| Education System in Bahrain |
Education in the Gulf State island of Bahrain is free, and has recently been declared compulsory too. The government adheres to a three-phase model, which begins with 6 years at primary school. Here a general academic curriculum has been adopted, together with a religious instruction program that continues for 9 years.
The 3 years at intermediate school complete the standardized academic program which all students are required to follow. The drop-out rate from primary school is nearly 25%, despite the fact that educational supplies, uniforms, transportation and even meals are free.
Students have 3 choices when they enter secondary school for 3 years. These include engaging in general, commercial or industrial programs. Education continues to be totally free. Despite this, just 40% of primary school pupils enter this phase, with girls far worse affected.
The Bahrain government is fully committed to ongoing adult education, and has established more than 50 adult education centers where almost any skill may be acquired.
The two leading tertiary institutions are the Bahrain Polytechnic which aims to shape a modern, more inclusive culture where Islam and Science may be blended, and the University of Bahrain. Several recent private colleges have introduced lower standards, which are being countered by a system of quality control.
The University established in 1986 as a joint venture among Gulf States and illustrated here, remains the largest educator in the region, with schools of arts, information technology, sciences, engineering, medicine and English language.
