The Bahraini government has rejected an urgent bill proposed by MP Abdulla Al Rumaihi and four other MPs aimed at reforming the country’s school curriculum. The MPs argued that recent changes to the curriculum were too theoretical and difficult for teachers and students to understand, leading to a decline in academic achievement. They called for a fundamental overhaul of science curricula to align with modern information access, emphasizing the need for a more effective and relevant curriculum.
In response, the government stated that the curriculum undergoes regular review and evaluation. It highlighted the development and implementation of operational plans for all curricula across different educational stages, updated according to international standards to meet student needs and the demands of the Bahraini job market. The government stressed that curriculum development is a meticulous process based on pedagogical principles, guidelines, and specialised scientific research, taking into account Bahraini societal characteristics and the needs of its citizens.
The government further explained that the national curriculum framework provides the theoretical foundation for curriculum development, incorporating educational objectives, characteristics, and components, as well as the rationale and goals of curriculum development and contemporary pedagogical approaches. The framework guides the derivation of educational objectives, competencies, and the structure of curriculum content, linking them to factors influencing their acquisition and development among learners. Curriculum development must be a careful and considered process, taking into account local, regional, and global developments.
The government also pointed to ongoing research initiatives, such as studies on environmental education, economic education, and artificial intelligence, as well as the integration of critical thinking and entrepreneurship skills into the curriculum. This includes a new course on small projects and entrepreneurship, and the empowerment of digital learning through communication and technology. The government emphasized the importance of incorporating future skills and digital literacy into the curriculum, as well as utilizing artificial intelligence technologies to enhance the learning experience for students.
Overall, the government is committed to ensuring that the Bahraini school curriculum meets the needs of students and prepares them for the demands of the job market. While MP Abdulla Al Rumaihi and other MPs may have concerns about the current curriculum, the government’s response highlights the comprehensive and meticulous approach taken to curriculum development. By aligning the curriculum with Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030 and incorporating modern educational practices, the government is working towards creating a more effective and relevant educational experience for Bahraini students.
