Seashell Primary School

Mission statement

Seashell Primary School is an international learning community. It values differences and similarities, and strives to provide a supportive setting where all children are given the opportunity to be life-long learners and positive contributing members of society.

Sur, Sultanate of Oman

Information about the school

The Seashell Primary School is situated in the purpose built premises on the OLNG (Oman Liquefied Natural Gas) HAS housing complex. This is close to Sur Town which is located on the coast and is vibrant small town, with a lively fishing fleet. There are many opportunities for exploring the local area such as visiting the turtle beaches, wadis and desert off road driving. The capital, Muscat, is approximately 2 hrs drive away and can be reached for weekend excursions.

The school has five classrooms (one in a prefabricated building), an entrance hall that doubles as a library and assembly area, staffroom and head teacher’s office. There is a large shaded play area at the rear of the school, which is jointly used with the OLNG Arabic School situated next door.

Seashell School has four teachers (2 Dutch and 2 International), including the head teacher. The school currently has 21 children on roll, spread over the following nationalities: Dutch, English, Malay, Korean and Nigerian.

The Early Years class (Nursery & Primary 1) is integrated for the whole day and follows the IPC (International Primary Curriculum) Early Years Programme. Children develop their learning using ‘Units of Work’. Although English is the language of instruction, the teacher also uses Dutch to ensure support of the Dutch children’s language needs.

From Primary 2 to Primary 8, Seashell Primary School has two Maths and Language (M&L) Sections: Dutch and English speaking. Both sections follow their respective national curriculums for these two core subjects. M&L are taught each day in the morning.

All other subjects are taught through the IPC (International Primary Curriculum) and in these lessons, the children in both sections learn collaboratively. The language of instruction during IPC lessons is English. Although the IPC units of work encompass all subject areas (apart from Maths and Language), PE and music are taught separately by specialist teachers. The IPC is taught from 11:00 to 14:30 for four days.

Cultural time takes place once a week from 11:00 to 12:30 in the M&L sections. During this time children learn about certain aspects of the history and geography elements of the Dutch and English national curricula. Children in the Dutch section learn about those parts of the curriculum that are specific to the Netherlands. Given the internationality of the English M&L section, there is a focus on ‘world’ themes in that section.

The school is also next door to the HAS Recreation Club, so the children are able to use the swimming pool and sports hall for PE.

The school offers a lively programme of events to the children and their families throughout the school calendar. This includes musical productions, a sports day, an art exhibition, school trips for the children, seasonal celebrations and, recently, barbeques. The school also offers a diverse After School Activity programme that is supported by teachers, parents and members of the community.

Seashell plays a central part within the community and values links with the wider community. Seashell is a friendly and welcoming school where the children are equipped with the skills and strategies they need when moving on to other destinations.