Manama: In light of the continued review of the progress of educational processes across all public and private educational institutions, and following the previously announced temporary precautionary measures, the Ministry of Education announced a further update to these processes.
According to Bahrain News Agency, this follows earlier updates, which included allowing early education institutions (nurseries and kindergartens) to optionally resume operations, the optional resumption, at the discretion of parents, of educational services provided to students with disabilities enrolled in public and private schools, and the introduction of a flexible assessment system for students associated with international qualifications.
The update expands to include public and private schools and higher education institutions, to ensure the continuity of the educational process during the current academic year, while also taking into account the necessary flexibility for students and parents, as follows:
For public schools, students and parents can choose between continuing studies through the distance learning system or studying through in-person attendance across all public schools and for all educational stages. Educational and administrative bodies in public schools will contact students and parents during the current week to determine, record, and confirm preferences between the two available options. Public schools will begin receiving students wishing to attend in person starting on the Sunday of next week, corresponding to April 19.
In private schools, administrations are allowed to make appropriate decisions regarding the operation of educational processes through the distance learning system or transitioning to in-person learning. This decision will depend on each school's circumstances and capabilities, while considering students, parents, and members of the educational and administrative bodies. Private schools must inform the competent department at the Ministry of Education about the appropriate dates for resuming in-person study processes if such a decision is taken.
Higher education institutions are permitted to resume in-person study for all students or implement operational plans that adopt a dual system (in-person and remote), in accordance with academic achievement priorities and course priorities. This plan ensures the resumption of all practical training activities in laboratories and workshops, or in government sector institutions or the private sector, for all students in person, particularly those approaching graduation. The General Secretariat of the Higher Education Council will provide higher education institutions with the necessary clarifications and instructions in this regard.
Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Higher Education Council, confirmed that the specialised working teams had, during the past period, undertaken the study, development, and approval of educational policies that are aligned with the current exceptional stage. These policies achieve the required flexibility, take into account students and parents, and ensure the continuity of the educational process in accordance with best practices and without any interruption to academic attainment.
He noted that the Ministry of Education and the Higher Education Council will continue to evaluate educational processes, take decisions, and adopt necessary policies if required. The minister also thanked all members of the educational and administrative bodies for their diligence, work, and dedication in carrying out the educational mission with full competence. He affirmed that this has been the key factor in the successful continuation of the educational process with full efficiency and without interruption despite the exceptional circumstances.