US Sailing & Endeavour Host STEAM Training
Endeavour, a Bermuda-registered charity that builds self-confidence and life skills by engaging diverse youth from across Bermuda in experiential learning through sailing, partnered with US Sailing’s Reach Initiative for STEAM educator training for public school educators from across Bermuda.
A spokesperson said, “US Sailing’s Reach Initiative utilises sailing as an educational platform, inspiring youth to embrace education, establish a love of learning and explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math or STEAM careers.
“Endeavour’s partnership with US Sailing Reach offers teachers and sailing instructors across Bermuda with opportunities to network and exchange ideas while building their knowledge and tools related to engaging students of all abilities.
“Since 2015, 120 educators from across Bermuda have completed the US Sailing Reach STEM Educator Course in partnership with Endeavour enhancing their teaching strategies for engaging youth with diverse learning abilities in STEAM Education through Sailing.
“This year’s cohort of public school educators who completed the full-day training included:
- Cleveland Richardson, M1 Social Studies and Year Head Advisor, Whitney Institute Middle School
- Enid Furbert-Jacobs, Principal, Purvis Primary
- Gabby Jackson, PE Teacher at Sandys Secondary Middle School
- Wesley Hall, Y7 Advisor and Language Arts Teacher, Purvis Primary
- Yackeisha Weir-Robinson, Science Teacher at Purvis Primary and Francis Patton School
Enid Furbert-Jacobs, Principal of Purvis Primary shared, “As an administrator, I was delighted to experience firsthand the STEAM lessons our students engage in with the Endeavour team. The programme encourages a sense of wonder and promotes the essential skills of critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity through a hands-on approach. The connection to STEAM and sailing allows the students to enrich their lives while learning and having fun. I encourage all educators to participate and join in with the learning!”
The spokesperson said, “Teacher chaperones support their students’ participation in Endeavour STEAM Education through Sailing Programme engaging in the activities on and off the water alongside their students and collectively giving over 1,400 hours each school year. The experience not only helps students build on what they are learning at school but also enhances relationships with teachers outside of the classroom.
“100% of teachers who provided their feedback about their experience believe that Endeavour’s STEAM activities align with their lesson plans and in-class curriculum.”
Wesley Hall, Purvis Primary Y7 Advisor said, “I would like to thank the Endeavour team for an excellent maritime experience in the Endeavour STEAM Education through Sailing Programme. The students were fully engaged throughout their time, actively participating in all indoor and outdoor sessions. Many of them expressed that they had a great time learning and left excited. The one common improvement from our students was that they wished they could stay longer at Endeavour! Endeavour and its core values tie in seamlessly into our current Year 7 curriculum and so this experience will have a lasting impact on our group. I also discovered that it highlighted common areas for improvement such as communication, speaking with good purpose and building up one another. The use of sailing fundamentals provided added discipline and environmental appreciation that is essential as global citizens. Thank you again for helping us to create great memories for our students in a safe and meaningful way.”
The spokesperson said, “Endeavour team members also took part in the hands-on workshop including young Bermudians who completed the Endeavour Maritime Springboard Programme and are working with Endeavour as Programme Instructor Interns to gain teaching experience and continue to expand their knowledge and skills.”
Tre’sure Nanette, 2022 Endeavour Maritime Springboard Grad and Endeavour Programme Instructor shared, “This opportunity enabled me to build my knowledge of different ways of teaching and enhance my understanding of how students connect with what we are teaching to be able to better support their learning and development at Endeavour.
“This collaboration beautifully illustrates our efforts to use sailing as a platform for comprehensive education,” says Stu Gilfillen, Director of Education at US Sailing. “We appreciate the opportunity to bring the Reach Initiative to Bermuda and are excited to see how educators will apply these new strategies to engage students in STEAM subjects using sailing as the platform.”
The spokesperson said, “Endeavour is committed to working together to foster a diverse and inclusive community that ensures opportunities are accessible to Bermuda’s youth of all backgrounds, skills and abilities toward a more equitable future for all. Students participate in Endeavour’s school programmes at no cost to themselves, funded by the generous support from Endeavour’s donors. This ensures that youth across all backgrounds have equal access to be exposed to the life-changing educational experiences and skills development opportunities provided by Endeavour’s programmes.
“Endeavour partnered with US Sailing and the Bermuda Ministry of Education to develop a STEAM education curriculum aligned with Cambridge Curriculum mathematics and science learning objectives that are implemented in Bermuda’s public schools to enrich the learning experience while engaging students of all abilities and diverse learning styles.
“By incorporating sailing into STEAM education, Endeavour uses innovative ways to inspire young people of all abilities to discover a love for learning and explore the evolving world around them while fostering a greater interest in STEAM education through real-world applications. Endeavour’s STEAM through sailing modules include learning about sailing geometry, buoyancy, the power of wind and wind measurement, simple machines and mechanical advantage, ocean conservation, sailing fundamentals and Bermuda’s maritime heritage.
“Since 2015, over 5,000 students from Bermuda’s public, private and home schools have engaged in Endeavour’s STEAM Education through Sailing Programme building their understanding of STEAM concepts applicable through sailing and inquiry-based, hands-on learning.
“During the 2023-2024 academic year, 75% of students reported an increased understanding of STEAM concepts with 91% stating they are more interested in learning about science and 83% indicating they are more interested in learning about math after completing Endeavour’s STEAM Education through Sailing programme. 71% reported they were more aware of STEAM career pathways as a result of participating in the programme.
“Students who complete the five-day programme also develop life skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving and leadership as well as build their self-confidence on and off the water. 100% of students reported they increased their ability to work as a team and 70% of students stated they felt more confident as a result of their participation during the 2023-2024 school year.”
Endeavour’s Executive Director, Jennifer Pitcher stated, “Endeavour is proud to partner with the Ministry of Education and US Sailing’s Reach Initiative to bring learning enrichment opportunities to Bermuda’s educators while enhancing teaching techniques and strategies to maximise students’ learning experiences.
“We are incredibly grateful to our lead founding partner, Orbis Investments for their unwavering commitment and support of Endeavour’s work. We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the following donors who join Orbis in supporting our STEAM Education through Sailing Programme: Arch Capital Group Ltd., BF&M Ltd., PwC Bermuda, L&F Indemnity Limited, Centennial Bermuda Foundation, Oakley Capital Investments, Everen Group, Chubb Charitable Foundation – Bermuda, Butterfield, Butterfield & Vallis, and the XL Foundation. Special thanks to PartnerRe Ltd. for their support of Endeavour and the US Sailing Reach Educator Course specifically for Bermuda’s educators. Your support and generosity is truly making a difference in the lives of so many young people across our community!”
“To learn more about Endeavour’s programmes that positively impact diverse young lives across Bermuda, visit www.endeavour.bm.”
