In one of the first programmes for the new Institute for Talented Students, locally based actuaries from some of the world's leading insurance companies have volunteered to provide maths tuition.

Riquette Bonne-Smith, founder and executive director of the institute says:

"I think it's a great opportunity for businesses to come to the classroom at an early stage and teach children to enjoy and appreciate mathematics.

If we can develop interest within that group of academically talented students, it may motivate them to pursue further studies within the field of mathematics."

Recognising that Bermuda has the highest percentage of actuaries per capita in the world, Ms Bonne-Smith decided to tap into this unique pool of talent.

As mathematics experts, actuaries are ideally qualified to teach the select group of students aged 10-14 about maths. The students will also be given the unique opportunity, to learn about maths as applied in an insurance context.

One of the chief actuaries at Scottish Annuity and Life, Mike Gabon, has co-ordinated the group of actuaries which includes, Ted Dew of Chubb Re, Patrick Lesage of Everest Re, Jim McNichols of XL Capital, Dale Mensik of Hampton Re and Dianna Williams of XL Financial Assurance.

Also participating but not pictured are Greg Haft of Chubb Re, Arie Haziza of Ernst & Young and David Whiting of Swiss Re.