Doha College secondary booklet

An outstanding education WITH DOHA COLLEGE

A JOURNEY FOR INSPIRING MINDS

As a leading British International School in Qatar, Doha College has over 40 years of experience delivering academic excellence and we pride ourselves on an inclusive approach to education. Our holistic approach keeps students engaged and interested, as a Doha College education reaches far beyond the curriculum.

Secondary education is a critical stage in every child’s development – it shapes them for life. At Doha College, students develop a balanced understanding of the world around them, learning to be considerate of others, acquiring skills that will serve them well as global citizens. We nurture the abilities to listen, consider other perspectives, form opinions and have the confidence to stand up and be heard.

We are a united and forward-thinking college, collaboratively shaping a relevant and versatile education for our young people.

Standards within the Secondary School at Doha College are incredibly high with examination outcomes in Year 11 (IGCSE) and Year 13 (A Level) exceeding almost all comparable schools - including far more selective UK independent schools. This is a direct result of the high expectations that our inspirational teachers have for their students. The vast array of co-curricular opportunities available to the students help to develop rounded and passionate individuals who excel well beyond their academic studies, and include a plethora of sports and arts activities and internationally recommended programmes such as the MUN and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

THE CURRICULUM

Doha College has an outstanding Secondary school, with students encouraged to play a full and active role in all areas of school life. Students have the opportunity to be part of a well-established and globally renowned British international school, where the emphasis is on every student reaching their full potential in preparation for the next stage in their adult life.

The Secondary follows the National Curriculum for England, providing an education for children between the ages of 11 and 18, covering Years 7 to 13.

With an emphasis on academic excellence, careful attention is given to students’ individual learning needs with regular monitoring and tracking as students progress through Secondary.

SENIOR SCHOOL AGE 11–18

6th Form

YEAR 9 YEAR 8 YEAR 7

YEAR 10

YEAR 11

YEAR 12

Higher education/ Employment

UNIVERSITY YEAR 13

KEY STAGE 3 (YEARS 7 TO 9)

The curriculum for Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) offers a wide range of subjects, allowing students to identify where their interests and talents lie.

The subjects studied at this level include:

CORE ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS

English French*

Mathematics Spanish*

Science Arabic*

Physical Education

PSHE

Art and Photography

Computer Science

Design Technology

Drama

Music Geography

History

Qatar History

Cultural Studies

Islamic Studies

KEY STAGE 4 (YEARS 10 AND 11)

At the end of Year 9, students choose the subjects they wish to progress with at GCSE and (I)GCSE examination level during Key Stage 4. All students at this level must study the four core subjects of Mathematics, English, Science (students must choose at least two sciences from Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and Physical Education. For students following two science subjects, a further four optional subjects can be chosen. Students choosing to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics are able to take three optional subjects to study.

CORE ADDITIONAL SUBJECTS

English French Science Spanish

Mathematics Arabic

Physical Education Geography

History Business Economics

KEY STAGE 5 (YEARS 12 AND 13)

At Doha College, we pride ourselves on ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Our 6th Form has a positively balanced ethos of hard work and commitment, balanced with enjoyment for the final years at school.

We have a dedicated and experienced team who help prepare students to be successful in their examinations as well as life after school. Our careers advisor supports students to make the best choice about their future destination and tutors provide the support and encouragement needed to get there. Our 6th Form curriculum is diverse and students can choose from a variety of subject options.

Years 12 and 13 students follow a curriculum leading to a General Certificate of Education (GCE) qualification at Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level at the end of Year 12 and Advanced (A) Level and/or Applied A Level at the end of Year 13.

In Year 12, students are required to take four AS subjects. Most students continue with three subjects in Year 13 (A2 Level).

Subjects offered at AS and A Levels are:

• Arabic

• Art

• Biology

• Business

• Chemistry

• Computer Science

• Design Technology

• Drama and Theatre Studies

• Economics

• English Language

• English Literature

• French

• Further Mathematics

• Geography

• History

• Mathematics

• Media

• Music

• Photography

• PE

• Physics

• Psychology

• Sociology

• Spanish

At the end of Year 11, most students will sit a total of ten GCSE/(I)GCSE examinations, which are globally recognised.

Fine Art Photography

Drama Music Design Technology

Computer Science

Physical Education

Media BTEC

Islamic Studies

Sociology

In addition to our clear focus on examinations and ensuring students progress from Doha College to their chosen next path, we also place importance on fully rounded students. With opportunities in leadership, supporting the community, exposure to universities and engagement with workplaces, a Doha College student leaves us at the end of Key Stage 5 fully prepared to take their next step.

ARABIC AND ISLAMIC STUDIES

Muslim students are required to study Islamic studies and students of Arab nationalities are required to select Native Arabic as a mandatory subject option.

CCAs

As with all aspects of Doha College, students are encouraged to challenge themselves and take advantage of the broad and balanced curriculum. The school offers excellent opportunities through many Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) to extend and enrich their interests, as well as providing opportunities for personal development.

CCAs focus around four core categories: physical, academic, creative and service and range from chess, triathlon, choir and coding to robotics, school magazine, forensics, symphonic orchestra and medical conference, to name a few.

We also offer the globally recognised Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, and Model United Nations.

Our CCAs in Secondary run each school day from 2.05–3.05 pm, with schedules varying depending on religious and national holidays.

OUR REPUTATION FOR EXCELLENCE

Year on year, Doha College examination results are a testament to the outstanding level of teaching and holistic learning approach that allows each and every child that is part of our community, take the path to their chosen future.

The challenges brought by the pandemic did not impact attainment. Staff seamlessly adapted the way they taught, gearing it towards online delivery in a way that engaged students and maintained high motivation levels. The results were in fact higher grades, placing Doha College firmly amongst the elite international schools.

Students typically take 10 (I)GCSEs, 4 (I)GCE AS Levels and 3 (I)GCE A Levels.

2023 grades were 97.3% A* to C for (I)GCSE, 95.1% A* to C at A Level. A summary of grades is represented in the infographic below.

64 73 73 87 85 97 95

76

Doha College has a dedicated Careers and University Guidance team with an impressive 97% success rate in placing students at renowned global universities and colleges. Our students pursue a diverse range of academic interests throughout their higher education journey, and our careers team plays a pivotal role in helping them navigate the university application process. This includes conducting in-depth research on career and university choices, facilitating the development of shortlists, and providing valuable support in crafting personal statements, essays, and CVs.