The 10 Best Schools in Qatar, 2021 by The Knowledge Review

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N O W L E DEducation. G E RInnovation. E V I Success EW

2021 | VOL. - 01 | ISSUE - 02

10 T H E

BEST SCHOOLS

QATAR

2021

EXCELLENCE IN AND BEYOND CLASSROOMS

EDITOR’S NOTE

A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EDUCATION IN QATAR

and dunes and shorelines, futuristic high rises, the modern architecture and the ancient one is what describe Qatar the best. It is also known for The Limestone Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, which is a blend of modern architecture inspired by Islamic architecture and for being the richest country in the world. It is rated as high-income economy by the World Bank by virtue of being the third largest natural gas reserves and oil reserves. Its Al Jazeera Media Network is a globally renowned media group. But Qatar is much more than these. Qatar will be the ﬁrst Arabic country to host the FIFA World Cup next year and Asian Games in 2030. And when it comes to education Qatar has emerged remarkably well in a relatively short period of time. With approximately 338 international schools in the country, Qatar is creating waves in the education sphere. Education here is very diverse and caters to all kinds of students. Though formal schooling began very late in Qatar as compared to the other countries, education in Qatar has picked up very well in the country. Several reputed universities across the world have set up their campuses here. But it was around two decades ago that the Qatari government became serious about reforming the education system in Qatar and to enhance the quality of

education. For this purpose, it hired RAND Corporation to analyse the education system, after which the Supreme Education Council launched the Education for a New Era Initiative. Qatar then went on to adopt the Western education system for its pre-school education. With the education reforms, Qatar witnessed a new dawn in education and number of independent schools opened. Since then there has been no looking back for Qatar in providing quality education and to continuously keep raising the standards of education. Several international schools were opened for the children of the expatriate population in Qatar. Besides upgrading the school and college education, the Qatari government has taken up a huge initiative to encourage research by high school students in Science technology engineering and mathematics. This opened many avenues for students to explore their interests in research. In 2009, it also launched the World Innovation Summit for education, a global platform to discuss education related issues. Qatar thus began emerging as the new education hub and began to be recognised for it, not just for its oil reserves and wealth.

Today, Qatar is in constant pursuit of working on its education system and in improving the quality of education. The world now recognises Qatar as a country that is serious about providing the best in education. The country is making great strides in education to provide the best of international curriculum to its students. Qatar boasts of number of its students being placed in universities across the world. Recognising this emerging education hub and as a tribute to the efforts of educators there, we at The Knowledge Review came up with an edition specially dedicated to education in Qatar – The 10 Best Schools in Qatar. The future of education in Qatar looks bright. Have a great time gaining insights about education in Qatar as you ﬂip through the pages of this interesting edition! T R

Sumita Sarkar sumita@theknowledgereview.com

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Contents Article

JANUARY, 2021

People behind this edition

Editor-in-Chief Sumita Sarkar

Managing Editor Abhishaj Sajeev

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10 T H E

Name of the Institution

American School of Doha

Aspire Academy

Doha English Speaking School (DESS)

Lycee Franco-Qatarien Voltaire

Michael E. DeBakey High School – QATAR (DHSHP@Q)

Noble International School (NIS)

Oxford English School

QATAR 2021

URL

Brief

asd.edu.qa

Founded in 1988 by the United States Ambassador Joseph Ghougassian, the American School of Doha is a U.S. accredited college preparatory school committed to providing educational excellence.

aspire.qa

A globally recognised national sports academy for the development of Qatar's athletically talented boys. It started with the goal to scout and develop Qatari athletes, whilst also providing secondary school.

dess.org

For over 30 years DESS, one of the longest established primary not-for-prot schools in Qatar, has provided children with an outstanding education through the British curriculum.

voltairedoha.com

Lycee Franco-Qatarien Voltaire is a French international school, which originated from an international convention agreed upon between the French and Qatari governments.

debakeyatqatar.org

DHSHP is a private international middle and secondary school in Doha, Qatar, which aims at training professionals in medicine, science, engineering, and business with US based curriculum.

nobleqatar.com

NIS has been providing high quality education as a Coed Day school in Abu Hamour, Doha, which services the educational need of hundreds of students from KG 1 through XII

oxfordenglishschool1.com

Oxford Enlish School provides learning opportunities for students aged 3-11, by implementing the guidelines of the British National Curriculum.

Qatar Academy for Science and Technology (QAST)

qf.org.qa

Qatar International School (QIS)

qis.org

Sherborne Qatar Preparatory School

BEST SCHOOLS

sherborneqatar.org

QAST is a high school under the Qatar Foundation, designed to develop Qatar's next generation of STEM innovators. QAST offers both a US Diploma through AP courses and UK 'A' level certications. A British patterned international school which follows the IGCSE/A-levels system. From very humble beginnings 40 years ago, it has now grown into one of the most succesful schools in the country.

