Al-Bayan was founded by the late Mrs. Fawzia Al-Sultan Al-Essa (God bless her soul) supported by fourteen women. The purpose was to establish a school that bridges, the progress of the west and the traditional values of the Arab culture. Thus, the bilingual program of the school came into existence, a program that prepares the students for the world of today and the challenges of tomorrow, a program that constitute a happy marriage between the “Modern” and the “Traditional”. With this clear vision, Al-Bayan Bilingual School was established in 1977, as the first bilingual school in Kuwait.

Founded in 1977, Al Bayan Bilingual School is a non-profit Arabic-English university preparatory educational institution, which fosters an environment for students to develop the intellectual qualities, ethical values and positive attitudes required for effective participation and leadership in the overall development of Kuwait and the rapidly changing world.

We believe that we are educating students for the rapidly changing world of the 21st century. We agree that technological, social, and economic trends indicate that, more than ever, success and an enriched life will depend upon:

• The mastery of communication skills, including writing, reading, speaking and listening.
• The development of problem-solving skills, technological capabilities, critical thinking, and analytic abilities needed to deal with an increasingly complex world.
• The cultivation of an international and multi-cultural perspective and skills that will enable one to take advantage of professional opportunities in the international sphere.
• An understanding of the historic, economic, geographic, and environmental forces that have shaped the modern world and the ability to use this knowledge to better comprehend the present and anticipate the future.
• The ability to work with others as part of a team and to experience leadership effectively and appropriately.
• The capability for personal autonomy and motivation for a life of continuous learning.
• Strong self-confidence, resourcefulness, self-esteem, and assertiveness.
• An appreciation of the essential ingredients for sound physical and emotional health, and the capability to utilize the resources available to realize these values and to deal with the stresses of an active life.
• A well-defined code of ethics, values, and standards that are not dependent upon a controlled environment.
• Effective development and instruction in the fine arts; health, recreation, and physical development; leadership and team play; aesthetic awareness; ethics; and psychological growth.

BBS students will:

• Acquire the learning skills needed to pursue knowledge and higher education independently.
• Learn to seek information from various sources in order to reach conclusions through sound, objective reasoning.
• Adopt a scientific attitude to learning which adheres to high ethical standards and respect for other people's ideas and beliefs.
• Acquire problem-solving skills.
• Attain recognized standards of knowledge of their subjects, but also realize that learning is a continuous process.
• Develop a positive self-concept so that they may explore their individual creative abilities.
• Appreciate the value of time and learn how to manage it productively.
• Develop an active concern for the preservation and improvement of the environment.
• Learn how to manage their health and well being via a life-long physical fitness program.
• Appreciate the fine arts universally.
• Be responsible and committed citizens in their communities.
• Acquire, understand, and respect Islamic teachings, traditions, and culture.
• Understand and appreciate the culture and traditions of Kuwait, the Arab region, and the world.

Students entering BBS must have sufficient knowledge of English and Arabic in order to meet the instructional demands of the grade level to which they apply. In addition, they need to demonstrate the potential to contribute positively to our academic and social environment while they are enrolled in the school.

BBS only admits students for whom we can provide an education. BBS does not have a program for students with learning difficulties, and the school’s admissions policies and procedures make it clear that the school does not provide services for students within this category. BBS’ admissions procedures are selective, and only average and above average students with no apparent learning difficulty gain admission to the school. Parents of all new admitted students sign a special acceptance contract that does not guarantee future enrollment. Student progress is closely monitored at BBS. Should it appear that the school’s program is not appropriate for the abilities and/or interests of a student or does not meet his/her educational needs, the school will consult with parents to determine if the student could be better served in another school.

In line with Al-Bayan’s nondiscriminatory policy, admission is conditional only upon successful entrance assessment results and the availability of places; regardless of gender, nationality, religion, or race. Academic and social developments are the principal selection criteria. Within these general criteria, priority for available vacancies is given to siblings of current students first, then to children of alumni and finally to children of new families.

In the admission assessments, which become more formal as the grade level advances, the school attempts to determine that the student is developmentally ready for school, that he/she has the basic skills required to enter the grade level in question, that the student demonstrates no significant learning difficulties and that the student will be able to successfully cope with the heavy demands imposed by a bilingual educational program.

Students who want to enroll in Al-Bayan Bilingual School must submit an admission application to the Registrar’s office with the required documents and assessment fees within the set registration period that commences in February of every year. Applications that are submitted before or after this period will not be accepted. Applicants will be asked to provide up-to-date school records, including current report cards. Applicants who meet the criteria for age and academic record will then be invited to take an entrance assessment.

English, Arabic, and Math Admissions Tests for grades 1- 12 have been designed by the school to assess basic language and math skills. The English and Arabic exams assess reading, writing and oral language skills. The Math exam assesses basic grade level mathematical skills. These tests are usually administered 3-4 times per year. A student must meet average/above average standards in all three areas in order to be considered for admission.

Admission to the School will be determined by the Principal in each division after careful review of the results of the admissions test, recommendations made by the examining teachers, and the previous school academic and behavior records. Credits from the previous accredited school are simply attached to the current BBS transcript—they are not transferred. Minimum graduation requirements must be met during the time the student is at BBS

Once a child has been assessed, the Registration office will contact parents to inform them of the outcome of the admission assessment, and the status of the student’s pending application. If assessment results are satisfactory and places are available, parents will be invited to register their children. During the admission process the school will consult with prospective parents to ensure that they support the school’s mission and policies.

Registration is only complete after submission of all the required documents, provision of health records, official previous school transcripts, and payment of non-refundable/non-transferable deposit of KD100.

