As the beginning of the school year approaches, many parents are looking to find the best school for their children. Today more than ever, parents understand that children need a forward-thinking education that prepares them well for the challenges of the future. The International Baccalaureate (IB) stands as a real alternative for families, offering a rigorous education for global citizens of the 21st century.
SEK-Riyadh is one of two schools in the International Schools Attraction Program of the Royal Commission of Riyadh City, and opens its doors in September. It is part of Spain’s SEK Education Group, which has nearly 130 years of history and experience in national and international education in four countries. SEK-Riyadh will offer the local and international community an innovative world-class international education. Like all schools in the SEK Education Group, SEK Riyadh is planning to become an IB World School to teach the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programs.
But what makes the IB programs different? Research from a growing number of institutions indicates that students with an IB education are better at independent learning, and they possess critical thinking, time management and research skills that place them well ahead of students from other educational systems.
The IB programs offer a rigorous academic curriculum that delivers the most demanding and relevant content, and takes a holistic approach to education that nurtures the development of all aspects of the learner. Students learn beyond the classroom, immersed in a learning experience that fosters the development of their personal, emotional and social skills.
In IB programs, students are encouraged to explore different approaches, to find solutions to problems, and to apply their knowledge in unfamiliar situations. This helps students make connections and transfer skills among different disciplines.
IB programs promote critical thinking skills. Students are encouraged to ask challenging questions, and to think critically to find answers to them. It helps them develop analytical and writing skills essential for future university and career aspirations.
IB students develop a broader view of the world. By inquiring into real problems in their local environment, they develop a sense of responsibility for the community. Equally, analyzing global contexts allows the students to develop an understanding and respect for other cultures.
As the RMC Research Corporation states, IB programs help “students to develop an ethic of service, become more caring, open-minded and reflective, and develop more self-confidence and maturity.”
SEK-Riyadh will be nurturing these key global skills, knowledge and understandings from the earliest years of schooling, through implementing the IB Primary Years Program, from age three to 10 years.
SEK-Riyadh to empower students with global skills
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SEK-Riyadh to empower students with global skills
iCAUR V27 conquers city roads with new energy technology
A media test drive event focused on premium on-road driving was held in Jeddah. On Feb. 5, iCAUR invited representatives from media outlets, including leading automotive outlet Motory, to take part in an in-depth driving experience featuring the all-round hybrid SUV V27 across urban roads and intercity highways.
Guests gathered at Jeddah’s premium landmark, Millionaire Restaurant, where the iCAUR Saudi Arabia team introduced the V27’s design philosophy and key technologies. Open discussions followed, helping members of the media gain a clearer understanding of iCAUR’s brand vision and the V27’s core strengths ahead of the test drive.
The test drive route covered urban roads in Jeddah as well as inter-city highways leading to King Abdullah Economic City, providing an ideal setting to evaluate the V27’s on-road performance across varied conditions. During long-distance highway driving, range and power remain key considerations, and the iCAUR V27 demonstrated solid on-road performance. As the brand’s first mass-production model equipped with the Golden REEV system, the V27 features a dedicated 1.5T range-extender engine with a thermal efficiency of 45.79 percent. It generates 3.71 kWh of electricity per liter of fuel and delivers a combined range of over 1,000 km, effectively addressing long-distance travel concerns.
On city streets with moderate traffic, the V27 impressed with its smooth and quiet ride. The electric motors deliver responsive, linear acceleration, with seamless start-stop performance that keeps driving relaxed even in traffic. Once on open intercity highways, pressing the accelerator fully unleashes 455 hp from the dual motors, propelling the SUV from zero to 100 km/h in about five seconds. Overtaking and lane changes feel effortless, with no hint of lag at any point.
Even more impressive, this five-meter-long SUV, with a chassis tuned by the internationally renowned racing team Prodive and equipped with an intelligent all-wheel drive system, maintained precise handling at high-speed corners. The steering felt responsive and refined, while the suspension offered solid support, completely defying the typical perception of large SUVs as cumbersome. “I didn’t expect such a large SUV to handle so nimbly — it was enjoyable to drive from start to finish,” one media guest remarked after the test drive. “The intelligent cockpit exceeded all expectations, making long-distance driving both comfortable and enjoyable!”
During the test drive, several media representatives praised the V27’s Stellar Cockpit. The 15.4-inch 3K HD touchscreen delivers crisp, detailed visuals, while the smart infotainment system powered by the 8155 chip ensures smooth operation comparable to a premium tablet, with seamless swiping and no lag. Meanwhile, a temperature-controlled armrest compartment, along with ventilated and heated seats precisely calibrated to the driver’s comfort, kept the driving experience enjoyable throughout the long-distance journey.
Previous test drives at Riyadh’s Edge of the World demonstrated the V27’s off-road capabilities under challenging conditions. The Jeddah media test drive, however, offered a first-hand experience of the V27’s impressive performance in city commuting and intercity highway scenarios. It not only overcomes the typical trade-off between power and range found in conventional new energy vehicles but also seamlessly combines intelligent technology with precise handling, meeting the key expectations of Saudi drivers for on-road performance.
As a model tailored for the Middle East market, the iCAUR V27 made its global debut in the UAE on Feb. 8, followed by a launch in Bahrain on Feb. 10. The arrival of the V27 is expected to bring fresh energy and new possibilities to the region’s premium new energy mobility segment.