An illustrious international school which was formed at the invitation of the Supreme Education Council. The school follows British curriculum.

10 T H E

BEST SCHOOLS

QATAR 2021

EXCELLENCE IN AND BEYOND CLASSROOMS

igh quality learning in an engaging, safe and prosperous environment, superior values and excelling beyond classrooms are what every parent would yearn for the children. One such school in Doha, Qatar with a legacy of 30 years is satiating the needs of families across the globe and is committed to respect, honesty, responsibility, and compassion. These core values undergird the school’s mission and vision. It is the American School of Doha, the only school that oﬀers AP (advanced placement) and IB (International Baccalaureate) courses in Qatar. The American School of Doha is an independent, U.S. accredited, college preparatory school committed to providing educational excellence, through a standard-based,

internationally enriched American curriculum, serving a multicultural student body. The History Established in 1988 by the U.S. Embassy and prominent members of the Qatari community, ASD has witnessed and met the growing needs of international families in Doha. Now, more than 30 years later, ASD has become one of the premier American international schools in the world. The diversity of cultures and backgrounds is an exciting strength of the school. Originally named American International School (AIS), it opened in a small villa consisting of grades 1-5 in 1998. With support from the US Embassy and ﬁnancial contributions from the Qatari business community, ASD Doha was founded by Omar AlMana, US Ambassador Charles Dunbar

(1983-1985), Jassim Jaidah, US Ambassador Joseph Ghougassian (1985-1989), and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hammad Al-Thani, Minister of Education for the State of Qatar. In 1989-90, the school moved to purpose-built campus and expanded to house middle school, grades 6 to 8, and the first overseas administrator joined staff. In 1994, the school earned accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NESAC). The library was expanded, and computer/technology capabilities and a language center added to the new campus. In 1995-96, AIS expanded to High School and in 1996 AIS has its first graduating class. In 1997, it got renamed to the American School of Doha. The new campus opened in 1998 in Al-Bustan, Oman.

Mission The American School of Doha is committed to the intellectual and personal development of students, inspiring them, and empowering them to become positive, active global citizens. Vision ASD is a future-focused community where learning is collaborative, fun and engaging, extended beyond walls, created to foster innovation, sustained

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The American School of Doha is committed to the intellectual and personal development of students, inspiring them, and empowering them to become positive, active global citizens

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by responsible practices data-informed and evidence-based, authentic, solving real-world problems, encouraged in a technology-enhanced environment. ASD is where students are encouraged to extend their own learning. Values: Respect, Honesty, Responsibility, Compassion. Standing Apart The distinctive classrooms and ergonomically designed common

spaces all communicate an inescapable message that high-quality learning is ASD’s main purpose. With the support of the Board of Trustees, the Board of Directors, the leadership team and the highly supportive parent community, ASD provides comprehensive programs and education which are second to none in the region. ASD’s vision sets them on paths to create collaborative, fun, and creative environments for children and young adults. At ASD, learners are challenged to extend their learning and to become both positive and active global citizens. American School of Doha’s focus on student learning in a safe, secure environment ensures that each of our students is encouraged to reach his or her potential. Schools routinely become a hub for families in international environments. “Our focus on community development, our comprehensive set of programs and activities to support student learning, and our amazing campus oﬀer students and families a true place of belonging and connection here in Doha,” says Steve M Razidlo, the Director of ASD. Steve’s illustrious career includes – having been the Superintendent of Brainerd Public Schools, and later becoming the Director of The American International Schools, Vienna. And now ﬁnally becoming the Director of ASD in 2020. “We choose sustainable practices, we harness current technology, and we promote evidence-based approaches to the study of real-world problems,” added Steve Razidlo. Inspiring Infrastructure The sprawling campus and the worldclass facilities provide spacious and dynamic spaces for the committed

teachers and coaches to offer extraordinary opportunities to all its learners. Security: The security office retains a full guard force who staff guard posts 24 hours a day and consistently works to mitigate security risks and ensure the safety of the school community. Facilities: The facilities office, managed by a third-party partner aims to maintain and continuously improve ASD’s first class facilities.