Al Bayan Bilingual School is a university preparatory educational institution providing the best quality education to its students. Even though the school strives to meet the needs of all students, our staff and facilities are generally not equipped to meet the special needs of children with academic, social, emotional or behavioral difficulties that result in educational modifications which are beyond the scope of our programs, and/or in continuing discipline problems / undesirable influences upon other children. Therefore, when the school’s officers believe that it is in the best interests of the school or the student, the administration of the school reserves the right to deny admission to the following grade for a student whose behavior is deemed unacceptable or who does not show appropriate academic progress.

BBS’ professionals carry out the time consuming and difficult task of preparing class lists with great care because it is among the most important challenges we face each year. The school’s staff considers every possible variable while composing class lists. We consider the opportunities children need to make new friends; balancing student genders across sections within a grade; the learning styles and instructional needs of students; the teaching styles and teaching abilities of our instructors; distributing students with special behavioral characteristics and/or learning abilities evenly among the sections; balancing class numbers; separating siblings and students who do not get along, and a great many other factors.

Each year parents make hundreds of requests to place students in specific classes, and the number grows each year. In fact, it is now simply impossible to satisfy even a small fraction of these requests. Therefore, because Al-Bayan Bilingual School’s objective is to create the BEST possible learning environment for EVERY child in EVERY class, school management will NOT, effective immediately, accept any requests to place students in specific classes. Instead, the school will continue to do everything in its power to create the best, appropriately balanced classes possible in each grade, keeping all students’ academic interests, and generally, the best interests of all students in mind.

The school is a community where basic rights apply to all persons, students and staff, throughout the entire school day, including travel to and from home and during school field experiences.

1. The right to an education means that teachers are free to teach and students are free to learn without being interrupted by inconsiderate and unruly behavior
2. The right to develop one’s own individuality, so long as it does not interfere with the rights of others, without criticism or pressure from others
3. The right to be treated respectfully
4. Freedom from physical abuse and from mental abuse such as intimidation, harassment, or name-calling
5. The right to privacy.
6. Freedom from being set apart or mocked because of race, sex, religion, culture, handicap, classroom performance, etc.
7. The right to have personal and school property respected and safeguarded

Self-discipline is essential for the observance of these rights by members of any community. Self-discipline develops and promotes responsible citizenship. Continued positive self-control requires the cooperation of students, faculty, and parents.

School hours start at 7:15 AM and end at 2:30 PM. Students are expected to arrive at school before classes begin. The school is not responsible for students remaining after 2:45 PM unless they are in a school sponsored event. Teachers are available for extra help from 2:30-2:50 on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays.

Students are expected to observe the following:

1. Arrive to school on time
2. Wear proper school uniform
3. Come prepared for all classes
4. Speak respectfully to adults and fellow students
5. Take proper care of school property
6. Have a hall pass to be in corridors during lesson time
7. Not to eat or chew gum during lesson time
8. Adhere to the school ban on mobiles on school property
9. Walk (not run) in the building
10. Leave school with written authorization from the Nurse
11. Not to enter the theater and storage areas without an accompanying teacher or written authorization
12. Keep the school environment clean and free of litter
13. Line up when buying food from the canteen
14. Follow all the rules of any special area such as the mosque, the media center, the gym, the science labs, the theater, the clinic
15. Follow exam rules
16. Follow classroom rules set by the teachers
17. Adhere to the no smoking policy
18. Male students are expected to maintain an acceptable hair length which does not exceed shoulder length

Al-Bayan Bilingual School has evacuation, fire drill, and safe-haven procedures in place in case of emergency.

BBS is proud to be able to offer a range of activities and resources to our students. This includes academic activities as well as extracurricular after school opportunities. Students should be aware of the requirements to participate in school activities and sports.

• Student Council:The Student Council has a faculty advisor. Student Council serves as a vehicle for students to exercise effective leadership, address concerns coherently, sponsor school activities and service projects, and accomplish tasks efficiently.
• Al-Bayan National Honor Society:Al-Bayan is proud to have an active chapter of the National Honor Society. The NHS faculty council of the high school grants membership to this society. Students in grades ten, eleven and twelve can qualify for membership. Selection of new members takes place every year in October. Selected members are inducted in a special ceremony. Criteria and process of selection is based on the NHS constitution.
• Activities and Clubs: The goal of participating in activities and clubs is to help students develop interests beyond academic studies, broaden their perspectives, and provide them with opportunities for effective and enjoyable use of leisure time.
• Publications: Students are encouraged to volunteer in helping to develop the yearbook, school newspaper and other school magazines.
• Field Experiences: Educational trips provide students and teachers with opportunities for learning and teaching beyond the classroom. A letter is sent to parents to secure their written approval for their children to participate in every trip.
• Sports Teams: BBS offers a range of athletic teams for both our male and female students.

• The High School Media Center: The purpose of the High School Media Center is to ensure that students are effective information users. The center offers the student an open access atmosphere that promotes inquiry, creativity, self-direction and ability to find and use information. It provides supplementary material to support classroom instruction and encourages reading and enjoyment of literature. Technology has been effectively integrated with the use of networked personal computers for user access to the Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), materials circulation, multimedia resources and Internet.
• Counseling:Services provided by the Counselors at the High School include individual, academic and personal counseling. The Counselors are in close touch with parents. He/she provides special assistance for students in academic difficulty. The Counselors supervise external tests including PSAT (required for all 11th graders), SAT I/II, ACT and Advanced Placement. The Counselors work with all grade levels in seeking to provide a comprehensive counseling and awareness program in areas such as careers, study skills, university application process, personal and social awareness of issues. Students in grade 9 and 10 are provided information about successful study habits, goal setting, course selection, time management, graduation requirements and career information. The grade 11 and 12 students are guided through the university admissions process. Counselors seek to meet with academically at-risk students to work on study skills, goal setting and behavior changes. Personal counseling is also available should students need to speak with someone. One hundred percent of our graduates continue their studies at a university, whether in the Gulf States, Kuwait or abroad.

