and teachers from Clearwater Middle School share their views with The Royal Gazette's Sarah Fuhrtz.

With inspirational slogans covering the walls, it is as clear as water that the pupils from the Clearwater Middle School are encouraged to succeed.

Surrounded by such posters of motivation has definitely helped both staff and students to adjust to the new middle school system.

Principal Charlotte Ming said: "First of all, the middle school system is the best thing ever to happen to the education system in Bermuda.

"The students are very enthusiastic and excited about being here and at the end of the term their enthusiasm and excitement is still so high.

"They are so excited that they don't want to stay home, even when they're sick,'' she added. "If they miss one day of school, they feel that they have missed so much.'' Mrs. Ming said teachers also went beyond the call of duty.

"They really make sure that every student reaches their full potential,'' she said. "The teachers work in a team environment. They meet once every day to discuss and plan such things as the curriculum and student needs.

"We follow the motto, `If you fail to plan, you plan to fail'.'' Saying middle schools exposed students to a variety of subjects they never had the chance to learn previously, Mrs. Ming boasted: "They are trying out all kinds of new and interesting things such as dance, theatre and cookery.

"The parents have been very supportive. And with parents, teachers and students working together, we have made a very good team.'' In addition to the abundance of motivational posters, Clearwater Middle School offers a variety of inspirational programmes.

The peer mediation scheme, described by Mrs. Ming as a "great plus to the school'', is designed to help students solve conflicts among themselves without resorting to violence.

A Big Brothers and Big Sisters programme gives older students the opportunity to assist a younger student.

The older "sibling'' acts a role model and during the course of the day keeps a check on the younger one.

And the Phi Beta Club encourages male pupils to practise manners, deportment and voluntary service to the school.

Each morning the students are addressed by their advisors -- teachers who inspire and encourage them.

Mrs. Ming explained: "All of these programmes help the students to remain focused on their goals and teaches them to become good citizens when they eventually leave school.

"They instil a sense of moral values and build self-esteem and confidence which in the end results in less arguments, fights, suspensions and detentions.'' With plans to offer roller blading, yachting and freestyle biking in the near future, the physical education curriculum at the Clearwater Middle School is one to be envied.

Head gym teacher Andrew Clarke said: "Our list of physical activities is not the `norm'.

"We want to make gym classes as varied as possible with the emphasis on health, fitness, new experiences and fun.

"Once a month the entire school takes part in a health walk. At the moment we are practising netball, soccer and basketball. But we are looking toward roller blading, yachting and triathlon events for next term.'' With younger students in the limelight, the teachers at the former St.

George's Secondary School are pleased with the "better attitude'' of the students.

Agreeing with the poster, `Your attitude determines your altitude', design and technology teacher David Haigh said: "Their behaviour is certainly better than that of previous years.

"And as a result they are enjoying the curriculum and trying harder in class while making new friends and starting new relationships.'' Settling in to a new school environment is never easy, but the students at the Clearwater Middle School seem to be happy with the changes.

"I think the new school system is better because we are doing exciting things everyday,'' said 11-year-old Sadae Bean. "But, like a lot of things, it is just what you make out of it.

"I also think the teachers are very friendly and they are willing to help us children in any way they can.'' Class rotation and new uniforms were two aspects of middle school life that students liked most this term.

"I like to come to school now because we get to move around,'' 12-year-old Rieo Paynter said. "We don't just stay in one spot all day.'' Joseph Brangman, 11, added: "It is much better than primary school because we don't have the same teacher for every class. We can move around and not get bored.'' Twelve-year-old Jared Outerbridge felt that students should be allowed to wear jackets as part of the winter uniform.

"The uniform looks tidy, but when it gets cold they should let us wear jackets as long as our ties are showing,'' he suggested. "I want to wear jackets because the sweaters and blazers aren't warm enough. They just don't kick it.'' Christopher Brangman, also 12, was just happy that pants were a part of the dress code.

"In St. George's Preparatory we couldn't wear pants in the winter,'' he explained. "Now my legs don't get cold. It is much better than wearing shorts all year long and the summer polo shirts are very comfortable.'' As most children their age, the students at Clearwater Middle School find it fun and easy to make new friends.

"I get along with all the people in my class,'' said 11-year-old Johnai Bean.

"We came from different schools and now we all are friends.'' And Joseph agreed: "I like everyone and everyone likes me. We treat each other as equals.'' The peer mediation programme has helped the students to get along as well.

"I think peer mediation is a good idea,'' said 11-year-old Casey Daniels.

"It is better to let the students solve their own problems than having the teachers do it for them. Adults cannot relate that well to kids but kids can.'' Realising the middle school system was implemented for their benefit, the students are aiming to stay on track.