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ASD is a future-focused community where learning is collaborative, fun and engaging, extended beyond walls, and created to foster innovation

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Cafeteria services: Cafeteria services are available for all students from grade 1 through 12, with options that include healthy lunches and a fresh juice and smoothie bar catered by Jazz Cafe, and snacks and coffee offered by Coffee Beanery. Transportation services are available from ASD’s third party provider – Pick Quick, offering transportation before and after school, as well as buses serving students involved in after school activities and in-school field trips. Education with utmost Security The American School of Doha is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students. Providing a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. All employees are responsible for the care, safety, and protection of children. This responsibility extends to the identification and timely response to concerns regarding the possible sexual, physical, psychological and emotional abuse or neglect of a child. Mandated Reporting All employees are mandated to communicate any concerns they have to their direct supervisor and/or divisional administration. The school

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We choose sustainable practices, we harness current technology, and we promote evidencebased approaches to the study of real-world problems

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uses fair and proper procedures when making decisions that affect a person’s rights or interests. Background Checks In addition to positive work references, employment at ASD is contingent upon provision of a satisfactory criminal history check. All new faculty will be required to undertake a background check before commencing employment. Code of Conduct All employees of the school are required to abide by the procedures outlined in the ASD Child Protection Code of Conduct. Parent Support The American School of Doha’s (ASD) students and the school, benefit in a myriad of ways from volunteer parent groups including the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Booster Club, Creative Arts Support Team (CAST), Jr/Sr Parents, and the Arab Mothers Association (AMA). The following descriptions detail each organization’s activities and provide contact information: Helping Parents Play an Active Role The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) plays a vital role in supporting and strengthening the ASD community. Every parent, student, faculty member and administration belong to the PTA and has an important role to play. PTA’s role is simple but focused: supporting and strengthening the ASD community and reinforcing the partnership between home and school. The PTA supports educational and social development by supporting the school’s academic, athletic and fine arts curriculums and financially contributing to enrichment programs for the students. “We also support parents ensuring they are connected to ASD and feel a valued and welcome member of the school community. They place special emphasis on welcoming new parents and students and easing their transition into a new school and country, sharing the wonderful Qatari culture and way of life. We have set up two dedicated committees to

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The key focus is to support enhanced learning by reinvesting directly into children’s education in a tangible and sustained manner. ASD is fortunate to have an amazing group of corporate sponsors who support their fundraising activities and they always welcome new sponsors. “We reinvest 100% of the funds raised from all PTA sponsored events.” ASD also has an exciting calendar of innovative fundraising and social activities which include: Friendship Festival – A popular family event with local entertainment, games, local markets, and food PTA Calendar – A student-led calendar with images of Qatar and the ASD community International Buffet – A celebration of the many wonderful cuisines from the school’s multi-national community Homeroom Parent Coordinator – Organizing volunteer parents for Elementary School (ES) The PTA is a community of members from many different nationalities and cultures. This wonderful diverse multi-national blend enables to provide the best community for the children. Additionally, they welcome all volunteers for committees or just giving one hour helping at any of their activities during the school year. Booster The American School of Doha’s (ASD) Booster Club is a volunteer organization that supports the activities of the ASD Athletics Office.

The ASD Booster Club sells concessions at games and events, hosts a monthly hot dog lunch for the Middle School (MS) and High School (HS), and sponsors baseball and softball tournaments. The Booster Club also operates a Booster Club Store with ASD memorabilia in the High School (HS) with all proceeds going towards supporting ASD Athletic programs and Middle East South Asia Conference (MESAC) programs. Creative Arts Support Team (CAST) is a group of dedicated parents who provide support to the Fine Arts Department at the American School of Doha (ASD). CAST provides hands-on support with meals during long rehearsals and cast parties as well as providing financial assistance for school trips and for the purchase of new equipment to benefit the Fine Arts Department. CAST’s passion for the Arts makes a great impact for their fine arts students, and for everyone in the school enjoying the use of the ASD Theater. Junior/Senior Fundraising Committee The Junior/Senior Parents goal is to make the senior year all the more memorable for their grade 12 students. The Junior/Senior Parents host favorite fundraising events during the year such as the Pumpkin Patch, Valentines’ Day Treats, and St. Patrick’s Day root beer floats. The committee also provides the concessions for the popular Powderpuff Football Game between the Junior and Senior girls. Arab Mother’s Association The Arab Mother’s Association (AMA) consists of a group of mothers who act

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support this: The Parent Community and the Culture Committee,” inform the school administration.

Our focus on community development, our comprehensive set of programs and activities to support student learning, and our amazing campus offer students and families a true place of belonging and connection here in Doha as a support group for the school and students. AMA members help in school events, assist new students and their families in getting acquainted with the Qatari culture, and help them feel welcome in their new community. To date, the AMA has worked on many initiatives beginning with Eid Al Adha by placing creative displays in both the Elementary School (ES) and High School (HS) filled with Arabic desserts, beautiful calligraphy displays, a majlis, and pictures of Eid celebrations around the world. Aspiring to Make a Difference ASD has already been dubbed by its many admirers as the best school for quality education in all of Qatar, and they are not about to throw in the towel yet. Living up to their mission statement, ASD has taken the ultimate charge to guide students to be positive, active global citizens. This simple statement fashions the way forward for their whole community. Enrolling here will only enable you to find the evidence of that commitment to learning everywhere you look and in every conversation you have at the American School of Doha.