Students may be eligible for the following awards should they meet the requirements. Some awards require that students complete an application process, while others allow for automatic consideration if requirements are met. Eligible students are notified of any awards that may require applications and students are responsible for completing process.

At the end of each semester and upon graduation, students with honors will be recognized in the following way:

• Students with a 4.0 cumulative GPA and above will receive High Honors with Distinction recognition.
• Students with a 3.75-3.99 cumulative GPA will receive High Honors recognition.
• Students with a 3.5-3.74 cumulative GPA will receive Honors recognition.
• To be placed on the Honor Roll a student must have a good behavior record.

The Al-Muffarej family, in memory of their son, Al-Bayan student Bader, presents this award. The Al-Muffarej Award of Distinction is designed to annually honor a distinguished student in grades 10, 11 or 12. The award is designed for those students who have a cumulative GPA of 3.75 and above, and a current semester I GPA of 3.70. The student must be active in extracurricular activities and has assumed a leadership role during his/her High School years. The nominee must have a distinguished discipline record and good relations with both teachers and students. This award is presented during the commencement ceremony.

This award is designed by the Al-Bayan PTA to honor one student from the graduating class. A special committee from the PTA is in charge of this award. This award is based upon the active participation of the student in community service activities during his/her High School career. This is awarded during the commencement ceremony.

This award is designed by the Al-Bayan PTA to partially cover the expenses of one student, from grade ten, who is planning to study during the summer. This award is based upon the student’s achievement during his/her study in grade nine and ten, in addition to his/her interest in joining an accredited academic summer program. The student must secure admission to the summer program.

This award is given to the student(s) in grade twelve who demonstrated outstanding commitment to and execution of his/her Senior Project.

This award is given to one male student and female student in grade twelve who have, throughout their high school years, demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship, represented Al-Bayan with pride through their active participation in team sports, and promoted a healthy lifestyle.

This award is given to a senior who has demonstrated a commitment to student leadership during his/her 4 years at Al-Bayan Bilingual School. He/She has either been a member of the senate, executive or both during the 4 years and has worked hard on behalf of all students.

The Principal’s Award is given to an outstanding BBS senior who has gone above and beyond in contributing to the school community in his or her time here at BBS. This student is one who constantly seeks to give of himself or herself to others, to BBS and to teachers without the expectation of recognition in return. He or she is often a “behind-the-scenes” participant in events and works additional time and hours beyond what others do. They are a leader in the school through actions and attitude. This is award is only presented if such a student is exists in a graduating class, not on an automatic annual basis.

• School uniforms need to be clean, neat and ironed. Tight clothing is unacceptable.
• BBS short sleeve or long sleeve shirt, BBS pants or shorts, sweater or jacket or approved class/group shirts or High School BBS jacket. Nothing else is acceptable.
• Students are expected to wear their student ID at all times while on campus. The ID must be clearly visible worn on the outside of student’s clothing. If ID is lost or stolen, report to the Deputy Principal’s office immediately. Cost to replace the ID is KD 5.
• Shoes or sneakers of any color are acceptable. For safety purposes, bedroom slippers or Crocs™ of any kind are not allowed. All shoes must have backs.
• Appropriate hair length for boys is required to be a length that may not be tied.
• Hats are not part of the school uniform and therefore should not be worn in the classrooms. However, they may be worn outside the classrooms.
• Students should always be in their school uniform. If they have a PE class or they are participating in any sports activity during or after school, they should change before and after that activity. No excuse will be given for being late to any class because of changing or showering after any sports activity.
• Students will not be permitted to attend any class if they are in violation of the dress code.

Please be aware that students must be in complete uniform (BBS SHIRT AND PANTS) before they will be permitted to attend any classes. If a student arrives to school out of uniform he or she will be held until her or she purchases a proper uniform or has a uniform sent to school. Students who miss quizzes, homework, etc…because of a uniform violation will not be given the chance to make up missed work. The absence from class will be considered unexcused. If a student misses a test because of a uniform violation they will be permitted to take a makeup test but the HIGHEST GRADE THAT THEY CAN SCORE IS 70%. Students who are not in full compliance with the uniform requirements will first be issued a 2 hour Saturday detention and then will be suspended from regular classes each time they are out of uniform.

Student IDs are to be worn AT ALL TIMES while on BBS campus. This includes during the school day and for any after school activity. Student IDs are required as proof for Saturday make-up tests and detentions. Any missing or stolen IDs must be reported to the Deputy Principal’s office immediately. Cost to replace a missing ID is KD 5.

Students are expected to comply with school rules on appropriate dress even during school free dress day. Any students wearing inappropriate clothing will be sent home. Determination of whether or not an outfit is inappropriate is decided by administration. This includes but is not limited to: inappropriate slogans on shirts/pants, pants or tops that are too tight or show too much. The same process applies as listed in number 1 on page 11 should a student miss homework, classwork, projects, tests, or any other assignment due to violation of dress policy.

Gifts to school staff are not to be made. Parents and students are requested to abide by this.

