Experiential Learning
At ABA, we believe that authentic, experiential learning builds resilience, confidence, and adaptability. Real-world experiences challenge our students to take risks, solve problems, and collaborate effectively, shaping them into capable, resourceful individuals ready to face the complexities of the world.
Learning extends beyond the classroom through camps, field trips, and hands-on projects that push students to explore, create, and grow. These experiences not only deepen academic understanding but also foster critical thinking, teamwork, and the courage to embrace challenges, preparing our students to thrive in an ever-changing world.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Grade 5 Experiential Learning: Camping at Jebel Sifah
In Grade 5, students participate in a two-night experiential learning camp at Jebel Sifah designed to deepen their connection to nature and strengthen essential life skills. Activities such as raft-building, BMX biking, slack-lining, and rock-tower construction encourage collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity in an authentic outdoor setting.
This extended trip also supports personal growth, giving students space to practise self-regulation, independence, teamwork, and social-emotional skills. The Jebel Sifah camp is a key milestone in the Grade 5 programme, helping students build confidence and resilience as they prepare for their transition to Middle School.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
MS Explores!
The MS Explores programme at ABA enables students to gain a greater understanding of the country in which they are living. They learn about the culture and the environment in which they live. They experience adventure and have the chance to try activities where they develop many of the characteristics of the IB Learner Profile: risk-taking, open-minded, reflective, knowledgeable and caring.
Grade 6 students spend time in the desert. For many students, this will be their first time away from their families. They interact with their peers in an environment where many step outside their social ‘norms’. They take part in learning experiences that leave them with a heightened awareness of the diverse nature of their surroundings, the nature of desertification and the changing lives of the people who live in it.
Grade 7 students go to the coast of Oman. It builds on the previous year’s programme and stretches the students a little further. Removed from their everyday classroom surroundings, they learn of the rich, seafaring history of Oman and are immersed in first-hand experiences of Oman’s diverse marine life. They experience the City of Sur and visit the National Turtle sanctuary to observe the life cycle of Green Turtles.
Grade 8 students camp inside a traditional Omani mountain camp based in the Hajar Mountains.The camp is at the top of the famous Jebel Shams and is surrounded by mountains and wadis. This camp has challenging hikes over mountainous but safe terrain, where students have to carry everything they need with them. This camp leaves students with a rich experience of how to be safe in the mountains and the need to be organised.
HIGH SCHOOL
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is a core component of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and an essential part of student life at ABA Oman International School. At the heart of CAS is a commitment to community. Students engage in activities that spark creativity, promote a healthy and active lifestyle, and make a positive impact on the world around them.
The three strands of CAS, often interwoven within any single endeavor, are as follows:
Creativity:
Engaging in enterprises that involve creative thinking, learning new skills, experiencing culture or other ventures that involve creative thinking in the design and implementation of service projects.
Activity:
Physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle, not only from participation in individual and team sports but also when taking part in expeditions and in local or international projects.
Service:
An unpaid and voluntary exchange that has a learning benefit for the student. The rights, dignity, and autonomy of all those involved are respected.
Research at The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award shows that through engaging in voluntary service, taking part in physical recreation, discovering personal interests and talents, and learning about leadership through adventurous activity, young people become confident, reflective, and engaged learners – in short, they become ready for the world.
EXPEDITIONS
The expeditions vary in length and require a good level of fitness, as students are hiking or kayaking for the duration of their expedition.
At all levels, students work in teams and are responsible for carrying all of their own camping supplies and kit; navigating routes; setting up and breaking down camps; and purchasing, planning, preparing and cooking all of their own meals for the duration of the expedition. Students practice these skills on the Practice Expedition, and are then assessed by IA DofE qualified Assessors during their Qualifying Journey.
- The Bronze Award Expedition runs over 2 days and 1 night
- The Silver Award Expedition runs over 3 days and 2 nights
- The Gold Award Expedition is organized by the participating students and staff; and runs over 4 days and 3 nights.