A Boys’ School Uses Art to Teach Many Subjects
When
the new operator of AbdulRahman bin Jassim
Independent Preparatory School for Boys sat down to write the school’s
educational plan, he turned to an unusual source for inspiration: Renaissance
Italy.
“I thought about how the European Renaissance began in Venice, where the
aristocrats supported and encouraged artists. Then we thought of how science and
mathematics can be taught using the arts. We then chose the preparatory grade,
where student behavior is driven by emotions and feelings rather than logic,”
said Abdulaziz Al-Sayed, the school operator.
“We developed the entire philosophy, which the SEC approved,” Mr. Al-Sayed said.
He noted that he also believes in what the Emir has said about education being
the beginning of the Arab renaissance.
One of the main principles of Qatar’s education reform is variety, which means
encouraging different kinds of schools and instructional programs so that
parents may select the school that best suits their child’s needs. For
AbdulRahman bin Jassim, that philosophy has translated into teaching the core
subjects and at the same time having its own educational focus.
The school utilizes arts throughout the educational process, as it aims to
develop the cultural and psychological aspects of the student along with mental
capabilities and skills.
The operator knew he would have to
convince parents
of the wisdom of his novel approach, and the implementation of the
school plan began gradually. “We started with only 30% of our educational plan.
We started using art in teaching practices in math and science. We dramatized
history and social sciences. We developed curricula for theatre and music and we
had a special interest in Qatari folklore,” he said.
Folklore
occupies a special place in the operator’s view: “Everyone who lives in Qatar
needs to have some idea about our culture and heritage.”
The traditions also served as an entry to implement the school plan. “A good
idea could fail if it was introduced in a bad way, and if public opinion did not
support it,” he said. “In our early meetings with parents we mentioned our
emotional association with our folklore like the diving songs, fairy tales, and
“Arda” dance. We practice Arda daily in our weddings, and old diving songs were
always sung by our fathers and grandfathers, we value Al-Sadw and the old
architectural styles.”
“So we had to find our way in the beginning. Now we do not find any objection or
ignorance to studying the arts,” he noted.
AbdulRahman bin Jassim is located in the coastal town of Al-Wakra, and has
approximately 650 students in Grades 7-9.
The arts includes performance as well as visual forms. “Theatre is important to
all civilizations, as it includes all life arts and conveys information in an
easy way,” said drama teacher Mohammed Al-Sonni.
“We know the importance of theatre for the school and education, but forming a
part of school policy to teach the sciences through arts was a real shift and
very difficult challenge for me. We are used to students dealing with theatre as
an extracurricular activity, but now theatre has its own curriculum and it has
to be taught to all classes and students,” Mr. Al-Sonni said.
Mr. Al-Sonni said that for the first time in his career, he was obliged to put
together a comprehensive curriculum in theater for the three grades, so as to
give students an idea of theater history and also the opportunity to practice
acting and playwriting.
Even
Islamic Studies teachers make use of the new method. One of the teachers
recounts an experiment he carried out, when he taught one class a lesson about
Islamic history in a traditional way, and let another class dramatize the same
lesson and produce it on the stage. To the teacher’s surprise, the drama was a
great success.
Mr. Badr Al-Mulla, the fine arts teacher, refers to the mission of the school.
”The school teachers try to find new and innovative teaching methods, utilizing
arts where possible. As for art education, we teach students arts other than
painting. We teach sculpture and using different materials in art works. We also
try to connect students to their own marine environment in Al-Wakra, by using
local materials as sources of creativity.”
Mr. Al-Mulla worked in a Ministry of Education school for six years before he
moved to AbdulRahman bin Jassim. ”I was worried at the beginning, so I decided
to try the new system for one academic year. But I found very advanced education
techniques and tools, which make life easier for a teacher. I also felt the
students’ response is high and they like school more than ever before. We are
now ready for the new academic year.”
Salim Bilal Al-Noubi is a second-grade student who expresses his satisfaction
with studying at the school: ”There is a good chance for students to practice
whatever we like.”
Jassim Ali Al-Temimi, in the same grade, said, “I enjoy learning through the
arts. It is very interesting. I also practice my hobby of painting.”
The school operator said teachers have made a big effort to handle the new
teaching methods, and noted that three of his teachers have applied for a
Master’s degree in education through art.
The school is planning to be an art academy in the future, and Mr. Al-Sayed, the
operator, has even larger ambitions. “I dream that Al-Wakra plays the same role
that Venice did for Europe.”
