Christopher Swan is the physics and combined science teacher at the Berkeley Institute and every school day he aims to make a difference to his students. He loves his work and strives to teach with a quiet passion.

It is rare to meet someone who shows so much interest in science and math who is not a scientist in a sophisticated lab at a huge corporation. Mr. Swan has been teaching physics and science at Berkeley for the past seven years. He has been the Project Ride and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme supervisors during that time.

He is very excited about B.TEC at the school and has been participating in the B.TEC, formerly the XL Bermuda Education Initiative, for the last five years.

"In the beginning I used to go along with the mathematics teacher and eventually there was an opening for science teachers to received similar training. Teachers in the local public system collaborate with leading educators from leading universities such as the University of Virginia and Stanford.

"The latest technologies are utilised and lessons are planned and prepared to give students a chance to experience and understand how actual science conduct experiments," he explained.

He says that the students react to the technology very positively. Most of the students are used to the video games and other technological advances. However, this is the school's chance to give students real experiences with actual events.

Teachers from many disciplines are involved with B.TEC such as computer science, social science, mathematics and science.

"In this way the students are able to utilise B.TEC in all of their subject areas. Research papers are written, particular web sites are explored, web pages are designed, computerised microscopes and telescopes are used. Interestingly, videoconferences are made and students are able to go on virtual voyages around the world!

"I believe that our school, along with CedarBridge Academy, has the opportunity to give its students experiences that they may not receive at many other institutions. B.TEC has a very bright future in Bermuda's school and I certainly recommend it," Mr. Swan said.

The focus of computer training in his classroom is the XL Powerpoint. He uses tutorials for graphs through technology, especially on the boat project with Tyco Sail and he works closely with CedarBridge's Saleem Talbot.

B.TEC has thrust Berkeley into the forefront of computer science education as many students videoconference with scientists around the world.

When asked how many students are involved with B.TEC at Berkeley Mr. Swan said:

"The whole school uses it from programme presentation, word processing and the popular computerised microscopes. These microscopes were made as toys but science teachers appreciated their value. I picked this up from B.TEC."

Mr. Swan feels the B.TEC system offers cutting edge technology and that it has a bright future in Bermuda as it allows the student to keep up to date. It is even helping him as he is hoping to pursue a Master's Degree in Instructural Technology this September through the computer classroom.

"It is so exciting to see students embracing technology. They love to set up our computerised telescope! I have been a motivator to these students and motivating students is one of my priorities as a teacher.

"Some students receive knowledge so easily while others have to work a little harder. I show empathy as a teacher. I like for my students to embrace science in an interesting way. They identify well with me because I am relatively young. They even make video clips from their presentations," he said.

Mr. Swan holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Clark Atlanta University majoring in physics with a minor in math obtained May 1993.

He worked with the Ministry of Education Summer Day Camp as programme assistant supervisor responsible for the daily running of the seven-week Summer Day Camp Programme June 1994 to August 1996.

Mr. Swan was posted at the St. George's Secondary School as a long-term substitute teacher teaching mathematics from January 1994 to June 1994.

During year 2000 he was a Teacher of the Year finalist and received an honourable mention and he received the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme Award Leaders Training Course and a Caribbean Expedition Leaders and Assessors Course Certificate July 1997.

Mr. Swan is a devoted family person with his wife, Selena and their two children, Christia and Sadeo.

"Sometimes my life is very hectic but I try to always be there for my family. We enjoy sharing quality time together and we learn together. I believe in mentoring my children and my students as much as I can. I love to see people accomplish goals,'' concluded Mr. Swan.

It has been said that "to accomplish great things, we must not only act but also dream, not only dream but also believe". Mr. Swan's thinking is the epitome of this philosophy.