Lockers are the property of the school, and students will be held financially responsible for any damage.

Birthday parties are not permitted during class time. In certain cases, celebrations may be held with administrative authorization. No events including food are permitted without administration approval.

Parents and Students should be aware that deliveries to the school will not be accepted unless they are one of the following:

School Uniform       Eyeglasses       Medicine

All other deliveries will be returned. Anything left in the office will be discarded. The school will not assume responsibility for the safety of any items delivered for students.

Students may use the school telephone for EMERGENCY calls, before school, during lunch, and after school. Calling to ask for authorization to go to a friend's house is not an emergency.

Communication between school and family is of utmost importance. Students are expected to deliver school letters and circulars to their parents on the day of distribution. Parents are expected to refer to the BBS website (http://www.bbs.edu.kw) to stay current on school announcements.

Students must not wear valuable jewelry or bring valuables to campus. The school does not accept any responsibility in the event of a loss.

Student belongings (books, copybooks, jackets, PE uniforms, bags, etc.) must be clearly marked with the student's name.

If a student is found in possession of a mobile phone during the school day, the phone will be confiscated. Students who do not adhere to this policy face the following consequences:

• First Offense- student will be issued a 2 hour Saturday detention. Parents will be required to retrieve the phone in person. Calling the office is not acceptable.
• Second Offense- student will be suspended for 1 day and the cell phone will be held in the school safe until the end of the school year.
• Each offense after this will result in a 1 day suspension.

IPODS and digital cameras are not permitted in the classroom. Students who are found to possess a banned electronic devise will have it taken from them. Parents will have to come to school to retrieve the devise. Phone calls to the office are not acceptable.

Students and Parents should be aware that BBS is a smoke-free campus. Any student found to be smoking on school property will be issued a 2 day out-of-school suspension for the first offense. In addition, if they are found smoking in a bathroom, they will be required to pay the cost of any damage done to the washroom.

No tobacco products or related materials (lighters, matches, cigarette papers) are allowed on campus. Students caught with these items are subject to disciplinary action

Students who arrive late to school must sign into the office. Students who sign-out and then return to school must sign back into school at the office. Students who do not sign back into school will be considered absent for all classes, regardless if they attended the class or not. In addition a 2-hour Saturday detention will be issued each time a student fails to sign into school if they are late or returning to school.

Students found destroying school property will be suspended for up to 3 days. Vandalism includes any destructive behavior that results in damage to school property. This includes but is not limited to drawing on walls in hallways, bathrooms or classrooms. Students will also be expected to pay to have any damage repaired. Parents and students need to understand that the school takes very seriously this issue and will take firm and appropriate action against any student who destroys school property.

Posting of any advertising flyers within the school on walls, lockers and windows is banned. Message boards and bulletin boards have been placed throughout the school. Any school organization wishing to post information flyers must use these to do so. Any student found to be posting materials on walls; lockers or windows will be subject to a 2-hour Saturday detention.

BBS has a zero tolerance policy on bullying. This includes but is not limited to racial remarks or unwanted touching or name calling. Any student found to be engaging in this sort of behavior will be subject to up to a 3 day out-of-school suspension.

Students must comply with the end of year procedures. These include returning all media center books and other reference material and textbooks, clearing their lockers, desks, etc.

In order for any student to join or maintain membership in any extra-curricular activity, a student must be achieving a minimum GPA of 2.0 and no F reported by any teacher. Students who join an extra-curricular activity and suffer a reduction in their GPA or receive an F might be removed from the activity until such time as the teacher/s reports an increase in the grade to meet the minimum requirement. The same procedure will be followed for any out of country trips related to either sports or academics.

Exam exemptions are considered a privilege and not a right. Therefore, in order to be eligible students must meet certain requirements. Those include:

• Not absent more than 6 times in any semester (excused or unexcused)
• Not late more than 5 times to a class in any subject
• Not suspended from school for any reason
• Not out of uniform more than 2 times during the year
• Not having been a behavior issue for teachers in any class
• Having an 87% or higher in the subject for which the exemption is applied

• In the event a student does not demonstrate appropriate self-discipline regarding the school policies, procedures and regulations, a variety of sources are available to help the student improve his/her behavior.
• Initially the teacher and/or homeroom advisor concerned interacts with the student.
• The student may then be referred to the Counselor, or to the appropriate school administrator.
• Parents are invited to help solve recurring misbehavior before it leads to suspension or expulsion.

It is the desire of the staff of BBS to instill in students a sense of responsibility. Part of this lesson involves the concept of consequences for actions, both positive and negative. There are consequences for inappropriate behaviors. The seriousness of any misbehavior will determine the consequences applied. In general, the following steps will be implemented for inappropriate behavior:

• Warning by classroom teacher
• Repeated warning
• Phone call to parents
• Teacher notifies counselor to bring them into the student intervention process
• Student is referred to the Deputy Principal’s Office
• Student will face either Saturday detention or suspension

Note: It is understood that some very serious discipline situations may demand the immediate removal of the student from the class environment and that he or she could be sent to the Deputy Principal’s Office without going through the steps listed above.

When a student is sent to the Deputy Principal’s Office it is understood that the following consequences apply:

First Offence
Deputy Principal will interview the student, with written material provided by teacher, and attempt to resolve inappropriate behavior issues.
Student will receive one Saturday detention.


Second Offence
Repeat of the first consequences.
Student will receive one-day suspension. The student will depart from the school at the time of the infraction. The suspension will start the next school day, if the infraction occurs after the first period. A phone call will be made explaining the consequences of an additional offense.


