Victorian school in Sharjah

The Victoria International School of Sharjah (VISS school) was established as a strong collaboration between the Victoria Government and the Emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, based on shared education goals.

The Victorian school model in was chosen as an international leader by the Emirate. This is an outstanding endorsement and highlights the international standing of the Victorian education system.

A great start to an ongoing alliance

The Victoria International School of Sharjah is the first initiative started under a Memorandum of Understanding that was signed in November 2005 between the Victorian Premier and His Highness Sheik Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Ruler of the United Arab Emirate of Sharjah. The school began operations on 2 September 2007.  The Victorian Premier opened the junior school in February 2008 and performed the official opening of the school in 2010.

Sharing experience and resources

The Victoria International School of Sharjah initiative has been highly collaborative. The Government of Sharjah owns and runs the school. It was built on land donated by His Highness Sheik Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Ruler of the United Arab Emirate of Sharjah.

The Victorian model of school education is the basis of what’s done in the school, including:

• the curriculum - the Victorian Essential Learning Standards (VELS) and the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
• pedagogy
• assessment and reporting
• school accountability and improvement practices.

Inventive school design

The design of the learning environment at the Victoria International School of Sharjah reflects contemporary Victorian practices in learning and teaching. It’s quite different to what’s currently seen in the UAE and incorporates world-class school design and cutting edge facilities.

International experience for Victorian teachers

Victoria is a major source for teaching staff, as they’re highly respected for their teaching approach. All staff are directly employed by the Government of Sharjah.

Victorian teachers can take advantage of a valuable professional development opportunity through working at the school and bringing their experience back into the Victorian system.

Catering for kindergarten to Year 12

The school is co-educational and will eventually cater for 2400 children from kindergarten to Year 12. Childcare from birth is also available.

More information

Contact the Victoria International School of Sharjah for more information about the school.