Al-Hekma International School is a private, co-educational school for students from Preschool through Grade 12. It was founded in 1985. Al-Hekma is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Bahraini Ministry of Education. About 55% of the students are local, with the remainder coming from around the Middle East, Canada, England, the United States and New Zealand. Class sizes range from 18-24.
Mission
The school mission is to provide students with a balanced, comprehensive international educational that will enable them to become lifelong learners and responsible global citizens.
Facilities
The school website doesn’t have much to say about the facilities. The little information available lists the facilities as 2 libraries, mobile computer labs, a cafeteria, and air-conditioned classrooms.
Curriculum
Al-Hekma uses a modified American Curriculum with an emphasis on Bahraini culture and religion. Core subjects are Math, Science, Social Studies, English and Arabic. The curriculum is sequenced for all grades – from Preschool through Grade 12. Muslim students must take Islamic studies; non-Muslim students have the option to take this course. The majority of AHIS students are ESL students; teachers are expected to use differentiation in the classroom. Graduates of Al-Hekma receive an American Diploma.
Extracurricular Activities
Al-Hekma offers a wide range of activities that include science club, math club, racquetball club, computer club, soccer club, Quran club, Model United Nations and more.
Technology
The school has mobile computer labs. Students are provided with laptops for use in all subjects. The school website does not mention at which age students begin receiving laptops for use in their classes. Al-Hekma integrates technology throughout the curriculum. Classrooms have smart boards, multimedia projectors and wireless access to the internet.
Professional Development
AHIS has a professional development program that includes on-site courses and attendance at courses outside Bahrain. The school pays for airfare, accommodations and PD fees for these activities.
Employment
Teachers that are interested in working at AHIS can download an online application form and submit it to the school along with a resume, recent photo, copy of passport, a copy of a degree certificate and a transcript. The school will contact teachers that might meet the school’s needs. Teachers who are contacted then need to answer interview questions that are also online and complete a computer skill assessment. A school administrator will contact teachers that have passed the second phase about an interview. Job openings are listed online.
The school website does not mention the school salary. Benefits include a $200 relocation allowance, annual round-trip airline tickets, 40% discount on tuition for dependents, healthcare (for employees only; dependents may be added for a fee), a furnished apartment, paid leave and a $200 shipping allowance.
About Bahrain
Bahrain is an archipelago of 33 islands in the Middle East just to the west of Saudi Arabia. It is a constitutional monarchy and is known as one of the more tolerant countries in the area.
Over eight million tourists visit Bahrain a year – many of these are from the surrounding Arab states, but the country also receives many international visitors.
The capital of Manama hosts restaurants, bars and nightlife – something you won’t find in many countries in the Middle East. Non-Muslims can purchase and consume alcohol, but may not drink it outside of the place where they buy it. The city has a number of nightclubs that host a wide variety of music. Some supermarkets carry American and European products; however, they are more expensive than buying local goods.
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