Third Offense & Following Offenses
Student will be assigned further suspensions and a parental conference will be requested. The student will not be allowed to attend classes until that conference has taken place.


All staff will be notified of a student’s suspension and a student who is suspended will receive “0” on any work due or completed during the period of suspension. Parents and Students should be aware that all suspensions become part of a student’s permanent record. Any behavior issues also become part of the student’s academic record.. Please note that students are not permitted to make up any missed work during a suspension. This includes tests, projects and quizzes.

Detentions will be served on Saturdays. The detention time will be from 9:00AM until 11:00AM. Students who do not attend the detention will be suspended from regular classes on the following Sunday. If the student is sick, a BBS health form with a doctor’s signature and stamp and clinic stamp must be produced on or within 24 hours of the Saturday they are expected to be in detention. Student IDs are required to be presented to the detention supervisor for any detention served.

Students suspended, for any reason, will NOT be allowed to make up any of the following work: tests, projects, exams, quizzes, homework and class work. Students receive a grade of 0% on any work while out of school due to suspension.

Students are expected to be in school and to follow their assigned schedules every day. Parents and students should be aware that what goes on in the classroom (teaching, interaction with teacher and students, discussion, lecture, reports, audiovisuals, cooperative learning) is essential for a student’s progress.

BBS has two types of Absences, Excused and Unexcused. Excused absences allow for a student to make up any missed assignments for classes. Unexcused absences results in students receiving a “0” on any and all missed work for the time period. Excessive unexcused absences leads to “0” on the semester final exams for that class (please see #3).

• In case of a student’s absence, parents are requested to inform the school by 8:30 A.M.
• In order to excuse an absence, the student must pick up a school health form or download it from the school website. Students are required to get the signature and stamp of the doctor AND the clinic stamp! (The school has the right to ask for additional verification of the validity of the health form. If there is any reason to doubt the health form, the school may ask the parents to take the form to the Ministry of Health Authentication Department to confirm the doctor and clinic stamps.)
• This form must be returned within 2 schools days of the absence, before the absence will be excused and the student will be permitted to make up missed work. If this form is not returned within 2 school days of the student returning to school, the absence will not be excused and the student will receive a “0” on any missed work. DO NOT submit these reports to the nurse.
• An excused absence is one of the following:
  
  • Personal illness
  
  • Serious family illness or family death
  
  • Family emergency
  
  • Other extraordinary circumstances approved by the school administrator
• The student is in attendance if he/she is involved in a school related scheduled activity. A student on a field experience is considered present. The student is required to make up the work missed due to participation in field experience or school functions.
• Occasionally it might be absolutely necessary for a student to leave school before the end of the school day. A note or phone call from a parent/guardian stating the reason is required and must be given to the Deputy Principal’s office. Parents picking up students are to go to the reception area. Al-Bayan does not have an open campus. Students may not leave school during the day (e.g. for lunch) and then return to school.
• Students who sign out for a doctor’s appointment must do so with the nurse. If students return from their doctor’s appointment or come late for any reason they must sign in with the Deputy Principal not the nurse.

In coordination with the Ministry of Education’s attendance policy, students who register 9 or more unexcused absences in a given semester will not be permitted to write the semester exam. They will be assigned a grade of “0”. In order for an absence to be considered excused, the student must produce a BBS form signed and stamped by a doctor and the clinic within 2 days of returning to school after being sick. The certificate must be from either a government hospital or clinic. In addition, the excuse must be approved by the Administration. Please refer to the Ministry of Education’s policy on attendance for more details.

The terms excused and unexcused absences are used to determine whether or not a student can make up missed work, tests, or quizzes. Excused absences are not removed from the attendance register of a student. Please see below for details pertaining to the number of absences permitted for all types of courses. These apply per semester.

A One Credit Course

• After the 3rd unexcused absence, the Deputy Principal’s office will call the parent.
• After the 6th unexcused absence, a warning letter is issued.
• After the 9th unexcused absence, the student will not be allowed to sit for the final exam and they will receive a grade of “0” for the final exam.

A 0.5 Credit Course

• After the 2nd unexcused absence, the office calls the parent.
• After the 4th unexcused absence, a warning letter is issued.
• After the 6th unexcused absence the student will not be allowed to sit for the final exam and they will receive a grade of “0” for the final exam.

A .25 Credit Course

• Parents are notified after 3 unexcused absences.

Students are considered late to class if they are not in their seats prepared to start class when the bell signifying the beginning of class rings. A student is not late to class if he/she has a note from the Deputy Principal or Principal excusing the tardiness.


Period 1
Students who are late to period one 5 times will be issued a 2-hour Saturday detention. Each late after 5 will result in a one-day out-of-school suspension. Only medical reports from a government clinic will be accepted in order to consider a late excused. The teacher will notify the parent when the student is late 3 and 5 times. Once the student reaches 5 late to class, the student will be referred to the Deputy Principal for disciplinary action.


Periods 2-6
Students who are late to class for periods 2-6 will receive a 1% deduction in their semester grade for each late up to a maximum 5% in each course. Any late to class after 5 and the student will be suspended for one day. The teacher will notify the parent when the student is late 3 and 5 times. Once the student reaches 5 late to class, the student will be referred to the Deputy Principal for Disciplinary action.


Students cannot come to school later than morning recess if they have a test that day. Students need to provide a doctor’s note and take a make-up test if they are not in school on time.


If a student is suspended from classes they are not permitted to make up any missed work. This includes tests, quizzes, homework, class work, projects.

