To some it symbolises the end of an era for schools rich in tradition. To others it means the beginning of a public school system which is truly equal in opportunity for every student.

But whatever the viewpoint about Government's education restructuring plans, it is clear that the state of Bermuda's future depends on its success.

And few are more aware of this than those who have been entrusted to lead the way at the pivotal point of the new system, the middle school level. The Royal Gazette , in a week-long series beginning today, will share the Island's first middle school principals' reflections on the past system and their hopes and aims for the new.

As the granddaughter of one of Whitney Institute's original students, Gail Graham has an inherent attachment to the school.

It is evident when she talks about the 114-year-old institution of learning on Middle Road in Smith's Parish which will maintain its name, uniform and creed.

Still beaming with pride after 25 years at the school, Mrs. Graham represents teachers who view their jobs as a vocation and students as their own children.

She began teaching in the 1960s and her career with Whitney in 1972.

"When I first joined the staff here was largely an expat staff,'' she recalled. "We used to bring teachers from the UK by the charter flights. Now it is about 80 percent Bermudian.'' This was one of the many dramatic changes Mrs. Graham, who took up the head post in 1990, has experienced in the profession during the past 30 years.

She also remembers school integration during the 1960s and the introduction of the Bermuda Secondary School Certificate or BSSC.

"In 1972, we were just coming to terms with being a four-form entry school, having lost the primary department which was amalgamated with Harrington Sound,'' she noted.

"We started out as a primary school and before Roger B. Chaffee we had most of the US children. Back then we were an all-white school until integration in the mid sixties.

"But integration was not an issue. What has shaped our course was the development of BSSC.

"At the time it was introduced, we knew the GCE (General Certificate of Education) would be phased out and the trend was growing for students to go to the US.'' With the introduction of the BSSC, the high school curriculum became more unified, Mrs. Graham explained.

"When I first started teaching, in 1964 at another school, there was no such thing as a curriculum,'' said the former English Language teacher. "You made the decision on what was taught.

"The BSSC has helped in some ways, but hindered in others.'' The programme placed emphasis on "heavy content'' subjects such as history and geography and made them less relatable, Mrs. Graham said. But it also required more staff involvement.

"The methods of testing and assessment have changed,'' she also noted. "In its original testing all subjects depended on the final exam. But now there's an awful lot of portfolio work taking place where you can better assess students who freeze when taking exams.'' And Mrs. Graham said she looked forward to the middle school programme which focussed more on the student's ability to use what they learned, rather than on regurgitating facts.

The middle school programme encourages teachers and students -- between the ages of 11 and 14 -- to build a link between the nurturing influences of the primary school and the complexities of learning in a high school.

During the typical middle school day students will arrive at 8.30 a.m. and spend at least the first half hour in a group of 15 to 20 students with their advisory teacher.

"During this period they do various activities that will enable them to function in a group and as an individual,'' Mrs. Graham explained. "For example, there will be self-esteem building activities and they will be able to discuss any problems or burning issues they have. They can also use the time to catch up on homework or to do special assignments. The advisor is there as their advocate.'' After that period, students will spend two to two-and-a-half hours with team teachers (a group of teachers who give lessons all focussing on a specific topic) doing the four core subjects -- language arts (English), social studies, mathematics, social studies, and science.

After the core period, there will be a block of exploratory subjects such as drama, art, music. And physical education and health will be offered every other day.

Staggered lunch breaks will also replace the regimented lunch hour, Mrs.

Graham said. Therefore all students will not be roaming the property at the same time.

Comparing the atmosphere of the school in the past to what is expected, she said: "If you were in the hall back then there would have been a hand bell and teachers' could be heard conducting their lessons. And each child would have been sitting quietly behind the other in rows.

"Now you will find them in groups (cooperative learning) and therefore a little noisier.'' Mrs. Graham, who has been studying middle schools for the past ten years, added: "I'm confident that it is best for the students and Bermuda.'' But she admitted that not all changes she has witnessed among students has been for the better.

"Children back then would admit something was their fault,'' she said.

"Today they do not. I don't know where that comes from. And we see that attitude from parents.

"Back then if a child got into trouble at school, they pretty much got into twice as much trouble at home.'' Parents' attitude to some extent had also changed, she added.

"Parental involvement has strongly declined,'' Mrs. Graham noted. "While we still have a wonderful small group of dedicated parents, many are not involved for various reasons, mainly social.

"They're busy with their own lives. Some are busy just trying to earn a living.

"Traditionally, parents who had a bad school career are reluctant to come to school.

"Parents are tragically losing contact with their children.'' Mrs. Graham said the cultural ethos among young people had also changed.

"It's no longer cool to be smart,'' she said.

This, she added, was why she believed it was important to acknowledge students' achievements both privately and publicly, including those who have shown improvement.

Each year at graduation, Whitney students were required to write an information sheet, including three achievements during their school career of which they were proud and what they would like to be.

Mrs. Graham said: "Five years ago almost every child wanted to be an accountant. This year there's a whole range, from a plumber to the Premier.

"I think they are becoming more aware of the opportunities available to them.'' She also pointed out that Whitney graduates were excelling in all walks of life. Among them are Shadow Youth and Sport Minister Nelson Bascome and Youthnet Cornell Fubler.

Mrs. Graham admitted that despite a great teaching staff and PTA, it was interaction with the older students that she will miss most.

"I will miss graduations,'' she said. "I will miss interacting with the older students.'' She will also miss preparing students for the annual high school quiz contest which Whitney frequently participated in.

But she stressed that she realised the change from a high school to a middle school was best for Whitney.

"This is one more step in our evolution,'' she said. "When I am totally frustrated I'm leaving tomorrow. But I want the middle school up and running.'' And concerning the overall restructuring, Mrs. Graham said: "My fervent hope is that it will be good for Bermuda because it is going to enable more students to complete their education.

"It should also lessen the drop-out rate, raise standards, and create better citizens.'' Whitney Fact File Whitney Middle School Number of students: approximately 385 Number of teachers: 28 School uniform: Colours, tie, and school crest will remain the same, but students can wear a white polo shirt with the school name or regular school shirts School motto: Magnanimitre Sustine Crucem which loosely translates as Keep the Faith.

Gail Graham