The Bermuda College Dual Enrolment Programme allows qualified high school students to enrol in college-level courses at the Bermuda College, which upon successful completion the students earn academic college credit while still attending their respective high school.

Young Observer got up close and personal with some Berkeley Institute and CedarBridge Academy students who are in the Bermuda College Dual Enrolment Programme.

BERKELEY INSTITUTE

Jyhair Tucker-Bell (age 17)

“I chose to do dual enrolment because I wanted to get a head start on my college experience. I wanted to stand out from other applicants for both colleges and scholarships. I am aspiring to become an Environmental Engineer and obtain a Bachelor in Science at college/university locally or abroad. I feel that in class we can fit in just fine but outside of the class there is a division. I believe that full-time dual enrolment students are okay but for the part-time students it’s difficult to travel and adapt between schools. The advantage of the Dual Enrolment Programme is being able to obtain transferable college credits while in high school at no cost. For full-time students like me, your high school grades may drop due to constantly missing class time. I would advise the student to carefully consider the amount of possible stress involved with the programme and think about whether or not you want to give up most of your high school life and experience.”

Clevon Cunningham Jr (age 17)

“I decided to do the Dual Enrolment Programme to get a head start on college while still in high school. I plan to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Actuarial Science at St John’s University and become an Actuary. I fit in great with the college students as I am a friendly person and can speak to my friends that graduated from high school last year. The programme can be improved if we can have all available courses, as some of the classes are not offered to us. The advantages of the programme are that it can boost your high school GPA and it is a free one-year of college. The disadvantage is that it is very stressful for full-time students and you lose a lot of sleep. I would tell students to only do it if they qualify for full-time, as it can just be unnecessary stress for part-time students.”

Yolanda Dyer (age 17)

“It allowed me to gain college experiences while in high school. Aspirations: To attend college in Canada to study Psychology. In my opinion books should be discounted, Advantages: It’s a good way to get ahead, better assistance; be prepared for the college work; and to stay on top of your work and be prepared for a lot of sleepless nights. Disadvantages: Book prices are high. We wake up too early.”

Marcus Henschke (age 18)

“To have a new experience and to gain early college credits and have an advantage I wish to attend St John’s University and become an Actuary. We mix pretty well. Other college students usually don’t know our age until we tell them. I see this initiative as a head start on getting a degree. It was overwhelming at first; teaches more responsibility. My advice for other students: work hard, expect a challenge. Aim for full-time.”

Devine Easton (age 17)

“I chose to do the Dual Enrolment Programme because I chose to gain college credit while still in high school. My aspirations are a Mathematics Degree and to be successful. As a part-time student we do not interact with the other college students. This programme can be improved by having part-time classes in the evening instead during school hours so as to make sure students do not fall behind in high school classes. Advantages: Gaining credit to college ahead of time. Disadvantages: Missing class; Waking up too early and falling behind. For advice I would say to be prepared for anything. Have your best interest in mind and heart.”

CEDARBRIDGE ACADEMY

Currently 12 CedarBridge Academy students are involved in the dual enrolment programme at Bermuda College. There are four student enrolled full time at Bermuda College, and eight who are part-time students or have just completed their aspect of the programme. Jasmin Bacabac, just completed her participation last semester in an Algebra course at Bermuda College.

Jasmin Bacabac, an S4 student, said she was quite pleased with the instruction she got from her algebra teacher and she appreciated her style of teaching. “She was clear and concise with her lectures and did not hesitate to answer any questions, even if it was asked moments before.” Jasmin also indicated that besides the “wonderful education” she received, she was able to befriend students from the Berkeley Institute and was able to get an insight on to their education system.

Taiyana Allen, S3

“I am 16 years old and I am currently an S3 student at CedarBridge Academy who is also a Full-time Dual Enrolment student at Bermuda College. I am in the programme to obtain my Associates Degree of Science (Actuarial Science) in 2016. I am taking Math, English, Economics, History and Intro to Actuarial Science at Bermuda College, and I am completing my Physical Education at CedarBridge Academy. My experience so far has been amazing. I have been able to grow academically and I have had classes that test my abilities. Also I have grown socially because I have been able to become friends with a lot of different people at the college level. At first it was challenging to manage the workload but in time I was able to learn how to prioritise and get everything done. Also being a Dual Enrolment student has taught me a lot about myself and the amount of things I can accomplish that I have never thought I could do.”

Kayla Virgil-Darrell, S4

“My experience at Bermuda College as a Dual Enrolment student has been an exceptional one. Being in a college class with intelligent, competitive high school students, like myself, has propelled me to push myself harder and exceed expectations that people have given me. The positive learning environment in my classroom allows me to stay focused and to grasp the information displayed to me efficiently. Taking part in these courses has also given me a head start when it comes to my math course, calculus, at CedarBridge Academy. My teacher, Mrs Dana Lightbourne, is energetic and shows her love for mathematics, which causes me to enjoy learning even more. Overall, I am grateful for this opportunity and feel that it is an excellent programme for upcoming students to take part in.”

Cree Lottimore, S4

“Being enrolled in this programme gave me the opportunity to get a feel of what is to come in my near future. The Moodle system and Pearson’s My Math Lab were the learning platforms used to complete and check on assignments. This reassured the fact that while pursuing tertiary education, your instructor is not going to remind you of due dates and deadlines. The “handing in on time” of your assignments is solely up to you as the student. It was up to me to check my college e-mails, e-mail my instructor for reassurance, review my grades daily, and remember to complete my internet-based homework assignments. Organisation was the key to completing this course successfully. In addition, this course gave me a clear and positive outlook on the Bermuda College. Since Bermuda College is not as well-known as overseas universities, Bermudians tend to give Bermuda College a mediocre name, but I experienced otherwise. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the College Level Algebra and Trigonometry course. I would recommend partaking in the Dual Enrolment programme to any high-school students in their third and fourth year who manages to pass the CPT.”

Laree Talbot, S4

“My time at the Bermuda College has been one that I wish everyone would experience. At the beginning I was nervous for so many reasons. I didn’t want to fail, I knew I was going to miss my friends, and I didn’t want to be alone and for the beginning of my time there that’s exactly what I felt. Over time I started to adjust and the college was like regular school for me. I met new people and expanded my knowledge. The college helped me figure out what was really important to me. Being in both schools helped me figure out who I’m capable of being. I had to give up something to fit my schedule and in some cases I had to take things into my own hands. Overall being a dual enrolment student made me an independent person and now I can say I’m proud of who I am and what I have become.”