Indian Schools Oman announce bold education overhaul
AI, Financial Literacy and Sports Academy part of visionary new agenda
Muscat – In a major announcement on May 10, 2025, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Indian Schools Oman, Syed Ahmad Salman, unveiled sweeping reforms aimed at future-proofing the Indian education system in the Sultanate.
Key highlights include the immediate rollout of a Financial Literacy programme from Class 5 across all schools, and the introduction of an Artificial Intelligence curriculum post-summer break. The AI initiative will equip students with early exposure to machine learning, ethical tech use and digital fluency.
'Incorporating AI marks a milestone in preparing our students for the world ahead,' said Salman, adding that the curriculum would nurture innovation and critical thinking.
Infrastructure upgrades are also underway in Muscat, Darsait, Seeb, Sur and Salalah, with new schools being considered for Barka and Sinaw to meet rising demand.
A professional development plan for teachers is in progress, following a Training Needs Assessment survey across the network. In a first, the Board has approved the creation of a dedicated Sports Academy to guide talented students towards professional careers in sport.
'Our vision is holistic,' Salman emphasised. 'We aim to raise global citizens—curious, capable, and confident.' He urged parents and stakeholders to support the transformation journey.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
UK and India discuss cooperation amidst Lammy's visit
NEW DELHI: Britain and India on Saturday discussed expanding their "counter-terrorism" collaboration following recent fighting between India and Pakistan, Britain's foreign minister said after meeting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. British foreign minister David Lammy is the highest-profile Western official to have visited both New Delhi and Islamabad since the South Asian neighbours agreed to a ceasefire last month after their worst fighting in nearly three decades. The latest tensions began in April after the killing of 26 men in Indian Kashmir that New Delhi blamed on "terrorists" backed by Pakistan, a charge Islamabad denied. India then attacked what it called "terrorist infrastructure" in Pakistan, leading to escalation from both sides until a May 10 ceasefire. "We want the situation to be maintained, but of course we recognise fragility, particularly in the backdrop of terrorism, terrorism designed to destabilise India," Lammy said in an interview at the residence of the British High Commissioner in New Delhi. "We are keen to continue to work with our Indian partners on counter-terrorism measures." He said he discussed the next steps with both Modi and Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, but gave no specifics. Last year, India and Britain discussed combating the financing of terrorism, cooperation between law enforcement and judicial bodies; and information sharing. Lammy said he also discussed boosting trade between the world's fifth and sixth largest economies. The countries concluded talks for a free trade deal early last month. "I know that Prime Minister Keir Starmer is very much looking forward to coming to India very soon to sign the free trade agreement," Lammy said. "There is so much that our two nations can continue to do together." Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney invited his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to the upcoming Group of Seven summit in a phone call, as the two sides look to mend ties after relations soured in the past two years. The leaders agreed to remain in contact and looked forward to meeting at the G7 summit later this month, a readout from Carney's office said. India is not a G7 member but can be invited as a guest to its annual gathering, which will be held this year in Kananaskis in the Canadian province of Alberta, from June 15 to 17. "Glad to receive a call from Prime Minister (Carney)... thanked him for the invitation to the G7 Summit," Modi said in a post on X. Modi also stated in his post on Friday that India and Canada would work together "with renewed vigour, guided by mutual respect and shared interests." Bilateral ties deteriorated after Canada accused India of involvement in a murder and of attempting to interfere in two recent elections. Canada expelled several top Indian diplomats and consular officials in October 2024 after linking them to the murder and alleged a broader effort to target Indian dissidents in Canada. New Delhi has denied the allegations and expelled the same number of Canadian diplomats in response. India is Canada's 10th largest trading partner and Canada is the biggest exporter of pulses, including lentils, to India. Carney, who is trying to diversify trade away from the United States, said it made sense for the G7 to invite India, since it had the fifth-largest economy in the world and was at the heart of a number of supply chains. "In addition, bilaterally, we have now agreed, importantly, to continued law enforcement dialogue, so there's been some progress on that, that recognises issues of accountability. I extended the invitation to Prime Minister Modi in that context," he told reporters in Ottawa. — Reuters
Muscat Daily
7 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Good news expected soon on India-Oman FTA: Minister
Muscat – India and Oman are close to finalising a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with some 'good news' expected very soon regarding the signing of the deal, according to India's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal. As reported by several Indian media outlets on Monday, Goyal stated that negotiations between India and Oman on the proposed free trade agreement are progressing towards a conclusion. The talks gained renewed momentum following Goyal's visit to Muscat in January this year. The negotiations for the agreement, officially known as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), formally commenced in November 2023. 'I think you will see some good news very soon on the Oman FTA,' Goyal told reporters during his official visit to France, when asked whether the agreement could be concluded this year, according to PTI. Goyal was in France to hold discussions with French leaders and businesses aimed at enhancing trade and investment ties. He was also scheduled to attend a mini-ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Tuesday. Oman is India's third-largest export destination among the GCC countries. India already has a similar agreement in place with another GCC member, the United Arab Emirates, which came into effect in May 2022. India's key imports from Oman include petroleum products and urea, which together account for over 70% of total imports. Other significant imports from Oman comprise polymers of propylene and ethylene, petcoke, gypsum, chemicals, and iron and steel. Speaking about such FTAs, Goyal remarked that these agreements not only promote trade in goods and services, but also strengthen supply chains and instill confidence among businesses on both sides through stable policies and predictability, according to the PTI report. 'So, in a way, it's a big message when you conclude an FTA,' he added.
Observer
02-06-2025
- Observer
Shifas excels in World Masters Games in Taipei
KABEER YOUSUF @kabiyousef An expatriate sports teacher in Oman has bagged bronze medal in the 35+ handball category at the World Masters Games 2025 held in Taipei which in turn has also marked India's first-ever international medal in Handball. PB Shifas, a handball and basketball coach at the Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir (ISWK) feels all his 15 years of imparting training at the school, clubbed with his skill and leadership on the court were instrumental in securing this milestone victory at the international sporting event. 'This is a proud moment not only for handball as a sport but for every aspiring player across the continent who wants to excel in their chosen sports arena,' said Shifas, adding 'It's an honour to represent the country of my birth and the country of my choice 'Oman', and is an incredible honour.' The team led by Shifas displayed exceptional teamwork, determination, and passion, overcoming tough international competition to bring glory to the nation. The ISWK school management said that this achievement not only marks a personal milestone for Shifas but also India's first-ever international medal in handball, making it a defining moment in the country's sporting history. The teams have consistently excelled, participating in national-level tournaments for the last 11 years under his mentorship. 'This is a remarkable achievement and a proud moment for Indian School Al Wadi Al Kabir and all Indian schools in Oman. Shifas' dedication, perseverance, and passion for sports have not only led to this prestigious international recognition but also continue to inspire our students every day. We salute his spirit and contribution," said DN Rao, Principal of ISWK. Before achieving international recognition, Shifas was a prominent handball player in India, having represented Kerala University and Mahatma Gandhi University for an impressive six consecutive years.