DOHA ENGLISH SPEAKING SCHOOL Providing a Caring and Comprehensive Learning Environment

egacy is a concept foreign to a lot of institutions. Many fail to establish a trail of successful events and achievements when it comes to enabling a fulﬁlling education, and education as you may know, sets the foundation of our lives. Children learn the basics of everything from a very young age and a thorough education helps them with channelling a positive attitude towards their learning process. It helps in setting up building blocks while creating a way for their interests to surface as time passes by. But, facilitating education in a seamless manner is still a diﬃcult task. It is a task that many schools and institutions fail to comply with and do

not deliver in the manner they are expected to. Hence, making a name in the educational space is of paramount importance for any premier teaching institute in order to garner trust of parents for generations to come. All of this has to be achieved while fostering excellent learning environment for students. One particular school, for over forty years, has been upholding an approach similar to the notions mentioned above. We present to you, Doha English Speaking School (DESS), one of the longest established not-for-proﬁt Primary Schools in Qatar.

JANUARY | 2021

2021 A Journey of Progress 2019 marked the 40th Anniversary of the oﬃcial inauguration of DESS by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani, the present Amir’s father.

The School spends time researching, developing and adapting novel ways in which it teaches children or students while ensuring to create the best learning experience for them. “If we ﬁgure out something and if that works, we do more of it,”

DESS provides children with an outstanding education through the British curriculum. The school was established to serve the British community and continues to do so till present day. It has a level of excellence unmatched by other British schools in Qatar. Although predominantly British, the school now has no less than 45 represented nationalities.

DESS provides children with an inspirational curriculum. The curriculum at DESS creates life-long treasured memories for students and it prides on enabling a dynamic learning environment for children.

“We believe in making children world class learners, developing in them conﬁdence and thirst for knowledge that enables them to realize their talents and create their own futures,” Sean Sibley Principal. DESS’s work is initiated by nurturing the many qualities and skills that parents have fostered at home. The school believes in working with parents to encourage children to be conﬁdent, courteous, responsible, and independent in order to achieve high academic standards and values.

“We believe in nurturing the whole child,” adds the Principal. The values of DESS – responsibility, kindness, perseverance, and respect are at the heart of daily life at school. Students underpin everything the school teaches and as a result it nurtures respectful, resourceful and empathetic children. DESS Dynamics The DESS Board oversees the management and development of the school working closely with the Senior Leadership Team to propose policy, strategy, improvement plans, use of resources and educational developments. As children move through various year groups, DESS’s focus continues to be on developing knowledgeable, forward

thinking learners with a passion for learning. Teaching staff challenge, give opportunities for academic and personal growth, and develop the children’s interests, talents and selfconfidence. Students at DESS enjoy a broad and balanced curriculum beyond the essential life skills of English and Maths. It integrates special days or weeks where the emphasis is on developing, reinforcing and applying skills learnt, such as Roman Day, Environment Day as well as Science and Book Week. Exciting and wide ranging after school activities complement DESS’s teaching program. DESS is a not for profit community school sponsored by the British Embassy. They have strong links with its parental body through the parent counsel. This has assisted its Senior Leadership team to improve areas of the school that including communication, home learning and outcomes for students. Friends of DESS (FOD) is the fundraising forum for parents and teachers. FOD have generously contributed to the school’s community garden, adventure playground and trim trail. Every year FOD organizes fantastic events including the

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“OUR STUDENT’S ACADEMIC RESULTS ARE SIGNIFICANTLY ABOVE THOSE DEMONSTRATED IN THE UK NATIONAL AVERAGE STATISTICS”

Community Garden Planting Morning, Winter Fair, Ice Lolly and Pizza Days and Bake Sales for the students to enjoy. All proﬁts made go back into the school to enhance the learning experience for the children of DESS. Exhibiting Academic Excellence At DESS, everyday technology is used to facilitate and enhance learning. An education beyond the walls of DESS is central to developing conﬁdence and self-discovery. The school operates camps within Qatar for its younger key stage 2 children and a week abroad for those who are in year 6. Specialist subjects are taught by experienced Music, PE, Computing, Arabic, Islamic Studies and French teachers. Children are actively engaged in a variety of experiences which foster their ability to research, debate,

