standard -- but tried to assure parents that steps were being taken to lift results.

Acting Education Minister Nelson Bascome said he agreed with Bermuda College vice president Dr. Donald Peters that children were not receiving the schooling they deserved, but said, within time, the Progressive Labour Party would turn it around.

Mr. Bascome was responding to a call from Dr. Peters that the Education Ministry be disbanded and the whole system revolutionised to include a new curriculum and exam structure.

The Royal Gazette revealed yesterday how 70 percent of students who applied to do courses at the college did not meet the required standard and many students graduated with an average ability of a 13 year old.

Dr. Peters claimed the system in place in public schools was not rigorous or demanding enough and said Government had a big enough budget to put the problems right.

But last night, Mr. Bascome said improvements had already been made and urged parents to have confidence in the public school system.

"Looking at the remarks made by Dr. Peters, I would say they only amplify the reasons why the Ministry of Education has moved rapidly in its first 18 months to try and turn it around,'' said Mr. Bascome.

"We recognise that we inherited a system that had a number of gaps in its delivery.

"But, just in the 18 months that we have governed, there are now some key things in place for rehabilitation of the system.

"Dr. Peters' remarks are ones that we will not allow to go unnoticed, but we also recognise, and hope he recognises too, that there are a number of initiatives in place to enhance it.'' Mr. Bascome ruled out Dr. Peters' suggestion that a new curriculum and exam structure be adopted from abroad, such as from Hong Kong, St.Lucia or England, and said the Ministry of Education would continue as normal.

But he said the Bermuda curriculum was under review in conjunction with a number of outside agencies and overseas experts and some changes had already been made, as well as a steering group being formed.

The Government, he added, had already begun to shrink class sizes in primary schools and had put in place additional learning materials and programmes for english language, mathematics, literacy and art. And he said additional teaching support had been put into primary schools for the last semester, which may become a long-term initiative if proved valuable.

He said teachers of maths, social studies and science were being offered extra training, and partnerships were being formed with businesses.

Mr. Bascome added: "We recognise that improvements were needed and still need to be made, but we have not been asleep -- we are moving on several initiatives.

"To turn a system that had so many problems around will not happen over night. My children have, and are, going through the public education system and I will continue to support it. The future of education in Bermuda is public school.'' If you have an opinion please contact Karen Smith at 295-5881 Ext. 260 or email editorial y gazette.newsmedia.bm