Students suspended, for any reason, will NOT be allowed to make up any of the following work: tests, projects, exams, quizzes, homework and class work. Students receive a grade of 0% on any work while out of school due to suspension.

Students are expected to complete and submit their own work. Occasionally some students will need assistance from parents or classmates, but it is important that all students learn to work independently.

Cheating is unacceptable under any circumstances and will result in progressively more severe consequences. Cheating is defined as participating in any of the following:

• Claiming as your own, work that is the product of another student or another source (plagiarizing). Teachers utilize www.turnitin.com for students to submit work to detect any potential plagiarism.
• Communicating verbally or non-verbally with another student during an exam/test/quiz.
• Being in possession of, or having access to, any unauthorized materials during an exam/test/quiz.
• Enabling another student to claim as his/her own, work that is yours, or the product of another source.
• Looking at another student’s paper during an exam, test, or quiz.
• Found to be in possession of a mobile, regardless if its on or off

Consequences for cheating are cumulative and will be applied during the course of the student’s academic career at BBS.


First Offense
A mark of “0” on the exam, test, quiz, or project.
The Deputy Principal is provided with documentation to support the offense. The concerned teacher will make a phone call informing the parents of the occurrence.


Second Offense
A mark of “0” on the exam, test, quiz, or project.
The Deputy Principal is informed and provided with documentation to support the offense. It will be recommended that a one-day out-of-school suspension be given to the student. A phone call will be made to parents informing them of the suspension and a request will be made for a parental conference with the Deputy Principal.


Third Offense
A mark of “0” on the exam, test, quiz, or project.
The Deputy Principal is informed and provided with documentation to support the offense. A three-day out-of-school suspension will be recommended. A phone call will be made to parents informing them of the suspension and a request will be made for a parental conference with the Principal.


Fourth Offense
A mark of “0” on the exam, test, quiz, or project.
The Deputy Principal is informed and provided with documentation to support the offense. A five day out-of-school suspension will be recommended. A phone call will be made to parents informing them of the suspension and a request will be made for a parental conference with the Director of the school.


Fifth Offense
A mark of “0” on the exam, test, quiz, or project.
The Deputy Principal is informed and provided with documentation to support the offense. Expulsion from the school will be recommended following School Board review of the case.

A. Late Projects/Assignments
Assignments are considered “late” if they are not handed in during the class on the day on which they are due. Anything turned in after that class on the assigned due date will fall under the following grading procedures (this applies to unexcused absences):

• First Day Late = 10% reduction in grade on the assignment
• Second Day Late = 20% reduction in grade on the assignment
• After the 3rd day, students can turn it in at any time up until the end of the grading period (quarter). They can receive a maximum of 50% on the assignment.

B. Daily Class Work/Homework
Any daily homework assignments not turned in are given a grade of ‘0’.

Students are required to sit for scheduled tests. In case of an excused absence, the student is required to take a make-up test on the following Saturday morning. All make-up tests must receive prior approval from the Deputy Principal. Students who are absent for an announced test without justification or who cut classes prior to the announced test, are not eligible for make-up tests and will receive a ‘0’ grade.

Students are required to make up an missed test (if it is excused) on the date assigned by the Deputy Principal (in most cases the first Saturday after an excused absence). Should a student not show up for their assigned make-up test date, the student receives a 0% on the test. If the absence is due to illness, an appropriate medical note is required and the student will receive one more chance to take the make-up test, however the student can receive no higher than 70%.

Students IDs are required as proof before entering to take a make-up test.

BBS will not participate in any way with finding tutors for students unless the counseling department identifies a student as being at risk. Only the counseling office can recommend additional assistance. Such recommendations cannot come from a teacher.

For obvious reasons, it is considered unethical and poor professional practice for a teacher to tutor one of his/her own regular students for pay; it is the policy of the Board not to permit a teacher to serve as tutor for his/her own students or for any other student at BBS if the employee has personal knowledge of the assessments that will be used to evaluate that student’s achievement by any other teacher.

Regular and demanding homework is essential for academic achievement. Parents should regularly check with their children to make sure that homework assignments are being completed and that students have a quiet and suitable spot at home in which to study. Homework will be assigned in all classes during the course of a week, typically requiring 150-180 minutes daily Sunday through Thursday. Weekend assignments may be given. With the exception of long-term projects, there is no homework during holidays that are more than three days.

Students may change a non-required course within the first two weeks of a new academic year on the scheduled days assigned during the first two weeks. The Counselors must approve all changes.

To be eligible for grade promotion the student must have:

• Met attendance requirements
• Met graduation requirements
• An acceptable behavior record

Students who fail to meet all the promotion requirements may be permitted to repeat their grade level. Any student failing three or more courses will automatically be retained in their current grade without the re-sit exam option. No student can be retained more than once. If a student is retained a second time at any point during high school, they will be asked not to return to BBS.

The following guidelines apply for determining who takes re-sit exams:

1. . The re-sit exam policy applies to any student who fails one or two required courses (classes a student must have to graduate). Students who fail any of the following courses are required to take the re-sit exam. Additionally, students who take and fail any of the re-sit exams listed below will be retained in their current grade:


    -English
    -Arabic
    -Islamic Studies
    -Quran
    -Arabic Social Studies (gr 9 & 10)
    -Or any class failed which will not allow a student to meet graduation requirements

** No student can be retained more than once and remain at BBS.
2. A student who wishes to remove an F off their transcript in a non-required course may take the re-sit exam. If a course is not required for graduation credit, students may opt to keep the “F” grade.
3. Since every student is required to pass 3 math and 3 science to graduate, any student with a second F in math or science in high school will automatically take the re-sit. Failing either of these re-sit exams, in math or science, will result in automatic retention in their current grade.
4. Students who fail the first semester of a year-long course will continue the course. Should their second semester scores bring their final grade to passing, they will be given full credit for the course. Students failing in the first semester will work with the counseling office during second semester while on academic probation.
5. The grade a student is required to receive on the re-sit examination will be determined by counseling office and administration
6. The re-sit exam grade will not be placed onto the final report card. Instead that report will be changed to reflect a year average of 60% in the failed course. That is the highest grade a student may achieve for a failed course.

