MUSCAT : Indian Schools in Oman have launched a series of academic collaborations, large-scale teacher training programmes and inclusive education initiatives as part of a system-wide push to strengthen academic quality and modernise learning outcomes, the schools’ board said on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters, Indian Schools Board chairman Syed Ahmad Salman said the measures were aimed at reinforcing one of the region’s longest-running school systems, which has been operating for more than five decades.

As part of efforts to align with global best practices, the school network has entered academic and developmental partnerships with leading Indian institutions, including the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, and the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. The collaborations are focused on student enrichment, leadership development, entrepreneurship exposure and specialised faculty training, particularly in inclusive and special education. 

The chairman said teacher empowerment remained central to education reform. Over a two-month period, the school system conducted 106 structured training sessions, accounting for more than 23,000 man-hours of professional development. A total of 5,760 teachers and academic leaders participated in programmes covering pedagogy, leadership, assessment reforms, staff well-being and institutional effectiveness. 

Indian Schools in Oman have also introduced structured courses in financial literacy and artificial intelligence for students from classes V to VIII during the first half of the current academic year. In parallel, AI training programmes for educators have been rolled out to help teachers integrate technology into classroom instruction, assessment and personalised learning, the board said. 

Alongside curriculum reforms, the board said it was investing in infrastructure upgrades across its campuses, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, digital learning facilities, sports infrastructure and student support services, to create safe and future-ready learning environments. 

Inclusive education remains a key priority, with more than 350 students currently enrolled in care and special education programmes across the school network. The system provides trained special educators, therapy support and individualised education plans, while also promoting inclusive classrooms where students with special needs learn alongside their peers. 

The press briefing was attended by vice chairman Harshendu Shah, academic director Krishnendhu S and education advisor Vinoba MP. 

Salman said the board remained committed to providing equitable and high-quality education, supported by continuous faculty development, global partnerships and sustained investment, while also maintaining a considerate approach towards financially distressed parents as part of its social responsibility.

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