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Excellence in Education Leadership

SEPTEMBER 2023 | ISSUE 209

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Contents September 2023

Issue 209

28 Simply unparalleled online presence that connects the region’s most inspired communities.

Excellence in Education Leadership

Prince Edward Visits The British School of Bahrain

Redefining SUV Performance and Luxury

A Crossover That’s As Stylish As It’s Fun To Drive

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

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Charlie Cooksey

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Education

Excellence in Education Leadership

HAPPINESS IS KEY Gulf Insider Interviews Kate Moskwa, Principal, Abdul Rahman Kanoo International School.

ow would you describe the role of an education leader?

It’s a big role that varies from person to person depending on the individuals they work with. An education leader must identify risks and trends in education, and be an effective listener. A leader also needs to mentor and counsel staff whilst looking after students.

What in your opinion is the key to providing enriching learning experiences to students? The key to an enriching learning experience is a happy environment. If students are happy, the staff and parents are happy, creating an ideal learning atmosphere. Achieving this involves listening to students and parents, staying updated on educational trends, understanding what impacts students in their post-school journey, identifying sources of joy, and nurturing 21st-century skills like critical thinking and communication. For example, AI is either the biggest trend or the biggest risk to education. Instead of discouraging its use, schools need to understand it, use it correctly and then educate students and parents about the role of AI in education, encouraging a mindful use of the technology.

What are some of the innovations at your institution that promote quality education? This year, we are focusing on the appropriate use of AI in day-to-day teaching and learning. We’re also extremely focused on the well-being of students and staff. Research shows that the way we talk to students can affect their learning 6

Gulf Insider September 2023

Education

experience. An innovative approach we have adopted is establishing student-run growth mindset groups. This concept, which we’ve had for several years, is about changing students’ thinking from ‘I can’t’ to ‘I can.’

Technology and AI are changing the world. How are they changing education? We have two aspects to consider: teaching and students. In terms of teaching, with AI, there are abundant resources available online

The key to an enriching learning experience is a happy environment.

to enhance teaching. AI-powered websites can provide us with lesson plans and ideas in an instant. I believe this is a brilliant resource which must not be ignored. When it comes to students, there are concerns that AI could be misused. That is where the school bears a social responsibility to guide students on its use and build on our school values, such as integrity. If they use ChatGPT, type out an essay question, get the entire essay with citations, and then submit it under their name, there’s no integrity in doing that. To counter that, we use tools like Turnitin, which checks academic plagiarism. But, it does not always cover ChatGPT. So, we’re more reliant on instilling and reinforcing our school

values so that students know when to demonstrate integrity, and self-respect, and continue their quest for excellence. It always circles back to values.

Can you describe a recent student success story from your institution? We have a young lady who graduated last year. She’s now a youth ambassador for Bahrain. We have a young gentleman who has started up the first Tech MUN. Last year we also had a Crown Prince International

Scholarship winner. We have plenty of students who have left school with their first choice university and scholarships, and that’s a huge success. If they left school with only one direction to go in because of not achieving their desired results, then we, as a school, failed. Choice is a simple and important thing. I always tell the graduates: “You have to work hard and it’s a process. Sometimes you fail, but you learn from it. You carry on and take a different direction because, from that, you will get choices. If you want to do something and achieve your desired results, then you can do it now. We want students to have choices. That, indeed, is a success.”

Gulf Insider September 2023

Education

Excellence in Education Leadership

THINK DIFFERENTLY Gulf Insider Interviews Dave McMaster, Founding Director of The American School Of Bahrain.

ow would you describe the role of an educational leader?

Three important things come to mind when I look at the role of an education leader in the K12 sector. First, you have to be a change agent; you have to be adaptive. Schools are notorious for doing things the same way they were done perhaps 50-100 years ago and that simply doesn’t work anymore. So you have to make it clear that change is good. Second, you need to be an outstanding recruiter. Research shows that the best schools have excellent teachers who work with students. So it’s my job as is every education leader’s to be a great recruiter and just as importantly, retain those excellent teachers. Finally, the role of an education leader is to set the tone. ASB started with a blank canvas and set the tone of happiness, engagement, a sense of safety and a place where students can take risks.

What, in your opinion, is the key to providing an enriching learning experience to students at ASB? There are many ways to provide enriching learning experiences and the way not to do it is by repeating what we’ve done 20-30 years ago. I implore my teachers to not teach like they were taught because the skills and qualities that students today need are very different. I believe that to enrich students, you need to be able to create an environment where students are able to take risks with their learning, be able to answer questions even if they’re wrong and experience a sense of safety in the classroom. Teachers need to be able to take the same risks as well and as a leader, I must enable such an environment. I’m more interested in 8

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teachers willing to try new things than those who come up with elaborate lesson plans.

