Page 42 - Bahrain Gov Annual Reports (III)_Neat

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None of the teachers arc above matriculation standard and very few of them have more than
a poor elementary education. Classes in teaching methods have been held throughout the year with
special emphasis on the teaching of English, Arabic and Arithmetic. The progress in English is most
marked. There is also a general improvement of teaching methods throughout the four big schools.
Books. At the beginning of the year enough Arabic and English readers were bought so that
now every pupil has his own copy. There are still no Arithmetic, History, Geography and Hygiene
books in the primary and village schools. Arithmetic books arc now on order.

Syllabus. The syllabus for Arabic, Religion, Geography and English is now in use in the
primary schools. As yet it has not been possible to devise a History and Arithmetic syllabus owing to
lack of books and in the case of the latter subject lack of knowledge on the part of the teachers most of
whom know of nothing more advanced than the four rules. A course for Arithmetic teachers has been
started as the first step in raising the appallingly low standard. The average mark of all classes of all
schools on very simple papers at the end of last term was 33%.

Examinations. Half-term and end-of-term examinations were held and promotions were
strictly in accordance with the results. The idea that merit and not privilege determines progress is
still new but it is gaining ground.
From the month of Ramadhan monthly mark sheets were introduced for the primary and
secondary schools. These are proving a great incentive to continuous effort. In the Secondary
School special pocket badges are worn by the first three boys in each class.
Games. A games committee of masters from the large schools has been formed and a
programme of inter-school football and volley ball matches arranged.
As yet the spirit is very poor. Great emphasis is laid on the disgrace of losing a match. So
much so that all sorts of foul play are resorted to and efforts are made to cancel or abandon a match
by a side which fears it will take a beating. This spirit is fostered by most of the staff who themselves
have never discovered the benefits of the discipline of losing a game. Only the example of those who
are more enlightened can alter this and we were fortunately not entirely lacking in these.
General. His Highness Shaikh Sulman bin Hamad and His Excellency Shaikh Abdullah bin
Isa, the Minister of Education, paid a visit to the Manamah Primary and Technical Schools and the
schools’ hostel on 5th Rabi A1 Thany, (22nd April 1942). This was the first time that such a visit has
taken place. Both His Highness and His Excellency showed great interest in all that they saw and
expressed their appreciation.
During the year school boys gave concerts over the radio on several occasions. Cinema shows
were given regularly at the schools by the Public Relations Officer ; these are always very popular.
In November 1942 the Director of Education paid a three weeks visit to Kuwait where he
inspected the government schools. This is in accordance with the agreement between the British
Council and the Bahrain Government.

Policy. It has been decided that as there arc so few openings as yet for men with higher
qualifications the urgent need is to raise the very poor standard of what schools we have. The Secon­
dary School, which now has three classes, will not at present be extended. 'Our aim is to raise the
standard so that the very wide gap between our class III and class IV of a Palestinian, Egyptian or
Syrian school will be so reduced that boys wishing to pass on to a university may do so without delay.
Finance. A separate account was opened for the first time for Boys Schools expenditure. The
estimated figure was Rs. 1,02,400, whereas the actual expenditure was Rs. 1,10,973. This
overspending was due chiefly to the increase in cost of stationery and general equipment.

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