Education in Qatar e-Guide: Winter 2020/21 by Marhaba Information Guide, Qatar

ISSUE 79 WINTER 2020/21

E–G U I D E

Education in Qatar

C O N T E N T S • Education in Qatar • Useful Numbers • Arabic/Islamic Culture Courses • Education Courses, Tutoring and Lectures

Education EGUIDE M79.indd 1

• Special Features Technical High School for Girls Education for All Support for Mental Health

12/3/20 3:41 PM

Founder & Managing Editor Hilary Bainbridge Marhaba endeavours to quote accurate information and updates each of its sections every issue. However, the company accepts no responsibility or liability for any false, inaccurate, inappropriate or incomplete information presented, whether in print, on the website, or on social media channels. ÂŠ 2020/21 Marhaba Information Guide. All Rights Reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in any form, without written permission of the publishers.

Editorial Sarah Palmer (Editor) , Ola Diab (Deputy Editor) , Terry Sutcliffe Online Lubuna Jeffin Advertising Howard Bainbridge, Charlotte Wright Digital Lalaine Turqueza , Weslee Dizon, Ramla Mohamed Abdirahm Retail Sales Ayen Molina Design and Artwork Dick Tamayo , Mar Principe , Arnel Ramos Dana Public Relations PO Box 3797, Doha, Qatar Tel (+974) 4465 5533, 4465 0083 Fax (+974) 4465 5588 General Information marhaba@qatar.net.qa Retail Sales retailsales@marhaba-qatar.com

marhaba.qa

1/2 page HOUSE AD M79.indd 1

12/1/20 9:31 AM

Education

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa

The information contained in this guide has been checked and verified as correct as at the time of compilation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, information is subject to change. Follow marhaba.qa for the latest updates.

Useful Numbers Nurseries and Preschools • Primary and Secondary Schools • Specialised Schools • • Special Needs Education • Universities and Colleges of Higher Education • Academic Organisations and Learning Centres

Feature – Qatar’s First Technical High School for Girls The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) has opened the first technical high school for girls in Qatar, with admissions in the 2020–21 academic year.

Education in Qatar • Primary and Secondary Education • The Public Sector: The Ministry of Education and Higher Education; Public Schools • eEducation and eLiteracy; Increasing Educational Opportunities • The Private Sector: Nurseries and Kindergartens; Preschools Attached to Schools; Primary and Secondary Schools; The Outstanding Schools Initiative • Law Regulating Private Schools; Electronic Pre-Registration • Special Needs Education • Specialised Curriculum Schools • Tertiary Education and Bridge Programmes • Qatar Foundation; Universities in Qatar Foundation • Qatar University

Education

Map of Qatar

Map of Education City Education Courses, Tutoring and Lectures • Language Courses and Tuition • Community Classes and Extra‑mural Courses • Lectures/Discussions/Workshops

Arabic/Islamic Culture Courses Feature – Education For All The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, and the Education Above All Foundation (EAA) are providing education for children of underprivileged expatriate families in Qatar.

Feature – School Support for Mental Health The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has launched a programme to provide psychological services in schools.

M79 INTRO PAGES for e-guides SP 3.12.20 .indd 12

MARHABA

M79 WINTER 2020/21

12/4/20 12:46 PM

1A u

on rec

ion uct str

(Orb oad

ag o

Al Co rn ic

sim

Bi n ziz

rw Ba

Barwa Al Baraha

tre

yS erg

Stre

eet

Str

4 GREATER Map Ebook M79.indd 2

Rawdat Al Khail St

St a iy us ro Fu

afa

Gh af f

Jawaan

rR ee aim

e rk

MIL

Grand Hamad

s Me

ing

AHA

d St

ee j S

hmou

Al Khal

Bin Ma

mad Su h aim Bin Ha

pre

d Roa

Hamad Port Rd

Aba Seleel I/C

VW Audi Q-Auto

)

Stre

ajd R

i Al B

Al M

iza

a les

S al

Stre

l ta bi

try

Ind

CMC

Stre

(Or

Medical Commission

try

tri

t SElite

e Paper Stre Recycling

QRC

New Industrial Area

Ind

Newton British Academy

us Ind

Ocean Fish

t ree

Sub-station

Barwa City

Stre

Industrial Area

Masaken Mesaimeer

Religious Complex

Gulf Warehousing Company

ad Ro

Mesaieed Sealine Resort

Um h Al Weteyyat I/C m Al A Le kh h m a d C orridor ba I/ C – H amad Int’l Airport