What are some of the innovations at your institution that promote quality education? Technology is the first thing that comes to mind. However, while it has had a significant impact on teaching and learning, it is important to look at the way assessments are conducted. Most educational institutions focus on assessment as an accumulation of knowledge – gathering information and planning a test around it. I believe that’s not innovation. Looking at different

There are many ways to provide enriching learning experiences and the way not to do it is by repeating what we’ve done 20-30 years ago.

types of summative ways of assessing knowledge and information retention will enable students to show their understanding through more impactful ways that will help them with lifelong learning.

Speaking of technology and artificial intelligence, they are changing the world. How are they changing education? It was around the time I got into teaching, the early nineties when we first started using the internet. Between that and 30-something years later, technology has had a greater impact on education than anything else. It forced educators to think differently, to allow students to think differently. It does not drive the curriculum but it has enabled various modes of learning

and assessment. In terms of AI, I feel there’s a lot of unknowingness but like it was with the internet, AI is going to persuade educators to individualise their students’ learning and provide them with better opportunities.

Can you describe a recent student success story from ASB? Our first three years have gone better than we could have anticipated; we’ve had some great successes. The most recent being our grades 10 and 11 students participating in the six to eightmonth Injaz Company Program. This was the first time we were involved and we were a little nervous and excited.

When you ask about change, innovation, or enriching experiences, this was a program that demanded all of it. The students went through with it mostly on their own – they came up with a concept, pitched it, marketed it, and sold it. They had to hire and fire their peers; it was a real-world experience and they went through some ups and downs, at times, wanting to throw in the towel and at times, feeling like it was the best work they had done. The process changed them as students and they had a great learning experience. From 50 schools, they ended up among the top 10 schools and eventually made it to the regional level which will be held in Qatar. It was a significant milestone for our school.

Gulf Insider September 2023

Education

Excellence in Education Leadership

FAILURE IS NOT THE END Gulf Insider Interviews Bradley J. Cook, President, American University Of Bahrain

ow would you describe the role of an educational leader?

In my opinion, an education leader starts out with a vision so that they can guide the institution, and stay on top of trends, especially with science and technologies. An educational leader has to be able to build teams and faculty that are student-centric. If you’ve got the right kind of team and vision, then it’s about execution.

What, in your opinion, is the key to providing an enriching learning experience to students at AUBH? Students need to be engaged and this is where we need a strong faculty that really knows how to engage them. Whether it’s through project-based learning, group activities, technologies or a variety of other pedagogical practices that yield high impact engagement is a crucial strand. Higher education has to find a way to integrate technology into the learning process and I believe the best universities find a way to introduce hybrid learning and even use AI in ways that can tailor and personalise education.

What are some of the innovations at AUBH that promote quality education? Flipped classrooms have become increasingly powerful and we’ve seen how they promote higher-order thinking among students. We’re also paying close attention to the cost of education for families and students. To that end, we’ve shifted to digital textbooks that are more affordable and accessible to students. Our students are engaging in more project-based learning and internships to develop their interests in various subjects and career fields. 10

Gulf Insider September 2023

Education

Technology and AI are changing the world. How are they changing education? AI provides an opportunity to personalise education for students and enable institutions in terms of student retention, outreach, and enrollment. However, we need to balance the potential of AI by placing a qualified and talented educator at the centre of the learning process. When the internet was first introduced, educators were nervous that it would ruin the learning process. But it turned out to be a great facilitator of learning. I believe AI will get there too. In the meantime, some

AI provides an opportunity to personalise education for students and enable institutions in terms of student retention, outreach, and enrollment.

concerns surrounding AI have to do with students replicating work that’s already been published instead of authoring their own work. It’s necessary to establish barriers and avoid the misuse of AI in the learning process.

Can you describe a recent student success story from AUBH? One that comes to mind is the story of Adnan Hashem, a bright student who was vying for the Crown Prince’s Scholarship. Unfortunately, for Adnan, he didn’t make the cut. However, he arranged for himself to study in the United States. Due to his financial situation, he eventually came back to Bahrain and enrolled in AUBH. We worked with him to receive funding for his education through the Wakf

Fund. The young man continued to do amazing things in the field of computer science and won a number of competitions around innovations and computer-based projects. However, the most astounding was the internship he received with the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).

What was the best thing that happened to you when you were a student? I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my career and I started out as a lawyer. However, taking General

Education (which is also a feature at AUBH) enabled me to explore a variety of subjects before deciding on one. Another important episode taught me that failure often is one of the best things that can happen to you; it’s a powerful teacher. I had submitted a paper to one of my faculty members and I was just devastated when he bled all over it. He gave me an opportunity to rewrite the paper and it was visibly much better and definitely an improvement from the original. The experience was important for me to understand that students shouldn’t be afraid of failure because it’s how we grow most. As educators, we need to encourage students to feel comfortable that failure is not the end.