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become analytical, evaluate and extend critical thinking skills. We push the boundaries beyond the mere acquisition of knowledge. DESS oﬀers a diverse physical education program with unrivalled opportunities for both girls and boys to acquire skills, develop strength and stamina and play competitively for the school. Its swimming, netball, football, indoor and outdoor athletics and basketball squads are regularly placed on the winning podium of the many key national competitions they participate in. Music is a foundation subject taught to every child where pupils learn music theory, sing and play instruments as part of theory lessons. Students also have the opportunity to take part in instrumental lessons after

school hours. DESS’s choir has won the Qatar Primary School Choir of the Year Competition and is well known throughout the country, performing at high proﬁle events at the British Embassy, other local events and national competitions. During DESS’s recent inspection by Penta International, they were awarded the highest grading of ‘outstanding’. The grading allows the school to be easily compared with other UK and overseas independent schools. Students leave DESS well-prepared to move successfully to their next phase of education whether in the UK or internationally. In the Sunday Times Schools Guide 2019, compared with 2400 Fee Paying Schools in the UK, DESS came 38th. This puts DESS in the top 2% of UK Fee Paying Schools (based on Y6 SATS). “Our Alumni community holds dear their memories of attending DESS and still remains in close contact with us,” Sean Sibley, Principal. The Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and many of the royal family have attended this prestigious school. DESS is an exemplary learning institution with profound resources and the ability to take your child’s future to the next level.

Map to the

Qatari T

he education system in Qatar is categorised under two separate pillars – basic education and higher education. Basic education comprises of preschool, primary and secondary education. Whereas higher education comprises of courses oﬀered at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels, the elementary education is made mandatory in Qatar with free education for nationals at primary and secondary public schools.

Higher education has seen a rapid growth with increasing numbers of foreign universities setting up shop in Qatar, with many of these universities situated at its Education City of Doha. The Qatar Foundation has played an instrumental role in this growth, facilitating many of the

Education Sector

student loans and scholarship funding, although some students now choose to take out a private education loan. The mandatory elementary and preparatory school years for aged 6 to 15 children are government-funded for Qataris through independent school systems. Most expats choose to send their children to private schools, as even though some independent schools do admit foreign nationals, spots for their admission are limited. The Supreme Education Council (SEC) overlooks the private school system, yet schools are free to set their own curriculum and award international qualiﬁcations. Qatar holds early education in very high regards. Hence, the SEC is planning on making educational pre-school compulsory for children aged 3-6 years to promote a culture of learning through play. JANUARY | 2021

Qatar Education Overview

Challenges to Education Sector Throughout the Middle East, education has always been represented as the primary platform of socioeconomic development and the engine for productivity and prosperity. But the past century has seen the education sector in the region face a variety of challenges, and these challenges vary from one country to another and relate to diﬀerent elements of the educational ecosystem. Qatar, owing to the intensifying competition in the region, saw an overabundance of schools, high operational costs, and overall shortage of teachers, which collectively is contributing to the increasing pressure of the education sector. Some of the challenges faced by the education industry in Qatar are as follows:

Factors Contributing to Educational Growth The increasing preference for private education is driving enrolments of private schools and providing attractive opportunities for private school operators. Apart from that there are many factors contributing to industry growth, some of which are listed as follows: Ÿ Population growth:

The increasing intake of expats in Qatar drive the country's population due to attractive employment opportunities and tax-free lifestyle. Additionally, the rising standards of living and improvement in life expectancy and birth rates are also factors that inﬂuence the growth, which consequently fuel growth to international schools and universities across the country.

Ÿ Shortage of educators

The rising demand of teachers in their home countries and a high cost of living in Qatar continue to be a deterrent for the retention of experienced academia. The demand for international and private schools are growing globally. The schools inevitably necessitate recruiting teachers from an ever-decreasing pool of qualiﬁed and experienced talent. Ÿ Ÿ Students going abroad

Students in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) prefer to pursue higher education abroad due to limited access to reputable international institutions at home. Add to that the need to master global competencies that ensure employment opportunities in the international markets, is a source of worry for the educational institutions of Qatar. Ÿ Education to meet the future market

The principal challenge before the education sector is to provide education that is aligned with the requirements of today as well as the future. The Qatari government is increasingly gravitating towards a digital future; therefore, it is important to impart skills that enable young people to be competent professionals of the future. Ÿ Excess supply of schools

This competitive landscape dictates that only the fittest will survive; many of the schools need to improve their quality of education and update their pedagogical systems, or risk shutting down. The influx of international institutions and the over-abundance of local education providers have led to an increasingly competitive environment among private operators. This leads to pricing/tuition difficulties and a gradual reduction in gross profits over time.

Ÿ High per capita income

The average per capita income of the entire GCC region was US$ 25, 266 in 2016, as compared to the global average of US$ 10,376. Meanwhile, Qatar was ranked as the wealthiest nation in the world the same year, with a per capita income of US$ 58,247. Several important factors such as free public education and healthcare and a low tax environment have contributed to a high personal income. Thus, propensity of the country to spend on quality education has increased. Ÿ Government Initiatives

Of late, the government of Qatar has been focusing on facilitating business development and partnership opportunities within the regional private education operators, thus leading to triple the investment in private schools by 2020. Moreover, the Qatari government is lending many a helping hand to the education sector by exempting customs, providing free water and electricity, land plots, buildings, textbooks, and school vouchers for Qatari students. The education sector of Qatar is continuing to grow on account of growing population, high per capita income, and a growing preference for private education. All the while, the education sector has been a top priority for the government, as seen by their sizeable budgetary allocations towards the sector. The population of Qatar ha more than doubled since 2004 and more institutions are needed to cope with the growing demand. The Qatari government is conscious of this situation and the SEC is making concerted eﬀort to promote the establishment of top international institutions.

