GUIDE 2020
OVERVIEW:
MAPPING THE EDUCATIONAL LANDSCAPE
FOCUS: E-LEARNING: COVID-19 & BEYOND
AVENUES • DECODING STEM & STEAM • LOOKING AHEAD: FUTURE CAREERS
/ FROM THE DESK
FUTURE FORWARD “We live in very interesting times, and one thing we always want to instil in our students is the notion of continuous learning and flexibility,” Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, was quoted as saying in one of the media reports. She emphasised on how vital it was to understand that the pandemic presented itself as “a surreal situation that meant finding ways of continuing education.” Her Excellency called upon all the stakeholders to realise that the pandemic has also brought a world of opportunities to explore that could bring about dynamic changes in the way we work and live. “That means we should take time to reflect, understand, and really be informed about what the future could look like; and we should take risks, because that is the way we continue to innovate and grow. And it is time to really disrupt education.” Pandemic or not, Qatar - whose economy is expected to rebound the highest in the GCC to 5% ahead of the 2022 World Cup - has always invested heavily in its education infrastructure. One such prime example is Education City, which has in an effort to be the epicentre of world-class learning, assimilated some of the top-notch Western university campuses such as HEC Paris, Weill Cornell Medicine, and Georgetown University into its fold. The country’s Education Sector offers excellent potential and investment opportunities. According to the Middle East rating agency, “Qatar has one of the Gulf region’s fastest-growing education sectors with the construction of 8 to 12 new schools with a capacity of 1,500 to 2,000 students per school expected to be required each year by 2022. “Growth of this nature has in large part been encouraged and sustained through rising levels of government funding which has allowed for the construction of new education facilities and the support of a wide range of innovative development and reform programs delivered by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.” The total number of students in Qatar is expected to reach 391,931 by 2022, registering a CAGR of 3.9% since 2017, it adds. Qatar’s most recent initiatives have ensured a Covid-safe learning environment are indicative of a future forward economy that understands that good education is a must to create a 21st century workforce. This is being achieved by strong and well-formulated government-led policies along with factors such as rising population, and growth in student enrolments. With its vision firmly set on providing excellent standards of learning and knowledge for everyone to access, Qatar’s future as a global destination for education is a given.
QATAR EDUCATION GUIDE
CONTENTS 6
OVERVIEW
MAPPING QATAR’S EDUCATION LANDSCAPE FACTFILE
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FOCUS
20
AVENUES
28 THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
A WORLD-CLASS SYSTEM: EDUCATION AND TRAINING SECTOR
E-LEARNING: BEFORE, DURING, AFTER COVID-19
GUIDE 2020
EDITORIAL Group Editor & Director-Business Operations Mayank Singh Consulting Editor Deepa Rajan DESIGN Senior Production Manager – Print & Digital Ramesh Govindaraj MARKETING Advertising Manager Sanjeev Rana CORPORATE Chief Executive Officer Atulya Sharma Manager - Business Support & Corporate Affairs Radha Kumar
Published by United Press & Publishing LLC PO Box 3305, Ruwi, Postal Code - 112 Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Tel: (968) 24700896, Fax: (968) 24707939 Website: www.umsoman.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for any loss occasioned to any person or organisation acting or refraining as a re sult of material in this publication. OER accepts no responsibility for advertising content. Correspondence should be sent to: United Media Services PO Box 3305, Ruwi 112, Sultanate of Oman Fax: (968)24707939 Email: editor@oeronline.com Website: www.businessliveme.com For editorial enquiries: 99884854 For advertising enquiries: 99868035
32 PORTALS OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
36 DECODING STEM AND STEAM EDUCATION
LISTING
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SCHOOL/COLLEGE DIRECTORY
/ADVERTORIAL
HEC PARIS IN QATAR – IMPACT AND EXCELLENCE
Ranked #2 worldwide for Executive Education in 2020 and #1 for International Executive MBA in 2019 by the Financial Times, HEC Paris celebrates its 10th anniversary in Qatar this year. HEC Paris joined Qatar Foundation in 2010 with the objective of bringing world-class Executive Education programmes and research activity to Qatar and the region. And if its journey thus far is anything to go by then there’s scope for immense optimism in the coming decade. With every passing year, HEC Paris continues to work relentlessly on its vision and mission to build corporate competitiveness within the global economy and support the transformation of Qatar into an advanced, competitive and knowledge-based economy. The institution’s programmes and research activities are fully aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. The appointment of Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan as Dean of HEC Paris in Qatar represents the start of an exciting and ambitious era for the institution which will be based on two pillars: impact and excellence, guaranteeing a development of existing and new programs with the world-class quality standards of HEC Paris.
who have strived, successfully so, to make an impact and learned to dare.” said Dr. Pablo Martin de Holan.
“Real change, the kind that creates a real and sustainable impact is rarely achieved by following the status quo. It takes a special kind of individual to want to do things differently to make a difference and dare to learn. “HEC Paris, with almost 140 years of delivering impact and excellence in education is proud to have alumni
He further added: “Going forward, we will work with the local and regional business community to make the next decade even more successful than the previous one for HEC Paris in Qatar. We will do so with a strong focus on entrepreneurship, women-in-leadership and innovation.”
QATAR EDUCATION GUIDE
of the social, economic and environmental aspects of international business, as well as the skills to implement their vision. The second degree programs offered by HEC Paris in Qatar is the Specialized Master’s in Strategic Business Unit Management, which is also delivered in a flexible 15 to 18-month modular format starting with a core curriculum focused on strategy, finance, leadership and change. However, the significance of HEC Paris is not just limited to its degree programs. Its awardwinning custom-designed programs, also offered in Qatar, have also been gaining traction in recent times and were ranked #2 worldwide by the Financial Times in 2020. A wide range of these programmes are now available online. In addition to that, the institution’s alumni network was ranked #1 by The Economist in 2019, so it comes as no surprise that its members are not shy about expressing themselves when asked to give an account of their experiences.
Going by its list of achievements in the last 10 years, one can safely say that HEC Paris’ watershed moment in Qatar came in 2011 when it launched the country’s first international EMBA. The International Executive MBA (EMBA), ranked #1 by the Financial Times in 2019, is aimed at providing executives with a set of fundamental skills to expand their knowledge and leadership capabilities. It is a practical and intense 15 to 18-month programme developed to provide participants with an understanding
“I felt HEC Paris in Qatar was the perfect place to continue my journey as it enabled me to fulfil my career goals,” said Amna Mohammed Al-Naama, Project Manager at ASTAD and a participant of the Specialized Master’s 2018 batch. And Jamila Ismaili Hutchinson, Market & Business Manager at Sasol Qatar and participant of the International Executive MBA 2020 batch, praised the flexible nature of the programme. “The way this programme is delivered across weekends certainly provides the perfect balance between my work, family and educational commitments,” said Jamila. Established in 1881 by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, HEC Paris is a founding member of Université Paris-Saclay. It features a faculty of 160 full-time professors, more than 4,000 students and over 8,000 managers and executives in training each year.
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OVERVIEW
MAPPING QATAR’S EDUCATION LANDSCAPE Qatar has come a long way from its days of non-formal education and with the market expected to reach around US$2.8 billion by 2023, the country has made giant leaps to secure education as one of the main pillars of the country’s growth and progress. We look at how Qatar has continued to achieve this feat … The United Nations recently marked the first International Day to Protect Education, which aims to create awareness of the plight of millions of children living in countries affected by conflict and ensuring that governments create action plans to provide safe, secure, inclusive and equitable quality education at
QATAR EDUCATION GUIDE
all levels to all learners, especially those in vulnerable situations. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Education Above All (EAA) Foundation and UN Sustainable Development Goals Advocate, the driving force behind the
establishment of this all-important initiative by the UN General Assembly, recently was quoted as saying, “We do not want this day to be simply a ceremonial day on the United Nations (UN) calendar. Protection of education must be reflected and embodied by action on the ground,” and added, “protecting the lives, education, and future of those children is a responsibility that the international community cannot afford to ignore; a test that it cannot fail.”
establishing a world-class education system that is a platform for equal opportunities for high-standard education and training that befits the requirements of the 21st century.