Gulf Insider September 2023

Education

Excellence in Education Leadership

BRINGING THE BEST OUT IN EVERYBODY

Gulf Insider Interviews John Maguire, Executive Headmaster of The British School Of Bahrain

ow would you describe the role of an education leader?

Leading this school, for me is about bringing the best out in everybody – the staff and the students while providing opportunities and a culture to enable everyone to thrive. It’s about establishing an ethos for everyone to function within. As an education leader, it’s important to challenge the status quo even if there’s resistance because the school won’t develop if there’s a sense of apathy.

What, in your opinion, is the key to providing enriching learning experiences to students? It all starts with the culture. Students have got to be happy and feel safe. No matter how many opportunities you provide, they won’t actually take those opportunities unless they feel safe to do so. If the students are happy and the parents are happy and they feel safe, then they’ll take more risks with their learning. We offer 250 different free-of-charge enrichment activities after school. They range from Japanese art to learning new languages and elite sports, to music clubs. As long as you’ve got passionate staff, which we do, it’s about encouraging the students to take those opportunities and stick with them. We’ve also recently developed in the area of student-led opportunities, such as international conferences and BritMUN, giving them the platform to lead. Girl Up is another such event, where students are talking about the problems and challenges facing women in society at the moment.

What are some of the innovations at your institution that promote quality education? We were renowned during the 12

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Education

pandemic for being incredibly innovative. We were the first school to go entirely live with teaching and led the way within the country for what education should look like during the pandemic. Since then we’ve kept that sense of innovation going. We were recognised by Gulf Insider with an Education Innovation Award in 2022. We’ve got a really ambitious and innovative sustainability roadmap. We’ve got a student wellbeing programme, which I presented at the Covid Conference in London and won an award for recently. It comes back to that

We’re all about student-personalised learning and InspirED AI is something we’re trial-running this year. It’s a machine-learning model where students get a diagnostic assessment, and based on that, the students will have a series of questions and guidance best suited to them. That’s a great example of how AI can aid personalised learning. I would say, however, there is a real caveat with AI. Many fear it rather than embrace it but it has a place in education. Even as students dissect the accuracy of the information it can produce. That higher-order skill of analysis is much better for them. The fear stems from the fact that AI could have an impact on ending coursework. That would worry me as an educator because coursework is important for students and is an integral part of education.

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

If the students are happy and the parents are happy and they feel safe, then they’ll take more risks with their learning.

culture where we’re always trying to do something new irrespective of whether they work or not.

Technology and AI are changing the world. How are they changing education? Thankfully, we are on the first train of AI. Whenever it comes to technology and education, too many schools think of how that can change their education. You’re much better off looking at your school and asking what problems can technology solve. However, it won’t work if you’re looking to build a technology-led school.

There are a lot of stories. One that springs to mind is the absolutely fantastic year our music program has had. British School of Bahrain won at the Middle East level and received many commendations. We’ve had lots of individual and team successes in the Bahrain basketball and football leagues as well as in golf. One of our students just secured a scholarship to go back to a prestigious school in the UK on a full golf scholarship. We’ve had three Crown Prince scholarships this year. One going off to the USA on a fully-funded scholarship, and two going off to the UK. Overall, it’s been a great year for the school.

What was the best thing that happened to you when you were young? Anytime I actually took an opportunity and learned a huge amount from it was the best thing. Whether that was a leadership opportunity at university or at school – the best part of my youth was saying yes to opportunities. I’ve learned so much in my career and my personal life.

Gulf Insider September 2023

Education

Excellence in Education Leadership

THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD Gulf Insider Interviews Paul Walton, Principal of Nadeen School.

ow would you describe the role of an education leader?

To start with, it’s the best job in the world. Part of the job is to be a visionary, to be clear about the vision and direction of the school, to set goals and make sure there is a real purpose, to have energy and enthusiasm, to point the school forward, and to be positive in everything that you do. A transformational education leader is required to bring in lots of change; it’s about working with people, building relationships, and trust. Finally, it’s about being flexible. Working in education, you never know what’s around the corner.

What, in your opinion, is the key to providing enriching learning experiences to students? As an educator, it’s always about no limits, making sure that every child believes that they can achieve anything. In my third school as a principal, I’ve seen many students come in, with low confidence, from different schools, backgrounds, or different countries, just to follow their dreams. Here, a part of our mission is the growth mindset. So, if the students want to achieve, we can help them achieve by embracing those challenges and giving them feedback and encouragement.

