Bahrain School is the first and only educational institution in Bahrain offering the AP Capstone Diploma, a programme that builds essential skills for college and career success, such as critical thinking, research, collaboration, and communication.
Please share a brief background of your innovation.
Bahrain School is the first and only school to offer the AP Capstone Diploma in Bahrain. We are one of approximately 2,500 schools worldwide to implement the AP Capstone Diploma programme―an innovative programme that encourages students to develop college and career success skills, including critical thinking, research, collaboration, and communication.
How was the innovation planned?
The AP Capstone Diploma Programme was planned as an innovative addition to our current Advanced Placement (AP) programme accredited by the College Board in coordination with the closure of our IB Diploma Programme. Rather than focusing on specific academic subjects, AP Capstone courses take an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to develop their research, critical thinking, presentation, collaboration and time management skills. These tools help students succeed in their college coursework and future careers.
What were the challenges faced during implementation?
During the implementation of the AP Capstone Diploma programme, some challenges were faced, namely curriculum development and student preparedness and also adding additional AP courses. Developing a new curriculum for the AP Capstone Programme was challenging, as it required designing interdisciplinary courses and assessments that meet the programme’s rigorous standards. We also had to provide training to our teachers to effectively teach the AP Capstone courses and mentor students through the research projects. Some students may have faced challenges in adapting to the programme’s rigorous demands, including the research requirements and the need for advanced critical thinking skills. Despite these challenges, we have successfully managed to implement the AP Capstone Diploma programme and have seen positive outcomes from our students – including the pending graduation of our first AP Capstone Diploma holders in May of 2025!
Give us a brief assessment of your results.
The results of students taking the AP Capstone Diploma programme have generally been positive. Students who complete the programme demonstrate strong research, critical thinking, and communication skills. They are well-prepared for college-level work and have a competitive edge in the college admissions process. Additionally, data shows that students who participate in the AP Capstone programme are more likely to graduate from college in four years or even less. Overall, the program has been successful in providing students with valuable skills and to prepare them for future academic success. Recent AP results show that all 11 students in our AP Seminar students have passed their AP assessment.
In hindsight, what were the most valuable lessons learned while implementing the innovation? Could things have been done differently?
In hindsight, one valuable lesson we learned from implementing the AP Capstone Diploma Programme was the importance of comprehensive teacher training. Providing thorough and ongoing training for teachers is crucial to the success of any educational program but especially for the AP Capstone. Ensuring that educators have the necessary support and resources to effectively teach the courses and mentor students through research projects can enhance the overall quality of the program. We also recognized the importance of adequately preparing our students for the rigor of the AP Capstone Programme. We have learned that being flexible and willing to adapt the program based on feedback and the evolving needs of both our teachers and students is crucial. Therefore we are regularly assessing and adjusting the programme to better meet the needs of our students and educators.
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