Parent's Review of British School Muscat in Muscat, Oman

What is the name of your child's school? (Please report on one school per survey.)

British School Muscat

In what town or city is this school located?

Muscat

How would you describe this school? (i.e. American, British, International, Local, etc.)

British

What grade levels are represented at this school?

up to sixth form

How do most children get to school everyday? (bus, train, walk, etc.)

Dropped off by car, the ones that live nearby walk, some carpool, PDO has a school bus, and some areas have their organised transport/ school bus.

How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?

As it is probably the oldest international school in Muscat (over 40 yrs) the facilities are dated and in need of modernisation. There are limited extra curricular activities as both primary and senior school share one dance and one sports hall. There is no airconditioned cafe for the children to have their lunch in, which is a bit much in the summer when the temp goes up to over 40C

What has this school done to help your child transition from the curriculum in your home country into the curriculum in your new country? Are there programs to prepare your child for repatriation?

No, there are no designated days for new children to meet the class before they start in the new school. The new children who come from different parts of the world are just expected to get on with it from day one. They are allotted a buddy to look after them in junior school, but in Senior school you just figure it out yourself. Most new kids are subject to bullying and the admin pretend it doesn't happen there.

How would you describe the social activities available for parents through this school? Are there parent-teacher organizations?

First of all, it's only a PA (Parent Association) because the teachers don't want to get involved. The P(T)A have bursts of enthusiasm from the new parents, while the parents who have been there awhile couldn't care less as they have done their bit when they first arrived. Activities are dictated by the headteacher (Junior School) and the parents just follow the leader.

What advice would you give to someone considering enrolling their child in this school?

If you value good education, consider other options. As this school is not regulated by any governing body in the UK, they make up their own rules. There are children that have been kicked out of International schools in Muscat that this school has taken in. They have had cases of bullying, racism and sexism. Although the good teachers are few and far between, there are staff that act like they are there on holiday.

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