claimed yesterday.

And he outlined a picture of an educational system in crisis while the Government turns a blind eye.

The male teacher -- who asked not to be identified -- said two teachers at Warwick Secondary had recently resigned because they could not stand the pressure.

The claims came only days after Bermuda Union of Teachers chief Michael Charles warned the discipline break-down in Island schools was so bad, a teacher could die unless tough action was taken to curb schoolroom thugs.

He was speaking after a teacher at Warwick Secondary was allegedly assaulted by a male pupil.

Only minutes after the pupil stormed out of the classroom, a bottle was allegedly thrown through the window, injuring another pupil above the eye.

In an earlier incident, a teacher was allegedly hit by a concrete block thrown by another pupil.

But the Warwick teacher said: "It's a lot worse than has been said -- there's a lot goes on the public doesn't get to hear about.'' And he admitted: "I'm afraid to walk into the building. I'm always looking over my shoulder.

"There's violence against teachers and students are violent towards other students. It's a complete nightmare. I know of teachers who have taken time off with mental problems because they just need to get away from it all.'' He claimed teachers at Warwick Secondary had received threats, not only against themselves, but their families as well.

He said: "Pupils are anti-social, aggressive and violent. They don't even understand the importance of passing a class.

"There's not a lot being done about it by school management or the Education Ministry. But everybody feels totally overwhelmed by the problem.'' The teacher added: "I spend very little time teaching -- it takes all my time trying to control the pupils' behaviour.'' Warwick Secondary principal Mrs. Patricia Holder was yesterday off the Island.

Deputy principal Dr. Earl Hart declined to comment on the teacher's claims.

But Education Minister, the Hon. Jerome Dill, denied the Government was ignoring classroom violence.

He said a number of measures were already in place to tackle pupil aggression and a new Code of Conduct, which will cover drug abuse and violence would be introduced during this Parliamentary session.

Mr. Dill admitted: "We do have a problem and I'm prepared to do all I can to work on it.'' He said he had already had meetings with Bermuda Union of Teachers leaders and representatives of school principals.

Mr. Dill added that he did not want to reveal what measures to curb classrooom thugs would be introduced until consultations were completed.

But he warned: "We have to take this matter seriously. Schools are for learning and if kids are going to be disruptive -- and we have done everything we can in the school environment -- then the school environment is maybe not where they ought to be.''