ACADEMIC POLICY FOR THE THREE COMPULSORY SUBJECTS (Arabic Language, Islamic studies, Qatar history)
ACADEMIC POLICY FOR THE THREE COMPULSORY SUBJECTS
(Arabic Language, Islamic studies, Qatar history) In accordance with MOE circular -11 (2021), all schools including private and community schools must include the study of Arabic language, Islamic studies, and Qatar History within the curriculum. The objective of the delivery of these subjects is to promote Qatar’s national identity, Arab and Islamic values.
PUPIL NATIONALITY:
PUPIL CATEGORIES:
The nationality of each pupil is determined by the passport linked to their Qatar ID. While some pupils may hold dual passports or multiple nationalities, only the nationality associated with the Qatar ID is recognised by the Ministry of Education. This designation applies to all official school purposes, including registration and the regulation of the three compulsory subjects.
The delivery of three compulsory subjects is divided into two categories: pupils of Arab nationalities and pupils of nonArab nationalities.
ARAB NATIONALITIES Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, State of Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen
Curriculum Summary (Arab Nationals) Arabic Language Subject
EYFS
Native Arabic
Curriculum time
2 lessons per week
Year 1 – Year 9
Year 10 & Year 11
Year 12
Pupils of Arab nationalities must study the language in Arabic.
Pupils of Arab nationalities must choose to study MOE curriculum for native Arabic OR select first language Arabic as an IGCSE subject option.
Pupils of Arab nationalities must choose to study MOE curriculum for native Arabic OR select first language Arabic as an A-Level subject option in an after school slot 2 pm-3 pm 3 days per week.
4 lessons per week
4 lessons per week
4 lessons per week
MOE curriculum for native Arabic will be evaluated internally in accordance with MOE specifications.
MOE curriculum for native Arabic will be evaluated internally in accordance with MOE specifications.
IGCSE First language Arabic will be examined by the relevant international examination board.
AS and A2 First language Arabic will be examined by the relevant international examination board.
IGCSE First language Arabic certificate issued by the applicable examination board.
AS and A2 First language Arabic certificate issued by the applicable international examination board.
Assessment
Internal evaluation in accordance with specifications from the MOE
Reporting
The assessment outcome will be included in the pupil’s school report.
Non-Arab nationalities: all other countries
Arabic Language
Arab nationals MOE curriculum for native Arabic
Non-Arab nationals Curriculum for non-native Arabic approved by the MOE
Islamic studies (Applies to pupils registered as
Muslim on school registration records)
Arab nationals Delivered in Arabic.
Qatar History
Non-Arab nationals
Arab nationals
Non-Arab nationals
Delivered in English.
Delivered in Arabic.
Delivered in English.
Islamic Studies Subject
EYFS
Year 1 – Year 9
Year 12
Pupils of Arab nationalities registered as Muslim on school registration records must study the MOE specified curriculum for Islamic studies delivered in Arabic.
Islamic studies
Curriculum time
Year 10 & Year 11
1 lesson per week
2 lessons per week 120 minutes
2 lessons per week 120 minutes
2 lessons per week 120 minutes
Assessment
MOE curriculum for Islamic studies will be evaluated internally in accordance with MOE specifications.
Reporting
Islamic Studies will be included in the pupil’s school report.
Qatar History Subject
Year1 – Year 9 (Does not apply to Year 10 and above)
Qatar History
Pupils of Arab nationalities must study Qatar History in accordance with MOE specifications, delivered in Arabic.
Curriculum time
1 lesson per week
Assessment
MOE curriculum for Qatar History will be evaluated internally in accordance with MOE specifications.
Reporting
Qatar History will be included in the pupil’s school report.
“ The objective of the
delivery of these subjects is to promote the Qatar national identity, Arab and Islamic values.
”
Curriculum Summary (Non-Arab Nationals) Arabic Language
Subject
Non -native Arabic
Curriculum time
Assessment
Reporting
EYFS
Year 1- Year 6
All pupils in EYFS are taught nonnative Arabic curriculum approved by the MOE.
Pupils in Primary are taught nonnative Arabic as part of the languages curriculum, approved by the MOE.
2 lessons per week
2 lessons per week 120 minutes
Year 7- Year 9 (KS3)
Year 10- Year 12 (KS4& KS5)
Pupils study one language in KS3 and can choose Arabic as their language option.
