Primary Five Social Studies Field Trip • News

WRITTEN BY Tracey Richardson ON May 15, 2024

Dear Meredith Lombardo

This is our first edition of The Scoop this year due to technical difficulties, and as it is Heritage Month, we thought we would share the story of our Black History Month field trip with over 200 students this past February!

We are delighted to support such a meaningful experience that not only educates but inspires our students. The collaboration with these community partners exemplifies our collective commitment to offering diverse and enriching educational experiences outside of the classroom.

Sincerely

Mrs. Kalmar Richards

Commissioner of Education

An Engaging Historical Learning Experience for Over 200 Students

The Department of Education was proud to collaborate with Friends of St Peter’s Church Charity, the African Diaspora Heritage Trail Foundation and the Bermuda National Trust to deliver an enlightening learning experience, "The Development of Slavery in Bermuda" to over 200 students.

The initiative, designed to deepen students' understanding of Bermuda's complex history, successfully engaged the students in an immersive learning journey across significant historical sites.

Students from Northlands Primary with Nekesha Holdipp, Social Studies Education Officer

Students from various schools participated in visits to St. Peter's Church, the St. George's Historical Society Museum and the Jemmy Darrell Square, on February 19, 20, and 22. This field trip featured in-depth presentations and discussions led by experts in Bermudian history and heritage.

The partnership speaks to Bermuda’s recognition of the UN’s International Decade for People of African Descent and a commitment to highlight contributions of people of African descent worldwide, and educate young people about social justice and inclusion.

The students' journey included:

- A historical overview of St. Peter’s Church, presented by Rev. Dr. Lorne Bean, highlighting its role in governance and the enactment of enslavement laws.

- Insights into the life and legacy of King’s Pilot James ‘Jemmy’ Darrell led at the site of Mr. Darrell’s former home by Maxine Esdaile from the African Diaspora Heritage Trail Foundation.

- Reflections on Rev. John Stephenson's efforts to challenge Bermuda’s segregated practices at The St. George’s Historical Society Museum, shared by Nekesha Holdipp, Social Studies Education Officer from the Department of Education.

This learning experience aligns with the Department of Education's objectives to provide educational opportunities that foster a comprehensive understanding of local and global history, encouraging students to draw connections between past and present social issues.

Students from Harrington Sound Primary with Rev. Dr. Lorne Bean

Alison Outerbridge, manager of Friends of St. Peter’s Church, added that the programme “demonstrated the importance of St Peter's Church as a key site for the experiential study of Bermuda history.

"As the charity which supports the restoration, preservation and promotion of St. Peter's, Bermuda's first church, we knew that equity of access to this landmark is a challenge, so the funding support granted to provide transportation to public school children across Bermuda was key to the success of this initiative, which we hope will become an annual event.”

Students from West Pembroke Primary with Maxine Esdaille (ADHT)

Anna Stevenson, Heritage Education Coordinator at the BNT said, “We were delighted to partner with The Friends of St Peter’s Church and the Department of Education in delivering this experience. The students were completely absorbed. One said to me, ‘It’s one thing learning about it in the classroom - it’s another thing actually seeing these places.’ We are incredibly grateful to Rev Bean, Maxine Esdaile and Nekesha Holdipp for their time, and to Alison Outerbridge, who secured the funding for transportation. Without it, this learning experience would not have happened.”

Ms Holdipp added: “With Bermuda being a signatory of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and as our students learn more about Bermuda’s history and develop as world citizens, these partnerships aim to inspire them to continue local and global work to eradicate racism and intolerance, promote human rights, and assist in creating better, more prosperous communities.”

Students from Whitney Institute Middle School and Prospect Primary with Rev. Dr. Lorne Bean

The Department of Education is dedicated to creating an educational environment that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and perspectives necessary to navigate and contribute to a complex global society. Through partnerships with community organizations, the Department seeks to enrich the curriculum with real-world opportunities that bring history to life and encourage students to engage critically with the world around them.

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