Qatar Academy Doha (Primary School

PROUD OF OUR ROOTS; EMPOWERED AS GLOBAL CITIZENS

Dalal Hammoudeh - Secondary School Principal At AIA

A Unique Vision

When Arab International Academy (AIA) first opened its doors to learners in 2016, it did so with a unique vision that articulated its board of trustees’ clear awareness of the major challenges awaiting our youth. “Nurturing knowledgeable and skilled generations of learners who possess a strong sense of their own identity, approach other cultures with an open mind, and are able to adapt to an ever-changing world.” AIA took its first steps and earned accreditation as an International Baccalaureate (IB) Continuum school offering the PYP, MYP, and DP programs in a record two years. The choice of IB was not haphazard, but integral to the vision in that the IB follows a rigorous research-based and continuously evolving approach to education that values developing, “inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” (IBO) A vision that aligned with the school’s own vision and mission offered through a challenging curriculum that while maintaining rigor allows for flexibility and individuality.

New Perspective on World History

AIA’s founding institution, Tarsheed, completed a project to publish a series of world history textbooks for grades 6-10 authored by Arab historians from a variety of Arab countries. This distinctive project resulted in textbooks that supported a curriculum with a unique perspective that helped showcase the Arab contribution to human development and shine the light on the role played by the region and its cultural heritage. This viewpoint allows for a widening of learners’ perspectives and their global world view, and also instills a sense of pride in our Arab students, entrenching them in their shared heritage and culture. In addition, AIA offers a solid grounding in the Arabic language and offers beginner Arabic to non-speakers to help international students take advantage of the unique opportunity of being in an Arab context to gain a new language and insight.

Blended Approach to Learning

A strong educational program does not only need strong roots, but also demands an evolution with the times, and that is why approaches to learning at AIA are a blend of the traditionally effective and the forward-thinking ones focused on technological advances. AIA offers physical learning tools, sand pits, equipped kitchens, playgrounds, and a sensory room as well as interactive boards, 3D learning material, various learning platforms and applications, and a grounding in the use and application of technology for learning. Our Early Years students thrive in an environment inspired by Reggio Emilia and focused on learning by doing and physical interaction. From there, our learner’s curiosity and self-confidence are ignited and they dive into the transdisciplinary world of the PYP where they become better versed with their world and their place in it. They grow in knowledge and enter the rigorous interdisciplinary journey in the MYP to prepare for the challenging diploma program and graduate as knowledgeable and wellrounded citizens of the world who aim to make a difference in it. AIA’s diploma results over the past two years have proven the success of its mission so far with our students getting into some worldrenowned universities.