The Bahrain Experience

A Welcoming Oasis in the Middle East
 

Bahrain continues to be recognized for its friendly atmosphere and high quality of life. Recent reports from respected organizations like Gallup Healthways and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) highlight Bahrain's top rankings in happiness, health, education, and income compared to other countries in the region and globally.
 

Exploring Bahrain

Languages: Arabic remains the official language, but English is widely spoken in business and by college-educated Bahrainis. While mastering Arabic offers a richer experience, English proficiency is sufficient for most visitors. Consider learning a few basic phrases to enhance your interactions with locals who appreciate the effort.

A Blend of Cultures: Bahrain embraces religious freedom, offering a welcoming environment for all faiths. During Ramadan, the holy month, Bahrain transforms with unique customs and traditions.

Entertainment Options

Shopping Delights: Bahrain boasts a diverse range of international brands across numerous shopping malls. Popular destinations include The Avenues, Seef Mall, and Moda Mall. These hubs cater to all budgets and offer entertainment alongside shopping, with multiplexes and various restaurants.

Culinary Adventures: Bahrain's multicultural population translates to a vibrant food scene. You'll find everything from high-end dining to casual eateries serving international cuisines. 

Must-See Sights:

  • Bahrain International Circuit: Home to the thrilling Formula One Grand Prix.
  • Manama Souq: Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this traditional market.
  • Gold Souq: Explore a dazzling array of gold jewelry.
  • Arad Fort and Bahrain Fort: Uncover Bahrain's rich history through these ancient structures.
  • Bahrain National Museum: Learn about Bahrain's cultural heritage.
  • Al Fateh Grand Mosque: Admire the architectural beauty of this iconic landmark.
  • Dilmun Burial Mounds: Explore the remnants of an ancient civilization.
  • Tree of Life: Witness this natural wonder, a lone tree thriving in the desert.
  • Captivating Events:
  • Formula One Grand Prix: Experience the adrenaline rush of this world-famous motorsport event.
  • Bahrain International Marathon Race: Participate in this annual charity event.
  • Jewelry Arabia: Discover exquisite jewelry from around the world.
  • Bahrain International Boat Show: Immerse yourself in the world of sailing and yachting.
  • Bahrain Summer Festival: Enjoy a variety of cultural and entertainment events during the hot season.
  • Awal Theatre Festival: Celebrate the art of theater with local and international performances.

Job Fairs

The Recruitment Team, consisting of the Human Resources Department, Director of and School Principals, represent Bahrain Bayan School annually in recognized Overseas Teaching Recruitment Fairs. 

Interview Booths for the Academic Year 2024/2025 will be displayed at the following fairs: 

Schrole Bangkok Fair - October 2024

Search Associates London Fair - January 2025

Application Procedure

The Bahrain Bayan School accepts applications from qualified teaching and administrative staff with a minimum of:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Teaching License
  • Certification in the subject area
  • Two years’ experience (preferred)

The Bahrain Bayan School seeks individuals with the following qualities:               

  • Extraordinary teachers with a flexible and "can do" approach to teaching, a sense of humor, and a desire to contribute to school improvement as a team player.
  • Willingness to participate in the school's extra-curricular program along with a commitment to excellence in a student centered school.
  • Commitment to high standards of professional behavior and communication.

How to apply:

1. Recruitment Fairs:
Our Human Resources Department and School Principals attend several international recruitment fairs in Europe and the Far East. In addition to this we are a member of Schrole, Teacher Horizons and Search Associates.

2. Vacancies and Advertisements:
Our vacancies are posted on all the fair websites, Schrole, Search Associates, Teacher Horizons and the school website and also advertised in local and international newspapers when necessary.

3. Job Description:
Each of our advertised positions is linked to a Job Description which will give you detailed criteria for the position of interest to you.

4. Application Requirements
Candidates are requested to send in a letter of interest and resume to the email provided. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are not always able to respond to individual emails. If you do not hear from us, then we regret that your candidacy will not advance. Your resume will be maintained in our database and your qualifications will be considered for any future openings.
Please note that we shall contact you by email or telephone should your application prove commensurate with our requirement.
All attachments should be clearly labeled including cover letter, resume/CV and position applied for to be eligible for consideration.

