Al Rahmah High School, part of the Al Mabarrat Association network in Nabatieh, South Lebanon, empowers students with essential life skills from early childhood through grade twelve. We foster capable, confident individuals, embracing diversity and offering equitable learning opportunities for all students, including gifted learners and those with physical or learning difficulties. Our curriculum integrates Understanding by Design (UbD) and STEM approaches, emphasizing socio-emotional development. We have received ISA Accreditation (British Council, 2021–2024), the Green School Award (LOGS, 2018–2020), and a top-three ranking in Lebanon for the Distinguished School Award (Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, 2025). Through the Skills Builder Framework, we help students develop essential skills for education and future global challenges.
Despite ongoing challenges since 2023, Al Rahmah High School remained dedicated to the Skills Builder program, leading to significant student achievements in national and international competitions. Our students secured 1st place in the National Robotics Competition and Artificial Intelligence, 2nd place in the 22nd National Science Fair, and 1st rank in the Kangaroo International Math Competition. They also achieved 2nd and 3rd ranks in Lebanon for the TOFAS International Academic Challenge (Grade 7) and top three ranks across various subject domains in the Spring Festival. On the global stage, a Grade Twelve student achieved 1st rank in the Arab Reading Challenge, People of Determination Category.
The Skills Builder program's language and spirit are integral to Al Rahmah High School. The Skills Builder team held meetings to share knowledge with school board members, coordinators, and teachers. Skill icons are displayed throughout the school, and students designed their own icons, deepening their connection to the framework. We translated skill icons into Arabic to make the program accessible across all age groups and learning levels, fostering shared understanding. Parents were introduced to the program during school conferences and through a published article, building bridges between home and school.
Despite difficult circumstances and a transition to remote learning, Al Rahmah High School introduced the Skills Builder program to its entire community. We focused on essential skills for student success: Communication Skills (Listening and Speaking) and Problem Solving. Students in Grades 4-9 brainstormed skill steps and their relevance, aligning reflections with the official checklist. A Grade 10 student introduced Speaking subskills to Grade 9 peers. Students from Grades 7, 8, and 9 conducted interactive activities with kindergarten and elementary learners, bringing Listening and Speaking to life.
We use a dual-method assessment approach for skill development. Teachers evaluate learners using the Skills Builder Hub, providing insight into progression in Listening, Speaking, and Problem Solving. Students actively self-evaluate their mastery, understanding how these skills influence their learning and personal growth. Teachers integrate related activities into lesson plans, allowing students to apply skills in the classroom. This commitment to essential skills is evident in students' behavior and personality, with observed increases in confidence and collaboration, indicating personal and academic evolution.
Al Rahmah High School integrates essential skills into daily teaching and planning. Teachers carefully create opportunities to practice Communication skills and Creative Problem Solving across subjects, demonstrating their wide application. For example, Problem-solving has been effectively used in Science, Mathematics, and Languages, ensuring differentiated teaching for various students. Assessments support this by providing insights into student progress, allowing teachers to tailor instruction and reinforce skill development effectively across the curriculum.
Essential skills are seamlessly integrated into our curriculum and educational plans, providing meaningful, hands-on experiences for learners across all grade levels. Grade 3 students designed and performed a play, applying Speaking skills to express ideas and Listening skills to absorb feedback. This experience fostered artistic and personal growth. Grade 8 students explored future occupations in 2050, using creativity and critical thought to craft bold career ideas. These activities reinforce skills through various curriculum areas, ensuring continuous practice and development.
Students from Grades 6 through 12 actively developed and demonstrated their skills through enriching activities. These included Poetry Writing, combining creative expression with structured communication; a Well-Being Forum, fostering emotional intelligence and self-reflection; and Mind Challenge Contests, sharpening problem-solving and lateral thinking. These projects positively impacted students’ self-esteem and well-being, providing opportunities to practice listening and speaking skills. We are also developing links with local schools to broaden children's aspirations, connecting skills to the wider community.
Al Rahmah High School is dedicated to strengthening its partnership with the Skills Builder program, utilizing the full Toolkit to teach all eight essential skills across grade levels. We actively promote program awareness and understanding among our entire school community, focusing on empowering new staff and students to integrate these skills daily. Looking ahead, we plan to establish a collaborative partnership with a public school in South Lebanon. Through mentorship and shared expertise, we aim to support the successful integration of the Skills Builder framework into their curriculum, extending the reach of essential skills education and nurturing future-ready learners beyond our campus.