Ansar Gallery

Pak Shama

Sub-station

Thuma 202

Drainage Dept

Sa ba

Al M ajd

reet

Al Hemaila Medical Centre

Grand Mall

Medical Commission

Newton Int’l Academy

Asian Town Cricket Stadium

ria

Al Ahli Sports Club

Mesaimeer I/C

Nissan

t mS

Mesaieed I/C

gy St

Police College

Ener

Police Training Institute

tria

Ind

Hazm Mebaireek General Hospital

Zaks Uniform Store Ideal Indian

Lulu Hypermarket

Elder Tree Nursery

Berlitz

Mesaimeer Cemetery

Regency Kahramaa Halls

E Ring Rd

Doha Mall Al Jazeera Academy

Are

East Street 33 I/C

et 3

Stre

rial

ust

Ind

Dragon Mart

FAHES

Porsche

m Com

Qatar Red Crescent

Umm Al Seneem I/C

Bar

Camp

A cial mer Com rkan wa A

Summit KG

Tank Farm

Safari Mind Institute

wa Bar d Jou

ara

Al Attiyah Souq

Immigration

Park House Qatar Ind Tech QDC Bangladesh

ven

East Street 23 I/C

So Wa

Al Doha Al Jadeda

Newton Int’l

New I/C

Ford

Chevrolet

Msheireb

St eb Mercure

D Ring Rd

ue ven a al A Safw erci

s Ka

Labour Dept

alw

Al Sailiya I/C

ori

Uto

lat Porsche

Bu Samra, KSA Umm Bab Mesaieed

Renault

Gulf Warehousing Co

Pak Education Centre

Ruqayya

i ad

Souq Waqif Bin Za

Alwadi

Four Points by Sheraton

air sh

Doha Academy Girls Al Ma Creativity ad Centre ee Egyptian dS Qatar t Skills AcademyLanguage TEK Cambridge Indian Alfardan Girls Cultural Gardens 3 MES Centre Doha Modern Mesaimeer Indian Mesaimeer Services

Al Sulaiti

New Central Market for Vegetables and Fish

Amiri Diwan

sta

Industrial Services Centre Fingerprinting for Companies Trafﬁc Investigation Division

Honda Volvo

12 2 17 13 34 5 6

ya Al Maamoura Trafﬁc Police

t ree

Museum o Islamic A

23 14 15

Little Academy

Alfardan Gardens 4 Dar Al-Salam Mall

01 Mall

Umm Al S enee

Toyota Nissan Mitsubishi

Bu Sidra I/C

Ona

PISQ

Bin Mahmoud

German School Doha

Mesaimeer Vaccination Unit Qatar Scientiﬁc Club

Ain Khaled Gate

Mannai

Al Sailiya Sports Club

t li S

d St eara Al M Ras

Al Maha

NBK

Oored

Hotel Park

Al Mourjan

Qatar National Theatre

La Cigale

QNA

BMW

Al Sadd

Al Sadd St

ale

CEID

Forensic Lab Dept

Bi n

Vet Surgery

Kh ed K h al

dor

Elder Tree Nursery

Ain

ita (Orb

5 Khaled Bin Ahmed I/C

Zakat Fund

Lycee Voltaire

Doha British

Joaan

Sherat

Al Bidda Park

Hospital

Avenue Millennium Royal Plaza

nduq

60STower t

i St hanCorniche

oad

Alfardan Gardens 2

Corniche

Fire Station

NCCCR Rumailah Heart Hamad Ambulance Al Bidda

Wyndham Grand Regency

Al Asmakh Mall

Abu Bakir Siddique

Warwick AIA

Al Fu

GPO

White Palace

Hamad

GAC

Garvey’s

o aR

Women’s

y Cit

zizi

ajd R Al M

Al Furousiya St

Tebah Gardens

Qatar Sports Club

in T dB

DECC

Tornado Tower

u Al Safa iM DoubleTree ad Chevrolet W Doha Clinic Gulf Pearls Al Sadd Hospital Westin Doha Cro B Ring Rd Al Muntazah Hotel & Spa P The Al Mirqab Centre Mall Al Meera Radisson Family Jarir Blu Food Centre aalishan d Sterling Step by Step Cafe R Al Manso a American Batteel lw Sa CESK Hospital CR Al Sadd Rawdat Nissan Club t CCQ ing Holiday Rd Al Khail bS Girls Garden Villa Al Jabor ali Al Asiri I/C iT Vision ASD Ab CAA Al Waab Bin Doha City Financial Marhaba Ali College Al Arabi Square Club Hyundai Al Meera Genesis Al Emadi Darwish Chevrolet t S Hospital L Dhreima Travel ul

