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Misk Schools Diploma Sets New Holistic Educational Standard for Saudi Arabia                                 

by Belinda Breeze

Misk Schools, a leading K-12 school in Saudi Arabia, has developed its diploma to demonstrate students’ holistic strengths to universities around the world

The Misk Schools Diploma is designed to equip students with the knowledge, motivation and mindset necessary to thrive and have impact in both local and global contexts. It is built around four core components: Leadership, Internships, International Academic Studies, and National Academic and Identity Studies. To earn the diploma, students must meet minimum requirements in all four areas. 

A Holistic Approach to Education

The Leadership component develops students’ ability to lead with integrity and purpose, preparing them to be critical thinkers and future leaders at home and abroad. It includes lessons, coaching, boot camps, and the completion of a professional certification in team management. 

Internships for Real-World Experience

Internships in Grades 9 and 11 provide real-world experience, allowing students to apply their learning in professional settings, build workplace competencies and gain valuable insights into their chosen career paths. Students produce a reflective thesis on each internship, which is externally assessed.

The International Academic Studies component follows the globally recognised Cambridge curriculum, providing students with a rigorous education that meets international standards and enhances their competitiveness for admission to top universities worldwide. Qualifications include IGCSEs in Grade 10, and A-levels or BTEC in Grade 12. All students also take the IELTS international English language test.

Celebrating National Heritage

Complementing this is the National Academic component, which is delivered in Arabic and dedicated to the Ministry of Education’s Saudi National Identity Subjects. This ensures that students not only excel academically but also gain a deep understanding of their national heritage and culture. All students sit the national Tahsili and Qudrat exams from the Saudi Education and Training Evaluation Commission.

Building on its adoption of the Cambridge curriculum, Misk Schools has also collaborated with Cambridge University Press & Assessment to validate this innovative diploma. The diploma certificates will be jointly issued with Cambridge and acknowledge students’ achievements across all four components. This ensures that students’ broader achievements, as well as their academic qualifications, are recognised as meeting high standards. 


“Cambridge University Press & Assessment’s validation of the Misk Schools Diploma affirms our high standards and enhances the international stature of the certificate, ensuring graduates are well-regarded by top universities worldwide,” said Dr Steffen Sommer, Director General of Misk Schools. “In line with the recommendations of global education thought leaders, it values and assesses skills and competencies alongside academic achievement, preparing students to excel at university and in life.”

“Across the world, a more holistic approach to education is vital to equip the next generation with the knowledge, skills and mindset to contribute to a brighter future. Misk Schools’ Diploma is an innovative approach to encouraging girls and boys to develop these skills,” Jane Mann, Managing Director, Partnership for Education, Cambridge University Press & Assessment.

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