- Aditya Umale JANUARY | 2021

FRANCO-QATARI LYCÉE VOLTAIRE Inculcating Rich Cultural Values with a Focus on Quality Education

wareness, humanity, brotherhood, mannerism tolerance, intelligence, creativity and repulsion; everything falls under the purview of education and thus it is deemed as the foundation of all and life itself. From the aforesaid we can say that education is the premise of progress of a nation, a society and a nation itself. The point to be noted here is that between personal growth, change in society and its realization stands the need of education. But, the actual question is what sort of education? The greatest concern of any educational institution should be to help students grow both academically and intellectually.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s words rightfully explain the true purpose of education. He says, “The purpose of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character –that is the goal of true education.” Thus, any educational institution starting from preschools, schools to colleges should ensure that what students learn in classroom or more importantly how students learn helps in developing all the skills they need to thrive in their life. Education institution should building students’ capacity to think and enabling them to be self-learners which will create conditions for their sustained growth. As a result, students gradually learn to cope and adapt with the

changing world. One such school that has achieved this goal in the most proliﬁc manner is the Franco-Qatari Lycée Voltaire. It is among handful of those schools that has succeeded in growing its presence due the quality of being persistent in its quest of excellence. Tailoring a Holistic Academic Journey Established in 2007, the Franco-Qatari Lycée Voltaire pursues the ideal of its founding fathers, and helps strengthen the privileged links between Qatar and France, through language, education and culture, all related to knowledge. The Lycée Voltaire was inaugurated on the 13th of January 2008 January by the Crown Prince of Qatar, Tamim Ben

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Hamad Al Thani, now Emir of Qatar and the President of the French Republic Nicolas Sarkozy. It welcomes nearly 1,700 students of forty nationalities on 3 campuses including West Bay, Al Waab and Salwa. The school promotes an education open to the world, respectful of the plurality of identities which makes it so rich. The excellence of the teaching provided in Arabic, French and English responds to the desire of the Lycée Voltaire to oﬀer high-quality academic training, conducive to academic success and ‘living together’.

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The Lycée Voltaire project aims at supporting each student on a chosen path through French programs and exams. This freedom of choice, associated with the variety of training offered, has enabled it to build places of fraternity from nursery to final year classes (senior year) by offering courses that meet the wishes of families to enrich the culture of their children, the culture of others. The Guiding Light We established how the school focuses on preparing its students to be confident, life-long learners, problem solvers and creative thinkers. Aiding

the school to achieve this goal is Dr. Ali Ben Fetais Al Marri. He sets the orientations of the school and chairs the educational, administrative and ﬁnancial management of the school is entrusted to a board of directors The board of directors issues the main orientations of the school in regards to the Voltaire Project. The council pays a particular attention to the schooling of children of Qatari and French nationalities (which represent more than 60% of the total number) in order to support the desire of the State of Qatar to fully participate in the Frenchspeaking world.

2021 Adding Value to Education • We have already established that Franco-Qatarien Lycée Voltaire promotes quality education that is open to the world and respectful of the plurality of identities that make it so rich. Enabling the school to achieve this goal is: • Its excellent teaching in Arabic, French, English and others, which guarantees a high-quality academic training conducive to academic success. • Offering an environment that promotes ‘living together ‘and fraternity from nursery to final year classes (senior year). • Training based on French programs and exams. The school responds to the wishes of families to enrich the culture of their children, the culture of others. • An initiation to the principles of citizenship reinforced throughout the educational background to allow students to become free and responsible citizens. • Offering education that relies on a teaching body and educational teams, with proven academic skills working in harmony for the well-being of students. • Promoting a project that finds its place in Qatar's ambition to establish ‘an economy based on knowledge and education’. The Voltaire project contributes to strengthening the

privileged links between Qatar and France, through language, education and culture. A Student-Centric Curriculum Students here are not viewed as empty vessels where information has to be poured but, instead they are viewed as self-learners. The faculties of this school realizes that every student is diﬀerent and hence, everyone posses a diﬀerent learning ability. However, holistic growth of each student is of paramount importance to this school.

also takes into account the specificities defined by the State of Qatar, particularly in regards to the teaching of the Arabic language for all pupils and the teaching of the Muslim religion, compulsory for all Qatari pupils. Furthermore, the school ensures that class schedules are conducted as defined by the French Ministry of Education and Youth and the Qatari Ministry of Education and Higher Education are respected. An Environment Enhancing Growth