What are some of the innovations at your institution that promote quality education? We’re all about the students at Nadeen School – starting with studentled initiatives. One, that we’re all torn about at the moment, is ‘Planet Protectors’. We have a group of students who, along with our student council, student leaders, and other groups, work on different projects. But, the ‘Planet Protectors’ have had real 14

Gulf Insider September 2023

success because they’ve been looking at the environment and sustainability and recently finished runners-up in the Council of British International Schools’ International Eco Film Award. That has been a huge success this year. Our newest initiative is HighPerformance Learning. We are very proud to be the first school in Bahrain to be a part of the high-performing learning group of schools. That will give us a language of learning, a real research-based framework to open up the doors to opportunities for many of our students.

High-Performance learning is a framework, of research-based ideas. It’s a wide range of elite schools that are working together. Professor Debra Ayre, who leads High-Performance Learning, visited our school, and we sent some of our staff to London for a training course. It offers a language of learning, which incorporates 30 different keywords across the school, which is very important for Nadeen School going into a secondary school, as it gives us consistency in the language, not just for the teachers, but also for the students to talk about their learning.

Education

Technology and AI are changing the world. How are they changing education? Merely because I’m a computer science teacher at heart, I love innovations. But, I also recall past innovations. I recall speaking to hundreds of parents about how to use Google and search operators, and opened the door to looking at all these wonderful ways in which they could use the internet. At that time it was about students gathering information from the internet, and wondering if there will be a need for teachers. I remember speaking at a business commerce event about the use of online learning and

Whenever you give students the opportunities to go online, explore and have access to a lot of content and new knowledge, there has to be that responsibility of how they use that knowledge. Going back to our growth mindset, one of our opportunities would be to educate students on how to use this tool sensibly, extend their learning, and give them new opportunities that they’ve never had before. It is an impressive tool, but it’s about how you use it effectively in schools.

Can you describe a recent student success story from your institution? One of the recent events that resonated with me was our end-of-year performance. It was an environment show. From the staff practising with all students to the parents and a packed house boosting everyone’s confidence, it was an absolute joy to see students get on stage and perform after months of rehearsals. The reason I mentioned this is that when we go to the new campus with new facilities, the students who love performing will be blown away by the new opportunities. So, for me, the environment show was amazing, seeing the confidence, the performance, and the high quality.

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

If the students are happy and the parents are happy and they feel safe, then they’ll take more risks with their learning.

my reaction was the same. It’s about understanding the technology, reacting to it, and also thinking carefully about how and when it’s used. So, artificial intelligence is a further powerful tool, but it’s about understanding educationally, how and when we can use it. I’ll be fascinated to see how the exam boards will navigate this time to use AI and how we can use it in our professional development at school. There’s a place for it to enhance and transform learning and as schools, together, we need to provide education and training to understand it more.

The biggest impact on me inside the classroom was down to things that happened to me outside of the classroom. I have two examples. I remember going to the school sports fixtures, with teachers coaching you outside of school, and that led to me having a positive impact in the classroom. Another was the environment project. I was lucky to be involved in some activities before the Duke of Edinburgh Award. I remember as a 12-13-year-old, going outside, doing dry stone walling, helping local farmers, learning to work with all the students, meeting new people, learning new skills etc. All of those things outside the classroom shifted me forward. I took my studies a lot more seriously with those new skills. These helped me grow up and mature a little bit more. Gulf Insider September 2023

Education

Excellence in Education Leadership

BEING FUTURE READY Gulf Insider Interviews Dr. Simon Watson, Principal, St Christopher’s School, Bahrain.

ow would you describe the role of an education leader?

The role of an educational leader is similar to that of leaders in any organisation. What sets it apart is the responsibility of envisioning and shaping the future of young adults. At St Christopher’s, our dedicated and highly professional staff make this achievable. Ultimately, we have to ensure good results in both academics and holistic education. A strong focus is placed on instilling in our students our six C’s, that include courage, commitment, and a profound curiosity for learning. This holistic view of education is something that we embed in our approach to education at St Christopher’s.

What in your opinion is the key to providing enriching learning experiences to students? An enriching learning experience manifests in two aspects: The first is within the classroom, where it is important to ensure active student engagement and teachers who are compassionate and knowledgeable. This is something we have in abundance at St Christopher’s. The second, outside the classroom, is where we truly excel. Currently, some of our students are in Singapore participating in Formula One for Schools. We are also sending a team to Yale for the Champion Tournament of the World Scholars Cup. We are hosting in January the Young Musicians of the Gulf, a well-known music competition where the very best students in this region participate. We have two groups of students visiting Thailand for an ongoing service learning opportunity; this has been part of the curriculum for many years. These students have

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Education

built schools and are supporting the local community in Thailand. These are examples of the kind of activities that enrich students’ learning experiences.

