Curriculum
Strategic Plan

Curriculum

Modern Knowledge Schools has adapted the American Education Reaches Out (AERO) standards for Math, Science, Social Studies and English/Language Arts, World Languages, Music and the Visual Arts. These standards for American overseas schools provide standards similar to American stateside standards, thus supporting our mission to provide a “world class education based on an American curriculum”. Standards in other curricular areas are being developed based on national standards in the United States.

Students follow an international curriculum, which ensures a solid grounding in English/Language Arts, mathematics, science and social studies. French, art, music, computer skills and physical education are also included. Vertically and horizontally aligned standards reflect what students will know, be able to do, and be like as a result of learning in this area. These include content (big idea concepts), skills, and dispositions. Specific benchmarks give the developmentally appropriate target to measure a given standard at a specific grade level or in a particular course. Teachers are accountable for assisting students in meeting these.

The high school provides a college-preparatory program leading to an American Diploma and/or full IB Diploma. Students completing the full IB program typically receive priority placement at universities and are offered first-year credit for their higher-level courses. Modern Knowledge Schools is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges and the International Baccalaureate Organization.

Kindergarten

Nursery and Kindergarten is a time of wonderment and amazement.  MKS strives to educate the whole child seeking a balance between their social and emotional, physical and aesthetic, and cognitive development. Through our meaningful and purposeful curriculum students are able to reach their maximum potential. Nursery is a three year old program; KG1 is a four year old program and KG 2 a five year old program. Students in the KG programs attend classes in both English and Arabic daily. This is a challenging goal. Teachers work closely together to ensure that students are learning in both languages.

Elementary School

Students and parents are valued stakeholders in the elementary curriculum. Modern Knowledge Schools has determined curriculum standards for each discipline from grades K-12 that specify the progression of what students should know and be able to do as they move through the school. The elementary school curriculum provides the foundation for this later learning. At the same time the program recognizes that not all students progress at the same pace therefore instructional and assessment practices accommodate the needs of individual learners.

Students in Grades 1-5 gradually move forward in a formal approach to learning. Children learn by doing, practicing previously learned skills and acquiring new ones. Teachers encourage the formation of good work and study habits and organizational skills. Students in the lower elementary grades stay with a homeroom teacher for the entire day. In the upper elementary, students change classes and experience different teaching styles daily.  English is the language of instruction with Arabic language, social studies and Islamic Religion taught in Arabic. The language of instruction for math and science, art and computer courses is English. Students attend music, art, computer and physical education classes taught in English. The majority of the elementary teachers are recruited from North America.

Middle School

Middle School students are learning to be independent learners and are developing a range of thinking skills – comprehension, interpretation, extrapolation and synthesis. They learn to read for greater comprehension and appreciate a variety of reading materials. Middle School students apply mathematical skills and concepts to relevant academic and real life situations and apply scientific principles, skills and attitudes to problem-solving. Middle School students are encouraged to recognize the needs of a healthy body and healthy mind and to express their creative potential through the arts.

Students are grouped by gender and into four sections per grade level. The majority of the day is spent in these groupings. An exploratory program is offered at grades 7 and 8 in which students select four courses on a rotating basis.

The development of writing skills is an integral part of the English curriculum. Students experience a wide variety of genres, including descriptive, persuasive, narrative, and expository writing. The writing process is used consistently throughout the middle school. Students brainstorm ideas, develop several drafts, revise, edit, and publish. Using the writing process, each of the six traits are reinforced throughout the middle school experience; students focus on idea development, organization, sentence fluency, voice, word choice, and conventions through their own writing and by reading examples of good literature.

Throughout the middle school, students study literature as part of a purposeful and comprehensive reading program. Students read widely from a variety of literary genres in order to increase fluency, comprehension, and insight. Classroom discussion and personal response to the literature is central to reading experiences in the middle school. Independent reading is valued at every level.

High School

In accordance with the school's mission the high school program aims to ensure that all students are equipped with the foundation knowledge, skills and attitudes to successfully succeed in IB diploma and/ or the American diploma program

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

The International Baccalaureate (I.B.) Diploma Program is a comprehensive and rigorous two-year curriculum for students in grades 11 and 12. The course culminates in external examinations and the award of the IB Diploma. The general objectives of the IB Diploma Program are to provide students with a balanced education; to facilitate geographical and cultural mobility; and to promote international understanding through shared academic experiences; and to provide access to tertiary education.

The subjects offered at MKS are as follows:

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

TOK is an interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection on the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. The course challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases, and to develop the ability to analyze evidence that is expressed in rational argument. It is a key element in encouraging them to appreciate other cultural perspectives.

