RIA Centre is unique in Bahrain. Originally designed to deal with the educational needs of children with Autism, RIA has expanded its enrollment programme to include students with other learning and communication difficulties. We offer a holistic education in a family atmosphere.

RIA empowers all children with a sense of self worth.

Each of our special educational needs students has a unique and totally individual, educational and social learning plan. Working hand in hand with the student's family, we build the learning path that will be of the most benefit to the student.
We do not believe in limiting ourselves to just one therapy programme. Rather we embrace any combination of systems that give results for that student.

Therapies currently being used at RIA include Behaviour Management Programmes such as ABA and Teacch, Communication Programmes such as Makaton and PECS, alongside programmes for the Tactile and Vestibular systems.

We have daily Brain Gym and Music and Movement classes and every student, no matter how physically or educationally impaired, is required to take part- with amazing results!

Wherever possible the individual education plan includes lesson time spent in the classroom rather than intense one to one therapy sessions. Again, wherever possible, students from our Special Education Unit spend time in the mainstream classroom, or interacting with mainstream students.

From the academic viewpoint, students are taught the basics of a normal British or Bahrain Government System education; English,(or Arabic) Maths, Social Studies, Environment Studies, Computer Studies , Arts and Crafts, Music, Cookery, etc in an age appropriate manner.

We also offer life skills as part of the educational package. Some of our older students also take carpentry, tailoring and cake decorating classes.

Surrounding each subject is an " I Can Do It" ethos and RIA's holistic approach to learning. Students, teaching and support staff are all part of the RIA Centre family , working hand in hand to create an affirmative and comforting atmosphere where students learn to be
"The best me I can be!"

Colours in and around the school have been deliberately muted and classrooms are as low key as possible to allow young minds to find their own flight of imagination and learning.

At RIA Centre, students no matter how young, are encouraged to view themselves as part of the greater community. Throughout the year they take part in community related events and projects such as Peace One Day, Earth Day, Traffic Week, Tree Planting Week etc.

Students are also encouraged to view the world and everything in it as part of themselves, to be valued and cared for not just for today, but forever.

It is important that parents understand the strength of this commitment by the students and be prepared to encourage and assist their children in any way possible with any project.

We also expect a commitment by parents to take a serious interest in what their child is doing at school. We do not normally send homework, but we do encourage parents to find books, television and computer programmes to extend learning into the home environment.

RIA accepts students from 14 months old .

RIA's academic year consists of three terms and a  summer camp.

Term 1 : September , October, November , December

Term 2 : January, February, March

Term 3 : April, May June July

There are school holidays of approx 2 weeks duration between terms 1, 2, and 3.
The school year ends on the last working day in July.

Timings are :

Younger students: 8.a.m. – 12 noon .
Older students: 8.a.m. – 12.30p.m.

The entrance  gate opens at 7.a.m. for dropping off of students. Students should be picked up promptly at close of school.

There is an after school 'baby sitting' service. Students still at school half an hour after school closing time will be considered to be making use of this service and parents will be billed accordingly.

School Uniform

Uniform must be worn at all times.

Boys:

Navy blue trousers or shorts.

A white shirt or t shirt.

Navy blue jumper or cardigan in winter.

Girls:

White school blouse or t shirt

Navy blue pinafore or trousers

Navy blue jumper or cardigan in winter.

All bags , clothing and water bottles should be clearly marked with the student's name and class.