Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, BTC Celebrates its 10th Anniversary

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training, the Bahrain Teachers College (BTC) organized a ceremony to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its establishment. A number of high-level attendees from both the Ministry of Education and the University of Bahrain were present at the ceremony, which was held at Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Hall at the University of Bahrain on Wednesday (20 February 2019).

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Mubarak Al Khalifa expressed his delight at having this event under his patronage. His Excellency also stated that the foundation of the BTC was part of a number of strategic initiatives aimed at developing education and training in Bahrain under the overarching reform project launched by His Majesty King Hamad Bin Issa Al Khalifa in 2008. The event is a part of the celebrations signifying the 100-year milestone of Bahrain’s establishment of formal education.

The goal of the BTC has been to prepare qualified and professionally-trained teachers capable of building a future workforce armed with innovation and creativity in all fields. Since the inception of the BTC, around 916 teachers holding a Bachelor of Education degree, 522 holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) and 639 Principles and Assistant Principles holding a Higher Diploma of Educational Leadership have graduated from the college. BTC offers world-class academic learning and practical training which have been the cornerstone of the success of the college programmes.

His Excellency also expressed his appreciation and gratitude towards the BTC Board of Directors, the Dean and faculty members for their efforts in promoting the college, wishing everyone further success.

The ceremony commenced by reciting verses from the Holy Quran, followed by a short video highlighting the progress of education in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Then, H.E. Dr. Majid bin Ali Al Nuaimi, Minister of Education, gave a speech expressing his sincere thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa, HRH Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and HRH Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, for their continuous support of the advancement of education.

Dr. Al Nuaimi emphasised that the BTC could not have succeeded in achieving its goals without the foresight, vision and support of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister.

He highlighted that the BTC was inspired by the latest global advances integrating theoretical and practical educational practices, in particular the Singaporean experience of preparing teachers and education leaders. He laminated the focus of the college on attracting the highest calibre of graduates, in accordance with global standards of admission reflective of privileges ensuing from such highly coveted profession; and on attracting highly qualified academics and administrative staff.

Dr. Al Nuaimi said that the BTC has made remarkable achievements in various areas. It has offered Continuing Professional Development Program to 13,828 teachers. Both its programs and performance received excellent reviews from the National Institute of Education in Singapore, the British Council and the Education and Training Quality Authority. All graduates have been employed by public schools, emphasizing the collaboration between the BTC and the Ministry of Education. Bahraini public schools scored the highest in the International Mathematics and Science Test (TEMS) between 2011 and 2015, with a standard score of 45. In addition, Bahraini female students won the first place in PIRLS. Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (2016). The Ministry of Education continues to provide many teacher training programs aimed at combining professionalization and career advancement.

In his speech, Dr. Ted Burinton, Dean of the Bahrain Teachers College, expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness the Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Council for the Development of Education and Training for his generous patronage of this ceremony. He stressed the importance of the college and the prominent role it plays in the service of education in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa launched a book entitled “Ten Years of the Bahrain Teachers College: The Establishment of a World-Class Teachers’ College.’ It included documentation of the stages of the college’s inception, development and achievements. He then honoured all members of the BTC Board of Directors for their efforts in advancing the college.

In closing the ceremony, His Excellency toured an exhibition displaying students’ outstanding projects, and he inaugurated the Educational Leadership Training Centre, established to train public schools’ educational leaders.