The Fifth Annual Gulf Comparative Education Society Symposium Adjusting the "international" to fit the conservative "national": The case of International schools in Saudi Arabia Dr. Waheed Hammad Educational Administration Dept., Faculty of Education, King Faisal University, KSA 10/4/2014

The phenomenon of International schools International schools have been existent since 1964 and have particularly witnessed dramatic expansions over the last few decades. WHY? Rise in the number of internationally mobile professionals seeking job opportunities overseas in the company of their families and children Growing interest in instruction in the medium of English: local systems my not be able to provide high-quality English schooling. Meetings the needs of a more cosmopolitan elite (shifting demographics): 80% of international schools population come from the wealthiest 5% of local populations Rising multiculturalism and the need for global awareness

International vs National Schools What’s an International School? Blanford and Shaw (2001:14) state, 'The standard international school defies description - there are so many different categories and constitutions General features (Hill , 1994): It’s a school with students and staff representing a number of cultural and ethnic origins. It’s a school where the IB and/or a number of different national courses and examinations are offered. It’s a school where the ethos is one of internationalism as distinct from nationalism.

It may serve a local and varied expatriate community of business people, diplomats, armed forces personnel. It’s usually either a proprietary school, owned and controlled by one or two individuals, or a private school governed by a board of directors consisting mainly of parents. It may attract resident students from all over the world. It’s usually fee-paying or scholarship-funded or both.

What’s a National School? It’s a school  whose students and staff are predominantly from one country. It’s a school where the curriculum and examinations of that country only are offered. It’s usually located within the one country where it may be government or a private fee-paying school. It may be located overseas to serve its own expatriates such as the numerous American, British and French schools.  

International schools in Saudi Arabia The need for international schools in KSA has been crucial due to large numbers of professionals of different ethnic, linguistic and cultural backgrounds moving to the country There are as many as 501 international schools in the Kingdom, serving 301, 213 students. The demand on international schools has been high among Saudi households. According to latest statistics from the MOE, there are 11, 616 Saudi students enrolled in international schools and the number is rising.

Why Saudis want international schools: the positive view Alternative to low quality public education Earlier introduction of English More flexible ‘school’ curricula, enhanced learning environment Better chances for pursuing university studies abroad Better job opportunities after graduation

Why conservative Saudis oppose international schools: the negative view Public education is more aligned with national identity and norms. International schools can be a threat to national identity. Why? Lack of emphasis on Arabic language Lack of Islamic teaching Exposure to negative cultural and moral values

A challenging context? The existence of international schools in a conservative context like KSA can be challenging due to conflicting ethos and values. Large system gaps: Religious vs secular education (the influence of religion) Mono-cultural vs multi-cultural education

1)Restrictions on Saudi students admission Policy adjustments 1)Restrictions on Saudi students admission Previously: Admission was limited to children of Saudi families returning from abroad. The student must transfer to a public school after a maximum period of 3 years in the international school. Currently: The school must not enrol a Saudi child before the approval of the concerned authority. The school must score 70% or higher in the rankings of international schools.

2) Imposing specific criteria for establishing international schools The schools must: be owned by Saudi individuals or companies. be headed by Saudi principals approved by the MOE. comply with Islamic rules and respect the moral and political principles of KSA.

adhere to the programmes they were authorised to teach. be subject to inspection by MOE officials. provide entirely segregated education for boys and girls (separate buildings). ensure that the curriculum contains Arabic language, Islamic teaching, Saudi history and geography.

3) Providing international programmes in private schools In 2006 the MOE gave permission to distinguished private (Arabic) schools to provide international programmes. The programmes included the international Baccalaureate, the American Diploma, and the British IGCSE The main aim was to provide Saudi students with an alternative to international schools. Permission was subject to meeting criteria similar to those required of international schools.

Implications for school leaders Need for multicultural awareness: 1- meeting the needs of diverse student population 2- leading a culturally diverse staff population Context sensitivity: 1- catering to local interests 2- complying with the requirements of the MOE

Thank you