Premier visits GREAT graduates

Earlier today the Premier, the Hon. Michael Dunkley JP, MP, attended the latest round of GREAT graduations at Somerset and West End Primary schools.

The public will recall that the GREAT Elementary School pilot programme was re-introduced this past January. The programme is designed for P5 and P6 students and consists of six 30- to 45-minute lessons. The goal of the programme is to help students practice developing positive solutions and appropriate decision making when faced with tough decisions.

The Premier said today, “I was honoured to attend a special joint assembly today at Somerset Primary to celebrate the G.R.E.A.T graduations for the students of Somerset and West End Primary Schools. The students gave testimonials on how they enjoyed participating in group discussions and role playing as they learned to communicate messages clearly, control their anger and to respect others.

“GREAT continues our efforts to introduce effective strategies to impress upon the youngest members of our community that there are better alternatives to gang violence and anti-social behaviour. At its core, GREAT is designed to do two things; build positive relationships between students and the Bermuda Police Service, and it also provides our children with solutions and appropriate decision making skills. We are pleased to do whatever we can to prepare our youth for the tools to make positive lifestyle choices and to make valuable contributions to this community.”

One special feature of the curriculum is the activity about bullying behaviors. This activity uses a pervasive and realistic problem to prompt student discussion and the development of positive solutions.

To date, the pilot programme has been rolled out in the following schools:

• Elliot Primary

• Gilbert Institute

• Harrington Sound Primary

• Paget Primary

• Prospect Primary

• Somerset Primary

• Victor Scott Primary

• West End Primary

Over 200 students have participated in the G.R.E.A.T programme during this school year.