In her keynote address delivered at the first virtual event to mark the day, Her Highness Sheikha Moza made a very pertinent point in saying that education paves the way for security and stability.
In 1949, the country’s first formal school was established in Doha. The Islah alMohammadiyeh was staffed by one teacher and had 50 students and by 1950-51, reports state that it was estimated to have accommodated 240 students and 6 teachers.
HISTORIC SNAPSHOT Qatar’s education system was a non-formal one with emphasis being laid on Islamic education before the country’s first formal school was established in Doha in 1949.
Indeed, Qatar has been relentlessly pursuing the cause for better education and come a long way since its Islamic and non-formal education days.
The city’s second school followed in 1954. The first formal girls’ school is said to have been established in Doha in 1955.
The country’s constitution accords education the status of one of the main pillars of social progress and the Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV2030) aims to enhance the capabilities and skillsets of the country’s citizens by
Today the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, founded in 1956, spearheads Qatar’s educational transformation and Qatar’s status to becoming a world-class educational destination.
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QATAR’S INTERNATIONAL RANKING The World Economic Forum’s Global Competitive Report 2019 ranks Qatar 6th out of more than 140 developed and developing countries on “critical thinking in teaching.” GCI ranks Qatar 8th in skills of graduates and 16th in quality of vocational training. Topped the world’s top Arab and World Number One in the World Economic Forum’s World Education Quality Index in Davos in 2019. Ranked first in the Arab world and fifth in the world in the education system quality index in 2017/18.
Ranked seventh in the world in school management quality in 2017/18.
Ranked sixth in the world in the quality of mathematics and science in 2017/18.
Ranked fifth in the field of the availability of engineers and scientists in 2017/18.
Ranked 10th in the world in the quality of primary education, according to the 2017/18 World Economic Forum Competitiveness Report in Davos.
Information sourced from Ministry of Education and Higher Education Qatar
PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION Schools in Qatar are free and compulsory at primary and secondary levels. According to the MOHE website data, the number of public schools was more that 207 in addition to 68 kindergartens for the year 2019/2020. These schools serve more than 124, 600 Qatari and non-Qatari students. The integrated curricula that includes Mathematics and Science, Arabic and English languages, Qatari history, and Islamic
QATAR EDUCATION GUIDE
education, is taught is all schools, which have a mix of national, Arab, and international staff to ensure that a high standard of teaching and learning is maintained throughout. Good foundations require early intervention and the education system in Qatar has ensured this through emphasis on early childhood education (pre-school through second grade). According to Qatar’s Department of Social Development, “A holistically childhood-based policy with concerns to maximise social and
FILE PHOTO: View of the Qatar Academy school complex located in the Education City Complex launched by the Qatar Foundation, currently under construction. EQRoy/Shutterstock.com
human development in Qatar by 2030 needs realignment to invest earlier in childhood.” A comprehensive approach has been devised to focus on ethics, values, and social, and academic behaviour and train young minds to become well-rounded global citizens as they go through the journey of education. Take for example, Qatar Foundation’s Academyati, an innovative school that uses an unconventional curriculum based on each student’s interests. Another school
Students wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing at a classroom on the first day of school reopening at a Secondary School in Doha,Qatar. Noushad Thekkayil/Shutterstock.com
FACTS Every Qatari citizen has the right to a public education that is free. The number of public schools exceeded 207 plus 68 kindergartens in 2019/2020, serving more than 124,600 Qatari and non-Qatari students. All public schools in Qatar are committed to teaching basic and integrated curricula -- mathematics and science, Arabic and English languages, Qatari history and Islamic education.
*Information sourced from Ministry of Education and Higher Education Qatar
is Qatar Academy Doha (QAD), part of Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education, which also focuses on offering experiential learning experiences that go beyond the classroom.
SPECIALISED PROGRAMMES Great value has been placed on 21st century learning modules such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and Business among other vital areas. No child is left behind under Qatar’s comprehensive education model, which also caters to a variety of specialised educational options for Special Needs students as well as gifted ones. Some of the specialised schools include Qatar Technical School; Qatar Banking Studies and Business Administration Studies School for Boys; Religious Institute Preparatory Secondary School for Boys; Qatar Banking Studies & Business
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/OVERVIEW Administration School for Girls; and Qatar School of Science and Technology for Boys, a secondary school. All these schools qualify students to move to various higher education options and to the job market after graduation.
PUBLIC SCHOOL STAGES: AT A GLANCE Students spend 12 years in public school, divided into several stages. After going through the pre-school or kindergarten stage students move to the primary stage that lasts 6 years. The primary stage includes co-educational schools, boys’ schools and girls’ schools. Second is the preparatory stage that lasts from seventh grade to ninth grade. The student then moves to the secondary stage from the tenth grade to the twelfth grade. At the secondary school level, students can choose public schools with general education or specialised schools with a range of options that suit the student’s interests and academic priorities, such as science and technology and banking, to name a few. Information sourced from Ministry of Education and Higher Education Qatar
PRIVATE SCHOOL EDUCATION In its effort to make Qatar a self-reliant economy, the Kingdom has been heavily investing in the education sector resulting in the rise of several private education institutions. According to the MOHE, were more that 332 private schools catering to 211,000 students in the 2019-2020 academic year. Though the private schools offer a wide variety of curricula and activities, all of them are required to include Arabic language, Islamic Studies, and Qatar history. For Qatari students who want to attend private schools, the government offers funding in the form of educational vouchers. The government has always laid importance on education and
QATAR EDUCATION GUIDE
formed favourable policies and initiatives as part of QNV2030. According to Mordor Intelligence, which says that the education market of Qatar is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.54% by 2025, the government’s annual investment for its education sector has been huge, with a “focus to enhance course curriculum, improving learning outcomes, encouraging efficient teaching and refining the efficiency of education system. These initiatives would lay the foundation stone to increase female participation and expatriates enrolling in the Qatar Education System in the coming years.” According to the report, the Kingdom has been witnessing an increasing preference for private education, which is resulting in an influx of international institutions. This can be attributed to the increasing number of expatriates in the population, which also add to rise in demand for better education. “The quality of education in Qatar has continued to maintain its high standards ranking among the highest in almost all education parameters for 2017-2018. As per the Global Competitiveness Report, Qatar ranked 5th for its quality of higher education and training, 10th for quality of primary education, and 6th for the quality of its higher education and training. As per the report, in 2018-19 academic year at least 13 new private schools were opened to accommodate 6,021 students. Another report by Boston Consulting Group states that Qatar’s private school market growth will be governed by four factors by 2023: • Increase in school-aged (3 to 17 years) population growth • Rise in enrolments in private school (For kindergarten is the number is expected to increase from 55% to 80%) • The shift toward private schools: Enrolments likely to grow to 70% • Tuition fees are expected to increase in line with inflation
FACTS Private Schools in Qatar are licensed by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and are an alternative to the K-12 public schools. In the 2019/20 academic year, there are more than 332 private schools serving approximately 211,000 students. Private schools offer a wide variety of curricula, philosophies, and activities that meet the needs of individual students and their families. The Ministry requires all private schools to teach in their curricula Arabic language, Islamic studies and Qatari history. Qatari students who attend a licensed K-12 private school in Qatar are eligible for an educational voucher from the government. There are international schools such as the American, British, French, and German schools; community schools serving different nationalities; and Qatari schools such as the Qatar Academia Arabic schools. Information sourced from Ministry of Education and Higher Education Qatar
HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM The University of Qatar came into being in 1977. However, seeds for the University were sown in 1973 through the College of Education. Since then, Qatar has seen phenomenal growth in its higher education system with as many as 29 colleges and universities accounted for the 2017/18 academic year and according to the MOHE, more than 34,000 students attended them in 2017/18. According to Ken Research, government universities in Qatar witnessed the maximum number of enrolments during 2018. “Higher expenses to be incurred by the people for enrolling into private universities and benefit of national curriculum delivered in Arabic language in government universities led to limited number of admissions in private universities during the period 2013-2018. More recently, two new universities have opened for the 2020/21 academic year. These include a new campus of Indian State University Savitribai Phule Pune, and Lusail University, a
Texas A&M University at the Education City Doha. Philip Lange /Shutterstock.com
new Qatari national private university, doubling the number of higher education institutions in the country over the course of five years. According to the MOHE, over 290 educational programmes have been offered for the 20192020 academic year and Qatar University, Community College of Qatar, The North Atlantic College, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University offer more than 66 percent of these programmes. To aid students in their Higher Education aspirations, the government also offers Qatari
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INSTRUMENTS OF CHANGE QATAR FOUNDATION
For over two decades, the Qatar Foundation (QF) has been changing the education landscape through its initiatives that allows students to access world-class education at the doorstep. The Foundation, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in February this year, was founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, who shared the vision to provide Qatar with quality education. At an event held to celebrate this milestone, Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation (QF), spoke about QF’s journey and said, “QF’s journey has been all about producing knowledge, generating ideas and perspectives, and nurturing talent,” she said. “And we share all of this with the world, from our unique perspective as a nation proud of its Arab and Islamic heritage.”
Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation (QF) (PRNewsfoto/Qatar Foundation)
QF has recently signed collaboration agreements with partners – including FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 organisers the Supreme Committee for
Education City graduation arena Philip Lange /Shutterstock.com
students with scholarships to pursue their desired field of study in Qatar and abroad after high school. The MOHE states that the Emiri Scholarship is the most prestigious scholarship awarded by the government to students who gain acceptance to 30 of the world’s most elite universities, including Harvard, Yale, Oxford, University of Melbourne, and McGill University.
QATAR EDUCATION GUIDE
Delivery and Legacy, ExxonMobil and Qatar University – which incorporate its initiatives from its inception to its 25th year. These include allowing students to cross-register for courses at different universities and advancing autism research, to supporting young Arab innovators, and cultivating young people’s STEM skills. “It’s how we enable universities and technology companies, schools and think tanks, health experts and Islamic scholars, to complement and benefit each other,” she added.
EDUCATION CITY A sprawling 12sqkm campus, the Education City is a stellar example of QF’s commitment to offer world-class learning opportunities to the people of Qatar. This flagship initiative today is home to some of the world’s toptier educational institutions, a homegrown university, research, scholastic, and community centres. Programmes range from IB-accredited school systems to specialised schools for K-12 students, while higher education options include undergraduate and postdoctoral degrees that cover everything from media, international affairs, business, computer
science, medicine, engineering, to cultural heritage, knowledge management, and arts.
QATAR SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PARK (QSTP) The country’s leading tech innovation and entrepreneurship hub, and part of QF, is combined with nine world-class universities and three established research institutes. Its Arab Innovation Academy is the first and largest tech-entrepreneurship programme in the Middle East, challenging and supporting participants to create a new start-up in just 10 days. It is a joint partnership QSTP and the European Innovation Academy (EIA).
WORLD INNOVATION SUMMIT FOR EDUCATION (WISE) WISE was launched in 2009 as a platform that brings together education platform that brings together education stakeholders, opinion leaders and decision makers from all over the world to discuss and deliberate on educational issues. WISE also created a Nobel Prize for education, with a US$500,000 award for its recipient.
TOP UNIVERSITIES
Carnegie Mellon University, Qatar
Qatar University has repeatedly ranked among top varsities in the Middle East, with over 17 research centres with multimillion-dollar funding. In more recent news, the Qatar University (QU) has jumped 90 places and entered the club of the best 350 International Universities according to Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2021. The results showed that QU has jumped up to the 301-350 band.
Hamad Bin Khalifa University
Other top universities in the country include
Weill Cornell Medicine, Qatar Doha Institute for Graduate Studies University of Calgary, Qatar Georgetown University, Qatar Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts, Qatar Texas A&M University, Qatar Northwestern University, Qatar HEC Paris, Qatar University College London, Qatar College of the North Atlantic, Qatar
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A WORLD-CLASS SYSTEM: EDUCATION AND TRAINING SECTOR Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) lays considerable emphasis on the education and training sector (ETS). Qatar Education Guide looks at facts, figures, and targets planned for 2018-2022 ‌
Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030) lays considerable emphasis on the education and training sector (ETS). Part of the Qatar Second National Development Strategy 2018- 2022, ETS forms one of the main pillars of human development with great importance being given to education and training sector strategy (ETSS) and its development outcomes.
QATAR EDUCATION GUIDE
According to the Qatar Second National Development Strategy 2018- 2022 report, the current ETSS focuses on ETS priorities and uses outcome-based rather than project-based planning. The ETSS includes one main outcome and 15 intermediate outcomes broken down by the three levels of education, as well as ETS governance and planning.
The report describes the levels as being that of 1) preschool education (including early childhood/ pre-compulsory education), 2) primary to secondary (K12) education (compulsory/elementary education, including secondary education, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET), and 3) post-secondary education (including tertiary education and post-secondary TVET), as well as ETS governance and planning.
It adds that the ETS development programmes and projects will contribute to one main outcome: “A world-class education system that offers equitable access to high-quality education and training, equips all learners with the necessary skills and competencies to realize their potential in line with their ambitions and abilities to contribute to society, strengthens Qatar’s values and heritage, and calls for tolerance and respect for other cultures.”
MAIN OUTCOME: Based on 15 intermediate outcomes that are broken down to three educational stages as well as the ETS planning and quality. This includes four main pillars: ENROLMENT: This pillar shows the ability of the education system to provide all learners at different education levels with learning opportunities regardless of age, sex and abilities. ATTAINMENT AND ACHIEVEMENT: It shows the rates of attainment and academic achievement of all learners at different education levels.
CITIZENSHIP AND VALUES: It shows how well learners appreciate the values, culture and heritage of Qatari society while understanding and respecting other cultures. LABOUR FORCE: It focuses on the skills, effectiveness and efficiency of the ETS labour force at the various educational levels.
COMMON EDUCATION GOAL:
Develop tools to measure children’s understanding of Qatari and global citizenship and assess how well they apply positive values.
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PRESCHOOL EDUCATION Early childhood education is defined as the education targeting children aged 0 to 8 years. It is divided into three stages: 0-4 years (nursery) under the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (ADLSA) umbrella, 4-6 years (kindergarten and preschool) and 6-8 years (first grade through third grade), both being under the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) umbrella. According to the report, though Qatar experienced an increase in the gross enrolment rate in early education (62% in 2015), 40% of children aged 3-5 years did not enrol.
The overall proportion of children enrolled in early education remained lower than in Europe, Asia, and regional counterparts, creating a need for the ETSS to focus on enhancing the quality of pre-school education through codifying and unifying a comprehensive approach to early childhood services, increasing enrolment rates in early education to become more consistent with international standards, developing early childhood policies and strategy, developing a comprehensive monitoring and follow-up database, and launching awareness campaigns to encourage enrolment in early learning centres (nurseries or kindergartens), the report adds.
PRESCHOOL EDUCATION: FACTS & TARGETS FACTS Qatar experienced an increase in the gross enrolment rate in early education (62% in 2015), 40% of children aged 3-5 years did not enrol.
