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The American School of Bahrain (ASB) is aiming to impart and uphold Bahraini cultural values through its comprehensive Arabic and Islamic Studies programme, writes Naman Arora.
As part of its goal of imparting a holistic education, the private school is highlighting the culture and values that set the kingdom apart, including family, character, relationship, trust, integrity and excellence.
“Languages are the bedrock of the world’s cultural heritage,” explained Fuad Al Anzarouti, the school’s head of Arabic language and culture.
“Every language offers a rich and unique insight into different ways of thinking and living as well as into the history of the myriad of cultures and peoples across the globe.
“Arabic unifies the Arab and Islamic world in a perfect blend. Without language one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry, or savour their songs.”
In addition to the Education Ministry-mandated syllabus for Arabic students, the school also offers a number of courses for non-native students.
The Oheb Alarabiya (Arabic for ‘I love Arabic’) courses for non-native speakers explores topics including identity and culture, local areas, holiday and travel, school and future aspirations in addition to vocabulary, grammar, complex structures and creative writing.
“At ASB, we pride ourselves to be able to teach Arabic to all our students, be it first or second language learners,” added Dave McMaster, ASB’s founding director.
“We have deployed various teaching strategies within our classes to include a range of learning and skill-based activities that focus on language building and acquisition.
“We aim to ensure that all our children develop a general awareness of Islamic traditions and culture so as to better understand the context in which they live in the Kingdom of Bahrain and become more well-rounded contributors to society as a community member.”
In addition to Arabic, ASB is also teaching Islamic Studies as one of the core subjects by specialised teachers from Grade 1 onwards, as part of the Ministry-approved curriculum.
“While short Surahs, Hadiths, Dua’aa, personal attitude, environmental issues and socialising skills are all integrated into the course for the lower school, for higher grades, longer Surahs with interpretations, Islamic history and culture expand the breadth of study, showcasing the school’s pillars of Academic Excellence and Community Leadership,” the school said in a statement.
“All topics are ultimately aimed at addressing various areas of a child’s learning and development.”
For more details, follow @americanschoolbahrain on Instagram.
