Oryx International School, the official Qatar Airways school, proudly celebrated our graduating class of 2023 and secondary prize-giving. Executive Principal, Mr Derek Laidlaw, welcomed everyone to the ceremony which was held in our state-of-the-art auditorium. The ceremony was attended by senior members of Qatar Airways including His Excellency, Mr Akbar Al Baker, Mr Antonio Schulthess, Mr Duncan Naysmith, Ms Nabeela Fakhri, Mr Ashish Jain, and Ms Purba Solomon; Ministry of Education and Higher Education Private Schools Specialist, Mr. Ossama Makki; Orbital Education Chairman Mr Kevin McNeany, CEO Mr David Pottinger, CFO Mr James Stewart and Regional Head of Schools, Mr Michael Clack..

Qatar Airways Group CEO, His Excellency, Mr Al Baker, presented the graduates with their certificates, stating that it was an honour to present one of the first Qatari’s in Oryx International School with his certificate, alongside all the other students. It was an extremely proud moment to see all 37 graduates walk onto the stage in their academic dress to collect their certificates, a testament to their hard work and dedication as students at Oryx.

We are committed to empowering our students and preparing them for their next challenge in life which includes securing them a promising future. We are, therefore, delighted that this year’s graduates are continuing their studies in prestigious Universities across the globe including Columbia University, USA , University College London in the UK, Curtin University in the United Arab Emirates, Nova Southeastern University in the USA, and Monash University in Malaysia among many other notable institutions.

As well as celebrating the students who will soon be leaving us, we handed out achievement prizes to students from year groups 7 - 13, making this a remarkably rewarding full-school event. Awards were handed out for achievements in a wide variety of subjects including Arabic, Islamic Studies, English, History, Mathematics, Geography, Languages, Art, and Sport. There was also a special COBIS (Council of British International Schools) award and the Dux Scholaris was presented to Yago Herrera Ventura

As well as celebrating our students’ achievements, attendees enjoyed music from the Chamber Choir with a rendition of Don’t you worry about a Thing by Stevie Wonder arr Emerson.

Mr Kevin McNeany, Orbital Chairman and founder commented: “It is a great day to be able to celebrate the 2023 graduation and prize giving with our special VIP guests, parents, students, and staff after the long period where Covid did not allow us to join you all. I would like to congratulate our 2nd cohort of graduates for their outstanding achievement and wish them luck along their path to further education and well done to all the students who received prizes.”

Oryx International School Executive Principal, Mr. Derek Laidlaw commented: “My heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to our cohort of Sixth Form graduates. This has been a very proud day for all the Oryx International School staff, parents and students. As we reflect on our student’s achievements, I would like to thank Qatar Airways, Orbital Education, our staff, parents and students for enabling our school to deliver such an exceptional education.”