In the academic year 2014-2015, the number of preschool students was 42,615, and they were taught by 3,008 teachers, including 718 Qataris or 23.8%. Teaching at this level is almost exclusively done by women regardless of nationality (less than 1%)
TARGETS Increase the enrolment rate of children aged 3 years in formal nurseries and children aged 4 and 5 years informal early childhood education programmes by 10 per cent to become 72.5% in 2022 (2%, per annum) Increase the proportion of early childhood female teachers (Qatari and non-Qatari) with formal early education qualifications in public kindergartens by 12% to become 20% in 2022 (3% per annum) Develop assessment tools for children’s learning and development at the end of their pre-school education (end of kindergarten stage)
*All Information and Data compiled from Qatar Second National Development Strategy (2018-2022) Report
QATAR EDUCATION GUIDE
GRADES 1-12 EDUCATION The report describes the growth in the number of students in primary and secondary section as relatively moderate in independent schools (mostly students of Qatari nationality, but expat numbers are growing) Private schools have had steady growth in the students’ number,
but for different reasons, including expanding the education voucher programme – launched in 2008 – to include all Qataris in 2012. Among the measures being taken to achieve desired outcomes, the government is working to provide the adequate infrastructure for all students in public and private schools.
PRESCHOOL EDUCATION: FACTS & TARGETS FACTS The net enrolment rate in primary and secondary schools during the academic year 2014-2015 was 89.4% (86.6% for males and 90.3%for females) In the academic year 20162017, the number of specialized secondary students in Qatar was only 1148 (654 Qatari & 494 NonQatari), with a majority of 95.4% male students.
In the Trends in International Math and Science Study (TIMSS) of math test for fourth graders in 2015, only 3% of Qatari students got the highest scores compared to 6 per cent internationally, while 35% failed to achieve the minimum level, compared to 7% internationally.
In the academic year 2014-2015, there were 20,116 primary to secondary teachers, of which 16.6% were Qataris. Qatari schools (primary, preparatory and secondary) provided various activities to develop teachers’ skills, such as seminars on teaching methods, training with teachers from other schools, recruitment of specialised teachers and organisation of visits to experienced teachers’ classes. Schools provided these services at 97 %, 74%, 61% and 97 % respectively.
TARGETS Increase the proportion of resident students (aged 6-18 years) enrolled in the three stages (primary, preparatory and secondary) by 5% till 2022.
Increase the average score of students from Qatar in the international tests that include Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), TIMSS and PISA at a minimum rate of 30 points per round.
Reduce grades 1-12 average absenteeism rates by 5% (1%, per annum) Increase the percentage of teachers with appropriate and recognised teaching qualifications (Diploma or Bachelor of Education) in public schools by 10% (2%, per annum)
Increase the number of teachers with professional licenses in public schools by 30% (6%, per annum) *All Information and Data compiled from Qatar Second National Development Strategy (20182022) Report
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POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION According to ETS stakeholders and partners, Post-Secondary Education has been approved as an apt term for this level of education especially since it also includes under its umbrella, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), lifelong learning goals as well as higher or tertiary education. The report admits that education at this level faces several challenges, including the fact that the existing
higher TVET institutions are not governed and their activities are not organised in a unified and coordinated manner. In order to achieve goals and objectives, the government is look at increased co-ordination among higher education institutions in the sector and apply standardised quality criteria. Other methods and means include enhancing e-learning access to top-tier education programmes, lifelong learning, and continuous professional development.
POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION: FACTS & TARGETS FACTS
Maths, Science and Physics are the main entry points for a knowledge economy. The enrolment rate in these disciplines at Qatar University was only 15% and 18% of Qatari graduates and master’s students of science, math, engineering and technology programmes.
The number of teachers in higher education institutions during the academic year 2014-2015 was 2,184, of which 11% were Qataris. The share of faculty staff in government colleges and universities was 56%.
*All Information and Data compiled from Qatar Second National Development Strategy (20182022) Report
Qataris are concentrated in government universities and colleges, while the teachers in private universities and colleges are mainly expatriates.
QATAR EDUCATION GUIDE
TARGETS
Increase the rate of Qataris’ enrolment in post-secondary education by 5% among females and 10% among males by 2022.
Increase the graduation rate among male and female Qatari post-secondary students by 10% by 2022.
Raise the graduation rates among male and female Qatari students in knowledge economy disciplines (math, science, IT and engineering) by 10% by 2022.
/FOCUS
E-LEARNING: BEFORE, DURING, AFTER COVID-19 The Covid-19 pandemic has brought to fore many systems that were already in place but were not probably as well-utilised as they should be. Much like the hand-washing guidelines, which are a part of any basic hygiene routine, Flexible working hours, Work-From-Home cultures, and Distance Learning were all part of our socio-economic system. In this feature, we look at Distance Learning and E-Learning before and after Covid-19 and how Qatar has navigated deftly to bridge the digital gap in education ‌.
QATAR EDUCATION GUIDE
A World Economic Forum (WEF) Report published in April this year stated that as many as 1.2 billion children in 186 countries were affected by school closures due to the Covid-19 pandemic. With so many children out of the classroom and their cultural and educational development suffering, many countries put in place quick and well-planned digital learning platforms that would ensure that no child missed his or her school year. However, according to WEF, even before this pandemic changed our lives, there was already high growth and adoption in education technology with global edtech investments reaching US$18.66 billion in 2019 and the overall market for online education projected to reach $350 Billion by 2025. Whether it is language apps, virtual tutoring, video conferencing tools, or online learning software, there has been a significant surge in usage since Covid-19, it adds.
Not just school, but universities have also seen successful transitions from physical classes to online learning. A few examples cited in the WEF report include the Zhejiang University, which managed to get more than 5,000 courses online just two weeks into the transition using “DingTalk ZJU”. The Imperial College London started offering a course on the science of coronavirus, which is now the most enrolled class launched in 2020 on Coursera. According to Dr Amjad, a Professor at The University of Jordan who has been using Lark to teach his students, “It has changed the way of teaching. It enables me to reach out to my students more efficiently and effectively through chat groups, video meetings, voting and also document sharing, especially during this pandemic. My students also find it is easier to communicate on Lark. I will stick to Lark even after coronavirus, I believe traditional offline learning and e-learning can go hand by hand.” The report also touches upon the effective
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of online learning and according to research on an average, students retain 25-60% more material when learning online compared to only 8-10% in a classroom. This is mostly due to the students being able to learn faster online; e-learning requires 40-60% less time to learn than in a traditional classroom setting because students can learn at their own pace, going back and re-reading, skipping, or accelerating through concepts as they choose.
to move away from the more traditional methods of teaching and implement more 21st century techniques that encourage skills such as critical thinking and adaptability. A good mix of classroom lectures and e-learning can pave the way for a more well-rounded student population that can make a great asset to the workforce of any nation, including Qatar which has already been at the forefront of innovation in education for many years now.