Mitsubishi

Renault

r ts

Al A

Aziziya

Bi med Ah

an St

Al Sudan

Study Plus

Beverly Hills

Spo

Belgravia

idr

Doha Academy Al Waab Campus

t aS iliy Summit

Newton

eS Zon

Qatar Veterinary Centre

Academy

Al Rayy

British Council

Beverly Hills Gardens

Sport City

ir e

Al Aziziyah

Al S

Villaggio

Royal Vet

aab

Al W

Awqaf

Queen Medical Centre

Hyatt Plaza

t rri Co nS ye ad ay Er hm

Torch

Busy Bees Nursery

Khalifa Stadium 2022

Aspetar

KidsZania

Sedaira St

City

Debakey

Aspire Park

Aspetar

Asp

e mm ha Mo

Lulu

54 38

Al Waab

Aspire Zone

Al Aziziyah Boutique Hotel Academy

h St

Driving School

Al Rayyan Trafﬁc Police

Royal Hall

Wathnan Mall

rt Al Muait h e r No

fous

MoI HQ

City Center Retaj Doha Rayyan

The Gate

20 10

Town Centre

Diploma

t aS idd l B Palm

Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex Barzan

Nissan Civil Defence Al Ahli Hospital

lM uk ht ar

Newton

Al Jazeera

Imperial Suites

Al Jazi Gardens

36 37 11 Medical

Al Messila

u Al K h

Appletree Nursery

Al Rayyan Security Dept

5/6 I/CO Arches ma

West Bay

Volvo

InterContine

Messila

Al Salam St

University of Calgary

Edison

Philippine School of Doha

Al Messila Resort & Spa

Al Rayyan I/C

Al Shedaida St

Newton

Metro Stations

Al Jazira Al Arabiya St

ad in Ham

DESS

Khattab St

J as i m B

yan Al Jadeed S t

Compass

Racing & Equestrian Club

34 35

University Foundation College English Modern School

QBS QTV

French Nursery

tee

Qatar Guest Centre

Omar Bin Al

Al Rayyan Al Qadeem

Al Wajba St

Gold line Al Aziziyah - Ras Bu Abboud

Beverly Hills Al Rayan

Al Ray

t Al Q a l a h S

Red line Lusail - HIA T1 - Al Wakra Green line Al Riffa - Al Mansoura

Jarir H Bookstore

adeena St Al M

eday St Al B

Education City St Al Rayya

Ansar Gallery

Al Shaﬁ St

a ajb Al W

All trains connect at Msheireb Station

Makkah St

Al Shaqab

ta r

Imam Mohd Ibn Abdul Wahab Honda

Omar Bin Al Khattab

Swiss International

Makkah St Gate 5

Al Rayyan Municipality Food Centres

Doha College Al Wajba

Doha Metro Network

Edison

Trafﬁc Dept HQ

St Regis

uk h

Al Qassar

Doha Exhibition Centre

SEK Doha College WB Campus

West Bay Al Meera

Ab du lA

t Al R ayy an S

Al Shaqab

Chef’s Garden

EC Golf Club

ital)

Qatar Nat’l Library

EC Stadium 2022

Omar Al M

ial A Jee ven ra u

ad Ma jd

Al Lu

Mathaf

Oxygen Park

Chouiefat

Institut Francais du Qatar

Al Hazm

Khalifa St

Al Gharrafa I/C

Newton

Al Khafji St

32 33

Immigration Dept

21 High St

CCQ Boys

Elder Tree KG

Souq Al Ali

Education City

Madinat Khalifa

Gate 2

t ta S

sit

om me rc

Al Gharr afa St

Al Majd Road (Orbital)

Al Wajba

Porsche Quick Service

Al Luqta St

Katara

tic

Road

uard

National Library

Oyste

Dukhan

iri G

Compass QNCC Qatar

Car Park

Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI)

