Somersfield To Hold Personal Project Exhibition
January 15 2025 — Somersfield Academy’s M5 students are set to showcase their creativity at the Personal Project Exhibition on February 19.
A spokesperson said, “Somersfield Academy’s M5 students are gearing up to present their highly anticipated Personal Project Exhibition, an annual event that highlights the creativity, initiative, and dedication of the Somersfield’s students.
“The exhibition, scheduled to take place on Wednesday, February 19 in the school’s gymnasium, will feature a wide array of projects that reflect the students’ diverse interests and commitment to meaningful learning. This event, open to parents, mentors, invited guests, and potential students, serves as a platform for students to showcase their work, engage with the community, and discuss their projects with attendees.
“In addition to celebrating the achievements of the M5 students, the exhibition will also serve as an open house for prospective students and parents to explore the Somersfield advantage. Visitors will have the opportunity to interact with students and teachers, gaining insight into the unique, inquiry-based education that Somersfield offers.”
Project Highlights Include:
Thomas Garnier – Beautiful Bermuda’s Flora
Thomas Garnier said, “The intent of my Personal Project was to help people discover and learn the beauty of Bermuda island by presenting them a video showcasing a variety of Bermuda’s most beautiful plants and flowers. As I am new to the island, by running this project I wanted to learn more about Bermuda’s flora myself. In addition, I wanted to share my learning in a creative, educational and visually speaking manner. This is the reason why I chose to create a video displaying Bermuda’s flora and providing some information about it. However as I did not know anything about video editing when I started this project, I had to study it with online tutors. By working on this project throughout the year, I developed many more skills than I expected at first, such as communication, critical thinking and perseverance. Furthermore, to identify the flowers and plants I wanted to show in my video, this research project took me through the island and helped me discover beautiful places that I would not have known otherwise. Finally, this is a way for me to recognise and celebrate the community who helped me and my family to feel welcome in our new home country.”
Rocco Adderley – Making Jewellery from Bermuda Coins
Rocco Adderley said, “My project is about making pieces of jewellery from the Bermuda one crown coin. I made these pieces with the help of Bermuda Jewelry. I created a wearable silver chain with cable links and I created a detachable pendant of the one crown coin to go on the chain. I also made a bangle bracelet with the word “ADDERLEY” on the inside of the bracelet. All of the jewellery that I have made are made out of the One Crown Coin which I had melted two of them and used one as a pendant. I gained an interest in coins when I was shown by my grandfather this coin collection as he was the head of the monetary chair at the Bank of Butterfield and he told me that he doesn’t want these coins to go to waste so I decided to create two jewellery pieces with his permission. I have really enjoyed learning about his coins and it sparked an interest in me which I took further and I have now inherited his coins, so in honour of him I had created this chain and bracelet which will be passed down as a heirloom.”
Kieran Foster – Scuba Diving in Bermuda
Kieran Foster said, “For my project, I set out to learn scuba diving with a unique goal: to help control the invasive lionfish population and raise awareness about their impact on marine ecosystems. Through this journey, I documented my progress, creating an educational video to inspire and inform others about scuba diving and the importance of conservation efforts.
“I began learning to scuba dive in the summer with Eco Dive, where I developed the foundational skills necessary for safe diving. After a week of practice, I earned my scuba diving certification. With this achieved, I enrolled in a specialized lionfish handling course to refine my knowledge and skills for effectively catching lionfish whilst scuba diving. Once I completed my training, I was ready to put my skills into action. I ventured out into the depths, spear in hand, to remove as many lionfish as possible. During my dives, I carefully recorded my techniques and experiences, capturing both the beauty of the underwater world and the seriousness of the lionfish invasion.
“The final product is a video that not only showcases my personal growth and underwater adventures but also serves as a tool to educate viewers about scuba diving and the urgent need for lionfish management. Through this project, I hope to inspire others to explore diving and contribute to protecting our oceans.”
Dezirae Darrell – A Bowmaker’s Journey
Dezirae Darrell said, “For my personal project, I wanted to focus on gaining an understanding of cello bow making. I researched and worked with a local bow maker here in Bermuda to understand the process of cello bow making and to create a fully functioning cello bow. I have always had an immense passion for music and this sparked my interest to create a cello bow as I have played the cello for over six years. The process of cello bow making is incredibly tedious and difficult, it truly is an art form. Having the opportunity to create a bow has been amazing and although tedious, it has been an incredible experience.”
Isaac Davis – From Neglection to Perfection
Isaac Davis said, “During this project my goal was to learn and acquire the skills necessary to restore a boat. What originally sparked my interest in this topic was buying my first boat last year from one of my friends. This boat was not in the best condition so I had to sand, paint and fix other little things. When doing this I had a good time seeing the progress I made and how much I enjoyed it. So when we were deciding I though back to this and how much I enjoyed it so I had an excuse to do it on a bigger scale.”
Aurelie Adjalla – Loops of Learning: My Crochet Bag Project
Aurelie Adjalla said, “This project focuses on learning the art of crochet to create a durable, reusable grocery bag. The goal is to master basic crochet techniques, explore different patterns, and produce functional, eco-friendly bags. The journey begins with choosing the right materials understanding the types of yarn, hooks, and other tools essential for crochet. Through tutorials, practice, and trial and error, the project will cover foundational skills like chaining, single crochet, and double crochet stitches, gradually advancing to more complex techniques required for crafting a sturdy bag.
“The design aspect will involve selecting a pattern that balances aesthetics and functionality, ensuring the bag is strong enough to hold groceries while remaining lightweight and portable. The finished product will not only serve as a practical tool but also as a personal symbol of creativity and environmental consciousness. Through this endeavour, the hope is to develop a rewarding craft skill and create something meaningful that combines utility with artistry.”
Julie Yoon, the Personal Project Coordinator at Somersfield, shared her admiration for the students, “Watching our M5 students take ownership of their learning and transform their ideas into real-world projects has been incredibly rewarding. The Personal Project exhibition is a celebration of their growth, creativity, and determination, and I am excited for our community to experience the passion and innovation they’ve demonstrated throughout this journey.”
The spokesperson said, “As Bermuda’s only school offering the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, Somersfield continues to champion inquiry-based learning and skill development. This exhibition exemplifies the school’s mission to inspire socially conscious, independent thinkers.”
Charlie Judd, Head of Secondary, added, “The M5 Personal Project Exhibition is a testament to our students’ ability to pursue their passions and transform their ideas into tangible achievements.”
The spokesperson said, “The Somersfield community, along with prospective students and their families, is invited to celebrate the creativity, growth, and accomplishments of its students during this event on Wednesday, February 19 from 6:30–8:30pm.
“For further details about the Personal Project Exhibition please contact +1[441]239-3367 or advancement@somersfield.bm.
“For further information about the Open House or Enrollment Opportunities please contact Alison Kempe at +1[441]239-3345 or alisonkempe@somersfield.bm.”
Originally published on Bernews.com