Almost, like the surprise tests that students get in a classroom, the education sector has had to implement quick thinking and find ways to bridge the gap and ensure that children’s learning is not disrupted. However, this might not be a bad thing, after all. This might be the ideal way forward for schools and universities
QATAR AND DIGITAL LEARNING IN PANDEMIC TIMES
QATAR EDUCATION GUIDE
Qatar has always been at the forefront of innovation in education and the digital arena is no different. According to Alan S Weber (Analytical Review of e-Learning in the State of Qatar), Qatar’s first e-learning initiatives were
A GOOD MIX OF CLASSROOM LECTURES AND E-LEARNING CAN PAVE THE WAY FOR A MORE WELL-ROUNDED STUDENT POPULATION THAT CAN MAKE A GREAT ASSET TO THE WORKFORCE OF ANY NATION, INCLUDING QATAR WHICH HAS ALREADY BEEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF INNOVATION IN EDUCATION FOR MANY YEARS NOW.
developed in Education City among the U.S. satellite campuses. He cites the example of Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar, which was equipped with completely online and blended resources since its inception in 2002-3. Many other campuses have similar facilities. He also cites examples of K-12 education, where according to him the earliest e-learning initiatives were K-Net and e-schoolbag implemented by ictQatar and Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA). These are just few examples of the strides that the Kingdom has made in ICT in Education sector. He also points out that Qatar’s Hukoomi government e-portal, which delivers electronic public services has propelled the nation from an international rank of 62 in 2010 to the
rank of 44th in 2014 in the United Nation’s e-governance maturity and readiness survey entitled “E-Government for the Future We Want.” According to the recently released sixth report on distance learning system released by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the system and its interactive platform had achieved all targets and more. The total number of video lessons that were produced until April 30, 2020, amounted to about 23,533 video lessons, including 19,908 video lessons in special education and integration schools, 2,456 in public education schools, and 1,169 in specialised schools, according to the data published.
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The total number of participants in the production of lessons was 976 from special education teachers, support services specialists, teaching cadres, mentors, special education coordinators, and e-learning specialists, while the number of video lessons produced for students with special needs reached 19,908 lessons for integration and support schools, Al Hidaya schools, and the Audio Education Complex. In an interview with The Peninsula, Abdulla Al Mansoori, Director, Qatar Career Development Centre (QCDC), a member of Qatar Foundation, spoke about how this crisis has demonstrated that learning is not just restricted to schools or universities. He was speaking to the newspaper ahead of the start of the new academic year. “The digital revolution has put at our disposal a wealth of resources to equip students with the skills and tools to make informed academic and career choices, which will ultimately contribute to creating a ‘safety net’ of qualified
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professionals to address challenges in times of crisis. This has been evident in the healthcare industry, which was at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19,” he added. Qatar, along with the rest of the world, is slowly returning to the New Normal and this has meant implementation of new initiatives such as Blended Learning in both public and private schools to mitigate and combat the effects of Covid-19. The most recent reports from the MOHE state that the ‘Blended Learning’ plan is proceeding successfully and that it has greatly contributed to reducing physical presence of students in schools and, thus, minimising the risks associated with Covid-19. The Ministry amended its Back-to-school plan for the academic year to include the blended learning programme during the first semester. A combination of online and classroombased learning is being implemented in all stages of education across public and private schools, preschools and the higher education
institutions. Based on this, students are being allowed to attend classes in the school one to three times a week, with a maximum attendance rate of 30% of school capacity per day. This will allow students to attend basic classes and conduct laboratory experiments and tests, a ministry press release said. Distance learning will take place on the days when students do not attend to school as per the school schedule of each school, it added. A similar circular was also issued to universities regarding the gradual attendance. According the circular, 30% of students will attend to campus daily from September to November, with the blended learning being deployed. Exam attendance will be considered in the assessment scores, as needed. Universities in Qatar have also been working to develop digital solutions to help citizens adapt to the pandemic in their day-to-day life, according to a report published in Oxford Business Group. The Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI), part of Hamad bin Khalifa University, has been working with the Ministry of Public Health in developing a series of new digital platforms. In an effort to reduce pressure on the country’s health system, QCRI launched an online selfassessment application that educates users on the symptoms of Covid-19 and advises when to seek medical help. It has also deployed a fake news detection platform, known as Tanbih and a data-processing platform Rayyan. It is perhaps safe to say that when the pandemic brought with it an unprecedented crisis, Qatar rose to the occasion. It has continued to ensure that lives are being safeguarded and all students continue to get the education that are rightfully entitled to receive.
In a recent new report, published ahead of the start of the new academic year, Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, urged the people to display values of “flexibility, adaptability, and continuous lifelong learning” to empower and inspire students to do the same. She added, “We live in very interesting times, and one thing we always want to instill in our students is the notion of continuous learning and flexibility,” Her Excellency said. “The value in our graduates is the way they support their communities and the nation, and the values we hope they take away with them are being active citizens and nation-builders.” Noting that pandemics are not a common occurrence, she said that it is vital to understand that “we are in a very surreal situation and find ways of continuing education during this time. It’s also important to recognise that we now have some big opportunities on the table, from education, to the way we work, and even to the way we live. “That means we should take time to reflect, understand, and really be informed about what the future could look like; and we should take risks, because that is the way we continue to innovate and grow. And it is time to really disrupt education.” Qatar, with its commitment to providing worldclass education is definitely disrupting the way the region tackles the learning and knowledge. After all, in emboldening its education system, Qatar is creating a nation of global citizens that can withstand all challenges and continue to be proud assets to their nation and beyond.
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THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS: JOBS OF FUTURE As the world recalibrates itself to the ‘New Normal’ you can also take time to think about your career options. Here are a few choices that offer you a world of opportunity and contribute to your professional growth … The advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has resulted in the creation of millions of new jobs, with vast new opportunities for fulfilling people’s potential and aspirations, according to WEF’s ‘Jobs of Tomorrow: Mapping Opportunity in the New Economy report, published in the first half of this year. According to the report, analysis of which
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is based on metrics authored in partnership between the World Economic Forum’s New Metrics CoLab in its Platform for the New Economy and Society, and data scientists at three partner companies: Burning Glass Technologies, Coursera and LinkedIn, seven key professional clusters are emerging in tandem with each reflecting a demand for both digital and human involvement.
While there is still a growing demand for green economy jobs, data and AI roles and cloud computing, there are emerging professions that form the part of care economy jobs. “These include roles in marketing, sales and content production, as well as roles at the forefront of people and culture,” the report adds. According to the report, these seven emerging professional clusters offers at least 96 jobs of tomorrow within them that vary in their individual rate of growth and in the scale of job opportunities they offer in the aggregate. The report adds, “We estimate that, in 2020, the featured professional clusters will represent 506 out of every 10,000 job opportunities— by 2022, this share will have risen to 611 out of every 10,000 job opportunities.”
an economy that relies on care work to ensure health and wellbeing of the people. Care work has always been a demanding sector and has required both hard and soft skills. Of course, becoming a doctor is the norm. But for those who are looking beyond, the report has plenty to offer. Professions such as medical transcription and respiratory therapy, radiation therapy, Exercise Physiology, Occupational Health and Safety are all streams that you can explore if pure medicine is not something you want to pursue.
OUR PICKS Medical Transcriptionist While this profession has been around for ages, it has increasingly risen in importance as
Listed in this article are career opportunities are a compilation of what the WEF report sees emerging from the clusters. While the report has listed seven clusters, we will be focusing on three main clusters that we feel are going to be more important in the immediate future.
CARE SECTOR The global health crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has definitely brought the need for
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/AVENUES an effective tool for healthcare professionals, who need to be focusing on patients instead of spending time creating medical records. A medical transcription career allows you to be part of the healthcare industry and work behind the scenes as an allied health professional helping with the process of transcribing voice-recorded medical reports dictated by healthcare professionals. Apart from this, you can also work for the healthcare industry, helping transcribe important notes related to medical research and more.
Respiratory Therapist
According to the World Health Organisation, the Covid-19 pandemic is not in a hurry to go anywhere and the pandemic has brought to the fore one of the biggest healthcare concerns that includes breathing issues, among other things. This is where respiratory therapists come in. They work to assess and treat people with both acute and chronic disorders of the cardiopulmonary system. Their responsibilities are demanding, and they serve as a vital members of the healthcare team.