Starﬁsh Lane Kids

Park View Compass Pet Centre

Little Academy

Lusai lS

QSTP

in Jassim

Kanga’s Pouch

a St

Dahl Al Hamam Family Park

Onaiza St

LuLu

Education City Community Housing

T hani B

Edison

Tawar Mall

Al Markhiy

iﬁ

rhab

Al Ghaf St

Umm Lekhba I/C

22 Feb

Al Te

Al Jahanniya I/C

Ezdan Palace Landmark Mall

ACS Int’l School Ezdan Mall

Abraj Quartie

Diplomatic Club

Lusail St

AlRayyan Hotel

Al Riffa

Gulf Mall

et Stre

51 Education City Premier Inn

Jelaiah Complex

Qatar Canadian School

Duhail I/C

Ritz-Carlton

Legtaifiya

St on

Lycee Wadi Rawd a n St Voltaire

iya rkh Ma

Mall of Qatar

Starﬁsh Lane Kids 2

Al Khafji St

Gulf English School

il Lusa

Japan School

Interchange

e St

Sherborne

Riviera Gardens

Al Gharrafa Sports Club

13. Qatar Foundation Headquarters

Celebration Hall

Lagoona Mall

Grand Mondrian Hyatt

Legtaiﬁya Lagoon

College of the North Atlantic

Qatar Veterinary Centre

l St

uhai

Al D

14. Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) 15. Qatar National Library (QNL) 16. Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) 17. Sidra Medicine 18. Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) 19. Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) 20. Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) 21. Academyati

QIPCO

u Leag Arab

Al Rayyan Stadium 2022

Al G

Academic Bridge Program (ABP) Al Shaqab Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) Ceremonial Court Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) Education City Golf Club Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Mosque Multaqa (Student Center) Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) Oxygen Park Qatar Academy Doha (Primary School)

Marina

Staybridge Suites Doha Lusail Katara Hospitality

Doha Golf Club

Jeliah St

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

a aniy

hezl

( )

Education City EC

Interchange

Doha Shooting Club

North Gate Compass

QNTC MOCI Marina District

Doha Sports Park

Ministry of Education

Izghawa I/C

hawa

k Ze

Al Izg

Shafallah Centre

Qatar University

Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium (Lekhwiya Stadium)

Qatari Diar

Stre

WOQOD

FAHES

t et S kre Ze

Al Rufaa Street

19 20

rfa

Al Ta

Str

rfa

Vendome Mall

Energy City Qatar

Newton

Lusail City

Beverly Hills Lusail

r nde

Duhail Water Pumping Station

Al Kharaitiyat I//C

Fox Hills South

Qatar Petroleum District

The International School of London in Qatar

Doha Festival City

Crescent Park

e Rout

Qatar Finland Int’l School

IKEA

Dukhan Zekreet Al Sheehaniya Sheikh Faisal Museum

vard

Boule

ercial

Comm

Lusail

QATAR

Fox Hills North

d stal R

ACS

CGIS

prepared in cooperation with

Qetaifan Island North

Lusail Stadium 2022

r Coa

oad al R am

Doha

Map of Greater

Al Khor Semaisma Lusail

Sh Al

Al Shamal Al Ruwais Ras Laffan Al Zubara Al Khor Umm Garn Umm Slal

o Al Kh

Lusail Al Mazrooah Al Shamal Rd

Ras Laffan Al Shamal Al Zubara Al Khor Al Shamal Rd

12/5/20 11:41 AM

Birla

Qetaifan Island North

EMBASSY LOCATIONS

x ls th

Waterpark Project

Fox Hills South

Lusail City

Beverly Hills Lusail

Stre

il Lusa

rfa

Qatari Diar

WOQOD

QNTC MOCI

et Stre

Shafallah Centre

Marina

Katara Towers

Marina District

The Pearl-Qatar

Staybridge Suites Doha Lusail Katara Hospitality

Doha Sports Park

QIPCO

Doha Golf Club Ritz-Carlton

Abraj Quartier

St on

Chouiefat

Omar Al M

uk h

ta r

Porto Arabia

Viva Bahriya

Novo Cinemas

Sedra Arjaan Residences by Rotana

Ronautica

Water taxi service 31 Boat trips/hire

Marriott Hotel Sharq Village & Spa Fisherman’s Wharf Museum Of Islamic Art The Corniche Orrie Oryx City Center-Doha Hotel Park Hilton Hotel InterContinental Hotel

