Principal Dr. Simon Watson shares how St Christopher’s School Bahrain is preparing for the future while maintaining its long-standing reputation for excellence.

Dr. Watson’s vision for St Christopher’s School Bahrain is clear: “We aim to be recognised as the leading school in the Middle East.” A crucial step in this plan is the 2026 opening of a new Senior School spanning 100,000 square metres, equipped with exceptional facilities. “This new Senior School, alongside our existing Primary campus in Saar, will further elevate our already enviable reputation in the region,” he says.

The school is also expanding its academic offerings, particularly in the Senior School. “We are diversifying our learning pathways, ensuring that students and parents have access to high-quality education with a range of choices tailored to their needs,” Dr Watson adds.

Academic Excellence & Holistic Education
St Christopher’s prides itself on academic excellence. “We care deeply about each child and are committed to doing everything possible to support their learning journey,” says Dr. Watson. The school continuously evaluates its practices through internal reviews, external inspections and engagement with educational research.
Beyond academics, the award-winning Future Ready Curriculum ensures students are equipped with vital life skills. “It integrates metacognition, global impact, entrepreneurship, digital literacy and well-being,” Dr Watson explains. Real-world learning experiences foster confidence and adaptability in students.

Extracurricular Activities & Inclusivity
Extracurricular activities play a significant role in shaping students. “We offer a vast array of opportunities across music, drama and sports, enabling every student to find an area of interest,” he says. The school encourages both participation and success to ensure a well-rounded education.

Inclusivity remains a key focus. “One of our core values is mutual respect, a principle that is evident the moment you enter our school,” Dr Watson says. “Students from diverse backgrounds feel valued and supported within this environment.”

Technology & Parental Engagement
The school embraces technology in education while ensuring traditional methods remain relevant. “Our approach to technology is centred on using the best strategies for learning – whether that involves digital tools or pen-and-paper methods,” Dr Watson explains. The Head of Digital Learning ensures that AI and other emerging technologies enhance education rather than replace essential skills.

Parental involvement is key to student success. “When parents actively engage in their child’s education, students are more likely to thrive,” Dr Watson notes. Initiatives such as parent workshops, classroom visits, the Festive Fayre and Iftar in the Park help foster strong school-community relationships.

Well-being & Leadership
Mental health is a top priority. The school uses Komodo, a well-being monitoring system, alongside a no-mobile-phone policy to keep students engaged. “Our teachers have strong relationships with students and can recognise when additional support is needed,” says Dr Watson.

Reflecting on his career, Dr Watson credits his maths teacher for inspiring his passion for education. “Like many teachers, I was inspired by an exceptional educator whose love of teaching ignited my own passion for education,” he shares. “Leading St Christopher’s has been rewarding, particularly spearheading the New Senior School project, a lasting legacy for the wider community in Bahrain.”

"Our approach to technology is centred on using the best strategies for learning - whether that involves digital tools or pen-and-paper methods" 
- Principal Dr. Simon Watson  

Tags #British Curriculum #btm april 2025 #Bahraini Government Curriculum #St Christopher’s School Bahrain #private schools #education #educaion feature