QATAR EDUCATION GUIDE
DATA AND ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE Both Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) continue to be among the emerging professions in Industry 4.0. AI uses machine learning, which requires data to recognise patterns and create effective solutions for a variety of roles across sectors. Big players such as Alphabet, Apple, Facebook, Microsoft, Amazon, Alibaba have all been investing in AI and have created job opportunities to be part of a growing cluster. To quote, Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai, “AI is one of the most important things that humanity is working on. It’s more profound than electricity or fire.” So, what are your career options in this profound field? The WEF report says careers such as those of Artificial Intelligence Specialist, Big Data Developers, Data Scientists and Business Intelligence Developers are definitely on demand. Analysts and engineers that can work with data are also among the desirable careers to have.
OUR PICKS Business Intelligence Developer As a Business Intelligence Developer, you will spend most of your time on research and planning to find viable solutions for existing problems with a company. From online
ENGINEERING & CLOUD COMPUTING
analytical processing (known as OLAP) to working with relational and multidimensional databases, you will be helping businesses understand data better. This is definitely for you if you enjoy mixing statistics with business management.
Artificial Intelligence Specialist
When one says Artificial Intelligence, one thinks ‘robots.’ But there is more to AI, then just robots. An Artificial Intelligence Specialist is someone who works to aid machines with ‘thinking’ abilities. Your career avenues are diverse from working in cognitive simulation to creating systems that can recognise, voices, interpret information and find solutions to problems in sectors that include defence, electronics, to automotive arenas.
Engineering in its traditional form has continued to be the backbone of any workforce in today’s evolving economy. However, as needs continue to change, so does the definition of Engineering. Apart from the traditional roles and careers available, today the sector sees demand for roles such as Python Developers and Full Stack Engineers, and Technology Analysts. According to ‘Moving into the Future - Cloud and Data Centre Growth in the Middle East Region Report, the region has seen a growth in cloud services over the last three years, with the services set to transform demand for IT services in the Middle East. Given this and the fact that Cloud Computing is emerging as a popular career choice, the options available to you as diverse as Site Reliability Engineer jobs to Development specialists and of course Cloud Engineer jobs.
OUR PICKS Technology Analyst
The good thing about being an analyst is you get to explore almost all areas that encompass technology. This means you can work for a bank, a software company, or even a business,
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/AVENUES sorting out their technological needs. Your responsibilities will include improvements, maintenance of IT systems and designing solutions for them.
Cloud Engineer
Cloud Engineering has proved a very popular profession and it is no wonder that it was voted as one of the most in-demand tech jobs in 2019. With many companies and large organisations moving their daily business functions and more to cloud-based systems, Cloud Engineers have become an integral part of the IT department workforce. As a Cloud Engineer you get to evaluate existing infrastructures and find ways to move them to cloud-based systems. You also get to then maintain and resolve issues in the cloud-based systems.
GREEN CAREERS ‘Green’ has been a buzzword of economies across the globe for a while now and the region is no exception. With rising concerns for impact made by man-made pollution, rising
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sea levels causing global warming, and other environmental failings, sustainability has been made a key part of every organisation in some form or the other. Depletion of resources has meant that we kind the requisite avenues to ensure that they do not deplete further and at the same time remain environmentally sound economic tools. A sector that is booming has careers to offer that are exhaustive and range from ethane/Landfill Gas Generation System Technicians, Wind Turbine Service Technicians, Water Resource Specialists, Chief Sustainability Officers to Green Marketers and more.
OUR PICKS Green Marketers You are a marketing professional alright, but you come specialised in the niche sector that is fast becoming a part of our daily lives. As a green marketer you will promote products and services and also analyse market trends to create unique marketing techniques to sell them. Your workplace options range from Solar Energy Companies to green cleaning products
and even technology such as hybrid and electric vehicles.
Wind Energy Project Manager Have you always wanted to rein in the wind? Then, here’s your chance to work in a field that
offers you the avenue to do so and possess a niche skill. A fast-evolving alternative to creating energy, Wind Energy sector has plenty to offer in terms of careers. As a Wind Energy Project Manager, you be able to oversee construction of a wind plant from site selection to the final installation of turbines. From contractual bidding to managing budgets and business development, your roles and responsibilities are as diverse as the natural element you are trying to capture and optimise for human survival. How thrilling is that!
This article has been complied using information from ‘WEF’s Jobs of Tomorrow report.
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PORTALS OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) present a plethora of educational possibilities that don’t cause a penny and come with a prestigious nametag attached. Qatar Education Guide presents a list of MOOC options available to you ‌ You could get yourself a qualification from universities such as Harvard, MIT and more without having to move from your bedroom. All you need is a desk, a computer or laptop or even a smartphone and you are set to go. Massive Open Online Courses or MOOCs as they are called have gained a share of the education market pie in the last few years and now with the pandemic pushing almost
QATAR EDUCATION GUIDE
everyone towards some form of e-learning, one can safely say that MOOCs offer a very good alternative to add to your skillsets. A recent Mordor Intelligence report on Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) Market - Growth, Trends, And Forecasts (2020 - 2025) predicts that the GCC MOOC Market is expected to register a CAGR of 17.23 per cent over the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.
According to the report, “The major driving force for the increasing popularity of MOOCs in the region is government initiatives and support regarding online learning programmes” and example of which it noted is Qatar University’s Center of Community Service and Continuing Education (CCE) that is offering several courses free of charge. A move that made in accordance with efforts of the university and the state to combat the spread of COVID-19 and to further the cause of education, has proved to a mine of opportunities with courses being offered in topics ranging from finance to emotional intelligence. Apart from this, there are many other MOOC players in the market that open new portals to online learning as listed below:
Coursera Founded by Stanford professors Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng with a “vision of providing lifetransforming learning experiences to anyone, anywhere,” the website has now become a leading online learning platform for higher education with 68 million learners using it. According to the website, which is backed by eading investors that include Kleiner Perkins, New Enterprise Associates, Learn Capital, and SEEK Group, more than 200 of the world’s top universities and educators are on board, offering courses, specialisations, certifications, and degree programmes. The company’s subscription-based platform for universities, Coursera for Campus enables member institutions to incorporate Coursera courses in their own degree and it was recently announced that it would be offered for free from (July to September) to higher education institutions that have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The platform also has Coursera for Government, which is designed for government employees
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to equip themselves with skills apart from Coursera for Business, which has had support from as many as 2,800 companies.
EdX Founded as a non-profit organisation by Harvard and MIT, today edX boasts of more than 20 million learners, majority of top-ranking universities and companies in the world.
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/AVENUES Formed to transform traditional education and provide easy and free access to the platform offers a variety of learning experiences, including the ground-breaking MicroMasters® programmes. With 3,000 online courses, students can gain access by enrolling for free as an auditor. You will only have to pay if you want access to graded assignments and obtain a verified completion certificate. There is plenty on offer on edX from online degrees to part modules and professional skills courses. The platform also recently expanded its free access in response to the pandemic with its Remote Access Program, which according to Anant Agarwal, Founder and CEO, is “an initiative designed to help the edX partner community address the challenges they are facing.” The programme has over 60 edX partners, including Harvard and MIT among other universities across the globe. IBM and Microsoft are also part of the initiative.
Udacity The global online learning platform is a product of an experiment, as part of which Stanford
instructors Sebastian Thrun and Peter Norvig decided to offer their ‘Introduction to Artificial Intelligence’ course online to anyone, for free. Over 160,000 students in more than 190 countries enrolled and this sowed the seeds for Udacity, with a mission to “democratise education.” Today, according to the information on the website, the platform offers aspiring learners across the globe the opportunity to participate in— and contribute to— some of the most exciting and innovative fields in the world. Udacity collaborates with expert instructors and over 200 global industry partners including AT&T, Google, Facebook, Mercedes-Benz, and NVIDIA to power technical education. As of now it offers around 200 free courses without a certificate. A company, whose mission statement reads as training the world’s workforce in the jobs of the future and to make learning in-demand skills accessible and convenient for everyone, the platform recently offered a one-month free access to its premium Nanodegree programmes as their contribution to help those who might have been adversely affected by Covid-19 pandemic. It might be worthwhile to keep an eye to see if they release more such offers in the near future.
