Instruction for Mathematics and Science in Primary and Lower Secondary Grades
Grade at Which Specialist Teachers for Mathematics and Science are Introduced
Throughout Cycle 1 (Grades1 to 3) of basic education, one teacher typically teaches all subjects. During Cycle 2 (Grades 4 to 6) and Cycle 3 (Grades 7 to 9), specialist teachers teach individual subjects.
Instructional Materials, Equipment, and Laboratories
The reformed curriculum in Bahrain is presented in mathematics and science textbooks, which are published in two parts, one for each semester. The Ministry provides all public school students with textbooks and all schools with accompanying teacher guides and student exercise books.
Textbooks predominantly are produced locally and compiled and printed by the Ministry of Education, with the exception of translated mathematics and science textbooks, which are printed in Saudi Arabia and paid for by the Ministry of Education. In 2016, Bahrain will take full charge of printing textbooks and teacher’s guides. In addition, following the approval of a new numeracy strategy in 2011, new numeracy units were introduced in all primary schools in 2013, for Cycles 1 and 2 of basic education.
Public schools in Bahrain are equipped with all the facilities required for teaching and learning, including equipped laboratories and learning resource centers.
Use of Technology
All schools in Bahrain are equipped with electronic classrooms, which utilize multipurpose electronic learning systems and connect all schools electronically. Recently, learning resource centers in all schools in Bahrain were equipped with multimedia devices for enhancing presentation. In addition, all teachers in Bahrain have received training in the use of computers and are qualified with an International Computer Driving License. In 2014, His Majesty King Hamad issued directives for the implementation of the Digital Empowerment in Education9 scheme to help achieve the objectives of the King Hamad Schools of the Future Project.10 The order was implemented gradually in 2015, beginning with Grade 8 in five chosen schools, and was carried out in partnership with national and international private companies such as Apple.
Accommodation Policies for Instruction and Testing
In Bahrain, a program for integrating students with special needs in public schools was initiated to equip these students with educational competencies and life skills through engaging them in educational activities together with regular students. The program also aims to prepare them to join the job market through vocational education that matches their needs and abilities. Students with special needs are accommodated in regular classes and served by a remedial program in Arabic language and mathematics delivered in three lessons per school day, a schedule that allows every student with special needs to attend at least one lesson daily. The program is designed to ensure that students with special needs may attain prescribed competencies. Schools organize their own committees to monitor, support, and evaluate students with special needs.
Students with special needs are assessed like other students, as described in the Monitoring Student Progress section below. During these assessments, they may be provided with a suitable place, assistance with reading questions, extra time, and other accommodations according to their needs. When scoring papers, examiners measure and compare their results against historical evidence of their development, evaluating their understanding, behavior, and ability to study based on their progress over time.