which allows their students to get hands-on work experience in a particular science field. A major departure from the traditional way of teaching science, this approach provides activity-based science, according to head of the science department Mr. Owen Roberts. "Traditionally, science students are taught in the classroom and they do small exercises outside. But such a system doesn't lend itself to thinking. It's more a regurgitation of facts,'' he said. "This programme requires us to set up a student-mentorship with community agents. It's an investigative science course for first and second year students, which we would like to eventually open to the entire school.'' Last year, the science department organised the modules to be studied, which were adapted to coincide with what is required by the Bermuda Secondary School Certificate (BSSC). And this year, the plan will be put into action. One of the main emphasis in science education is not only to provide science literate citizens but to foster scientific careers, said Mr. Roberts. "And the student-mentorship gives students the opportunity to work alongside scientists or scientifically related professionals.'' Sandys contacted various organisations last year in hopes of placing students in scientific work environments. And in April, students will start moving into these areas, said Mr. Roberts. Ten students are now being selected to participate in the programme from the school's second year class. Said Mr. Roberts: "This is a pilot programme and to guarantee success, we must make it manageable. Also, we don't want to tax the institutions involved. So we're only choosing a limited number of second year students. King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and the Bermuda Electric Light Company have both agreed to participate in the scheme.

Cable & Wireless and the Bermuda Telephone Company have yet to be contacted, noted Mr. Roberts. But the focus in the hospital will be on units like Dialysis and the Haematology laboratory. "Students will work with technicians in the lab in order to understand the process of investigation and analysis,'' said Mr. Roberts. "And Belco will provide an engineering point of view.'' The student-mentorship programme is expected to help students gain career insight, give students a meaningful experience, and build their self-worth by allowing them the chance to work alongside a professional. "We are not focusing on content,'' said Mr. Roberts. "The purpose is to promote field experience in a scientific environment. We want to provide relevance and meaning in science -- students should see it as a part of everyday life.'' Selected students will be involved in the business relationship for approximately 12 hours, which will be divided up into time periods to suit participating organisations.

"Students can reach their 12-hour requirements in one week or one month. It depends on how businesses can accommodate them. So student activity will be varied,'' said Mr. Roberts. The student-mentorship involves guidance on the part of scientific professionals in terms of the students' work, career aspirations and student direction. Institutions must be ready to give time, said Mr. Roberts. "They will be given guidelines in which to evaluate the students on both affective and social aspects. "Students will be rated on their work ethics in the work environment,'' he said, adding that the project is different than regular day release programmes because students gain apprentice-type work experience. Participating students will follow-up by sharing their experiences in an oral presentation, noted Mr. Roberts. They will also keep a journal of all associated activity. "If this works in a positive way, we can suggest it to the Ministry of Education. And perhaps it can be included in the school science system,'' he said. "It can be prescribed at a particular year level.''