Thus students here, are encouraged to create a theory of their world (selflearn) and test their hypothesis with real-life and hands-on experiences, all of this is further is aligned with the school’s curricula. The Franco-Qatarien Lycée Voltaire currently oﬀers only one academic program: the French program. It follows a lesson plan in accordance with the principles of French education, with French programs and with the principles of French pedagogical and educational organization, structures its educational organization. As mentioned before, the FrancoQatarien Lycée Voltaire aims at bridging the gap between the two cultures. Thus its academic program

Complementing its strategy of developing skilled learners is the environment the students are nurtured in. Thus, while focusing on the educational growth, this school equally puts emphasis nurturing their skills and polishes their talents. To do the same, the Lycée Voltaire has developed a large range of extracurricular activities either in addition to its basic teaching, or by oﬀering sports and cultural activities beyond school time by signing partnerships with the PSG Academy for football, or with the Qatari fencing federation. Furthermore, it has also collaborated with UNESCO associated schools, which allows the FrancoQatarien Lycée Voltaire to organize its actions around United Nations’ ﬂagship projects.

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“WE AT FRANCOQATARIEN LYCÉE VOLTAIRE, AIM TO PROVIDE A TOP-TIER ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE WITH A CULTURAL WORLDVIEW”

The school also organizes meetings and interactions with French-speaking, Arabic-speaking or English-speaking authors, free readings, production of texts, meetings with local artists and scenarios (book illustration workshops), French artists (artistic creation and theatrical expression workshops). The school is also focusing on introducing few other activities, such as temporary exhibitions, on a speciﬁc theme. For instance, on the occasion of Qatar National Day, the school aims to promote the language and culture of Qatar. Similarly it also plans on exhibiting books belonging to French-speaking literature, during the Semaine de la Francophonie or exhibiting student’s work resulting from correspondence with authors of French children's literature. Through these activities the school is aiming to familiarize both the JANUARY | 2021

culture, and literature of both France and Qatar. Gateway to a World of Opportunities Franco-Qatarien Lycée Voltaire believes in quality learning everyday and it includes even after graduating from the school. To ensure the same, the school takes special care to present studies and careers opportunities to its students, who overwhelmingly choose to continue their studies in Qatar or in Anglo-Saxon universities in the ﬁelds of science, law and economic studies. The students of the schools are introduced to the real-world and are familiarized with the opportunities that lay ahead of them. To ensure the same, the school organizes industry visits, Orientation meetings wherein students interact with professionals or former students who present their professional backgrounds and their studies.

It is the school’s aim is to give students the most concrete possible idea of any trade or professional sector. Thus the school trains students on ‘Personal Statement’ , an essential tool for British ﬁle, which can also be used as a basis for the development of the cover letter on Parcoursup or essays for NorthernAmerican universities. The monitoring and consistency of all these actions at secondary school (middle school) level, and high school level is done adhering to the requirements recommended by AEFE(Agency for French Education Board). The Lycée Voltaire is also a UCAS (The Universities and College Admission Service; a UK based organization) approved centre. Thus it guides students for their further studies adhering to the guidelines recommended by UCAS. The student of the school are also encouraged and are prepared for language tests such as IELTS, and admission tests for AngloSaxon universities such as BMAT, SAT, and ACT. It is thus safe to say that the FrancoQatarien Lycée Voltaire encourages the students to become the person they are meant to be by tapping into their greatness and talent while setting the stage for a life.

QATAR ACADEMY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Empowering Innovators and Thinkers of The Future

atar has come a long way from being a small Arab state with very limited options for higher learning to a state where anything, in terms of education, is possible. Students today can choose from a multitude of universities catering to all the modes and curriculums of education that one can wish to study. Schools boast of facilities that could outmatch any university in the world, to programme-speciﬁc institutions that are competitive even on the global stage. With an abundance of resources and a profusion of educational opportunities, Qatar promises the unique opportunity of making dreams come true. A good example of an institution that has

played a major role in enriching the lives of students is Qatar Academy for Science and Technology (QAST). QAST is a high school designed to develop Qatar’s next generation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM ﬁelds) innovators. QAST provides co-ed experience for its students, accepting students from across Qatar who has a passion for science and technology and a desire to access the best universities and STEMrelated careers. To give our readers a window into this quaint educational institution, we conducted an interview with the college.