The IBO’s goal is to educate the whole person and foster responsible, compassionate citizens. The CAS program encourages students to share their energy and special talents with others; students may, for example, participate in theatre or musical productions, sports and community service activities. Students should, through these activities, develop greater awareness of themselves, concern for others, and the ability to work co-operatively with other people. CAS activities must be undertaken for approximately 150 hours over two years.  

The High School Diploma

The high school diploma is awarded to students in Grade 12 who have earned all required course credits in grades 9-12. The high school diploma is accepted by universities in North America.

The Bahrain Ministry of Education recognizes the Modern Knowledge Schools’ high school diploma. The diploma is accepted by universities in Bahrain and throughout the Gulf.

Subjects /Credits needed for graduation

Students need a minimum of 26 credits to graduate from MKS. They are required to take a math each year. If a student has completed all required credits in math, they are required to take an elective credit of math.

Strategic Plan for 2005-2010

Building upon our foundation of ten years of success, this strategic plan sets forth our  goals over the next five years. We believe that with disciplined focus on these goals, we will be able to serve our students and our community well. We will continue our ambitious approach to sustaining a world-class school. This plan is the result of the reflection of the owners of the school as senior administration, and a review of survey information completed in preparation for the Middle States Association Self Study.  It is the intention of the senior administration in the school to share this document with the Parent Advisory Group and then with all segments of the school community.

Six areas of the life of the school were reviewed and a goal for each area was written.  The six areas cover all aspects of school life: Student achievement and character; Academic programs; Staff development; Technology ; Buildings and grounds; Financial planning and support; Effective communications.

We began with our mission and beliefs. Using these as a springboard, we developed  measurable action steps for each goal.  We will report annually our progress in accomplishing these steps to all members of the school community.
  
Success in the 21st century will depend upon educating students who can think critically, solve problems creatively and communicate effectively in many diverse environments. Meeting the challenges and opportunities of an interdependent world will require flexible intellectual competence and commitment. It will require the development of individuals who have been taught to respect the richness of all cultures. These individuals will have a strong academic preparation and a passion to become the best they can be and to help others achieve their best. The mission of the Modern Knowledge Schools (MKS) is to develop such individuals. To fulfill this mission, we envision MKS as continuing to develop a reputation as the best private school in Bahrain by 2010.  

GOAL: STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Students will be prepared to complete successfully the International Baccalaureate ( IB) Diploma program or the American high school Diploma program, and will be well prepared  for admission to colleges and universities worldwide, and will maintain an appreciation of their own culture. They will model the attitudes as described by the International Baccalaureate and the beliefs of the Modern Knowledge Schools.
Students who leave MKS prior to graduation will be prepared to transfer successfully to other schools either in Bahrain or in other countries of the world.

 
By 2006 MKS will establish consistent entrance qualification examinations that will identify students who can thrive in its cultural and academic environment. It will maintain an enrollment level that makes optimal use of the available facilities and resources and that allows each section to build a strong sense of community
By 2006 the schools will identify and address achievement gaps that may exist among student groups.

By 2006 the external measures of student performance, in concert with internal (teacher developed and moderated) assessment of student performance, will be communicated to students and parents in a timely, understandable and appropriate way. Results will also be analyzed by grade level and school-wide.

 By 2006 MKS students will demonstrate a commitment to balanced self-development –intellectual, moral and physical- through dedicated participation and leadership in academics, athletics, the arts and service to others.  MKS will develop a proactive disciplinary policy that emulates caring and respect for others as its cornerstone; thus emulating in policy and implementation the mission of the school. 

By 2006 the rate at which MKS seniors are admitted to competitive colleges, universities and programs within a college or university worldwide will improve from the present benchmark level.

By 2007 student performance on individual IB subject exams and the IB diploma pass rate will be equal to or above the international average.  SAT I result averages of MKS students will improve annually and by 2008 will be equal to the average SAT I score as determined by The College Board.

By 2008 Student English language proficiency level goals will be met at key grade levels. Each student will possess core Information Technology and Research skills prior to entering grade nine.

By 2009 an MKS senior will be a recipient of the Crown Prince’s International Scholarship(one of only four given to private school students).

By 2010 an MKS student  will earn an IB diploma score of 40 or above.

GOAL: ACADEMIC PROGRAM
 Curriculum is being developed to reflect recognized American and International standards .Textbook selection will take into account the curriculum to be taught and the unique needs of the Arab population of the school.  American textbooks will be selected for all American curriculum classes.  Every effort will be made to provide for the individual needs of students.  Finding an optimal match between students’ learning styles and the methods used to teach is critical. Ensuring that students will be challenged and supported to make good academic progress each year and meet high standards is essential  As the school grows,  the scope of programs to meet student interests and talents will be assessed and curriculum improvements initiated.

