the former offering signature programmes in STEM and Trades and Professions, and the latter offering programmes in Health and Social Care, and Financial and Insurance Services.

Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education, said that this week “you will begin to see banners throughout the city and along the roads leading to our two senior schools, videos, graphics and more to celebrate the launch of our first time ever signature learning programmes”.

He added: “We are finalising the details for the September 12 welcome celebrations and will share any planned activities with the public before the first day of school.”

The ministry is encouraging members of the public to send welcoming messages and videos to S1 students via e-mail at socialmedia@moed.bm or via WhatsApp on 535-9878.

The ministry posted recorded messages from Keisha Douglas, the principal at The Berkeley Institute, and Beth Holdipp, acting deputy principal at CedarBridge Academy, on the Government’s Twitter page.

Ms Douglas said: “We look forward to making this work for Bermuda’s children.”

Ms Holdipp added: “It is our hope that as students come into CedarBridge Academy they will be successful and they will be excited about the new programmes and pathways that we have available for them.”

Several students who have signed up for signature programmes said a few words about the pathway they chose.

Aron Lugo, who chose the Health and Social Care signature, said: “The thing that interests me the most about the programme is all the outside experience that we get.”

Samori Place, who chose the STEM programme, said: “Creative technology is my interest because of artificial intelligence, sound and social media. I am more interested in artificial intelligence … to help people in need.”

Angel Oloughlin, who chose Trades and Professions, said: “I am excited to work hands on in the classroom and out of the classroom — I would like to work in a salon to get more real-life experience.”

Mr Rabain announced in July that out of the approximately 300 incoming S1 students enrolled for September 2022, over 90 per cent have selected a signature learning track.

He added: “The remaining students, while having selected a general track, will still be immersed in the new features of learning and schooling.”