Udemy
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The seed for this platform was sown in a small Turkish village as young Eren Bali found himself scouring online for learning opportunities. Along with his co-founders, Oktay Caglar and Gagan Biyani, Bali founded as a platform for online learning where anyone can build a course. On this Self-confessed marketplace, which brings together experts and learners, most of the courses are created by professors, graduate students or professionals who are experts in their field. A generic search on the website throws up 7,000 courses available for free. There are, however 130,000 courses available with 35 million learners online,
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according to the website. You will also be able to find courses taught in Arabic.
Development launched Edraak in 2014 as a learning platform that offers free online courses in Arabic. Launched as a MOOC platform, Edraak’s objective is to ensure that the Arab world is at the forefront of educational innovation. According to the website, regional Arab talent has been capitalised to leverage technology developed by the Harvard-MIT consortium, edX, to create the first non-profit Arabic MOOC platform, giving its users access to original courses in Arabic apart from courses taught and developed by top-class universities such as HarvardX, MITX, and UC BerkelyX. Courses are free and offered on two platforms that include Continuous Learning for adults and K-12 Education, a rare offering, for not just school children but also teachers and parents. According to the website, the K-12 courses are in line with the curricula across the Middle East and North Africa region.
EDRAAK Queen Rania Foundation for Education and Screenshot of EDRAAK website.
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DECODING STEM AND STEAM EDUCATION Everyone has heard of STEM and a few of you might have head of STEAM too! What are STEM and STEAM and how are they important in ensuring the basis of good foundation in the educational landscape? Read on to find out ‌
STEM and STEAM are in no way new concepts. So, you probably know that STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics. STEAM takes the STEM and adds the A for Arts to it to expand the universe of learning possibilities. Arts includes humanities, language arts, performing and visual arts,
QATAR EDUCATION GUIDE
design and of course new media. STEM and STEAM differ in their approaches. STEM purely focuses on the scientific concepts, while STEAM explores the same concepts, but does so by encouraging students to adopt a creative process of inquiry and problem-solving.
In this feature we will explore both the education systems that have today more than ever become an important pillar in framing educational policies for schools and universities across the world and in Qatar.
Speaking on the progress made, she also touched upon the methodology that was implemented to prepare students for university and postgraduate studies in the STEM fields.
STEM: ROOTED IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEER, MATHS
According to her, the teaching processes are tailored to encourage students to work as a team using their skills of inquiry and logical thinking, thereby ensuring that the students receive a quality of education that makes them an asset to the labour market.
The STEM acronym, as explained by Britannica online, was introduced in 2001 by scientific administrators at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF). Originally known as SMET, STEM-focused curriculums are interdisciplinary and applied approach to the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and today form the basis of educational programmes across the world, including the GCC Closer to home, Qatar has been at the forefront of implemented STEM-based learning both in universities and schools. In a panel discussion held Kuwait’s Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) last year, the Assistant Under-Secretary for Educational Affairs at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Fawzia Al Khater, presented the Qatari experience in following the STEM system in educational institutions in the country.
Given that we are in the Fourth Industrial Revolution phase, STEM subjects are even more relevant and Qatar is ahead of the curve with a highly effective STEM-based approach for curriculums. On the university level, institutions such as Texas A&M University at Qatar offer ABET-accredited undergraduate degrees that focus on STEM, while the Qatar Academy for Science and Technology (QAST) is Qatar’s only STEM school designed offer both a US Diploma through Advanced Placement Courses and UK A Levels certification. Organisations such as Qatar Scientific Club (QSC), established in 1987, have been doing a stellar job promoting STEM in the country.
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STEAM: POWERING CREATIVE THINKING
are important in 21st century workplace.
Wikipedia attributes Georgette Yakman as the founder of the STEAM initiative. According to the entry, she raised the idea of adding the arts to the STEM acronym and has conducted research and practicum since 2006 based on researching the formal way that subjects work together and correspond to the global socioeconomic world: “Science and Technology, interpreted through Engineering and the Arts, all based in elements of Mathematics.” STEAM, though, probably originated long before that.
This is the reason why a growing number of schools have adopted the STEAM approach to make learning fun through Arts education. Even as early as 2013, Qatar Foundation International (QFI) and its partners hosted events that explored the STEAM approach that allows for innovative thinking and cross-cultural initiatives in education to “foster 21st century competencies and build better learning goals and practices. One of the schools to have adopted the STEAM approach is Compass International School Doha, A Nord Anglia Education School, through its collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Think Leonardo Da Vinci and his Vitruvian Man, which deftly combines Art, Maths, and Science to give us one of the most iconic paintings ever. STEAM takes the concepts of STEM and gives them wings. In today’s world, as much as STEM is required to turn students into future Industry 4.0 talents, STEAM is vital to ensuring that they also become global citizens. STEAM gives children the impetus to learn using creativity, critical thinking and other related skills, which
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STEAM does not take away from STEM as much as it enhances the power of learning through a more personal expression of giving the children a purpose in the pursuit of knowledge. The concept relies on the premise that children learn to be analytical by being creative, thus using both left and right brains to enhance their overall growth.
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SCHOOL/COLLEGE DIRECTORY
ACS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL DOHA
COMPASS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Curriculum: • International Baccalaureate • American High School Diploma Fee: Average Annual Fee QAR75000 Duration: Annual Location: AL Kheesa, Doha, Qatar Accrediting country: IBO in Netherlands and WASC from America Enrolment Deadline: In year rolling enrolment subject to spots available Tel: +974 3026 6800 Email: doha-admissions@acs-schools.com Website: www.acs-schools.com/ doha
Curriculum: • British Curriculum • International Primary Curriculum • IGCSE • A-Levels • International Baccalaureate Fee: Between 60,899 and 68,342 QAR * Fees are subject to change upon approval by Ministry of Education Duration: August to June Location: 4 campuses in Doha, Qatar: Gharaffa, Madinat Khalifa, Rayyan and Themaid Accrediting country: Qatar Enrolment Deadline: For the 2020/2021 Academic Year,
the enrolment deadline is January 31st 2021. Tel: +974 4034 6800 Email: admissions.cisd@nais.qa Website: https://www. nordangliaeducation.com/ourschools/doha/compass-internationalschool/
DOHA BRITISH SCHOOL Curriculum: • British curriculum (Primary, Secondary, Sixth Form) Fee: Ain Khaled Campus: From QR 22,696.00 - QR 66,520.00 Wakra Campus: From QR 36,000.00 - QR 44,999.00 Duration: 10 months
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/LISTING Location: Ain Khaled and Al Wakrah Doha, Qatar Accrediting country: UK Enrolment Deadline: admissions@dohabritishschool.com Tel: Ain Khaled : +974 4019 8000 Wakra : +974 4019 8080 Email: admissions@dohabritishschool.com; admissions@dbswakra.com Website: https://dohabritishschool.com/dbsainkhaled/ ; https://dbswakra.com/