Pupils who choose to study Arabic can choose Arabic (non-native) as an IGCSE and A-Level subject option.
4 lessons per week
4 lessons per week
240 minutes
240 minutes
Non-native Arabic will be evaluated internally in accordance with school curriculum and MOE specifications.
Assessment outcome will be included in the pupil’s school report.
IGCSE and A-Level non-native Arabic will be examined by the relevant international examination board
IGCSE and A-Level non-native Arabic certificate issued by the applicable international examination board
Islamic Studies
Subject
EYFS
Year 1 - Year 12 (All year groups) Pupils of non- Arab nationalities registered as Muslim on school registration records must study Islamic studies, delivered in English as approved by the MOE.
Islamic studies 1 lesson per week
Curriculum time
1 lesson per week
Assessment
MOE curriculum for Islamic studies will be evaluated internally in accordance with MOE specifications.
Reporting
Islamic Studies will be included in the pupil’s school report.
Qatar History Subject
FS1 - Year 9 (Does not apply to Year 10 and above)
Qatar History
All pupils of non-Arab nationalities must study Qatar History in accordance with MOE specifications, delivered in English.
Curriculum time
60 minutes per week
Assessment
MOE curriculum for Qatar History will be evaluated internally in accordance with MOE specifications.
Reporting
Qatar History will be included in the pupil’s school report.
Q. How are pupils categorised into Arab nationals and non-Arab nationals? The nationality of a pupil is determined by the passport/nationality linked to the pupil’s Qatar ID. It is common for pupils to hold dual passports, however the nationality linked to the Qatar ID is the only one of relevance for all school purposes inclusive of, but not limited to registration and regulation of the three compulsory subjects. Pupils registered on their Qatar ID under an Arab country are considered as Arab nationals and all other nationalities are considered non-Arab nationals. Arab nationalities: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, State of Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen Non-Arab nationalities: all other countries
Q. If a pupil is registered under a non-Arab nationality, can they attend native Arabic lessons? Pupils registered as non-Arab nationals are not eligible to attend Native Arabic lessons. They would instead be enrolled in the Non-Native Arabic provision.
Frequent Questi
tly Asked tions
Q. If a pupil is registered as a non-Muslim pupil, can they attend Islamic studies lessons? Pupils who are not registered as Muslim will not be eligibile to attend Islamic Studies. They will instead be enrolled in PSHCE / Global citizenship lessons. Q. Can the school exempt a pupil registered under an Arab nationality from studying native Arabic due to difficulty in coping with first language Arabic? This is possible if the pupil receives an exemption from the Ministry of Education. Procedure for requesting an exception from studying native Arabic / Arabic as a first language: 1) Parents to submit a letter addressed to the Principal outlining the request and including the reasons for the request in detail. 2) Once the application is received, the Arabic department prepares an application to the Ministry of Education with the relevant paperwork, including the school’s recommendation 3) The Ministry of Education to review the application and provide a date of an interview / assessment to gauge the pupil’s ability in Arabic language. The interview will be held directly with the pupil. Parents or school staff members are not to be involved. 4) The Ministry of Education to issue a final decision on the request.
Frequent Questi Q. Can the school exempt a pupil registered as Muslim on school registration records from Islamic Studies lessons? The school does not have the authority to update religion records or make exceptions on Ministry stipulations. Parents who wish to update religion records, must approach the Ministry of Interior (MOI) directly with proof of change, such as a birth certificate, following which the school will seek confirmation from the MOI and update the religion record and the pupils timetable.
Q. What is the mandatory requirement on the number of years of schooling prior to a pupil progressing to University? As per circular 11(2021) from the Ministry of Education, a pupil must complete 12 years of schooling and complete the associated qualifying examinations administered by the school in order to progress to University. The Ministry of Education does not allow schools to recognise qualifications obtained by their registered pupils sitting examinations at external centers such as the British Council.
