A charity with expertise in curriculum design has hired a new programme director to support public education teachers and students.

Fiona Murdoch joins the Bermuda Education Network from the Clarity Institute, where she was programme director responsible for designing and facilitating strategic meetings and professional development strategies.

Ms Murdoch was previously head of the Saltus Grammar School art department. She is also an expert in Steam education and has extensive experience in developing and implementing new curriculum, and collaborating with arts organisations through student competitions, public art projects and visual arts exhibitions.

In her new role, she will assume overall supervision, strategy and evaluation of BEN’s Horizons Programme, Summer Learning and Teacher Awards.

Becky Ausenda, BEN’s founder and non-executive director, retains responsibility for publicity, fundraising and development.

Ms Ausenda said: “Fiona served on the Bermuda Educators Council for several years and more recently she has helped to lead focus groups with educators for BEN, and volunteered on our awards committee.

“Fiona arrives at a time when schools need support with new Steam programmes and cross-curricular strategies which are essential for effective project-based learning — all key elements in the 21st-century learning strategies proposed in the school transformation plans.

“In addition to being a fervent proponent of arts education, Ms Murdoch has been a passionate advocate for public education and is herself a graduate of Bermuda’s public schools. She attended Harrington Sound Primary School, St George’s Preparatory School and Warwick Academy before attaining her undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph and her teaching qualification at Oxford University.

“We are thrilled to have her take on the important role of strengthening our programmes and increasing the ways we can support teachers.”