By 2005 the schools will utilize internal assessments for placement and for initial entry.

By 2005  foreign language alternatives to Arabic for non-native speakers will be evaluated.

By 2005  resources and opportunities for students to receive tutoring and remediation outside the classroom will be provided.

By 2006 the value and academic requirements of the IB Diploma will be communicated  to students, parents and staff in order to encourage students to pursue a more rigorous curriculum.

By 2006 internal and external assessments will be used to develop and implement an  assessment plan to assist in the identification and proper placement of at-risk students and language confused students, and measure annual performance growth with school wide external assessments (ITBS, PSAT, SAT)

By 2006 curriculum standards will be developed and implemented across all grade levels and disciplines and faculty, staff and students will be provided with the appropriate tools and resources to meet these standards.

By 2006 low student/teacher ratio will remain a goal in the academic program so that the student academic program will be improved by better attention to individual student needs
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By 2006 Modern Knowledge Schools will develop new courses options for all students who are excelling and develop IB options for gifted and talented students in grades 9 and 10.

By 2006 the current course requirements will be revised to create a more stringent curriculum in grades 11 and 12 and the selection  of courses needed for the American diploma will be enhanced.

By 2006  the N-KG2 curriculum will be revised to  include PE and a more comprehensive music and arts component..

By 2006 learning support alternative delivery systems  will be expanded to meet the needs of all students.

By 2006 a middle school advisory program will be developed and faculty identified for and trained in the advisory process.

By 2006 health education in a middle school setting will be provided  with  an emphasis on decision making, self esteem and other teen issues.

By 2007 the schools will develop the standardized testing preparedness program for students taking the PSAT and SAT.

By 2007 benchmarking will be used to implement research-based standards and assessments that reflect the knowledge and skills that will enable students to succeed in a dynamic world.

By 2007  mentor and positive support programs will be created for all students.

By 2007 our early childhood opportunities will be expanded and strengthened.

By 2007  a technology curriculum for grades K-10  will be developed so that information technology and research skills will be developed and implemented across the disciplines.

By 2007  special needs students  will be evaluated and provided support with certified personnel.

By 2010, the school’s textbook review cycle will be renewed and new textbooks ordered in areas identified for the first adoption in 2004.

 
GOAL:  STAFF DEVELOPMENT
 MKS will attract, retain, and support the development of the best faculty and staff available locally and internationally. Our objective is excellent teaching with a focus on the process of student learning and on measuring, against clear standards, what students know and are able to do. All who work at MKS will model the high value that the school places on respect and purposeful effort to set high expectations for students. Powerful, sustained staff development in a collaborative environment gives teachers the opportunity to learn together and is the focus of the following milestones.

By 2006 elementary staff will have been provided staff development opportunities that will enable them to successfully implement the new reading series. As new textbooks are selected and implemented, staff development will be provided to insure appropriate implementation.

By 2006 staff members will have the opportunity for access to a Master’s Degree program housed in the school, and every staff member will have the opportunity to participate in other staff development conferences and programs throughout their tenure of service. A calendar of staff development opportunities (NESA, TARA,MEIBA etal) will be provided to staff and financial incentives will be provided.

By 2006 MKS will continue to revise its annual performance review process to align it with the goals and action imperatives of  the MKS Strategic Plan. Compensation of faculty and staff will be tied, in part, to performance as gauged by this review process.

By 2006 MKS will implement a process to ensure continuity when faculty and staff leave the school.

By 2006 the master schedule will allow for collaborative and personal development time for all staff during the teaching day to foster shared work ethics and practices.

By 2006 mentoring opportunities for new teachers and administrators will be enhanced.
 
By 2006 English classes for Arabic staff and Arabic classes for English staff utilizing current staff will be provided.

By 2007 all teachers will demonstrate competence in the appropriate use of information technology as a productivity tool and as a tool for teaching and learning.

By 2007 new teacher orientation and faculty professional development will be designed so that all teachers follow a common repertoire in terms of philosophy, pedagogy and assessment, while still allowing for and encouraging individual and cultural distinctiveness. As a result, faculty attrition at MKS will be less than attrition at the benchmark 40% current level. Employment opportunities and applications will be posted on the MKS website.

By 2009 the number of teachers and staff in the areas of critical need will be expanded and additional support provided for those teachers.

By 2010 an incentive/recognition program for outstanding first year teachers will be created.