Diploma

DECC

Tornado Tower

Newton

West Bay

Qatar Sports Club

0 10

Al Fu

nduq

St da Bid Palm

Ooredoo

Hilton

Four Seasons

Hotel Park Sheraton

60STower t

Al Co rn ic

Khalifa Tennis & Squash Complex Barzan

City Center Retaj Doha Rayyan

rea

lM uk ht ar

The Gate

Mohd Wahab

lvo

DOHA HOP-OFF BUS SIGHTSEEING ROUTE stops at

InterContinental

A tic

Onaiza St

iya rkh Ma

St Regis

61 rA

GPO

Corniche

iza

Ona

Fire Station

t ni S Tha

Corniche

11 12 2 17 22 13 34 5 6 17 Al Bidda Park

NCCCR Rumailah Heart

Amiri Diwan

Movenpick

Alwadi

Four Points by Sheraton

National Museum of Qatar

he St Souq Al Cornic Waqif Bin Zaid MME

Msheireb

Grand Hamad

d St

ee j S

hmou

Al Sadd

Al Khal

Souq Waqif

Saraya

National Museum

Abbou

Ras Abu Aboud Stadium 2022

Doha Marriott

Sharq Village & Spa

Bin

t bS ire Mercure

Ras Bu

Banana Island by Anantara

d St

16 23 14 15 27

La Cigale

mad Su h aim Bin Ha

Bin Ma

amad Ambulance Al Bidda ospital Vet Surgery

Doha Port

Museum of Islamic Art

i Al B

White Palace

Ras Bu Abboud

Abu Baqr

Bu Ab bou t d S

Rawdat Al Khail St

Ras

ng Rd

F Ri

St daill

Air Force I/C

Al Fa

Liberia

Armenia

Libya

Australia

Macedonia

Malaysia

Azerbaijan

Mali

Bangladesh

Mauritania

Belarus

Mexico

Belgium

Moldova

Benin

Morocco

Bosnia & H

Nepal

Brazil

Netherlands

Brunei

Niger

Bulgaria

Nigeria

Burkina Faso

Oman

Canada

Pakistan

C. African Rep

Palestine

Chile

Panama

China

Paraguay

Costa Rica

Peru

Croatia

Philippines

B3 B4

Kahramaa Water Project

Airport (49) I/C

B Square Mall

in GR

Birla

MegaMart

Umm Besher I/C

Najma

Ras Abu Funtas Power Station

Souq Al Wakra

Al Wakra

Newton British Academy

untas St Bu F Ras Celebration Hall

Soud Bin Abdulrahman Street

Al Wukair I/C

et a Stre Najm n from

Al Meera

Souq Al Wakra d

r Roa

ukai

Al W

Al Wakra Hospital

Al Wakra

Mesaieed Road Hamad Port

Al Jabal St

GREATER Map Ebook M79.indd 3

eed Road

Al Janoub Stadium 2022

Ezdan Mall

Ezdan 31

Public Beach

Poland

Portugal

Djibouti

Romania

Dom. Rep.

Russia

Ecuador

Senegal

El Salvador

Serbia

Eritrea

Singapore

eSwatini

Somalia

Ethiopia

South Africa

France

Spain

Gambia

Sri Lanka

Georgia

Sudan

Germany

Sweden

Ghana

Switzerland

Greece

Syria

Hungary

Tajikistan

India

Tanzania

Indonesia

Thailand

Iran

Tunisia

Iraq

Turkey

Italy

Uganda

Ivory Coast

Ukraine

Japan

United Kingdom

Jordan

United States

Kazakhstan

of America

Kenya

Uruguay

Korea (S)

Venezuela

Kosovo

Vietnam

Hospital

Mosque

Shopping Mall

Bookstore

Religious Complex

Cultural Landmarks

Sports Stadium

Petrol Station

Government Ofﬁce

School, College, Club

Veterinary Clinic

Housing Complex

Club

Sub-station

Auto Dealer

Restaurant

Non-stop Expressway

Health Centre

Road Interchange

New Interchange

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

Park

Souq Al Wakra Hotel

Me s a i

Ezdan 3

Al Wukair

Vision International

Doha British

nsio

ha Do

Ezdan 10

Al Wakra Sports Club

Noble International School

GEMS Grand American Hypermarket Academy Ezdan 7 Pharmacy Ezdan 8

Exte

Ezdan 5

Ezdan 6

akra

Ezdan 4

Al W

Al Meshaf I/C

Cyprus

Hotel

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 14 15 16 17

Ras Bu Fontas

Barwa Village

arwa City

Full details of Qatar’s districts and zones on gisqatar.org.qa

Free Zone

ng Rd

F Ri

b-station

Lebanon

(zones comprise one or more districts, some of which are listed below) s Ra

b uA

R kra Wa

Pak Shama

Masaken Mesaimeer

Religious Complex

Argentina

THE ZONES OF DOHA ud

Al Meera

nsar lery

ri St

b Um a h Al Weteyyat I/C m Al A Le kh h m a d C orridor ba I/ C – H amad Int’l Airport

