Julie Anne Gilbert has been a member of the British School of Bahrain community for over 15 years. Having previously taught in the UK and at St Christopher’s School and the Japanese school in Bahrain, she described a moment of realisation that the BSB was ‘the best kept secret in Bahrain’ when she first visited the school so many years ago. “I was struck by the warmth, the family atmosphere and the feeling that all the members of the school simply seemed so happy to be there.
There was a fierce pride in this, then tiny, school and a determination to make the school flourish.
“Part of the secret of the school’s success seemed to lie in the high-challenge/low-stress environment. Children were encouraged to be the best they could be academically but the inclusive nature of the school meant that social stress was minimal. Children were encouraged to be children and, even to this day, our students are refreshingly unsophisticated!
“Students who have graduated from the BSB comment that the school encouraged them to have the confidence in their own skin on the global stage.
“Although we are now ensconced in magnificent state-of-the-art facilities, the original spirit of the BSB is very much active. Now under the umbrella of ‘Inspired’, a dynamic, innovative, global premium schools group, the BSB is growing from strength to strength. There are indeed exciting things ahead!”
Bahraini Kadijah Al Saeed is a librarian who has been at the school five years.
“Just looking at the building and faces of the staff, I could see that the options were endless – you can develop and be who you are. It is a beautiful environment, there is no judgement. When you see the look on the students’ faces when you find them the right book, that’s a great feeling.
“I was previously at Bayan School and that’s where I fell in love with libraries and the possibility of finding the missing part of yourself that comes with finding the right book. But this school has given me an amazing chance to develop, so I always want to do more. The students and staff are so helpful and supportive.”
Words for women entering education: “Let’s make a difference together. You teach them [students] about being global citizens. We have to be aware that everything we say affects them in some way. You also have to be patient!
“The library is the heart of every school and it’s all about sharing the passion of reading and knowledge. Good librarians develop reading and as R David Lankes said: ‘Bad libraries build collections, good libraries build service, great libraries build communities!’
Nicola McHugh, from the UK, is a PE teacher specialising in dance, who has been at BSB four years.
“My husband and I were looking for teaching opportunities as a couple and we wanted to move to the Middle East. We were in Spain before this. We are returners, we came back for a second time.
“I’ve worked in both Amman, Jordan, and Alicante, Spain. The three places have been very different both in terms of school and living environment. BSB is huge in comparison but there’s also a big support mechanism in this school. There’s always someone going out of their way to support and direct you and they support initiatives.
“To those seeking a career in education, I would say you actually have to LIKE children. You do occasionally meet people working in education who don’t [perhaps in supervisory or admin roles]. It’s fundamental, you have to be committed to the development of the children in your care.”
And, of the future, she adds: “I have a young family and my husband and I want to teach our children to be global citizens. We plan to travel and immerse ourselves in different cultures.”
Irishwoman Doreen Mills has been school counsellor at BSB for 10 years.
“I came out because my husband was here, taking a leave of absence from my school in Ireland. I met Joan, [Dr Joan O’Brien, former Head of Senior School] and was impressed by her. I came in to do some cover and went back to Ireland but decided I wanted to be here. It was the whole thing really: the students, the mission, it was a lovely nurturing environment for the children.
“I’ve worked in Ireland and also in Iran at the British School in Shiraz [the staff was evacuated to Bahrain during the revolution]. In Iran, I worked with British teachers, so the teaching was quite similar and I’ve always been used to working with a team. In Bahrain, I think the people swung it for us, the people are warm – a lot like the Irish.
“Teamwork is important; we all work together for the good of the children – working together for the good of the team.
“You have to believe in them, that next generation of children, they are the leaders of the future. It’s not just about academics, it’s about encouragement, bringing the best out of them. Building confidence to go out into the world.”
On female empowerment through education: “There are some great female role models in Bahrain – from HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of HM the King, President of the Supreme Council for Women (SCW), down. These role models are showing that it can be done and our girls are following in their footsteps. They also have the support of their parents. One of the advisors for Inspired [the group which owns the school], Clarissa Farr, has brought a great deal of empowerment to girls. They’re [learning] that they can do anything that they put their minds to.”
And for the future: “I want to continue to grow in the role, wherever that may be. I’m a great believer in removing the stigma of mental illness and encouraging young people to come forward; there is help available for them.”
Bahraini Amal Darwish has been at the school two years as PR and marketing officer.
“As a business graduate, naturally I always thought I would work in the corporate sector but when I came for the interview, there was so much positive energy in this school that made me eager to be part of it. Working for a school means you’re working for a bigger purpose. Whatever your role is, you’re supporting education which is a very powerful motivation to take the initiative and go beyond the job description.
“I’ve done lots of corporate work but have always been drawn to education. When I was a university student, I was a member of PASS; teaching and supporting my colleagues with their assessments and helping them improve different employability skills. Through a charity, I try to make myself available to teach young students as much as possible. I’ve always been interested in education, so I feel I am in the right place now.
“Would-be workers have to realise that working in education means you’re part of a bigger project. It’s the Butterfly Effect. Your influence can be carried with your students for years ahead. BSB students are very special and being around them every day is a continuous reminder that these children will have a big part to play in the future.”