What are some of the innovations at your institution that promote quality education? We have introduced several

it. The facilities that we’ve designed for this new school are outstanding.

Technology and AI are changing the world. How are they changing education? AI is set to have a huge impact on education, and it’s just the beginning. At St Christopher’s we are already utilising AI to mark and grade students’ work. But I believe it won’t be long before software companies like Google develop such capabilities. This is one area that is changing rapidly. On the other hand, AI does not replace the need for learning. One cannot learn without knowledge or skills. Students still need to focus on a building a strong foundation.

Can you describe a recent student success story from St Christopher’s?

We also have a professional learning platform, launched in response to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

innovations. First, our “Future Ready Curriculum” focuses on six crucial competencies that will equip students for their future. This has been in place for a couple of years and is gaining traction. We also have a professional learning programme, launched in response to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. It facilitates high-quality training for teachers and support staff delivered by global educationists, such as Sir Tom Sherrington from the UK and Ollie Lovell from Australia. This year, we are hosting around 30 speakers. Lastly, I’d like to mention the unveiling of our new senior school, which is going to be amazing. Stay tuned to our social media as we unfurl more details about

It’s difficult to choose between the many success stories at the school, whether it’s about the students who received the Crown Prince Scholarship or those who performed exceptionally well in their exams. But, what’s truly inspiring is to see students who face and overcome adversities in life. Some have battled cancer, but continued school, while others have coped with the loss of a family member during important examinations. It’s challenging as well as rewarding to support these students, and it is heartening to watch them emerge from it over the course of a year or two. While it’s difficult to choose an individual success story, it’s such instances where students succeed despite their personal circumstances that inspire us.

What was the best thing that happened to you when you were a student? The best thing that can happen to a student is to have teachers who become their ambassadors and guides. I was fortunate to have two math teachers who believed in me as a student and as a person. That support boosted my education, not just in mathematics but in all areas of school life. So as a parent, please ask your son or daughter who their ambassador is at school.

Gulf Insider September 2023

Education

Excellence in Education Leadership

REDEFINING HIGHER EDUCATION Gulf Insider Interviews Dr. Hasan Almulla, President, University of Technology Bahrain.

ow would you describe the role of an education leader?

The main goal of an education leader is to make sure that the institution achieves the objectives it has set by bringing people together towards a common goal. Particularly, the role of a leader in a higher education institution is to produce people who could contribute to the prosperity of the economy and the country.

What influenced the desire to change the identity and create UTB? Following the acquisition of the university in 2020-21, it wasn’t appropriate to retain its name, AMA as it was part of a different education system. At the time, we needed a new identity to reflect the direction that the university was about to take. The name, “University of Technology” was not difficult to come up with because technology was at the core of development in so many fields, given the economy today. Whether it’s engineering, business, law, or education, technology is central to every field. Having said that, we also know that technology isn’t a fixed thing; it keeps evolving at an unprecedented rate. We as an institution must keep up and make sure our students are fit to join any industry they choose to work in.

Why should students choose to study at UTB? I believe we have certain elements of our curriculum and pedagogical approaches that are appealing to many students. Our timings are very flexible; we operate 13 hours a day, from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Working professionals find it easy to schedule 18

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Education

their classes in the evening or at night so they can be full-time employees and full-time students simultaneously. Ours is perhaps one of the most affordable universities on the island. Most of our programs are internationally accredited by ABET, the European Council, and perhaps soon, the AACSB. We offer some unique programs that others in Bahrain still don’t. For example, the Bachelor in Environmental Engineering is highly relevant in today’s world. We’ve got a very modern campus located perfectly for students whether they’re from Bahrain or Saudi and it’s accessible to

I believe we have certain elements of our curriculum and pedagogical approaches that are appealing to many students.

all students including those with special needs.

How does UTB plan to support students with placement opportunities? The process begins before graduation. Our programs have industry-specific advisory boards who understand the relevance of the programs and call the shots in terms of developing them to make sure it fits the labour market. We have a very strong relationship with the alumni and they help in providing opportunities for our students. We also have an excellent rapport with major industries in Bahrain which we leverage to place our students in some of the best companies countrywide. While they’re pursuing their

courses, students engage in industrylevel projects to familiarize themselves with what’s happening in the real world. These experiences pave the way for opportunities in the professional world, making it easier for them to get placed once they finish their education.

How do you ensure high standards of quality education at UTB? Classrooms are integral to quality education. If you can ensure that whatever happens in the classroom is of high quality, then you can ensure the quality of your graduates. For classrooms to remain the space of

high quality we ensure our faculty are developing themselves professionally and the learning material is top-notch. We must make sure that the teaching methodologies adopted in the classroom aim to deliver the best and cater to all sorts of learning styles of the students, whether it’s by reading, watching a video, or through projects. The students are part of the process and must be engaged in a way that their skills are developed to thrive in the professional world. The assessment also needs to be robust and produce quality graduates. It’s a continuous process that involves every stakeholder - teachers, students, administrators and a lot of investment. At the helm, it requires good leadership.

