Saturday 28 / September / 2024
Muscat: Two British schools with a long-standing reputation in achieving top academic standards and an emphasis on all-round student development are set to open this year.
Campuses for Cheltenham Muscat, a 180-year-old institution for children between the ages of three and 18, and the 113-year-old Downe House Muscat, will set up their facilities in the capital in 2021.
Their opening is subject to final approvals from the Ministry of Education, but applications for September 2021 have begun.
The schools will be run in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence Pension Fund, and the arrival of the two educational facilities has been welcomed by His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq bin Taimour Al Said, the Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs.
“In line with the Sultanate’s vision and the National Strategy for Education 2040, I am pleased to announce the opening of two international schools - Cheltenham Muscat and Downe House Muscat,” he said.
“Both schools will offer education with modern, inspirational teaching that cater for the needs of every child both in-school and through a virtual learning platform, blending the power of culture and heritage with innovation. The schools also offer an environment conducive to encouraging all children to be understanding and tolerant of others, whilst developing self-confidence to express ideas and opinions, thus enabling them to become global leaders of the future. I wish both schools success in their mission, and the students and their parents a beneficial tenure and successful careers.”
Adding to this, Hamish Cowell, British Ambassador to Oman, said, “The British Independent Schools Inspectorate rates both Cheltenham and Downe House as “outstanding” in their formal appraisals and they feature within the top 10 per cent and three per cent respectively of A-Level achievements. It is testament to the strong relationship between the UK and Oman that the schools have chosen to locate in the Sultanate and demonstrates their keen commitment to enhancing the traditionally strong bilateral relationship.”
Unlike many other schools in the region, children will be taught by specialist staff rather than general class teachers.
Starting as early as KG1, specialists will teach across individual subject areas and from Grade 4 across all subjects, enabling scientists to teach science, artists to teach art and mathematicians to teach maths.
This exceptional teaching is delivered via an extended all-inclusive school day giving the space for learning, growth and extra-curricular activities. Designed by award winning architects, the two distinct campuses offer state-of-the-art facilities. The schools are at the heart of the MODPF’s Al Bandar Master plan, conveniently located between Muscat and Seeb, only 10 minutes from Muscat International Airport and Al Mouj, making it readily accessible from most parts of the city.
Construction is ahead of schedule and on track for completion by August 2021. The schools will provide teaching hubs including high-tech science labs, design-technology workshops, art, music and performing arts studios, media centres and theatres. Alongside the incredible teaching and learning environment, there will be first-class sports academies. Facilities include multiple indoor sports halls, two semi-Olympic size swimming pools and learner pools, extensive outdoor sports areas with full size soccer, hockey, rugby, cricket and junior soccer pitches as well as numerous basketball, netball and tennis courts.
Michelle Scott is the Founding Principal of Downe House Muscat, having previously been the Deputy Head at Downe House UK. Her highly-experienced staff will deliver an outstanding British curriculum as well as exceptional Arabic and Islamic studies to the pupils.
Scott commented, “We are delighted to launch Downe House Muscat. Underpinned by our Downe House DNA, our aim is to provide an inspirational experience that prepares every child for the next stage in their life within a happy, safe and nurturing environment. Our education reflects excellence in all that we do and provides the students with a vibrant range of opportunities in and outside the classroom to develop them into highly successful adults of the future.”
Cheltenham Muscat is led by Founding Head, Crispin Dawson who has moved to Muscat from his post as Senior Deputy Head at Cheltenham College UK. Dawson said, “An all-round education is the most valuable gift you can give your child, providing them with a foundation from which they can learn about themselves, their community and the world. Of equal importance to the daily academic curriculum is our emphasis on developing well-rounded children. Every child will be encouraged to fulfil their potential, whether in academia, music, sport, or the arts.”
Colliers International recommended Cheltenham and Downe House to the MODPF and Mansoor Ahmed, Director Healthcare, Education & PPP said, “Colliers is proud to be associated with the overall development of the Al Bandar project in Muscat and assisted MODPF in the selection of Cheltenham and Downe House, from many other short-listed schools on the basis of quality, history and specifically their commitment to provide high-quality education in Oman.”
For further information about either school, please contact our admissions team: Cheltenham Muscat: Telephone (Arabic): +968 98555397 Telephone (English): +968 98555264 Email: [email protected], Downe House Muscat: Telephone (Arabic): +968 98555381 Telephone (English): +968 98555482 Email: [email protected]