During the course of the school year, the counseling office and teachers will work with any student failing a core course or elective. After the at-risk students have been identified, the parents will be contacted via letters, phone calls or emails periodically to explain the nature of their at-risk status. BBS will put into place a follow-up procedure to assist these at-risk students. The Counseling Office will initiate the procedures with the assistance of the subject teachers. The subject teachers will offer after school and before school extra help for the at-risk students. Subject teachers will continue to be in regular contact with parents of at-risk students to solidify the home-school connection for the students. The counseling office will hold meetings throughout the semester with the students to discuss steps the student could take to improve their grades.

The following procedures will be followed for notification of re-sit exams:

1. Upon reviewing final report cards each year, determining re-sit grades needed, and appropriate summer study requirements, the counselors will schedule a meeting with the parent or designated family member (it is highly recommended that the student attend the meeting as well).
2. The counselors will discuss the steps that their child must take in order to fulfill requirements for replacing the failing grade. One or any combination of these steps may be required for a student to complete:
   
   • During the summer, the student will have to attend an approved summer program or online course.*
   • The student will work with a tutor to prepare for the re-sit exam (this option is only for courses that do not have summer school: for example, Islamic Studies/Arabic Social Studies/Quran Studies).
   • Take and pass the re-sit exam with the required grade determined by BBS.
3. Parents or designated family member will sign the appropriate agreement forms. Students will also sign, if present. Counselors will make copies for the parents and retain the original forms for student records.
4. Parents/family will be notified about the date of the re-sit exams in the meeting and through a letter accompanying final report cards. The exam dates will be the following August or September. Students are expected to be present on the day of the re-sit exam, travel schedules will need to be arranged accordingly. There will be no make-up days for re-sit exams.
5. If deemed necessary by the course teacher, counselors will provide student study materials for the re-sit exam before the school year ends.

*A student may decide to take a summer course for credit to replace the course he/she failed. This option MUST be discussed in the meeting with the counselor and the student must receive approval of the course from the School Counselor and Principal (appropriate documentation and proof of enrollment in the course must be completed before school closes for the summer).


NOTE: Any changes to the agreed upon plan without contacting and receiving approval from the counseling office will result in the F grade remaining on the transcript.


It is highly recommended that travel plans be made for dates AFTER which final report cards are picked up from the school each year. Appointments for students with failing grades are made before report cards are released. If appointments and study material are not discussed due to a choice to travel, notification is given in final report cards. The student will still be expected to fulfill the summer school and re-sit requirements.

Al-Bayan Bilingual School was founded on a basic principle. The Al-Bayan faculty, as well as the curriculum and instructional model have been designed to give the support and information to empower each student to find success, achievement and mastery of the skills, attitudes and objectives in order to move on to the next grade level. As a bilingual school, mastery of Arabic and English is required from all students. The High School programs foster the development of confident, capable and responsible students. We achieve our goals collaboratively, by establishing rigorous standards, which engage learners in the thoughtful application of knowledge. Al-Bayan Bilingual High School hopes to instill the necessity of lifelong learning in all of its students.

Al-Bayan High School participates in the Advanced Placement (AP) Program sponsored by the College Board in the United States. These AP courses are equivalent to freshman year, one semester, university courses and are intended for students who have proven themselves able to handle the extra workload and study requirements.

AP Students are required to take the AP exam from the College Board at the end of the year. These exams are scored with a 1-5 mark. Scores of three or higher can result in the American universities awarding credit, exemption from courses, or advanced standing. Students will be required to pay a fee for this exam.

When selecting AP courses, students must carefully consider the extra time commitment to these courses. They are very demanding and may involve extensive homework and self-directed study. AP courses are offered based upon student interest. To enter an AP course, students must meet the requirement of a grade of B in the prerequisite course.

If a student chooses not to take the AP exam, the following steps apply:

• They are still required to pay for the exam as it was ordered for them.
• “AP” designation will be removed from their transcript.
• The AP weighting of grades will be removed from their transcript.
• The student will contact all universities they applied to and inform the school of their withdrawal from an AP course.
• BBS will contact all schools the student applied to and inform the schools of the student’s withdrawal from AP course.

A prerequisite involves information required before a course can be taken. This may involve a course, skill level, minimum grade, experience, or teacher recommendation. Prerequisites are listed under the title of each course and should be noted by students when they select courses. Pre-requisites are typically required in AP-level or accelerated, higher level courses. Some courses require that a student meet a certain grade requirement in courses from grades 9 and 10. It is important to be aware of these requirements in order to plan ahead.

