Oryx School appoints Laidlaw as executive principal

Qatar Airways and Orbital Education have announced the appointment ofDerek Laidlaw as executive principal of Oryx International School forthe 2018/19 Academic Year. Laidlaw will head the new world-class campus offering state-of-the-artfacilities for students from Foundation Stage 1 through Year 13, atMesaimeer off Barwa City Road in Doha.  Oryx International School is a premium education facility dedicatedsolely for the use of children of Qatar Airways’ employees, according toa statement issued by the airline yesterday. “The school reflects Qatar Airways’ commitment to its staff, by ensuringboth employees and their children receive the first-class training andeducation needed to excel. “The school follows the National Curriculum of England, which providesstudents with a challenging learning environment that is balanced,interactive and supports their development in all activities.”David Pottinger, CEO of Orbital Education, which operates OryxInternational on behalf of Qatar Airways, said: “Laidlaw clearlydemonstrated how his leadership experience made him the ideal candidateto lead the school forward into the future. We look forward to seeinghim develop a five-star educational institution in Doha for the childrenof Qatar Airways staff. We are delighted to welcome him on board.”Laidlaw, who will take up his post on August 1 joins Oryx InternationalSchool from the position of Head Teacher at King’s College, The BritishSchool of Alicante, which he led for more than seven years to become theleading international school in Spain, achieving an Excellent gradingin all categories from the Independent Schools Inspectorate of the UK.Laidlaw has earlier held a leadership position at Doha College for sixyears. Laidlaw firmly believes in taking responsibility to ensure that youngpeople receive the best upbringing and education possible, and that theyare equipped to become future leaders. “I am delighted to be joining Oryx International School at such anexciting time. I am looking forward to engaging with students inlearning discussions, helping them to find their ‘eureka’ moments toenable them to prepare themselves for the challenges ahead,” Laidlawsaid.