Next Wednesday 6,200 students will head back to school for the start of another school year.

And, according to Education Minister Terry Lister, this school year will be off to a good start on after six of the Island's primary schools received extensive makeover jobs with new paint, carpeting, windows and gymnasium flooring.

Harrington Sound Primary, St. David's Primary, Southampton Pre-School, Elliott Primary School, West End and the Victor Scott were all redecorated as part of a joint effort by the Ministry of Education and Works and Engineering. This week Mr. Lister, accompanied the media and school officials on a tour of Victor Scott, which has been painted in bold shades of yellow, green and blue, both inside and out.

Students and teachers will also be able to enjoy use of a renovated gymnasium and such facilities as a dance studio, a computer lab, and a teacher resource room. Bright colours make the inside of the school cheerfully and airy, a welcome relief to what one person described as dreary, "nicotine stained walls". The school's 97-year-old founder Edna May Scott also joined in the tour yesterday afternoon.

Principal Dr. Gina Tucker said she worked to develop an environment that is comfortable and inspiring for her students after she became principal at the school, formerly known as Central School, four years ago. The makeover at Victor Scott was estimated to cost up to $60,000.

Part of Dr. Tucker's vision is the development of a Performing Arts Academy, and she has already set aside a wing of the building to accommodate student dressing rooms and studios.

"We know that self-esteem and discipline go hand in hand and that in order for them to succeed they must feel good about themselves," she said. "We are expecting the new renovations will pay off big time so the students are successful and can achieve high standards."

Mr. Lister said he was pleased with the school's new look.

"This is a key school in the school system," he said.

"A great number of Bermudians have passed through this school. We are pleased to be to restore it to a high standard and keep it in line with Dr. Tucker's progressive vision for the school."