New Education and Development Minister Paula Cox is preparing for a busy few weeks ahead meeting principals, teachers and union representatives on the Island.

And she will start today by meeting with the principals of middle schools to discuss a range of issues, including raising expectations of pupils and teachers and Government plans to streamline the curriculum.

She said she planned to head up her new ministry in the same way she did her previous department, Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety, and that was by getting out and listening to the people.

Ms Cox told The Royal Gazette: "With education, we have to make sure we talk to people. I believe that's part of the process. In terms of how I will deal with the ministry, it will mirror very much previously, when I started with Labour and Home Affairs.

"I have to meet the people - and not just the senior officers and technical people at headquarters, but also the principals at various schools and unions.

"I am going to have a very heavy agenda of meetings in coming weeks."

But the new education minister said she also planned to continue in the same manner - by keeping the lines of communication open.

She added: "My view is that we have got to communicate more. Senior officers have so much to offer, we have to raise the level of debate."

But she said she was also aware that everybody, in all walks of life, believed they had the answers when it came to how the education system in Bermuda should be operated, and so she was looking forward to getting to the bottom of the real options and ways ahead.

And although she had no pervious experience working in education, she said she understood fully how important education was in Bermuda.

Ms Cox added: "I have a respect and appreciation for what education can do for you. It is very empowering. Education is the ticket.

"This is what we need to get across to our young people."