Current Vacancies

Current Employment Opportunities for the Academic Year 2024-2025 and Academic Year 2025-2026.

Job Title    Start Date
HS English Teacher 1 September 2025
Lower Primary English Teacher 1 September 2025
Systems Developer 1 September 2025

Since Bahrain Bayan School maintains a yearlong recruitment policy, applications for positions are welcome throughout the year, on a rolling basis. Please send in your applications to [email protected] 

Professional Development

CURRICULUM AND PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Project AERO Standards - Bahrain Bayan School adopted the AERO standards in 2011-2012 for use in defining the curriculum in Grades 1-12. Additionally we have “pull down” the standards into the nursery program in ways that are developmentally appropriate. During 2013-2014, faculty unpacked the standards while designing of units of study based on Understanding by Design. This work is continued in 2014-15 as units of study were reviewed, revised and refocused to strengthen grounding curriculum in the AERO standards and include planning for differentiation. During 2015-2016 professional learning is focused on enhancing assessment literacy. Our aim is to develop more valid and reliable assessments so that students have clear feedback on their performance and learning progress.

For more information about AERO Standards and Project AERO, see the following website:
www.projectaero.org


UNDERSTANDING BY DESIGN

Bahrain Bayan School uses the Understanding by Design (UbD) model for thinking about and planning for curricular units of study. Beginning with the end in mind (i.e., backward planning) we think about and plan for desired understandings first, then assessments which align with and assess for those understandings, and finally, appropriate learning activities. 

For more information about UbD, see the following website(s):
http://www.ascd.org/research-a-topic/understanding-by-design-resources.aspx 
www.jaymctighe.com  

RUBICON ATLAS 

Rubicon ATLAS  - ATLAS is a web-based curriculum mapping software developed by Rubicon International. The software allows for unit development using the UbD model as well as various other functions including standards alignment, analyses, browsing of the curriculum school-wide, tutorials for use, searching capacities, and other supportive resources. The aim of ATLAS is to develop an educational collaborative in which administrators and faculty define and refine curriculum which is reflective of the school community’s pedagogy, academic standards and unique curricular needs. 

For more information about ATLAS, see the following website: 
http://www.rubicon.com/AtlasCurriculumMapping_Capabilities.php 

MEASURES OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS (MAP)

Bahrain Bayan School currently administers the Measures of Academic Progress tests in Reading, Mathematics and Language Usage in Grades 3-9 in both the Fall and Spring testing seasons. Additionally the test for General Science is administered in Grades 6-9 during the same testing seasons. The MAP tests are aligned to the AERO standards and help pinpoint—to the goal—strand level—where students are ready to advance, and where they need help. 

For more information about MAP testing, see the following website:
http://www.nwea.org/products-services/assessments/map%C2%AE 

AVANT - ARABIC PROFICIENCY TEST

Bahrain Bayan School currently administers the APT in grades 3, 5, and 7 annually in an effort to track our students’ Arabic language development. The APT rates students proficiency using a proficiency scale similar to the ACTFL proficiency scale in the four skill areas of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

For more information about the AVANT Arabic Proficiency Test, see the following website:
http://avantassessment.com/apt.html 


PROFESSIONAL LEARNING

Professional Learning is alive and well at Bahrain Bayan School. Led by the Professional Learning Committee, leadership and learning opportunities abound and faculty are encouraged to become involved in supporting each other in exploring and learning. Every Tuesday afternoon between 1:00pm and 3:00pm, teachers are engaged in professional activities in which the primary focal points are tied directly to the school’s action plan for curriculum as established through the Middle States Association’s accreditation process. In 2014-2015 our activity is centered on differentiation and standards-based assessment design (formative and summative). We are continuing this focus on assessment into the current academic year. The school hosts book studies (with potential graduate credits from San Diego State University) and sends delegates to conferences and trainings provided by NESA (Near East South Asia) Council of Overseas Schools in locations such as Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, UAE, Turkey, Greece, and Thailand.  

For more information about NESA, see the following website:
www.nesacenter.org 


Dr. Peter Duckett
Coordinator of Curriculum and Professional Learning