Saltus Grammar School has launched a new five-year strategic plan while announcing a $500,000 endowment to support experiential learning.

A school spokeswoman said that Compass, the 2026-2031 Strategic Plan offered a framework to help students develop the knowledge, character, competencies and global perspective to succeed.

The spokeswoman said: “It affirms Saltus’ commitment to academic excellence while placing equal emphasis on adaptability, judgment and purposeful engagement with the world beyond school.

“Developed through extensive consultation over the past year, Compass reflects the collective voices of students, parents, faculty, staff, school leadership and the Board of Trustees.

“The result is a shared direction that is ambitious, practical, and deeply rooted in the values and experiences that define a Saltus education.”

Saltus also announced the establishment of the Spirit of Discovery Fund: The Roderick A Ferguson III Endowment, a gift from Martha Ferguson to honour her late husband, who graduated from Saltus in 1969.

The spokeswoman said the endowed fund will serve as a permanent source of support for experiential learning, maritime education, environmental stewardship and innovation.

Mrs Ferguson said: “Rod enjoyed his time at Saltus where he made some lifelong friends.

“Since one of his passions was sailing, I think he would find this fund appropriate and a huge benefit to the current students by providing them with the opportunities to explore their marine inclinations.”

Julie Rousseau, the head of school, said: “This is a powerful example of vision and action coming together.

“Compass provides a clear and inspiring direction for our future, while the Spirit of Discovery Fund creates meaningful opportunities for students to learn through authentic experiences that deepen curiosity, build confidence and strengthen their connection to Bermuda, their community and the wider world.”

The spokeswoman said the endowment will directly advance one of the strategic plan’s limbs by ensuring that learning extends beyond the classroom into authentic, real-world environments.

She said: “Through Saltus Expeditions, students will engage in immersive, place-based learning across Bermuda and beyond, including outdoor education, environmental exploration, community-connected experiences, student exchanges and hands-on inquiry.

“Maritime voyages aboard Spirit of Bermuda and Steam [Science, Technology, Arts and Maths] experiences such as the Miniboat project will further connect students’ learning to Bermuda’s environment, culture and maritime heritage.”