students. In previous years, people from various sectors of the business community would visit the school to share career experiences with the students. But this year the career committee arranged for primary seven students to be placed on a job site for one morning during education month in February. Career committee co-ordinator, Mrs. Sharon Merlo said placing young students in a business environment is a motivator and it reinforces children's goals. "It tells children we value them. And it makes them realise that one day they'll have to work for a living,'' she said. "It also adds meaning to what they're doing in school. The students see that school has a purpose.'' Thirty-one primary seven students were placed in various companies on February 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Students at the primary seven level are usually interested in a broad area rather than a particular job, said Mrs. Merlo. "So we tried to focus on careers that require some qualifications while still directing students to their area of interest,'' she said. The business community's response for participation in the school programme was favourable.

"Every firm said yes,'' noted Mrs. Merlo. "I was so pleased with the public response. And I want the companies to be recognised. "I think this sort of programme should become a community concept where it becomes the norm for primary students to visit businesses,'' she added. "The earlier you can expose children to career options, the better.'' Businesses involved in the Paget Primary programme included Johnson & Higgins, D & J Construction, the Aquarium, Bermuda Customs, Information Services, various government pre-schools, West End Primary School, the Department of Education, the police department, veterinarian Dr. Thomas James, general practitioner Dr. Moore, the Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Helicopters Ltd., Horizons, LaSalle Re Ltd., Bermuda Motors, Cardoza's Garage, Benetton and Terracutta hair salon. Students later shared their experiences with the class in a review session. "We talked about what they learned and what impressed them. I think the students really enjoyed themselves. And they behaved well,'' noted Mrs. Merlo. Paget Primary School also inspired students from primary one to primary seven with various career activities throughout education month. Many parents are visiting the school this month to talk to students about their careers, said career committee coordinator, Mrs. Jackie Tailford. "We also encouraged older children to research their career choice -- either in the classroom or outside of school -- so they are more familiar with it.'' A special grub day has also been organised for February 24, 1995, where all students will come dressed in the clothes that represent their choice of occupation.

"Students will dress in the clothes that represent what they want to do,'' said Mrs. Tailford. "For instance, they may come dressed as firemen or nurses and doctors,'' she noted.

The primary students are also participating in the main education event on Sunday, February 26, 1995 at Bermuda College's Stonington campus. Each student is preparing a paper doll featuring a picture of them outfitted in clothes which represent their career choice, said Mrs. Tailford.

The pictures will be joined together in a large collage, which will be displayed at the Stonington campus and dubbed "The future is in our hands.'' PILOT PROJECT -- Paget Primary student Jordan Outerbridge checks out the helicopter business.