Security
Are we facing the security challenges raised by terrorism? John Bastable on the key issues to consider International schools in Jordan are only 100km from Damascus and 300km from Baghdad. Jordan is at the centre of a region in conflict. Yet they are probably safer places to be than are international schools in many other countries. Having rigorous security measures in place, security forces on full alert, a tribal system in Jordan which provides fast and reliable intelligence, and armed gendarmes on patrol, international schools in Jordan appear better prepared than many schools elsewhere in the world. As an open security environment an international school will always be a relatively soft target, so ways are needed to make it as safe as possible, yet still fit for purpose. In addition to the brutally obvious consequences posed by terrorism, we must consider the negative second order effects it can have on the recruitment and retention of staff and student enrolment, whilst remaining cognisant of the impact a fortress mentality can have on the teaching and learning environment and on student performance. Yet many international schools have given insufficient thought to this new and growing threat. Spring
Autumn |
| 2016
Why your school is at risk Many of the most recent terrorist atrocities have taken place in capital cities, the very centres where international schools are located. Most such attacks have been carried out by ultra-violent self-radicalised individuals, often well-educated and from middle class backgrounds. Many experts anticipate this threat will increase as large numbers of seasoned fighters return to their homes throughout Europe and the Middle East. In the aftermath of the Bardo museum attack, several writers concluded that more attacks of this kind were sadly inevitable. The subsequent atrocity against western holidaymakers on the beach in Sousse, Tunisia, proved them sadly right. Since then further dreadful attacks in cities including Paris, Brussels, Istanbul and Baghdad underline how great a threat we are facing. International schools are particularly vulnerable as a result of their clientele: the children of rich, influential, westernised parents, many of whom have direct or indirect royal, political or diplomatic relationships and a high profile in the community. The curriculum and ethos of western
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