A school for children with learning differences is inviting donor support of up to $500,000 for an expansion project that will allow for an occupational therapy-focused gym and holistic student centre.

A fundraising campaign is under way to renovate a 4,560 sq ft space at the Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning that would be available for use by other schools and organisations during certain hours.

Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, was given a tour yesterday of the facility on Cedar Avenue in Hamilton, where he learnt about existing services as well as those in development.

The specialised space, which will be renovated as and when funds are raised, will offer sensory integration activities, structured physical exercises and therapeutic equipment aimed at improving motor skills, building physical confidence and supporting emotional self-regulation.

The new facility aims to empower students to develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive academically and socially by providing a calm, adaptive environment.

It will also serve as a social hub for the school, where the students can gather for lunch, training, assemblies and other activities.

Jane Vickers, the director of advancement and communications, said: “The initiative reflects BCCL’s commitment to individualised support and holistic development, ensuring every child can reach their full potential.

“Occupational therapy-focused activities are especially crucial for students with learning differences, helping to enhance co-ordination, focus, emotional regulation and sensory processing, all of which directly impact their ability to engage in the classroom and succeed academically.

“A centrepiece of the new gym will be a horizontal climbing wall, an essential tool for occupational therapy.

“Unlike vertical climbing walls, horizontal, or traverse, walls allow children to climb laterally across the wall without the need for ropes or harnesses, making it safer and more accessible for all ability levels.

“For children with learning differences, a horizontal climbing wall offers multiple therapeutic benefits — it strengthens core muscles, improves balance and co-ordination, enhances spatial awareness, and supports bilateral co-ordination [the ability to use both sides of the body together].

“These physical skills are closely linked to cognitive development, classroom focus and emotional regulation. Climbing activities also build confidence, resilience and problem-solving skills — critical areas of growth for students who may face academic and social challenges.”

To bring its vision to life, the BCCL is seeking between $400,000 and $500,000 which will be used to renovate the space including installing new lighting, flooring and painting, demolishing and restructuring walls, upgrading the bathrooms, creating therapy rooms and purchasing specialised equipment.

Cindy Corday, the head of school, said: “BCCL students use Victoria Park for physical education and outdoor activities. However, without an indoor gymnasium or communal area, students are confined to their classrooms during inclement weather — a situation that can be particularly challenging for children with ADHD and other learning differences.

“The expansion will allow BCCL to offer year-round PE lessons, therapeutic activities and a much needed communal space that fosters movement, sensory regulation and social interaction — essential elements for the healthy development of students with learning differences.

“Without the necessary funds, BCCL will have the space but will be unable to create the specialised, transformative environment these students deserve. With community support, BCCL can make this critical project a reality, continuing its mission to empower every learner.

“The space would be available to be used by other school and services when school is not using the space, making it a wonderful addition to the community.”

Crystal Caesar, the Minister of Education, took part in the tour along with Mr Murdoch.

She told The Royal Gazette: “I am really impressed with the model that they have here at BCCL.

“A lot of the support services and resources that they have, I would love to be able to see in public education.

“[In government], we can definitely have a conversation about how we can collaborate and even have some students take part in their curriculum.”

The BCCL includes students with learning differences such as dyslexia [reading and/or spelling], dysgraphia [writing], dyscalculia [math] and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD].

The co-ed school serves 52 students at present, with a student-teacher ratio of six to one.

In a separate development, the BCCL, which is now for children from 6 to 15, is to introduce a reception year in September for youngsters of all abilities aged 4 and 5.

The school also recently announced a strategic partnership with the Christa McAuliffe Academy School of Arts and Sciences. Under the agreement, the academy will deliver its broad course content to Year 10 to Year 13 students enrolled in the BCCL’s secondary school programme and provide personalised support from academy course instructors.

• Anyone interested in donating to BCCL, a registered charity, can e-mail Jane Vickers at jvickers@bccl.bm or visitwww.bccl.bm and go to the Giving page for bank details