Bahrain Polytechnic in Isa Town is making excellent progress towards its objective of becoming a world-class tertiary institution.
An international quality assurance auditor, The Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics Quality (ITPQ) from New Zealand, has hailed the institute's progress in its report that was released recently. Tertiary education, also referred to as post-secondary education, is the educational level following the completion of secondary school education and generally culminates in the receipt of certificates, diplomas, or academic degrees.
Listing out achievements of Bahrain Polytechnic, ITPQ's report highlighted its 'positive image and clear educational direction'. It also stated that the college had recruited staff who were prepared to 'adapt and innovate' to achieve objectives and praised the establishment of a well resourced teaching and learning unit and its 'strong and purposeful' leadership.
The auditors also noted a number of challenges that the polytechnic faced and also acknowledged that these have been recognised by the management and that appropriate steps are being taken in all cases.
At the time of the audit, Bahrain Polytechnic had not completed its full cycle of academic activity and many of its systems were still in the process of development.
Dr Hassan Almulla, director academic at Bahrain Polytechnic, said: "We are committed to being evaluated and audited against world's best practice and developing a commitment to quality.
"A consistent programme of internal and external audit, evaluation and review not only contributes to the important work of establishing and embedding a culture of quality and continuous improvement but also facilitates international benchmarking.
"We have forged alliances with members of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education, and have a close working relationship with the ITPQ."