Q. What are the options available for study of Arabic Language in KS4 (Year 10 and Year 11) and KS5 (Year 12)? Pupils of Arab nationalities must study the Ministry of Education curriculum for Arabic OR select First Language Arabic as an IGCSE option /A Level option. The study of Arabic Language is optional for pupils of non-Arab nationalities in KS4 and KS5. Pupils wishing to continue the study of Arabic may select Arabic as an IGCSE /A Level option.
tly Asked tions
Q. What are the options available for study of Islamic studies in KS4 (Year 10 and Year 11) and KS5 (Year 12)? Pupils from Arab nationalities, registered as Muslim on school records must study the Ministry of Education curriculum for Islamic studies, delivered in Arabic. Pupils from non-Arab nationalities, registered as Muslim on school records must study the Islamic studies curriculum from the Ministry of Education delivered in English.
Q. Is it possible for parents to update the nationality of a pupil on school records, if a pupils holds dual passports ? The nationality of a pupil is determined by the passport/nationality linked to the pupil’s Qatar ID and any changes in nationality within registration records can occur only if the required nationality is linked to the pupil’s Qatar ID. Parents may approach the Ministry of Interior and Immigration to link the required nationality/passport to the pupil’s Qatar ID. The school cannot make any updates to the records unless the process with the MOI is completed.
Q. If a pupil falls under the category of non-Arab nationality and non-Muslim and studies Arabic Language and Islamic studies independently. Can they sit the IGCSE /A-Level examination for these subjects through Doha College? Yes, a pupil registered at Doha College can sit additional IGCSE / A-Level examinations at Doha College. Standard examination charges will apply.
Q. Who can I contact for further discussion on delivery of Arabic Language, Islamic Studies and Qatar History at Doha College? Mr Gamal Shawkey Head of Primary Arabic & Director of the 3 Compulsory Subjects gshawkey@dohacollege.com
Summary of curriculum delive Scenario
EYFS (FS1 & FS2)
Primary (Year 1-6)
Subject
Arabic
Islamic Studies
Qatar History
Arabic
Islamic Studies
Arab national & Muslim
2 lessons per week
1 lesson per week in Arabic
N/A
4 lessons native Arabic per week
2 lessons per week in Arabic
Arab national & non-Muslim
2 lessons per week
N/A
N/A
4 lessons native Arabic per week
N/A
Non-Arab national & Muslim
2 lessons per week
1 lesson per week in English
N/A
2 lessons per week in nonnative Arabic
2 lessons per week in English
Non-Arab national and non-Muslim
2 lessons per week
N/A
N/A
2 lessons per week in nonnative Arabic
N/A
*Pupils of Arab nationalities must study the Ministry of Education curriculum for Arabic OR select First Lang non-Arab nationalities in KS4 and KS5. Pupils wishing to continue the study of non-native Arabic may selec
ery for different scenarios Secondary (Year 7-9)
*Secondary (Year 10-12)
Qatar History
Arabic
Islamic Studies
Qatar History
Arabic
Islamic Studies
1 lesson per week in Arabic
4 lessons native Arabic per week
2 lessons per week in Arabic
1 lesson per week in Arabic
4 lessons native Arabic per week
2 lessons per week in Arabic
1 lesson per week in Arabic
4 lessons native Arabic per week
N/A
1 lesson per week in Arabic
4 lessons native Arabic per week
N/A
1 lesson per week in English
4 lessons per week in non native Arabic based on language choice
2 lessons per week in English
1 lesson per week in English
4 lessons non native Arabic per week based on option choice
2 lessons per week in English
1 lesson per week in English
4 lessons per week in non native Arabic based on language choice
1 lesson per week in English
4 lessons nonnative Arabic per week based on option choice
N/A
N/A
guage Arabic as an IGCSE option /A Level option. The study of Arabic Language is optional for pupils of ct Second language Arabic as an IGCSE option /A Level option.
Doha College is Qatar’s only not-for-profit British international school providing an outstanding education for pupils aged 3 to 18. For more than 45 years, the College has welcomed families from across the world into a diverse, inclusive and ambitious community. Our purpose, Inspiring Minds, shapes the experience of every pupil. Through our values of Discovery, Courage and Humanity, we encourage young people to explore their interests, embrace challenge, develop confidence and contribute positively to the world around them. OUR VISION
Inspiring Minds
OUR VALUES
NEED MORE INFORMATION? For admissions-based queries contact admissions@dohacollege.com For curriculum-based queries, contact gshawkey@dohacollege.com
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+974 4407 6777
PO Box 7506, Doha, State of Qatar
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