Qatar Academy for Science and Technology empowers students to become innovators who master the knowledge and skills required to create solutions for challenges that face Qatar and the world. So, without further ado, let us dive right into the story and relish the knowledge we are about to receive. Share the special initiatives taken at the institute to ignite the students’ minds to study diversiﬁed subjects. QAST Team: At QAST, we have developed our own brand of high quality project-based learning, CRISP (Challenge - Research - Investigate – Synthesise – Prototype). Speciﬁc curriculum time is devoted each week in all grades to this approach, where

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2021 we work with external experts to create a real-world driving question that challenges our students to find their own solutions. Students are supported with visits to and from experts, field trips, skillfocused lessons, and time to research and develop their solutions, before presenting them to the experts that set the original problem. Assessments are based on the students’ mastery of standards, including soft skills critical to their futures, rather than their ability to create a specific end-product. This gives them the choice, ownership and a true understanding of the skills and knowledge needed to complete projects. Projects last for eight weeks and include water security, food security, health, and transport. In the first year of the initiative, students work on solutions for a local market, the country’s inaugural tram project, the region’s largest desalination plant, and on solutions to antibiotic resistance. In each project, students are required to lead, work as part of a team, and innovate as they develop their own solutions. Built on constructionist research and taking best practices from around the world, this initiative has been developed to meet the needs of a fast-

growing and developing nation. It is a first in the region, moving from didactic teaching approaches to a student-centred discovery approach. Through the use of clear standards (AERO, NGSS, ISTE and 21st Century Skills), students are clear on expectations and what they need to do to improve, growth is measured, and academic rigour is maintained. Student choice and voice is central to our approach. It is the students who propose and develop their own solutions to the set challenges with no expectation of the format or content of their final product. Assessments are made on their level of mastery of standards, not on how well they produce a required piece of specified work. This allows students to show mastery in multiple ways from designing and building prototypes, presenting their knowledge and solutions to creating videos and websites. At a recent lecture by the Deputy Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Ovais Sarmad, challenged QAST students to propose their solutions to key climate change-related issues and discuss their thinking on what can be done to influence positive global change. One student commented: “I’m really proud

to have an opportunity like this, it’s a once in a lifetime experience and a huge deal to be educated about this topic at this level”. How do you maintain student diversity in the campus and encourage international students to be a part of the school? QAST Team: QAST operates within the Qatar Foundation, which is home to over 90 different nationalities represented by the students, faculty, and staff. Our community is uniquely integrated into an array of entities and centres that serve regularly, interact with the surrounding entities to enhance their learning experience and give them a sense of the real world. We are the only school in Qatar to offer both A and AP level qualifications, and the only STEM specialist school in Qatar to offer A levels. This provides international students with the vehicle they need to go on to study at their university of choice anywhere in the world. Please tell us about the annual events and extra-curricular activities held at the campus to motivate students. QAST Team: We continually look to take our learning beyond the classroom, this has included taking a leading role in Doha Learning Days

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“STUDENT CHOICE AND VOICE IS CENTRAL TO OUR APPROACH. IT IS THE STUDENTS WHO PROPOSE AND DEVELOP THEIR OWN SOLUTIONS TO THE SET CHALLENGES WITH NO EXPECTATION OF THE FORMAT OR CONTENT OF THEIR FINAL PRODUCT”

where our students led teaching sessions for younger students, spoke publicly on female empowerment, and participated in a ﬁrst-of-its-kind behavioural science curriculum developed with the Behavior4Development (B4D) team. Whilst our CRISP projects are in-built into the curriculum, these are also speciﬁcally designed to enthuse and motivate the students to engage in their learning through numerous real-world challenges, large and small. QAST students are encouraged to take part in the many competitions with their peers, including Q-STEAM, robotics competitions, and the World Maths Challenge (WMC) in Korea. Additionally, opportunities to lead are provided through the Eco-Schools Council and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

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What kind of financial aid and scholarship do you provide to the students? QAST Team: The Select Education Committee of Qatar enables Qatari families to use academic vouchers towards our fees. In addition, thanks to our membership of the Qatar Foundation, financial support is offered to students who have been accepted into the QAST program whose families have experienced a financial shortfall or reverse of fortune. This process is handled independently, between Qatar Foundation and the applicants. What are the diversified career opportunities students get after passing out from the school? QAST Team: QAST was established by Qatar Foundation to offer a unique solution for students in Qatar looking

to access some of the world’s leading universities or prepare for leading careers within science and technology. The application of science and engineering knowledge and skills is widespread across an increasingly technologically sophisticated global economy and not limited to jobs classified in science and engineering. STEM graduates are versatile and can apply their knowledge and skills to a variety of STEM and non-STEM occupations. The QAST curriculum has been created in consultation with leading universities to ensure our students are nurtured to use their knowledge and skills to innovate, create and build realworld solutions to real-world problems, whatever they may be. Combined with leadership opportunities, our approach offers students a unique opportunity for success on the global stage. We have full time career guidance counselor for our students to help them choose the right academic path. To support this process, we invest in CIALFO to provide a rich database of colleges all over the world with financial aid data, course information, essay prompts, and deadlines for schools across the world.