Grades are reported using letter grade system based on the following conversion tables:

Percentage	Letter grade	GPA	HONORS/PRE-APGPA	AP GPA
97 – 100	A+	4.0	4.5	5.0
93 – 96	A	4.0	4.5	5.0
90 – 92	A-	3.7	4.2	4.7
87 – 89	B+	3.3	3.8	4.3
83 – 86	B	3.0	3.5	4.0
80 – 82	B-	2.7	3.2	3.7
77 – 79	C+	2.3	2.8	3.3
73 – 76	C	2.0	2.5	3.0
70 – 72	C-	1.7	2.2	2.7
67 – 69	D+	1.3	1.8	2.3
63 – 66	D	1.0	1.5	2.0
60 - 62	D-	1.0	1.5	2.0
59 and below	F	0.0	0.0	0.0

The letter grade (I) is assigned to the student not completing all the requirements of the course due to extra-ordinary reasons acceptable by the administration. A student must complete the missing requirements within the deadlines set by the administration. If the student fails to complete these requirements within the set deadline, the students may receive an F for the course.

Semester grades are computed as follows: 75% of the semester grade is based on course work, 25% is based on the semester exam results. Forty percent of the final annual grade is based on the first semester grade and 60 percent is based on the second semester grade.

Evaluation of student achievement is based on informal observation and supervision of class work and homework. In addition, formal assessments may include oral recitations, presentations, quizzes, announced tests, projects, reports, and semester examinations.


Students will receive a progress report four times per year (fall midterm, end of first semester, spring midterm and second semester). These reports give the results of the continuous assessment and help diagnose the student's progress. Parents are invited to meet their son’s/daughter’s teachers to find ways to help improve the student’s performance.


The final promotion decision recorded on the final report card is issued in June.

Grades are based on student participation, quizzes, projects, reports, tests, observations, and other forms of assessment.

To earn the Al-Bayan High School Diploma, students must achieve the following:

• A record of regular attendance
• An acceptable behavior record
• The minimum number of credits required for graduation as explained below:

CLASSES OF 2012 & 2013 (current 11 & 12)

CLASS OF 2014 AND BEYOND: (current 9 & 10)

English	4 credits		English	4 credits
Arabic	4 credits		Arabic	4 credits
Islamic Studies	2 credits		Islamic Studies	2 credits
Quran Studies	1 credit		Quran Studies	1 credit
Math	3 credits		Math	3 credits
Humanities*	2 credits		Humanities/Business*	3 credits
Arabic Social Studies	1 credit		Arabic Social Studies	1 credit
Science	3 credits		Science	3 credits
Fine Arts	1 credit		Fine Arts	1 credit
Information Technology	0.5 credits		Information Technology	1 credit
Physical Education	1 credit		Physical Education	1 credit
Elective choices	2.5 credits		Elective choices	4 credits
TOTAL REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE:	25 credits		TOTAL REQUIRED CREDITS TO GRADUATE:	28 credits

* One of the humanities’ credits must be from the following classes to graduate: World History I, World History II, Political Science, 20th Century History or World Geography.

Algebra I	Environmental Science	Drama *
Geometry & Honors Geometry	Earth Science	Public Speaking *
Algebra II	Pre-AP Chemistry
Pre-Calculus	AP Chemistry	Elements of Art *
Calculus	AP Biology	Drawing & Painting I *
AP Calculus	Physics	Drawing & Painting II *
Integrated Mathematics	Physical Science	Art & Design *
Statistics	Astronomy	Ceramics *
Arabic Sociology	Accounting	Studio Art *
Psychology	Marketing	AP Studio Art *
AP Psychology	French I	Chorus *
Economics	French II	Keyboard Theory *
AP Macroeconomics	French III	Strings *
AP Microeconomics	Introduction to Business	Percussion *
World History I **	Spanish I	Graphic Design *
World History II **	Spanish II	IT and Internet
World Geography **	Geography: World Cultures	Introduction to Programming
20th Century History **		Computer Applications
Political Science **	Honors English 9 & 10	Health
Introduction to Law	AP English Language	Mixed Martial Arts
Anthropology	AP English Literature	Aerobics

Students who want to qualify for a Ministry of Higher Education scholarship in science fields are counseled to take Biology, Chemistry, Physics and at least math up to Pre-Calculus. The same applies to students planning to enter Kuwait University science faculties.



* Each of theses courses is considered a Fine Art Course.


** Students MUST take and pass ONE from this group classes to graduate from BBS.

The curriculum of Al-Bayan Bilingual High School comprises a required program of studies to adequately prepare students for university studies. In addition, students select courses designed to enhance student readiness and response to various personal needs and interests. The school year consists of two semesters. All of our courses are year long courses.

Islamic Studies 9	0.5 credit
Quran Studies 9	0.25 credit
Arabic 9	1.0 credit
English 9	1.0 credit
Geometry or Algebra I	1.0 credit
Biology	1.0 credit
Social Studies I (Arabic)	0.5 credit
Physical Education 9	0.5 credit
2 Elective Courses selected by student	2.0 credit	Total: 7.75 credits

Islamic Studies 10	0.5 credit
Quran Studies 10	0.25 credit
Arabic 10	1.0 credit
English 10	1.0 credit
Algebra II or Geometry	1.0 credit
Chemistry	1.0 credit
Social Studies II (Arabic)	0.5 credit
Physical Education 10	0.5 credit
2 Elective courses selected by student	2.0 credit	Total: 7.75 credits

Islamic Studies 11	0.5 credit
Quran Studies 11	0.25 credits
Arabic 11	1.0 credit
English 11 or Pre-AP English	1.0 credit
Algebra II or Pre-Calculus or Integrated Math	1.0 credit
4 Major Courses	4.0 credits	Total: 7.75 credits

Islamic Studies 12	0.5 credit
Quran Studies 12	0.25 credit
Arabic 12	1.0 credit
English 12 or AP English	1.0 credit
5 Major Courses	5.0 credit	Total: 7.75 credits