Gulf Insider September 2023

Education

Excellence in Education Leadership

NURTURING HOSPITALITY Gulf Insider Interviews Shaikh Khaled bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, General Director, Vatel Bahrain.

ow would you describe the role of an education leader?

An education leader assumes a pivotal role in shaping and guiding the direction and effectiveness of an educational institution. The leader is responsible for establishing a strategic vision, setting clear objectives, and implementing policies and initiatives that promote quality education and positive learning outcomes. In my opinion, the leader of an institution is expected to be an enabler and possess a solid skill to balance. It is a balancing act; fulfilling educational requirements by providing a safe learning space for learners and staff, while tending to the business side of things by meeting expectations of policymakers and regulators. I find this role very satisfying; I sleep happy knowing my work contributes to students’ success, while contributing to the growth of the national tourism sector.

What, in your opinion, is the key to providing enriching learning experiences to students? All higher education institutions should serve as a platform to help students engage with the community; extra-curricular and co-curricular activities play a key role in shaping students. They provide opportunities for students to explore their passions, build networks, and develop their soft skills. At Vatel, the practical application of knowledge and skills is essential for enriching students’ learning experiences. We achieve this by establishing real-world relevance, enabling students to understand how their learning connects to real-world contexts by providing examples, case

Gulf Insider September 2023

studies, and stories that illustrate the practical applications of the concepts they are studying and facilitating experiential opportunities. It is achieved by arranging internships, externships, or partnerships with local, regional and international properties and businesses in relevant fields to provide students with practical experiences. This enables them to see first-hand how their learning translates into real-world settings.

What are some of the innovations at your institution that promote quality education? Our Bachelor’s and MBA programmes in International Hotel Management adopt the apprenticeship model. It’s a

unique model in Bahrain, however, it’s immensely necessary to the profession. Students are encouraged to engage with the industry and get hands-on experience from their foundation year. From grooming and dress code to punctuality, we follow industry standards around the campus. Lecturers bring with them a wealth of experiences from the field. They enrich classroom engagement and the learning journey of the students. At Vatel Bahrain, the local context is embedded into the learning experience. Students explore the local culture, history, and economy along with food and beverages in Bahrain and the MENA region. In their first semester, students receive a mix of theory and practical

Education

lessons while working in partner hotels and luxury establishments. During their second semester, they embark on a 4-5-month internship. In the last two years of their course, students venture outside of Bahrain for their internships to gain international experiences, explore different cultures, immerse in various work environments, and

learning process, teaching methods, and the overall functioning of educational providers. We would primarily rely on the unparalleled access to information and resources that technology provides. Students can easily search for information, access online libraries, and engage in virtual learning experiences, allowing them to explore various subjects and perspectives beyond traditional classroom resources. Moreover, data-driven insights are crucial for our field. AI and data analytics tools help educators analyse large volumes of student data, identifying patterns, trends, and areas for improvement. This data-driven approach informs instructional decisions, facilitates early intervention for students who seem to be struggling, and enhances educational outcomes.

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

At Vatel, the practical application of knowledge and skills is essential for enriching students’ learning experiences.

become more proficient in the French language. Students of Vatel engage in key events such as the Bahrain Grand Prix, the International Air Show, Jewellery Arabia, and more. By the time they graduate, students will have gained two years of experience in the hospitality industry. About half of them secure their jobs before graduating and around 78 percent are employed within six months of their graduation.

Technology and AI are changing the world. How are they changing education? The field of education is undergoing significant transformation due to the influence of technology and AI. These advancements are revolutionising the

It is very difficult to single out a single graduate, I am extremely proud of all of them! The story of Hamad Bahlool is heartwarming. He is a hotelier at heart, has a very driven personality and is very resilient. I witnessed him face numerous challenges, but they didn’t stop him. He persevered and insisted on continuing his studies till the day he completed his Bachelor’s at Vatel. It was wonderful to see him receive multiple job offers upon graduation. He is doing well in one of the top 5-star international hotels in Bahrain.

