Programmes
Middle School Learning Expeditions
In the Middle School Learning Expedition (BSF’s ‘flagship’ programme), single sex groups of 20 middle school students (ages 12-14) and 3 accompanying teachers from their base-school spend 5 days cruising the coastal waters of Bermuda under the
supervision and direction of permanent professional crew members. This crew includes the ship’s Captain, First Officer, Chief Engineer, Education Officer, Catering Officer, Bosun and three Watch Leaders.
Activities, Classroom & Curriculum
In addition to being exposed to basic sail training and opportunities for personal development and team building, students participating in this highly engaging coastal voyage have the opportunity to learn about Bermuda’s fascinating heritage and history through a rigorous academic curriculum. The ship’s Education Officer collaborates with base-school staff and non-government organization educators to identify learning targets for the voyage and to plan a series of educational activities aligned with the middle school instructional curriculum. Activities are focused on enhancing a variety of skills such as public speaking, written expression, problem solving, and deductive reasoning.
Through our partnerships with agencies such as Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS), National Museum of Bermuda, Bermuda Weather Service, Bermuda Zoological Society and Bermuda Government Department of Conservation and Services, students are able to engage in authentic learning experiences such as snorkeling on shipwrecks, tracking storm systems, conducting plankton tows and monitoring Bermuda’s endemic Cahow population.
Personal Development & Team Building
From the moment students join the ship’s company on the first day, they are responsible for all aspects of the ship’s functioning. The student crew work in watch groups of 5-7 individuals to perform the many daily tasks associated with running a vessel of this size: sail and line handling, navigation, manning the helm, preparing and serving meals, monitoring the conservation of precious resources like fresh water and electricity and of course the daily cleaning required to maintain a hygienic environment for 32 people living in a 25 square metre space.
On Spirit of Bermuda students are also given the opportunity to achieve things they didn’t believe themselves capable of. Leadership, initiative, and responsibility even in the face of adversity, are the traits we hope to see in all young Bermudians, yet how often do we give them the chance to actually rise to the challenge? Aboard Spirit of Bermuda students practice living these values.
To read FAQ's about this programme please click here.
