Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker during a tour at the school facilities at the official opening of Oryx International School Doha on Thursday. Pic:
Doha: A school dedicated for children of Qatar Airways employees officially opened on Thursday in Doha. Oryx International School was inaugurated by Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed Ali Al Hammadi, and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker.
The school is a partnership between Qatar Airways and Orbital Education from the UK. It follows a modified English National Curriculum, enhanced to meet the needs of international students.
Ajay Sharma, UK’s Ambassador to Qatar, Sheikha Hanoof Al Thani, Hamad Al Ghali, Director of Private schools, Fawzia Al Khather, Director of Education Institute at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Kevin McNeany, Chairman of Orbital Education, Brigadier Ibrahim Abdulrahman Al Muftah and Jarlath Madine, school principle were also present at the ceremony.
Following the official opening of the school located on Al Nahda Street near Old Airport Road dignitaries toured the facility and interacted with students and teachers.“Qatar Airways has a commitment to its employees, and we are proud to extend this commitment to now include their children by providing them with a dedicated facility that is dedicated to ensuring they receive the highest level of education,” said Al Baker, addressing students, teachers and parents.
“The Oryx International School will deliver to the same standard as our airline, offering impeccable education, delivered through a strong curriculum by the finest teachers. This is our way of ensuring that Qatar Airways is not only the best airline but also provides the best opportunities to our colleagues and their families too,” he added.
Admission to the school is open to local and expatriate students aged between 4 to 11 years. At least one parent must be a full time employee of Qatar Airways.
According to Al Baker, plans are already under way for new 41,000m² school campus to be built in Abu Hamour, which will house both primary and secondary students. It can accommodate 2,300 students.
The futuristic design encompasses a fully-equipped auditorium, 11,200m² playground and sees all students benefit from the most advanced technology throughout the building. And the building is expected to open for the academic year 2018. Students at Oryx International school will have the opportunity to enjoy numerous after school activities, which will change on a termly basis, some of these include Science Club, arts and crafts, Book Club, sport multi-skills, gardening, construction, and more, all of which will be carried out in a safe and caring environment.