What was the best thing that happened to you when you were a student? I will have to say the support I received as a student. It is easy to assume that the only support a student receives is out of school… at home usually. However, I have experienced wonderful support from the teaching and non-teaching staff working in my school, and in my college days too. Support can help relieve a lot of the stress a student feels and ensures whatever the issue, it can be resolved smoothly. I advise every student to reach out to the student support staff for any issues they face, no matter how small. Leaving matters to the final hours always works against the student. Gulf Insider September 2023

Education

PRINCE EDWARD,

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH VISITS THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF BAHRAIN Addresses students and parents on the positive impact of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award.

he Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, which has over 160,000 volunteers globally, hosted a prestigious event at the British School of Bahrain (BSB) Campus, in Hamala. The school welcomed His Royal Highness Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh, for this special occasion, and together with high-level dignitaries, they celebrated the positive impact of the Award within the Kingdom over the past, present, and future. The Duke of

Gulf Insider September 2023

Edinburgh’s International Award is a highly acclaimed, non-formal education and learning framework that encourages young people to find their purpose, passion, and place in the world. The Duke of Edinburgh met a host of students and members of the Bahraini community, during his visit to BSB. Students of the school showcased their leadership skills on the school’s newly refurbished sports pitches, alongside key activities such as their use of Virtual Reality in the Inspired Metaverse School, built to aid

interaction with other students around the world. A highlight of the tour was the introduction to BSB’s first-ever Gold Award cohort, and a short video from the participants’ recent residential visit to Zanzibar, where they supported the International Volunteers Charity. The Duke of Edinburgh also spoke to students from St Christopher’s School and their parents about their Gold Award participation. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award operates in more than 120 countries and territories. Through

Education

The Duke of Edinburgh met a host of students and members of the Bahraini community, during his visit to BSB.

developing transferable skills, increasing their fitness levels, cultivating a sense of adventure, and volunteering in their community, the Award helps 14 – 24-year-olds to build essential skills such as resilience, adaptability, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Around a million young people are currently completing their own unique programme, via hundreds of thousands of youth-focused partners and operators. The Award, which has been running in Bahrain for nearly 30 years, currently operates in two organisations, The British School of Bahrain and St Christopher’s School, supporting more than 320 young people every year. The royal visit is designed to enable greater growth and awareness of the Award and the importance of non-formal education so that even more young people have the opportunity to develop fundamental soft skills that will help them make a lasting difference in their communities.

Dorothea Gorman, Director of IAC Operations at The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation said: “We are thrilled to be able to celebrate the achievements of Award participants and Award Leaders at our two existing Award Centres, and grateful to The British School Bahrain for hosting this special event. This great showcase of Award activities is also an opportunity to demonstrate to other schools and youth organisations the positive impact the Award can have on young people as part of a holistic education in Bahrain.” John Maguire, Executive Headmaster of the British School of Bahrain stated “We are immensely honoured to host this prestigious event, welcoming His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, in celebration of such a key award, which empowers youth, builds their resilience and confidence and encourages global citizenship. We are a school whose ethos is built on its values and these are reflected in the outstanding Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.” Gulf Insider September 2023

Exclusive

STAR EQUESTRIAN, FRANKIE DETTORI TAKES ON A NEW ADVENTURE Inspiring a new generation of Riyadh equestrians will be my next adventure Frankie Dettori

Frankie Dettori is a decorated name in the Middle Eastern Equestrian space. He has been instrumental in the victories of GCC countries such as Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE in international championships. Reflecting on a career that boasts more than 3,000 wins, the next chapter in the ace jockey’s career is just beginning. In this op-ed, Frankie highlights his next adventure as he prepares to elevate his journey with the equestrian sport. 24

Gulf Insider September 2023

s the end of my last year on the circuit draws closer, I hear plenty of “riding off into the sunset” remarks. The truth is, after nearly forty years of horseracing, the final dismount is going to be tough. Rather than see this as the twilight of my career, I’ve always aimed to bow out on a high and experience another life after racing. Of course, that means spending time with my family and my friends, relaxing, and enjoying good Italian food, but there is still more I want to do to champion equestrian sport. That’s why the projects I’m looking forward to in my retirement are the ones aimed at bringing the joy of horse riding to more people. Some of the happiest moments of my life have been in the saddle and when I thought about what I wanted to achieve beyond racing, it was making horse riding accessible for everyone, a part of everyday life. There’s no better place to achieve that ambition than here in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with its culture and heritage of equestrianism. I’ve recently become involved in one of Riyadh’s mega projects: the Sports Boulevard, one of the world’s largest urban regeneration and grassroots sports projects. It will transform the makeup of the city with a park stretching from East to West, with over 50 different sports facilities and more than 134km of horseriding trails. The Sports Boulevard will be a vital way to build on the Kingdom’s proud equestrian history. I’ve been riding in Saudi Arabia for over thirty years and the level of appreciation for horses here is one I haven’t seen surpassed

anywhere else in the world. I’ve loved hearing the stories trainers tell me, passed down from generation to generation, of the importance of Arabian horses to nomadic desert life over more than 6,000 years. Revitalising this legacy for all of Riyadh’s citizens is something that gives me huge excitement. As an official ambassador to the project, I not only want to inspire a new generation of equestrians but also emphasise all the benefits an active life brings. I’ll be 53 years old at the end of this year, and part of the reason I’ve been able to stay competitive for so long is my love of sports – be it football, running, or just spending time outside. The Sports Boulevard will give incredible new infrastructure and facilities to the city, so that everyone can learn or take part in sports, from cycling, water sports, and skateboarding to my passion for horse riding. I’ve had the privilege of riding over 3,300 winners in my career, but I’m not quite ready for the sunset yet. The ambition I see from Sports Boulevard to create trails for budding riders of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds is spurring me on towards my next adventure.

