Misk Schools becomes first High Performance Learning school in Saudi

Misk Schools has adopted the approach that assumes a majority of pupils can achieve at high levels

Misk Schools has announced that it is the first in Saudi Arabia to become a High Performance Learning (HPL) school, and the first in the world to fully adapt HPL to Arabic.

HPL is a research-based approach to teaching and learning designed to deliver high performance for the many, not the few. It uses evidence from neuroscience and psychology to challenge the belief that only a minority of children can achieve at high levels.

Working with the founder and chair of HPL, Professor Deborah Eyre, Misk Schools has tailored the framework to meet the specific needs of its students and community, as well as of the Kingdom.

Founded by HRH Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in 2016, the Misk Schools project is designed to set a new standard for modern, progressive education in Saudi Arabia, a country not typically associated with such approaches. Numerous international experts have been involved in developing the school and its curriculum, including some from the UK.

Misk’s new campus is nearing completion within Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City in Riyadh. The 21-hectare campus comprises nine school buildings for male and female students aged 3 to 18.

Misk School’s director general, Dr Steffen Sommer said: “It has been a deeply rewarding process co-designing our own, unique version of High Performance Learning with Professor Eyre. While MSHPL won’t change what we teach, it will change how we teach, ensuring that all our students develop into enterprising learners and advanced performers, capable of becoming 21^st-century global leaders.”

Dr Sommer is a Fellow of HPL with knowledge and first-hand experience implementing the approach at Doha College, which, in 2018, became the first school ever to be accredited as an HPL World Class School.

Professor Deborah Eyre said: “We are delighted to be working with Misk Schools to help reimagine Saudi education and empower every child. When ambitious school leaders use our philosophy of empowerment, they create world-class schools, equipping every student with advanced cognitive skills and the essential character attributes, values and attitudes necessary for lifelong success.”