47 Ansa

Mesaimeer I/C

ub Al

Drainage Dept

Kahramaa Awareness Park

Kings College

Medical Commission

HIA T1

Ayyo

Thumama 2022

Sub-station

ria

Supreme American Education Academy Council

Algeria

Airport Trafﬁc Division

Naﬁe St

aks form ore

Concourse C

Abu

Berlitz

Tank Farm

Doha Mall Al Jazeera Academy

Oqba Bin

Oryx Airport Hotel

Oqba Ibn Nafie

Shoprite

E Ring

E Ring Rd

migration

Kyrgyz Rep

Legend

Airport

Montezine

Qatar Red Crescent

Mesaimeer Mesaimeer Services

Summit KG

Indian Cultural Centre

The Mall IAID

Al Ahli Sports Club

Cambridge Girls MES

Elder Tree Nursery

Doha Academy

LuLu

Regency Kahramaa Halls

Newton Int’l

D Ring Rd

Hamad International Airport

Air

41 42

man ool ha

2526 Najma St

C Ring Rd

h Al Doha Premier Inn Al Safa Mahmoud i Mus Capital Al Jadeda ad Chevrolet Qatar Al Liwan Police W Clinic Gulf Pearls Aeronautical ital Concorde College Westin Doha Crowne B Ring Rd Jarir Bookstore Al Muntazah Hotel & Spa Plaza The Doha Heliport ab Chevrolet Centre Holiday Umm Al Meera Radisson Inn Jarir Blu Ghuwailina aalishan Sterling Al Meera Rd Oryx Al Mansoura American wa Rotana Ford C R Hospital AAB Mashreq Rawdat ssan t CCQ ing Bank Al Mana Holiday Al Matar Al Qadeem Rd Al Khail bS Girls d Garden Villa Al Jabor ali R Chrysler T g i Vision C Rin Ab CAA Bin Gulf Times Financial Marhaba Ali Safeer Arrayah Al Arabi Square Gulf Club Rd Family g Warehousing Food Centre Al Meera Alfardan Rin Al Emadi Darwish D Hospital Le Mirage Gardens Travel

Katara The Pearl-Qatar Lagoona Mall Al Bidda Park Souq Waqif Qatar National Museum Grand Mosque QNCC Al Shaqab Mathaf Museum

Al Mourjan

Qatar National Theatre

Kuwait

Cuba

Al Qassar

5/6 I/CO Arches ma

Al Jazi Gardens

Floresta Gardens

Beach

Perlita Gardens

Medina Centrale

The PearlQatar

Porsche

Beach

SEK Doha College WB Campus era

in dB

Doha Exhibition Centre

Newton

Al Khafji St Institut Francais du Qatar

La Cr

21 High St

aw d a n

Katara

Lusail St

ag o

iﬁ

Oyster

Diplomatic Club

14 15

ette ois

Lusai l St

Marsa Malaz Kempinski

Beach

Qanat Quartier

Hilton The Pearl

Legtaifiya

oi La Cr sette

Lagoona Mall

Grand Mondrian Hyatt

Legtaiﬁya Lagoon

Albania

Austria

Vendome Mall

rgy ty tar

Al Ta

Lusail Marina

Afghanistan

Al Jasra Al Bidda Mohd Bin Jasim Mushaireb Barahat Al Jufairi Old Al Ghanim Al Souq Wadi Al Sail Arumaila, Armeilla Al Bidda Abdul Aziz Al Doha Al Jadeeda Old Al Ghanim Sharg Zone/ Al Hitmi/Al Rufaa Sharg Zone/Slata Doha Port Wadi Al Sail Al Rumeila, Armeilla Bin Mahmoud Bin Mahmoud Rawdat Al Khail Al Mansoura/ Bin Derhem Najma Umm Ghuwailina

28 Sharg Zone/ Al Khulaifat 29 Ras Bu Abboud 30 Duhail 31 Umm Lekhba 32 Madinat Khalifa (N) 33 Al Markhiya 34 Madinat Khalifa (S) 35 Kulaib 36 Al Messila 37 New Al Hitmi/ Bin Omran Hamad Medical City 38 Al Sadd 39 Al Nasr/Al Sadd Al Mirqab Al Jadeed 40 New Slata 41 Nuaija 42 Al Hilal 43 Al Maamoura, Nuaija 44 Nuaija 45 Old Airport 46 Mesaimeer/ Al Thumama 47 Al Thumama 48 Doha Int'l Airport 49 Hamad Int'l Airport/ Banana Island

51 Al Gharrafa/ Bani Hajer 52 Al Luqta/Lebday Old Al Rayyan/ Al Shaqab 53 New Al Rayyan Muaither, Al Wajba 54 Al Soudan, Mehairja, Muraikh, Luaib, Baaya 55 Al Soudan, Al Waab 56 Bu Hamour, Mesaimeer, Ain Khaled 57 Industrial Area 60 Al Dafna 61 Al Dafna, Al Gassar 62 Lekhwair 63 Onaiza 64 Lejbailat 65 Onaiza 66 Legtaiﬁya, Onaiza 67 Hazm Al Markhiya 68 Jelaiah, Al Tarfa 69 Al Egla 70 Wadi Al Banat, Al Ebb Rawdat Al Hamama

