ABA Oman International School hosts IB Director General

ABA Oman International School proudly hosted Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the International Baccalaureate (IB), along with a delegation of distinguished IB representatives, including Shehzad Jeeva (Chief Education Officer), Haif Bannayan (Global Director of Business Development), and Mary Tadros (IB Senior Manager). The visit underscored the IB’s commitment to fostering a global educational community and highlighted ABA’s pivotal role as an IB continuum school in Oman.

Craig Williamson, Chairperson of the IB Association in Oman, and ABA Head of School, along with Simon Walker, Assistant Head of School and High School Principal, welcomed the Director General and IB representatives. The delegation was given a guided campus tour by ABA student ambassadors, showcasing the school’s commitment to inquiry-based learning and the IB philosophy. The event was attended by distinguished guests and delegates from the Ministry of Education, the British Embassy, ABA Board of Directors, as well as Principals and IB Programme Coordinators from IB schools in Oman.

Mr. Heinonen expressed his admiration for the strong student engagement and collaborative learning culture at ABA Oman International School. In his address, he stated: "Learning happens within a context, and the connection to local culture is something the IB values deeply. During my visit to ABA, I was truly impressed by the student leaders and the incredible facilities that support their growth. The ability to embed pedagogical approaches into the local context is key to developing the competencies, capabilities, and skills young people need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

“The IB framework fosters lifelong inquiry, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving, all essential for giving back to the community. But none of this happens in isolation; students need the supportive structure of their school community and strong home-school partnerships to truly flourish. It is inspiring to see IB schools in Oman collaborating and learning from each other as we work together to shape a better future for all." 

Craig Williamson, ABA Head of School said: “We are honoured to host the IB Director General and his team at ABA Oman International School. This visit not only highlights our long-standing association with the IB but also reaffirms our commitment to fostering an environment of collaboration and mission of nurturing well-rounded, capable young leaders and global citizens.”

ABA Oman International School is recognised as the first international school in the region to offer the complete continuum of IB programmes. The school received authorisation for the Diploma Programme (DP) in 1996, followed by the Primary Years Programme (PYP) in 2002 and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) in 2004. ABA has grown into a leading IB continuum school, providing a holistic and academically challenging education to over 940 students from diverse backgrounds.

Simon Walker, Assistant Head of School, said, "This is a momentous occasion for us, having the privilege to host the Director General and hear his invaluable thoughts and insights about the future of education. As a school we have a long history with the IB and that through our shared missions we continue to be committed to providing an exceptional education that inspires and empowers our students to explore their unique pathways to success.

"ABA is also a proud member of the Global Citizen Development (GCD) consortium, which focuses on cultivating leadership, sustainability, and social responsibility among students. Through various initiatives and projects, students are encouraged to engage with local and global challenges, enhancing their understanding of their role in shaping a better future.” 

The visit not only reinforced ABA's commitment to the IB framework but also highlighted the school's vital role in nurturing future global citizens who are equipped to impact the world positively.