Al Noor International School becomes first school in Gulf to attain Oxford Quality Programme

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Al Noor International School has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Oxford University Press, which supplies educational solutions as part of the school’s participation in the Oxford Quality Programme.

The Oxford Quality Programme is an agreement between Oxford University Press and selected schools worldwide that share a commitment to excellence in the teaching of English and education. Al Noor International School is the first school to date in the Gulf region to have been invited to participate in the Oxford Quality Programme in recognition of the strong emphasis it places on the effective teaching of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills and the high standard of its practice and pupil outcomes in these areas.

The certificate of participation in the Oxford Quality Programme was handed out to the school Chairman, Ali Hasan, by the Oxford University Press representatives, Katerina Andreadis, ELT Area Manager-Gulf, Luke Sweetman, Head of Global Partnerships, Oxford Education, and Gill West, Senior Primary Educational Consultant-UAE.

Hasan welcomed the news stating: “Oxford University is one of the most prestigious centres of learning in the world, and to be the first school in the Gulf to be so closely associated with it demonstrates that our unique visions and outstanding academic successes are aligned. “Attaining Oxford Quality is a tremendous achievement for Al Noor International School and clearly highlights our ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in education and to providing an outstanding learning environment for our students and their families.”

Over a three-year period, Al Noor International School will work in collaboration with Oxford University Press to ensure the highest quality of the curriculum, assessment materials, and teacher training. Director Dr Muhammad Mashood indicated the importance of effective teacher training.

“Through the Oxford Quality Professional Development Programme, parents can be confident that our teachers are trained in up-to-date teaching theory and practice, meaning students will be even further equipped with the skills and values required to succeed in the 21st Century.”

Principal Amin Heliwa highlighted the impact this will have on student outcomes. “Oxford University Press’ learning resources, assessment materials and teacher training are highly regarded internationally and I am very confident that they will complement our already high standard of English language teaching significantly,” Heliwa said.

Recognised as the “home of the English language” because of its famous dictionaries, Oxford University Press publishes high-quality English language teaching and education materials. As a department of the University of Oxford, it furthers the university’s objective of excellence in research, scholarship and education by publishing worldwide.

Al Noor International School benefits from quality English language and Oxford Education materials with proven success around the world, including both print-based coursebooks and digital learning tools.