will all have the same curriculum by September.

The assurance was given by education chiefs, including the new Minister the Hon. Clarence Terceira.

They met a 27-strong group of parents at Bermuda College's Stonington campus over the weekend.

Parents have been pressing for youngsters at secondary schools to have equal opportunities.

National PTA President Mrs. Marian Askia said parents wanted education chiefs to be held to their promises.

Yesterday Dr. Terceira revealed: "We gave a guarantee the equalisation of curriculum would happen.'' Dr. Terceira added other concerns raised by the parents -- representing PTAs throughout the Island -- included: Discipline problems; Placing children with special needs in "mainstream'' schools; Training of middle school teachers; Use of condoms at schools; Maintenance and repairs of schools; and Supervision of teachers.

"We really covered a wide spectrum of education,'' said Dr. Terceira, adding it was his first meeting with parents.

"I found it a very worthwhile exercise, and I told the parents during an opening address I had come to listen. It was good to get to know how they were feeling.

"The mood was very good, and I think parents were glad I was participating.'' Among those present were Permanent Secretary to the Education Minister, Dr.

Marion Robinson, and Chief Education Officer, Mr. Dean Furbert.

Dr. Terceira, who recently took over from the Hon. Gerald Simons, said a list of parents' and teachers' concerns had been drawn up.

"We tackled each concern in sequence, and went through the list. There was input from them and the senior education officers.'' Dr. Terceira said a presentation was also given on the timetable for restructuring.

He added he would be meeting parents again in mid-November.