The Ministry of Education has released its much anticipated five-year plan for improving the Island's public schools.

The plan, which was released on Good Friday, puts seven recommendations from the 2007 Hopkins Report into play. It does not suggest Government is to move forward with the closure of middle or primary schools.

Rumours of such radical changes came about after a leaked document named East End Primary, Prospect Primary, Gilbert Institute, Heron Bay Primary and Dalton E. Tucker Primary for possible closure. The document further mentioned shutting middle schools, extending primary school to P7 and adding a year to senior school no such plans are stated in the report.

"There are few greater responsibilities in Government than that of preparing the next generation to make their way successfully in the world," Education Minister El James states in 'Blueprint for Reform in Education'.

"The quality of the education that we offer to our young people is a key determinant not only of their success as individuals, but also our success as a Country. Our greatest national asset is our people and investing in future generations must be one of our highest priorities. The Hopkins review of public education in 2007 made clear that we were not offering our young people a good enough springboard into the world.

"Concerns have been raised, rightly, about standards that our young people achieve and their ability to compete in the global market for both work and further education opportunities."

He continued: "Since the review of public education we have not stood still. Important legislative and administrative changes have been made, and our schools are taking the initiative in driving forward on improving teaching and learning. We have made progress, and we are addressing the challenges facing our education system. The time is now right to set out our detailed priorities and actions which will deliver genuine transformation."

The seven priorities identified for reform include:

¦ implementing an internationally recognised curriculum that is externally assessed;

¦ improving the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom;

¦ strengthening and distributing leadership;

¦ facilitating the improvement of standards via accountability and transparency;

¦ maximising the contribution of parents and community;

¦ improving the efficiency of delivery;

¦ improving the culture and climate of the Department of Education and schools.

As stated in the executive summary, the plan's mission is that the "Bermuda public school system will deliver a rigorous curriculum customised to meet the needs of individual students, using challenging learning experiences, appropriate assessments, and efficient support that holds us all accountable for a quality education in the 21st century."

It continues: "We know that there is a sense of urgency for the Bermuda public school system to deliver a 21st century education which ensures that our students will be able to compete locally and globally. Leadership is critical and a climate of excellence and achievement are expected for students and our professional educators. We are holding all students and professionals accountable for results."