Similar to the education system in different countries, Bahrain’s Education System has a 9 year long basic education program that is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 & 14. All children must be enrolled to this education program, whether they are in the public schools or the private ones.
The Ministry Of Education (MoE) has given great importance in to student development in all of its educational stages. With a view to a cautiously prepared and programmed projects, the following is a brief overview of the different stages of the education system in Bahrain:
The Primary Stage – This stage accommodates students between the ages of 6-11. It lasts for 6 years and is divided into two cycles. The first cycle includes the first 3 grades of primary education.
Unlike education system in different countries, the curriculum for the two cycles of basic education includes: The Arabic language, Islamic education, Science and Technology, English language, Mathematics, Social Studies, Family Education, Physical Education, Art, Music and Songs.
The Secondary Stage – is considered to be complementary to basic education, a new phase to prepare students to enter universities and higher education or prepare them to enter the labor market.
It is for students in the 15-17 age group, the duration of study is 3 years, and are separated into six semesters.
What are the MoE goals for the education system in the Kingdom of Bahrain?
1- To strengthen the teaching profession through improved recruitment, employment and training conditions.
2- To improve the Secondary Vocational Education System, which aims to bring all of these programs closer to the needs of the private sector.
3- To establish the Bahrain Polytechnic Schools which will offer industrial courses aligned with applied sciences. A trade school that will train and qualify its students to prepare them in a practical way, for the job market.
4- To create an Independent Quality Assurance Authority which will be responsible for conducting inspections for all schools.
The Education System In Germany
Similar to the education system in different countries, German schools provide 9 years of compulsory education to all children, without any discrimination. The concept of compulsory education was introduced to Germany in 1659, in the state of Bavaria.
By 1717, it was also introduced for the first time in Prussia. This provision protects children from all forms of social discrimination and isolation. It helps bring about their integration across all sections of modern society.
This free and compulsory education is a significant aspect of German government, because it gives an equal opportunity for everyone, even the disadvantaged classes that seek knowledge.
Primary Education accommodates students ages 6-10, who attend the four year school program. After primary school they move on to a variety of secondary schools, like the Realschule, Hauptschule, Gymnasium, etc. There is also the Gesamtschule, where all children of compulsory school age are taught in parallel classes, depending on their individual learning abilities.
They continue to move on to other streams depending on their level of learning. So for the Hauptschule, are grades 5 to 9 and are all compulsory, but students can choose whether or not do the 10th grade as it is voluntary. Realschule program covers the grades 5 to 10 and it is halfway between Hauptschule and Gymnasium secondary schools.
After completing the education program, children receive what is called the Mittlere Reife certificate. The Gymnasium School Program provides an in-depth education, and students can only graduate from Gymnasium after completing the 12th or 13th grade, must also have a High-School Certificate.
