Saman Ali Abbasi Saudi Gazette Bayan Gardens School (BGS), located in Al-Khobar, was founded by Yasmeen Husain's family in 1999. Within 13 years, the school has flourished and is one of the top dual curricula, bilingual educational institutes in the Eastern Province. BGS graduating students have been accepted in some of the best universities in Canada, America, England and Kuwait. Aramco CBC also has BGS students enrolled. Bright classrooms, well equipped computer and science labs, art room and play areas, make studying enjoyable and interesting for all students. The mission of the school is “to achieve excellence in education without compromising the basic skills and values of life.” Last summer, BGS was accredited by Advance ED. “I look for passion, care and the ability to keep learning as a team in my faculty,” Husain said. Persistence, patience and forgiveness are essential if you want to be in the profession of teaching, she added. BGS is famous for its annual science exhibitions, when students and teachers present their best in front of the community. All topics are well researched and well presented. Science is Husain's passion. Every year, each class is given a different theme related to science and how it can benefit students and the community. Students even paint posters and make special banners to be placed outside the school walls. Every morning during assembly, after reciting verses of the Qur'an, students can be heard restating the vision of the school both in English and Arabic, “learn from the past, integrate with the present and prepare for the future.” And then the day begins. Students study math, science, English literature, and computer in English and other subjects, such as Islamic studies, Arabic literature and history, in Arabic, followed by art and PE with other electives. There are also after-school activities to keep young minds busy and vibrant. When asked about the influence of technology on young minds, Husain replied that parents play a very important role here. They should try to keep a balance between time spent on mobile phones, iPads and other healthy activities. “In order to maintain their interest in reading books, let them download books, novels or stories. We encourage our students to limit their time on iPads, tablets and mobiles and use technology for creative purposes,” she said. BGS emphasizes on preparing its high school students for the future so that their transition to college is easy. Time management, internship programs and psychology are a few topics to mention here. Mentors and role models are vital for students, and Husain firmly believes in having a few for her school. Therefore, high school students assist teachers as elementary school teacher assistants during their internship program. Academic discipline, character building, and project-based learning are a few traits that are taught at every level at Bayan Gardens School. Husain's most loved quote is “Never Give Up,” and she believes that should be every child's motto.