DOHA ENGLISH SPEAKING SCHOOL Curriculum: • British curriculum Fee: QAR 36,300 Duration: Academic year: September 2020 - July 2021 Location: International Academic City Accrediting country: UK Enrolment Deadline: Please see Dess.org for details of enrollment dates. Tel: +974 4459 2750 Email: admissions@dess.org Website: https://www.dess.org/
HAMILTON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Curriculum: • IEYC - International Early Years Curriculum • International Primary Curriculum • International Middle Years Curriculum • American High School Diploma • International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
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Fee: QAR55,000 - Pre KG - KG1. QAR60,000 KG2 - Grade 4. QAR70,000 Grade 5 - Grade 8. A 15% Founder’s discount is available for newly joining families. Sibling discount is also available Duration: Annual calendar August - June Location: Doha, Messaieer Area Accrediting country: UK Enrolment Deadline: Rolling Admissions. Enrollment open per Ministry of Education Policy Tel: +974 4492 4343 Email: admissions@THIS.qa Website: https:// hamiltoninternationalschool.qa/
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF LONDON QATAR Curriculum: • International Baccalaureate Fee: 53,005 - 75,655 QAR Duration: Pre K - 12 Location: Doha, Qatar Enrolment Deadline: On-going Enrolment Tel: +97444338600 Email: mail@islqatar.org Website: www.islqatar.org
NORD ANGLIA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AL KHOR Curriculum: • British Curriculum from Foundation Stage to Year 12 • International Primary Curriculum • IGCSE • AS • A Level Fee:
Foundation 1 - QAR 31,400. Foundation 2 - QAR 36,800. Primary School - QAR 37, 200. Secondary School (Y7-Y9) – QAR 42,600. Secondary School (Y10 to Y13) – QAR 47,750 Duration: Full time education Location: Al Khor, Qatar Accrediting country: United Kingdom, Qatar Enrolment Deadline: Ongoing Tel: +974 4437 9600 Email: admissions.naisak@nais.qa Website: www.alkhor.nais.qa
SWISS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IN QATAR Curriculum: • International Baccalaureate Fee: https://www.sisq.qa/ admissions/school-fees Duration: Academic Year: August to June Location: Al Luqta, Doha, Qatar Enrolment Deadline: Admissions Ongoing Tel: +974 4036 3131 Email: admissions@sisq.qa Website: www.sisq.qa
THE AMERICAN SCHOOL OF DOHA Curriculum: • American Diploma- AP • International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Fee: 34,500 QR to 74,900 QAR Duration: August to June School Calendar Location: Al Soudan District, Al Waab Accrediting country: United State of America
Enrolment Deadline: Rolling enrollment Tel: +974 4459 1500 Email: admissions@asd.edu.qa Website: https://asd.sch.qa/
THE ROYAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL, GUILDFORD IN QATAR Curriculum: • British curriculum Fee: 46,200 - 60,000 QAR Duration: Nursery- Year 10 Location: Um Salal Accrediting country: UK Enrolment Deadline: September 2020 for September intake Tel: +974 4036 0450 Email: Admissions@rgsgq.com Website: www.rgsgq.com
CITY COLLEGE Courses Offered: • Higher National Certificate • Higher National Diploma in Business and Computing • International Foundation Diploma • BSc (Hons) in Business Studies Fee: 55000 – 65000 QAR Duration: HNC, IFD - 1 year, HND - 2 years, BSc - 4 years Location: Barwa Commercial Avenue, Building 39, Doha, Qatar Accrediting country: Qatar Enrolment Deadline: September, January Tel: +974 4019 8198 Email: info@citycollege.edu.qa Website: www.citycollege.edu.qa
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY IN QATAR Courses Offered: • Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service with Majors in Culture and Politics • International Economics • International Politics • International History as well as Minors in Arabic, Economics, Government, History, Philosophy, and Theology. Fee: https://www.qatar.georgetown.edu/ admissions/finances Duration: 4 years Accrediting Country: USA Enrolment Deadline: 1st of February Location: Education City, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 445 78100 Email: sfsqadmissions@ georgetown.edu Website: https://www.qatar.georgetown.edu/ admissions
HEC PARIS IN QATAR Courses Offered: • International Executive MBA • Specialized Master’s Degree in Strategic Business Unit Management • Executive Certificates • Executive Short Programs • Custom Programs Fee: International EMBA - $102,950 Specialized Master - $64,950 Executive Certificates - $10,975 Executive Short Programs (2 days) - $2,195 Duration: Part time modular format Enrolment Deadline:
International Executive MBA – February 2021 Specialized Master – November 2020 Executive Certificates – October 2020 Executive Short Program – rolling enrolment throughout the year Custom Program: available upon request Accrediting Country: Conference des Grandes Ecoles (France); AACSB (USA); EQUIS (Europe); AMBA (UK) Location: Tornado Tower, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 4454 0161 Email: admissionsqatar@hec-q. qf.org.qa Website: www.qatar.exed.hec.edu/
QATAR FINANCE AND BUSINESS ACADEMY NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY COURSES OFFERED: • BA (Hons) Accounting • BA (Hons) Finance and Investment Management • BA (Hons) International Banking and Finance (Top-up) • BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance (Top-up) MSc Finance (Full-Time one year) Fee: BA (Hons) Accounting - QR 64,000 per year BA (Hons) Finance and Investment Management - QR 64,000 per year BA (Hons) International Banking and Finance (Top-up) - QR 64,000 per year BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance (Top-up) - QR 64,000 per year MSc Finance (Full-Time one year) QR 75,000
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/LISTING Duration: BA BA (Hons) Accounting - up to 4 years BA (Hons) Finance and Investment Management – up to 4 years BA (Hons) International Banking and Finance (Top-up) - 1 year BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance (Top-up) - 1 year MSc Finance (Full-Time) - 1 year Accrediting Country: UK Enrolment Deadline: 1st July Location: West Bay, Qatar Tel: +974 4496 8329 Email: northumbria@qfba.edu.qa Website: northumbria.qfba.edu.qa
QATAR EDUCATION GUIDE
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY AT QATAR Courses Offered: • MS - Chemical Engineering • BS - Chemical Engineering • BS - Electrical Engineering • BS - Mechanical Engineering • BS - Petroleum Engineering Fee: https://www.qatar.tamu.edu/students/ tuition-financial-aid-and-scholarships Accrediting Country: USA Enrolment Deadline: Undergraduate admission — 1 March; Graduate admission — 15 May (fall) and 15 November (spring) Location: Education City Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 4423 0201
Email: admissions@qatar.tamu.edu Website: www.qatar.tamu.edu
ULSTER UNIVERSITY, QATAR (PARTNERSHIP WITH CITY COLLEGE) Courses Offered: • International Foundation Diploma • BSc (Hons) in Business Studies Fee: 65,000 QAR Duration: IFD - 1 year,BSc - 4 years. Enrolment Deadline: September, January Location: Barwa Commercial Avenue, Building 39, Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 4019 8198 Email: info@ulsteruniversity.qa Website: www.ulsteruniversity.qa
UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION COLLEGE Courses Offered: • International Foundation Year • General English Language • IGCSE and AS Tutoring Fee: International Foundation Year: QAR 73,000 General English Language Course: QAR 3,000 (4 Week Course), 7,000 (9 Week Course), QAR 10,500 (12 Week Course). IGCSE and As Tutouring : QAR 120 per hour Duration: International Foundation Year 9 months Full Time Accrediting Country: UK Enrolment Deadline: 24th Sep. 2020 for September Intake
Location: Madinat Khalifa South , Al Jazeera Al Arabia St.34, Doha-Qatar Tel: +974 4444 1292 , +974 4444 1291 , +974 50496882 Email: admissions@ufc.edu.qa, enquiries@ ufc.edu.qa Website: https://ufc.edu.qa/
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS IN QATAR Courses Offered: • Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in fashion design, graphic design, interior design and painting and printmaking • Bachelor of Arts degree in art history
• Master of Fine Arts degree in design Fee: Undergraduate: https://www.qatar.vcu.edu/ undergraduate-admissions-new/ cost-of-study Graduate: https://www.qatar.vcu.edu/graduateadmissions-new/cost-of-study Duration: Full Time Program Accrediting Country: US Enrolment Deadline: Fall 2020 (August 2020) Location: Education City - Doha, Qatar Tel: +974 4402 0555 Email: vcuqadmission@vcu.edu Website: www.qatar.vcu.edu
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IT SAVES WEAR A MASK
GUIDE 2020
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