VISS student Ahmed Al Moosawi finishes third in nation-wide Emirates NBD competition

Sharjah, UAE, March 14, 2013: Six Victoria International School of Sharjah (VISS) students gained invaluable experience as professional bankers when they participated in the 'Banker for the Day' programme in partnership with Emirates NBD.

The 'Banker for the Day' programme was an inspiring opportunity for the students who spent a full day working alongside banking professionals within six departments of the main Emirates NBD branch in Sharjah. The departments included Teller Services, Customer Services, Processing, Business Planning, Relationship Management and Business Management. Interacting with customers and real-life financial situations allowed the students to gain an insight into the functioning of a major industry and the professions within it that make banking a rewarding career choice.

The school was also boosted by the news that 18 year old student Ahmed Al Moosawi won third prize in a nation-wide competition, which was run in conjunction with the special day-long learning experience with Emirates NBD. Over 200 students took part in the competition, including the six VISS students who were participating in the 'Banker for the Day' programme. Participants were requested to produce a video, essay, collage or presentation to showcase their experiences, which were then judged by a panel of experts. Ahmed's third place saw him awarded a cheque for AED 3,000 and a large bronze trophy at the award ceremony held at the Emirates NBD headquarters.

"It was a fantastic opportunity to spend a day in a real-life bank, spending professional time with real business people," said Ahmed. "I learnt so much and really enjoyed the experience."

As well as opening the students' eyes to the practical side of banking, there were a number of additional benefits to the programme. Over the course of the day, the students learnt core competencies, knowledge and skills such as customer service, teamwork and co-operation, attention to quality work, keyboards skills, numeracy, self-confidence, oral and written communication, information seeking and analytical thinking.

"It is always a joy to see our students rise to the occasion," said Mr. Sajid Hussain, Head of Business and Enterprise and Careers Guidance Councilor at VISS. "It is the school's fundamental approach that we encourage and give opportunities to our students to become leaders of tomorrow."

The program ties in with Victoria International School of Sharjah's hands-on curriculum, which aims to provide its students with all the necessary tools and opportunities to be fully prepared for their future after school.

Dr. Roderick Crouch, Principal at VISS, explained: "Practical hands on activities are a key strategy we use to make learning more engaging for all our students at VISS. The children love it and their achievements are terrific."

The curriculum delivered at the school is based on three frameworks from Australia as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. As of late last year, students entering their final two years of school are offered the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

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About Victoria International School Sharjah: The Victoria International School of Sharjah (VISS) - a school which seeks to be the leading school in the region, was established by The Ruler of Sharjah; His Highness Shaikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, in conjunction with the State of Victoria, in Australia, to provide students with an excellent all-round education so they can become responsible global citizens as the leaders of tomorrow. At VISS, we are committed to providing each student with powerful, lifelong learning tools in an ever-challenging and personally rewarding environment. To be a student at VISS means to access opportunity - the opportunity to learn, develop and excel.

For further details: viss@fourcommunications.com

© Press Release 2013