Frankie Dettori is one of the world’s most successful jockeys and an official ambassador to the Sports Boulevard Foundation. https://sportsboulevard.sa/en

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Automotive

REDEFINING SUV

PERFORMANCE AND LUXURY The new Porsche Cayenne unveiled in Bahrain.

orsche Centre Bahrain has announced the launch of the all-new Porsche Cayenne. The SUV sets the standard in performance, luxury, and innovation, redefining the driving experience for distinguished customers in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Unleashing Performance: The new Porsche Cayenne delivers exhilarating performance, combining power and agility to create an unrivalled driving experience. The SUV comes with high-performance gasoline engines and offers electrified hybrid options and futuristic electric models. Luxury Redefined: Its exterior design

features sleek lines, sculpted contours,

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Automotive

The all-new Cayenne is equipped with state-of-theart technology that enhances connectivity, convenience, and driving pleasure.

and iconic Porsche styling cues. Inside the cabin, premium materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technology seamlessly blend to create an elevated driving environment.

Innovative Technology: The all-new

Cayenne is equipped with state-ofthe-art technology that enhances connectivity, convenience, and driving pleasure. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system seamlessly integrates with the driver, providing intuitive access to an array of features and functions. From advanced driverassistance systems to innovative infotainment options, the Cayenne ensures a connected and immersive driving experience.

Uncompromising Safety: Porsche

Centre Bahrain prioritizes safety, and the new Cayenne reflects this commitment. From adaptive cruise

control to lane-keeping assistance, the Cayenne offers a comprehensive suite of safety technologies that prioritize the protection of occupants. “We are thrilled to introduce the all-new Porsche Cayenne to our valued customers in Bahrain,” said Mark Price, Brand Manager of Porsche Centre Bahrain. “This remarkable SUV represents the perfect fusion of performance, luxury, and advanced technology. We are confident that the new Cayenne will exceed the expectations of our clientele and elevate the driving experience to new heights.” Porsche Centre Bahrain invites customers to visit their showroom and experience the all-new Porsche Cayenne firsthand.

To learn more about the Cayenne or to book a test drive, please visit Porsche Centre Bahrain or visit their website at www.porsche.com/middle-east/bahrain/

Gulf Insider September 2023

Automotive

A CROSSOVER THAT’S AS STYLISH AS IT’S FUN TO DRIVE A review of the new PEUGEOT 408, by Nick Cooksey

Gulf Insider September 2023

Automotive

Overall, the 2023 PEUGEOT 408 is a great car. It offers a stylish design, a spacious and well-appointed interior, impressive performance, and excellent fuel economy.

ast month I had the opportunity to road test the new PEUGEOT 408, a stylish crossover, during a media drive in Oman. The new 408 has a striking exterior design, with a long, sleek silhouette and a fastback roofline. The front is dominated by a large grille with sharp LED headlights, and there’s a full-width LED taillight bar and a dual exhaust system at the rear. Overall, the 408 is a handsome car. Inside, the cabin is spacious and fitted with high-quality materials. The seats are comfortable and supportive, and there’s plenty of room for passengers in the back. The cargo area is quite spacious, and the rear seats fold down flat to provide more space if needed. The 408 is available with a variety of powertrains. I had the opportunity to test drive the turbocharged four-cylinder and was impressed. It’s quick and agile. There’s a variety of technology features including a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and a panoramic sunroof. The car also

offers a variety of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. It’s earned a five-star overall safety rating and comes standard with a variety of safety features. This is a fun car to drive. My journey was a round trip between Muscat and Dar Al Akbar, which is two thousand meters up in the mountains. I experienced some of the most stunning scenery in Oman, and I was navigating winding mountain roads with sharp inclines and declines, plus a few sharp bends. Yet, my journey throughout was comfortable thanks to the 408’s excellent suspension and supportive seats. Overall, the 2023 PEUGEOT 408 is a great car. It offers a stylish design, a spacious and well-appointed interior, impressive performance, and excellent fuel economy.

To arrange a test drive in Bahrain call Peugeot Bahrain/ Motor City on +973 1750 0900

Gulf Insider September 2023