Technical education is enjoying a resurgence at the Berkeley Institute - with talented teenagers making the most of the new facility to create an array of items.

Visitors to the Pembroke senior school can view a stunning selection of students’ work in an exhibition space in the main entrance hall.

The area - featuring carpentry, fashion, electronics and a display on international cuisine - reveals the hard work and dedication that pupils have put into the practical subjects over the past year.

Principal Michelle Simmons told The Royal Gazette that the new multi-million dollar school building, which opened last September, allowed much more scope for technical education.

“We didn’t have the facilities before,” she said. “Now we have got the workshop and supporting classrooms there is so much more that has been done and that can be done.

“It’s been an exciting thing to watch this programme develop and to see the interest generated in our students. There were some students probably contemplating making this year their last but the fire has been lit and they have signed up for more advanced courses next year.”

Trevor Haynes, instructional team leader for technical subjects, explained that students from senior one to four are taught in mixed-age classes and can gain certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research, which is affiliated to the University of Florida. “They have four classes a week, practical and theory,” he said.

S4 student Bakari Robinson, from Smith’s, discovered he had a serious talent for carpentry when he tried his hand at designing and making a pine garden bench.

The 17-year-old put countless hours of work into his creation - and it shows. “I was working on this for about three months,” he said. “One time I stayed after school until 9.30 p.m. at night. I never stay at school so late!

“No one has ever done anything like this in high school so it feels an accomplishment. It’s made me more focused. If I can do this, I can do a lot.”

Fellow students Evandre Smith and Ian Lim, both 16, from Pembroke, made an unusual wooden chair after measuring the dimensions of one at Ian’s home, while Cameron Joseph, 15, from Southampton, created an eye-catching tray with useful finger holes for carrying. Aden Peets, 15, from Pembroke, carved a sturdy wooden lamp base.

Electronics teacher Greg Forde, who came to the Island from Barbados in January, said he was impressed with Berkeley’s facilities and its students.

“These kids are very privileged,” he said. “They have the latest in technology, the best teachers and the best facilities. But these kids did all this stuff themselves. They are learning new technologies and will have a head start on other kids when they leave school.”

He said two of his students - Duane Talbot and Kai Edwards - deserved special mention for their hard work. “The earlier you start technical education, the better,” added Mr. Forde. “Really hands-on stuff is the best.” Mrs. Simmons said additional subjects were likely to be included in next year’s curriculum. “We are really pleased with the growth of the technical programme. The students had to come up with their own designs and Mr. Haynes encouraged them to think outside of the box and think big. The results are really impressive.”