Educators Attend UK Training For Dual Language
This summer, Purvis Primary teachers, along with Acting Principal Enid Furbert-Jacobs and Mrs. Luann Wainwright-Dill, ERU School Transformation Lead for Parish Primary Schools, travelled to the UK for professional development at The Bilingual Primary School in Brighton and Hove.
A Government spokesperson said, “Organised by the Education Reform Unit [ERU] to support education reform, the trip offered professional learning for Purvis Primary, one of the schools undergoing transformation. The Bilingual Primary School, which primarily serves native English speakers, provided valuable insights and experiences for the staff. Purvis Primary, the first Parish Primary School in Bermuda to launch a Dual Language Programme for Year 1 students, aimed to learn from a similar model.
Jon Bates, Vice Principal, Bilingual Primary School, Dena Richardson, Yr 3 Teacher, Purvis Primary, Luann Wainwright-Dill, School Transformation Lead, Parish Primary Schools, Education Reform Unit, Katisuka Guerro, Yr 1 Teacher [Spanish)] Purvis Primary, D’Vonne Ramsay, Yr 2 Teacher [Spanish], Purvis Primary, Enid Furbert Jacobs, Acting Principal, Purvis Primary, Keivonne Simmons, Visual Art Teacher, Purvis Primary & Simon King, Principal, Bilingual Primary School
“During the visit, Purvis Primary teachers engaged in three days of focused learning, collaborating on curriculum, and teaching methods, and creating effective learning environments. They also worked with the Bilingual School’s staff, who support students with diverse abilities, and interacted with the student council to gain insights into bilingual learning.”
Reflecting on the experience, Acting Principal for Purvis Primary, Enid Furbert-Jacobs, stated, “The most impactful experience was seeing how seamlessly language and culture were integrated into the curriculum. Witnessing this firsthand reinforced my belief that our approach to second language learning through content instruction is highly effective.”
Luann Wainwright-Dill added, “This immersive experience was incredibly valuable, giving our team renewed enthusiasm, practical knowledge for daily instruction, and a clearer vision for teaching languages and supporting learners with different needs and abilities.”
Purvis Primary teachers participating in professional development at The Bilingual Primary School in Brighton, UK
“The teachers who travelled to the Bilingual School have been sharing their insights during professional learning sessions this past week with the entire Purvis Primary staff in preparation for the upcoming new school year.
D’Vonne Ramsay, a Year 2 Spanish Teacher, shared, “I learned new methods for helping students learn a second language and become fluent in it. I strongly believe that we are headed in the right direction as a Parish Primary School.”
Minister of Education Diallo Rabain remarked, “The journey by Purvis Primary School’s educators this summer reflects our commitment to education reform. These experiences will strengthen our Dual Language Programme and help prepare our students to succeed in a multicultural, multilingual world. I am confident this professional development will positively impact the students at Purvis Primary.”
“As Purvis Primary continues to develop its dual language programme, it serves as a developing model for other Parish Primary Schools. This experience lays the foundation for innovative practices across our school system. The team looks forward to applying their new knowledge and seeing the positive impact on their students this school year.”
