Awareness days in Saudi schools highlight international academic programs

Dr. Kawther Saa’d AlDin, Development and Recognition Manager at the International Baccalaureate, speaking at IB Days. (Supplied)

Dr. Sumaya Alyusuf, International Baccalaureate Development and Recognition Manager speaking at IB Days. (Supplied)

• Three events, led by the King Faisal Foundation and International Baccalaureate, were held at schools around the country targeted at learners aged between three and 19
• The foundation and International Baccalaureate-run project was launched in 2007

RIYADH: A Saudi charity recently teamed up with an international educational organization to raise awareness about academic programs for students in the Kingdom.
Three events, led by the King Faisal Foundation and International Baccalaureate, were held at schools around the country targeted at learners aged between three and 19.
The first of the days was staged on Sept. 7 at Dhahran Ahliyya Schools, followed by King Faisal School in Riyadh on Sept. 12, and Jeddah Knowledge International School on Wednesday.
IB development and recognition managers, Dr. Sumaya Alyusuf and Dr. Kawther Saa’d Al-Din, along with IB senior manager for development, recognition, and e-assessment, Mary Tadros, gave presentations about primary and middle years, diploma, and career-related programs.
The foundation and International Baccalaureate-run project was launched in 2007, and was initially centered around King Faisal School, which served as a pioneering institution for the development and implementation of region-specific training modules for primary school educators.
KFF’s assistant secretary-general, Prince Mansour bin Saad Al-Saud, said: “The collaboration led to 14 primary schools and 16 middle schools embarking on the journey toward implementing the IB program by the end of year 2018. As an outcome, over 10 schools from various regions achieved accreditation.
“At the KFF our commitment to advancing education through sustainable projects such as King Faisal School, Alfaisal University, and Effat University, is unwavering.
“We strive to establish educational and research models that yield exceptional outcomes and set a benchmark for others to follow. As part of this dedication, we have forged a close partnership with the IB which is renowned for its educational expertise and stringent quality standards.
“It aligns with our vision at the KFF and with the Saudi Vision 2030 to elevate educational excellence,” the prince added.
International Baccalaureate aims to enable students to develop important skills for the future such as analytical and critical thinking, and scientific research capabilities with a good understanding of necessary research tools.
The organization also works to encourage community service, while looking to cultivate a desire for learning, curiosity, and acceptance and understanding of different cultures.
Alyusuf said: “We need an education that blends cutting-edge intelligence with cutting-edge compassion, an IB education which asserts our Saudi identity and develops international mindedness.”