Excellence in Education Leadership 2024 – a series where we shine a spotlight on the heads of schools and universities in Bahrain. In this series, we uncover the ideas, aspirations, and strategies driving these leaders to shape the future of education – whether it’s their vision for their institutions, their insights on the transformative role of technology and AI in education, or the innovations they employ to foster enriching learning experiences for children.
In this exclusive interview, we speak with Dr. Simon Watson, Principal of St Christopher School Bahrain.
What was the biggest highlight for the school in the past year?
We have once again been ranked among the top 100 private schools globally, solidifying our position in Bahrain and the Gulf. We’re also honoured to have received the award for the most innovative curriculum for our future-ready curriculum which has been in the works for the past few years. These achievements mark significant milestones for us.
Since we last spoke, what are some of the educational innovations implemented at your school that promote quality education?
We have been really pushing the use of AI in our senior school. We’ve developed our very own software platform that allows teachers to integrate questions with an AI chatbot.
What kind of opportunities do teachers at your school have for continuous professional development?
We developed a fantastic professional learning program at our school after COVID, where we bring in external speakers for video talks and professional development sessions throughout the year. Teachers sign up for two or three of these sessions from a selection of about 30 different talks annually. It’s a highly extensive and tailored program at St Chris.
We also support teachers pursuing master’s degrees and various leadership courses. Right now, there’s a strong focus on coaching, with teachers taking numerous coaching courses to understand the fundamentals and move into instructional coaching. This comprehensive investment in teacher development is a key reason why St Chris maintains its excellence.
Do you think it helps for educational institutions to have a social media presence? How do you leverage it to engage with the community?
Most schools around the world maintain some sort of a social media presence and here in Bahrain, it’s mostly through Instagram. Our focus has been on regularly updating our page with photos and videos of students, ensuring we provide continuous updates and information to our community. Having an active social media presence is crucial for visibility and staying connected with our community.
What has been the biggest lesson you have learnt as an education leader in the past year?
One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the crucial role that relationships play in leadership. Keeping relationships at the forefront is essential. This year has been particularly challenging, including the unfortunate loss of a few students. These events have highlighted even more the importance of maintaining strong connections with staff, students, and the community.
What was the best thing that happened to you when you were a student?
Two memorable experiences stand out. One is the impact of a couple of teachers who were instrumental in my love for mathematics. Their passion and dedication helped me excel in the subject, and that’s something we strive for at St Chris—recognizing and nurturing the potential in students so they can truly succeed.
Another memorable moment, though more lighthearted, was during our PSHE program when we were learning to ride motorbikes. I recall a student struggling with clutch control, leading to an unexpected wheelie and the teacher running after them. Today, with health and safety regulations in place, such activities are not likely to happen but it’s funny to recall this particular incident.
