Saltus Grammar Receives BC Ministry Approval
Saltus Grammar School has received confirmation from representatives of the British Columbia Ministry of Education that it meets the criteria to become a BC Offshore School.
A spokesperson said, “A recent visit by representatives from the British Columbia [BC] Ministry of Education confirmed that Saltus Grammar School meets the requirements to become a BC Offshore School and is poised to offer the BC Curriculum starting in September 2024.
“Visiting Saltus were Grant Sheppard, Executive Director of Independent Schools and International Education, and Alan Schroeder, Director of International Education from the BC Ministry of Education. Throughout their visit, they conducted a thorough evaluation of the school’s operations. Together with the Head of School, Julie Rousseau, they also had the opportunity to meet with Bermuda’s Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, who offered his congratulations to Saltus for taking this next step in its transition to the BC Curriculum.
“Alan Schroeder, Director of International Education shared that the ministry is pleased to welcome Saltus into the global network of BC Offshore schools. Coming to Bermuda to visit Saltus has allowed them to verify curricular programming, see the breadth of the facilities, witness the school operations first-hand, and meet with various stakeholders in the community. Of particular note was the strong alignment of the school’s educational approach to the BC Curriculum.
“The team recognised Saltus for its ongoing commitment to instilling in its students the confidence that they can become responsible citizens of the world and empowering students to develop future-ready skills including critical thinking, collaboration, communication, citizenship, and character.
Lisa Desilva, Leader of Education Reform Unit; Grant Sheppard, Executive Director of Independent Schools and International Education, BC Ministry of Education; Minister of Education Diallo Rabain, Alan Schroeder, Director of International Education, BC Ministry of Education; Julie Rousseau, Saltus Head of School; Jasmin Smith, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education; and Jesse Sheppard, Saltus Director of Curriculum. Photo courtesy of Alex Masters.
“This visit from BC Ministry of Education representatives marks the next step in the transition to the BC curriculum slated to begin for the 2024-25 academic school year. With quality assurance in mind, BC Ministry officials will return to Saltus this fall to begin an annual cycle of school inspection.”
Commenting on the success of this visit, Ms. Julie Rousseau, Head of School, said, “This is an exciting time for Saltus. We announced our move to the BC Curriculum last April and our faculty and staff have been working hard in preparation for this shift in curriculum. Additionally, in February we completed a successful accreditation visit from the Canadian Accredited Independent Schools [CAIS] and the New England Accredited Schools & Colleges [NEASC]. Receiving this additional seal of approval from the BC Ministry of Education means that we are obtain to have triple accreditation status.
“Each of these educational bodies requires us to meet exacting standards and follow a regular cycle of review. With this, Saltus families have the added assurance that we are delivering on our promise to provide a rigorous academic programme while adhering to defined international educational standards. We are dedicated to ensuring that Saltus students, from Foundation through to graduation, are provided with the best educational journey and have a well established path to success.
“We are confident that Saltus and its students will benefit from the rigor of the academic programming that the BC curriculum offers and the assurance that its graduates are accepted to prestigious universities in the UK, Canada, the United States, and throughout the world.”
The spokesperson said, “Saltus will begin offering the BC Curriculum from Foundation to Year 10 for the start of the 2024-25 academic school year. The programme will continue to progress incrementally to the senior grades each subsequent year. Graduates in the 2027-28 school year will be the first to be awarded the British Columbia Dogwood Diploma.
“Saltus will continue to offer its signature Reggio-inspired programme at the Lower Primary and Advanced Placement [AP] Courses for Senior students on their path to graduation. These programmes effectively complement the BC Curriculum and provide a strong continuity of learning. Until the BC Curriculum is fully transitioned to all year levels, the school will continue to offer a rigorous [i] GCSE and SGY programme for its senior students and support them through to successful graduation.”
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