Special Initiatives in Mathematics and Science Education
In 2011, the Ministry introduced the Bahrain Numeracy Strategy.13 The objectives of this strategy are to raise the performance of all students in mathematics by improving the quality of teaching and learning, to help students develop self-confidence in dealing with numbers and measurements, to help students understand numeric systems and methods of collecting and displaying data, and to help students solve daily life problems. The primary aim of the Bahrain Numeracy Strategy is to achieve excellence in teaching and learning by developing educational resources in the following areas: advice and guidance, planning guides and units, curriculum, leadership advice and support, professional development and training, and classroom support and coaching. The new numeracy strategy was introduced in primary schools in 2013, and was introduced in Grade 7 in eight schools in 2015. The numeracy strategy was implemented along with the national curriculum, which is a translated version of the McGraw-Hill series in mathematics.
In 2012, the Ministry implemented the Improving Daily School Timing Initiative,14 which increased the time allocated for lessons in mathematics and science from 45 minutes to 1 hour. In 2015, the Digital Empowerment in Education scheme was implemented, as mentioned in the Use of Technology section. The Ministry also initiated and prepared an item bank in both mathematics and science in order to improve student achievement in national and international studies and competitions.