Excellence in Education Leadership 2024 – a series where we shine a spotlight on the heads of schools and universities in Bahrain. We uncover the ideas, aspirations, and strategies driving these leaders to shape the future of education – whether it’s their vision for their institutions, their insights on the transformative role of technology and AI in education, or the innovations they employ to foster enriching learning experiences for children.

In this exclusive interview, we speak with Fatima Rahimi, the Deputy Director at The International School of Choueifat.

How would you describe the role of an education leader?

The role of an educational leader is indeed broad and diverse, playing a crucial part in shaping the future of education. As a leader, you must set and achieve visionary goals, guide and influence other educators, and, most importantly, enhance the learning experiences of your students. At Choueifat, this approach goes beyond mere terminology; it represents a thorough strategy. It embodies a blend of strengths, resilience, and dedication to upholding the fundamental values of education.

What in your opinion is the key to providing enriching learning experiences to students?

To provide students with an enriching experience, it’s essential to create a dynamic learning environment. This environment should emphasize collaboration over competition, engaging students actively in their own learning. Interest in what they’re learning is crucial; without it, achieving a truly enriching experience becomes challenging.

At our schools, we use a distinctive teaching strategy known as the point system. This system breaks the teaching and learning process into phases, facilitating a more enriching experience for students. Additionally, learning extends beyond the classroom. Activities outside the classroom complement the curriculum and contribute to a well-rounded education. Through our Student Life organization, students take on leadership roles and develop their soft skills. Ultimately, this approach helps produce versatile, well-rounded students, which is incredibly important.

Technology and AI are changing the world. How are they changing education?

Technology is advancing rapidly and reshaping the landscape of education, making it more personalized, interactive, and generally positive. However, as educators, we must approach AI and technology with caution. While we aim to reap the rewards, we must ensure that these tools do not overshadow the core purpose of education. When integrating AI or other technologies, we must use them safely, equitably, and ethically to preserve the fundamental values we uphold as educators.

What are some of the educational innovations implemented at your school/university that promote quality education?

At SABIS, we have long been committed to investing in educational innovation, even before the rise of AI. Our network incorporates various technologies into our daily teaching and learning processes. Two key systems that are particularly unique to us are the Integrated Learning System (ILS) and the Integrated Testing and Learning (ITL) system.

The ILS is a digital platform that connects teachers and students through their devices in the classroom. This system facilitates real-time learning, capturing lessons as they happen, and empowers students to take control of their learning. One of its most significant benefits is its ability to detect and address learning gaps early, preventing them from accumulating and becoming more challenging to resolve later.

The ITL system is an advanced computerized testing tool that allows students to be tested, learn from their mistakes, and retest within the same timeframe. It generates detailed reports that are shared with our academic team, enabling teachers and coordinators to analyze student performance on specific concepts and develop timely action plans.

Can you describe a recent student success story from your institution?

In recent years, our students have achieved exceptionally high acceptance rates into top-ranked universities worldwide. This year alone, over 85% of students who applied to the top 200 global universities were accepted, and many of them also secured scholarships. Additionally, we offer a broad range of external exams, and our performance on these standardized tests consistently exceeds the global average. In fact, for consecutive years, our students have scored in the 99th percentile, placing them among the top 1% of test takers worldwide.

What was the best thing that happened to you when you were a student? 

My teachers showed confidence and belief in my abilities, more importantly, they voiced it out to me during the challenging times. This constant support was crucial and encouraged me to keep going. I bring this nurturing approach to my own journey as an educator. I am convinced that we, as educators, must consistently use positive reinforcement. Even the simplest words of encouragement can have a significant impact on our students. Positive reinforcement not only transformed my life but also has the power to change many lives. We need to take this aspect of teaching very seriously and not underestimate its importance.

Why should parents choose to enrol their child in your school? 

It’s important to understand that the International School of Choueifat Manama is not just a local institution; it is part of a vast and influential network with a global presence. This network has a strong foundation in the field of education. Our curriculum is designed to meet both national and international standards, reflecting our excellent track record. The success of our students in gaining acceptance to top-ranked universities and their achievements around the world serve as a testament to our legacy. Our students, now making significant impacts globally, are the true representatives of our educational excellence.