New international school for Sohar

SOHAR Aluminium has finalized an agreement with International School Services (ISS) to establish an international school in Sohar.

The Al Batinah International School will provide an international curriculum that will lead to the International Baccalaureate. The school will cater to the children of Sohar Aluminium expatriate employees as well as the children of employees from other Sohar-based companies. It will also be open to children from the local community.

“Sohar Aluminium is extremely pleased to be involved in such an initiative and we would like to welcome other industries in Sohar to join us in supporting the establishment of a leading educational institute in the Batinah area,” said Mr Tony Kinsman, CEO of Sohar Aluminium.

“ISS has been engaged in the creation and management of international schools world wide since 1955 and has experience and expertise working with several international schools in the region and in Oman.”

Mr Kinsman expressed his thanks to the Ministry of Education and Government Authorities for facilitating the necessary approvals for setting up the International School. The contract for the construction of the school has been awarded to target and Huckle & Partners are the appointed architects.

Al Batinah International School will accept its first batch of students in September 2007. It will cater to students from kindergarten to Level 8 in its first year of operation.

Sohar Aluminium’s shareholders are Oman Oil Company, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, and Alcan. The company was established in September 2004 to construct and operate a single AP35 potline aluminium smelter with an associated power plant.

The smelter is targeted to start its first production of hot metal in 2008.