JEDDAH — British Consul General in Jeddah Mohammed Shokat recently hosted a function on the consulate premises to acknowledge the achievements of 67 students across 15 British curriculum schools in the western region of Saudi Arabia. Parents, school representatives and students celebrated the success of the outstanding learners in the 2015 Cambridge International Examinations series. The function followed similar events in Riyadh and Al-Khobar. Addressing the guests Shokat said, "Education is the key and with the right education all the doors of opportunity open for every one. We are very proud of having a strong education system in the UK. The Cambridge International Examinations is one of the best expose for the United Kingdom." He praised the role played by British Council and Cambridge in strengthening the relationship between the two kingdoms. "Research shows that understanding the language and familiarity with the education system means people are more likely to study, visit or do business in that country," he said. Congratulating the students on their achievements, Shokat said, "You are all now ambassadors of United Kingdom in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." Philip Rylah, the British Council's director of examinations for the Middle East and North Africa, said: "Through a partnership spanning some 30 years, the British Council and Cambridge have been striving to foster talent and recognize outstanding achievement in an effort to support society's development. "Candidates who obtain Cambridge academic qualifications progress to higher learning in universities in Saudi Arabia and the UK and elsewhere and consistently perform at an exceptionally high level." Chief Executive of Cambridge Assessment Simon Lebus also addressed the gathering. The event was well received by parents and school representatives alike with a general feeling that it provided motivation and encouragement for students to work hard to brace for the future. Nine students in the western region received awards for the Top in World category. The students were overwhelmed by their success and thanked teachers and parents for their support. They were Rehab Mohammed Amro (IGCSE First Language Arabic), Maram Ismail Taha (IGCSE Foreign Language Arabic), Ruqayyah Ali Ahmed (IGCSE Foreign Language Arabic), Wijdan Hafeezullah Muhammad (IGCSE Foreign Language Arabic), Mahnoor Asghar (AL Applied ICT), Sarangi Kavindya Handun Pathirana (AS Applied ICT), Ammar Anas Alsayed Mohamed Aboagwa (AS Mathematics), Hasan Kamal (AS Mathematics) and Hussein Mohamed Ali Genena (AS Mathematics).
