Beacon Education launches AED 100 million school in Abu Dhabi

Set to open in September 2006, the new school was unveiled at a ceremony held in Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace Hotel and attended by dignitaries and prospective parents.

The AED 100 million Raha International School is currently being built on a six hectare (14 acre) plot of land located in Aldar Properties' Al Raha Gardens community.

Raha International School will offer its students a rigorous and dynamic experience within a rich and stimulating environment. The school aims to become a fully accredited International Baccalaureate (IB) school offering its highly regarded and widely recognized international curriculum. "Beacon's aim is first and foremost to prepare students to become successful, compassionate, confident citizens of the world...the men and women who will provide intelligent leadership enriched by a profound world view and thoughtful ambition," said Ziad Azzam, Beacon Education's CEO. Our new school in Raha will instil this ethos in each pupil to carry forward their future with pride.

Dr. Stephen Johnson, one of the school's two project leaders, says that an immense effort went into recruiting teachers.

"All leading edge programs in the world are meaningless if a student doesn't connect with the teacher in the classroom. At the school, only the most qualified teachers are considered for employment. Their commitment to excellence continues through on-going professional development so that every teacher stays current with innovations in education, changes in the world, and the issues important to their students. We anticipate that the school will quickly become a multi-cultural environment underscoring respect and understanding for the many nationalities and cultures represented in Abu Dhabi. The IB programme and approach are ideal for the promotion of cultural integration in diverse school communities of this kind. It promotes a well balanced approach to learning emphasizing academics, athletics and the arts with particular focus on students' creativity, self-expression and leadership."

Every detail of the school has been designed with the students in mind. School Principal Deryn Lavell believes that the facilities will be second to none and will provide students with a unique learning experience. "Our main aim in designing the school was to create a learning environment that is exceptional. All students learn better and interact in a more positive manner when in comfortable yet stimulating surroundings."

Raha International School will comprise nine buildings housing large classrooms filled with natural light, spaces for interaction among all students, libraries, music and drama studios, an art studio, a swimming and diving pool, two gyms and sports facilities, and much more, all featuring beautiful Arabic architectural and design elements.

Both Steve and Deryn were until recently Principals of leading Canadian schools. Their combined teaching experience totals more than 50 years and they have served as heads in two of North America's most respected and most innovative independent schools.

Raha International School will open in two phases: in September 2006 the doors will open for kindergarten students and students in grades 1 to 8, and in September 2007 for students from grades 1 to 10 ultimately leading to the IB Diploma program.