GOAL: TECHNOLOGY
 Staff and students will have the necessary skills, tools and resources to secure and process information and communicate in the most efficient manner available to them in the 21st century.
 
By 2005, MKS will inaugurate a new computer record keeping package, “Maestro” to maintain more accurately student records, generate statistical reports, provide better communication with parents.    

By 2006, Internet access will be expanded in the school’s libraries and computer labs to improve the availability of internet related research.  Students will be trained to use technology to research information.

By 2007, MKS will implement an automated system for cataloging and issuing books and managing all library related records.

By 2007, MKS will provide internet access to the school’s current student records and teacher lesson plans via a password protected system.

By 2008, all classrooms will be networked and have computer access available.

By 2008, all science labs will have the computer capability to run simulations and experiments.

By 2009, MKS will employ an automated system to monitor all supply functions.

By 2009, all parents will be able to access communication data from MKS and be able to communicate more easily with teachers using the technology available.

By 2010, MKS will demonstrate its e-learning capability by making available computer software application certifications to students.

GOAL: BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
MKS will continue to upgrade its physical facilities as a commitment to the future development of the school, and to improve the lives of students and teachers. MKS will develop and implement a master plan for buildings and grounds that will address key program areas including athletics, the library, the performing and visual arts, the experimental sciences, information technology, and the needs of the school community.

By 2005 MKS will  construct a parking area for staff, students and parents.

By 2005, the school will complete the building and equipping of a gymnasium for both physical education classes, and athletic performance.

By 2005, the school will complete the renovation of the old gym in the MS/HS building into an equipped auditorium for dramatic, musical productions and large group meetings for all members of the school community.

By 2005 MKS will expand the MS/HS reception area.

By 2006, the school will complete the addition of the third floor to the elementary school and equip that addition with an inside play area for elementary students.

By 2006 MKS will expand the elementary library.

By 2006 MKS will build 2 additional classrooms in the MS/HS to expand class locations.

By 2008 MKS will build a walking bridge from the main MS/HS gymnasium/classroom complex.

By 2008 MKS will expand the present MS/HS library

By 2008 MKS will expand and improve the Information Technology area.

By 2008, the school will develop a plan for expansion that will include a feasibility study for the physical separation of the MS and HS.

By 2010 MKS will secure a site for outdoor athletic events including boys and girls football and other sports.

GOAL: FINANCIAL PLANNING AND SUPPORT
MKS will continue with its excellent use of its financial resources to develop the finest program possible, and to support all of its programs equitably.  Plans will ensure that there is a continued stability in providing funds for all of the school programs and for the improvement of the school facilities.

By 2005 additional income will be generated by having elementary parents absorb the cost of student textbooks. This revenue will provide funds for projects such as completion of middle and high school gymnasiums, kindergarten facilities and beginning construction of elementary gymnasium and multi-purpose rooms.

By 2006 additional income will be generated by having the Kindergarten parents absorb the book cost. This revenue will provide funds for feasibility studies for a separate elementary building, teachers’ building and completion of the bridge project.

By 2007 additional income will be generated by a tuition increase. This revenue will provide funds for the completion of the elementary gymnasium and multi-purpose room, elementary science laboratories and begin construction on the bridge.

By 2009 a determination will be made as to which future projects will be initiated.

By 2010 all bank loans will be settled.

GOAL:  EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
The school recognizes the need to improve its communications and a public relations strategy has been put in place to further this end. The school must communicate its objectives, plans and achievements to the school community and to the community of greater Bahrain. Communication strategies must provide a variety of means by which the greater community can respond to what is received from MKS. The culture of excellence and openness already developing at MKS needs to be nurtured.. MKS has an open door policy about talking with parents and answering their queries. Parent meetings have and will continue to take place and information about the school and its activities is being disseminated to the local media on a regular basis. Thus, the school’s goals over the next five years are to cement this promising beginning and actively move forward in increasing our communication levels and methods.

By 2006, MKS will deliver regular newsletters to parents and will revise its website to include truly interactive options allowing users to directly access the latest information on the school, its plans, curriculum details, updates and principals and heads of departments.

By 2007, all staff should be accessible on the school website and MKS will be able to communicate its messages electronically on a consistent basis. Also, a communications or PR team will be in place to further develop effective communication.

By 2008, community talks and lectures will take place at the school on a regular basis, reinforcing the role of MKS as a credible institution within the larger community of Bahrain.

By 2009, a wider Parent Teacher Association should be in place allowing the school community to work together more openly for the benefit of the school and its students.

By 2010, the wider community and the school’s stakeholders will recognize the improvement in communication levels and will be able to more actively participate in the school.