PDO school

Mission statement

“Passion for Learning!”

The Mission of PDO School is to foster a passion for learning by providing all the children in our care with a nurturing yet challenging environment, in which they strive to reach their full potential.

Muscat, Oman

Information about the school

PDO School is a Learning-focused school. We talk about what the children are learning instead of what they are doing.

We try to ensure that all our children are provided with certain conditions which help them learn better so they start to become aware of their learning and begin to make some connections in the learning journey.

PDO School is situated in a prime position right the heart of the Petroleum Development Oman residential area, which lies on the coast in Muscat.

The school is divided into two streams, International and Dutch, and the teachers in both streams work very closely together. The International Stream follows the English National Curriculum for Language and Mathematics and the Dutch Stream follows the Kerndoelen for Dutch language and mathematics. All other subjects are taught through the IPC (International Primary Curriculum) and in these lessons, the children in both streams learn collaboratively. There is a conscious and deliberate policy of integration throughout the school and as much integration as possible is expected.

There are currently around 290 pupils on roll (25 nationalities represented) with 23 full time staff, (English & Dutch) catering for children aged 3 to 11 in the International Stream and 3 to 12 in the Dutch Stream.

Children start in the Pre-Nursery in the term in which they turn 3 years old. The Pre-Nursery building is on site and close to, but detached from, the main school building. It comprises 3 large classrooms and two additional smaller rooms. There is also the newly remodelled Pre-Nursery playground which is fully enclosed. There is a qualified teacher for each class and a full time assistant in each and the Pre-Nursery forms part of the Early Years Department (Primary 1 – Primary 2); there is a close liaison among this group of teachers. When children move to the Nursery, in the term in which they become 4, they move into the main building.

Throughout the school, the company provides excellent air-conditioned accommodation comprising classrooms, a music room, an art and craft room, a cookery room, TV rooms, a well-stocked library (containing Dutch and English books), an IT suite, a large gymnasium and offices, all of which are well maintained.

Outside there is an enclosed and shaded infant play garden area, a large playing field and three large playgrounds for different age-groups, equipped with various climbing and play apparatus.

The PDO Recreation Centre, including pool, beach and tennis courts, is just a few minutes walk away. All the children (from Nursery to Primary 8) have school swimming lessons at the pool each week. There are lots of other activities going on throughout the year which include swimming galas and other sporting events early in the year when the weather is at its most pleasant, as well as events with other schools, concerts, assembly performances, fun days, themed events and festival celebrations for everyone to enjoy.

A variety of after school activities is on offer and these nurture the physical, creative, academic and emotional well-being of our children. All teachers are required to run an activity for two out of three terms and parents also offer activities. Some paid musical instrument lessons are available in school as well as in the community.

For more information, please visit the school’s website at www.pdoschool.org.