Beyond the Classroom as 5,000 Students Explore Bahrain

Nearly five thousand government school students stepped beyond their classrooms this semester, taking part in a nationwide programme of educational field visits organised by the Ministry of Education. The initiative turned Bahrain itself into a living textbook, placing history, culture and public institutions directly in front of young learners. The programme began with the start of the academic year and ran daily throughout the first semester, carefully aligned with examination schedules and official holidays. It is set to resume with the beginning of the second semester, continuing its structured approach to experiential learning.

Participation

Students from all government schools for boys and girls participated, representing primary, intermediate and secondary levels. The visits were organised in groups to ensure balanced representation and smooth coordination in line with the approved academic calendar. 

The destinations reflected the breadth of Bahrain’s national story and public life. Students visited the National Charter Monument, the Council of Representatives, the Shura Council, the military museum, the Royal Humanitarian Foundation, several departments under the Ministry of Interior, and cultural landmarks including the Qal’at al Bahrain Site Museum, Beit Al Quran, the Bahrain National Museum, the Bahraini Farmers Market and the Post Museum.

The visits were designed to strengthen students’ understanding of Bahrain’s deep rooted history and its modern institutions. Exposure to real world settings helped students connect classroom lessons with lived experience, supporting their preparation of curriculum based reports and assignments.

A cultural highlight of the programme brought students to the Bahrain National Theatre, where they attended a special concert by the Bahrain Philharmonic Orchestra. The event was held in cooperation between the Ministry of Education and the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.

Education Minister H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma attended the concert, which featured an interactive educational segment led by maestro Mubarak Najem. Students were introduced to orchestral instruments through simple theoretical and practical explanations, followed by performances of Bahraini works, international pieces and excerpts from classic cartoon film music.

Impact

By bringing students face to face with institutions, heritage and the arts, the programme reaffirmed that learning does not stop at the classroom door. In Bahrain, education is increasingly being shaped by experience, curiosity and direct engagement with the nation itself.