Arabian Dhows

Time Rako

5 12/5/20 11:40 AM

QATAR EDUCATION E-GUIDE Â©

MARHABA

6 SASOL E NATURE AD M79.indd 1

12/4/20 1:12 PM

Â©

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

7 BRITISH COUNCIL for ebook eguide AD M79.indd 1

12/4/20 1:13 PM

“From little

acorns, mighty oak trees grow

English 14th century proverb

”

QATAR EDUCATION E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

8 ACORN NURSERY AD M79.indd 1

12/4/20 1:14 PM

Useful Numbers

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa

Ministry of Education and Higher Education C4 4404 4044, 4404 4444 edu.gov.qa Al Jazeera Academy E3 British EYFS/National Curriculum/ IGCSE 4469 3777 aja.edu.qa

Acorn Nursery English Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Curriculum Ain Khaled E3 4038 7684 Al Khor 4471 3597 acornqatar.com Calgary Int'l Pre-School (CIPS) D2 Alberta Early Childhood Curriculum 4416 1760, 5582 3005 cips-qatar.com CESK Pre-school D3 British Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 4413 5675 ceskonline.com Elder Tree Nursery and KG British Curriculum Ain Khaled (KG) E3 4498 4984 Al Luqta C3 4435 5223 Nuaija (Nursery) D4 4455 1020 elder-tree.com The English Kindergarten E3 British Curriculum 4491 9318, 5511 6312 tek.com.qa Fun First Nursery B4 British EYFS Curriculum 4411 0953 funfirstnursery.com Giggles Nursery C2 Approach Curriculum 4488 0017, 3318 8331 my-giggles.com Gulf English Nursery C2 British EYFS Curriculum 4436 4756 gulfenglishnursery.com Kanga's Pouch Nursery C3 British EYFS Curriculum 4416 8931, 7788 6171 kangaspouch.com

Little Academy Nursery American Curriculum Al Maamoura D3 4460 2713 Al Markhiya C3 4411 0027 littleacademy.qa Little Genius Nursery B3 British Curriculum 4483 3591 littlegeniusnursery.com Montezine Nursery of Doha D4 British Curriculum 4466 1250 montezinenursery.com Noor International Kindergarten C2 Kindergarten 4427 9739 facebook.com/ NoorInternationalKindergarten Perles d’Avenir Nursery B4 French Curriculum 4481 7611 perlesdavenirqatar.com Summit Academy Kindergarten American Curriculum Al Manaseer (main) D2 4468 8590 Duhail (KG) B3 4466 3802 office.summitacademy@gmail.com Steady Steps Nursery C3 American Curriculum 4447 9687, 5562 5375 facebook.com/SteadyStepsNursery Treehouse Nursery C4 British Curriculum 4493 3936, 6600 0486 facebook.com/treehouseqatar

American School of Doha (ASD) D3 American, Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) 4459 1500 asd.edu.qa Arab Int'l Academy D3 International Baccalaureate 4041 4999 aia.qa

Useful Numbers

Nursery/Preschools

Al Khor Int'l School UK and Indian Curriculums 4473 3688 akis.sch.qa

Blyth Academy Qatar D3 Province of Alberta Curriculum 4421 7553/4 blythacademyqatar.com Compass Int'l School International Primary Curriculum/ IB/British Curriculum/ International GCSE Al Gharrafa C2 4034 9666 Al Rayyan C3 4034 9777 Al Themaid B1 4034 6801 Madinat Khalifa C3 4034 9888 nordangliaeducation.com Doha British School (DBS) National Curriculum (UK), IB Ain Khaled E3 4019 8000 Al Wakra F5 4019 8080 dohabritishschool.com dbswakra.com Doha College C2 National Curriculum (UK) Al Wajba 4407 6777 dohacollege.com

Primary/Secondary Schools

Doha English Speaking School (DESS) C3 National Curriculum (UK) 4459 2750 dess.org

ACS Int'l School C3 American Curriculum, IB 4474 9000/1 acs-schools.com

DPS Modern Indian School F5 CBSE India 4449 9100 dpsmisdoha.com

*Int'l is short for International ©

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

9 eBook USEFUL NUMBERS Education M79.indd 1

12/3/20 10:23 AM

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa

Useful Numbers

Edison Int'l Academy British Curriculum Al Markhiya C3 4488 7135 Dahl Al Hamam C3 4037 0653 Muaither D2 4427 5927 edisonqatar.com English Modern School International Curriculum Al Khor 4450 2172 emskhor.net Al Messila C3 4488 3806/7 emsdoha.net Al Wakra F5 4417 3494, 4411 1911 emswakra.net GEMS American Academy F5 American, Creative Curriculum for Preschool 4032 9000 gemsamericanacademy-qatar.com GEMS Wellington School F4 British Curriculum 4041 7444/5 gemswellingtonschool-qatar.com German Int'l School Doha D4 IB Programmes 4451 6836 ds-doha.de Gulf English School C2 IGCSE, International Baccalaureate 4457 8777 gulfenglishschool.com Hamilton International School E4 International Curriculum 4492 4343, 3329 6569 hamiltoninternationalschool.qa Ideal Indian School E3 CBSE India 4468 4849 idealschoolqatar.com The Int’l School of Choueifat - Doha B4 British/American Curriculums 4495 9595 iscdoha.sabis.net The Int'l School of London (ISL) Qatar A2/A3 International Baccalaureate 4433 8600 islqatar.org King’s College, Doha E4 British Curriculum 4496 5888 kingscollegedoha.com

The Lebanese School C4 Lebanese Curriculum 4493 4545 lsq.sch.qa Lycée Bonaparte C4 French Curriculum/IB 4496 0300 lycee-bonaparte.fr Lycée Franco-Qatarien Voltaire French Curriculum/IB Al Aziziya D3 4035 4025 Al Dafna B3 4035 4060 Al Waab D3 4035 4065 lyceevoltaire.org MES Indian School E3 CBSE India 4457 2888 mesqatar.org Michael E. DeBakey High School – Qatar D3 American Curriculum (focus on Science and Mathematics) 4499 9851 debakeyatqatar.org Newton British Academy National Curriculum (UK) Al Dafna B3 4493 5507 Barwa City E4 4006 1501 Ezdan Oasis F4 4434 0144 newtonschools.sch.qa Newton British School National Curriculum (UK) Al Waab D3 4447 2427 Muraikh D2 6647 7410 newtonschools.sch.qa Newton Int'l Academy National Curriculum (UK) Barwa City F3 4001 6401 newtonschools.sch.qa Newton Int'l School National Curriculum (UK) D Ring Road D4 4466 6246 Legtaifiya (Lagoon) B4 4412 2254 West Bay B4 4493 5507 newtonschools.sch.qa Nord Anglia Int'l School British Curriculum Al Khor 4437 9600 nordangliaeducation.com/our-schools/al-khor

Northview International School Artemis Education 3038 5685 northview.school

*Int'l is short for International QATAR EDUCATION E-GUIDE ©

Oryx Int'l School E4 National Curriculum (UK) 4036 0080 Enquiries 4036 0063 admissions@oryxschool.qa Pak Shama School and College E4 FBISE Islamabad, Pakistan 4416 3712 pakshama.edu.qa Palestinian School E3 4436 4152 pal-school.info Park House English School E3 National Curriculum (UK) 4468 3800 parkhouseschool.com Pearling Season Int'l School of Doha (PSI) D4 British Curriculum 4032 2408/07, 7707 8282 psisd.com.qa Philippine School Doha C3 Filipino Curriculum 4440 9888 psdqatar.com Qatar Academy C2 International Baccalaureate 4454 2000 qa.edu.qa Qatar Academy Msheireb C2 Dual Language Programme 4454 2116 qam.qa Qatar-Finland Int'l School A3 Finnish-Qatari Curriculum 4012 7888/7890 qfischool.com Qatar Int'l School C4 National Curriculum (UK) 4483 3456, qis.org The Royal Grammar School (RGS) Guildford in Qatar A2 British Curriculum 4036 0450 rgsgq.com SEK Int'l School C3 International Baccalaureate PYP Curriculum 4012 7633 sek.qa Sherborne Qatar C2 National Curriculum (UK) 4459 6562, 4459 6400 sherborneqatar.org

MARHABA

10 eBook USEFUL NUMBERS Education M79.indd 2

12/3/20 10:23 AM

Â©

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

11 NORTHVIEW JAN M79.indd 1

1/20/21 11:20 AM

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa Summit Academy American Curriculum Al Manaseer (main) E2 4468 8590 Al Nuaija West (KG) D4 4466 3802 summitacademyqatar.com

Useful Numbers

Swiss Int'l School Qatar C3 International Baccalaureate 4036 3131, 7070 6963 sisq.qa Vision Int'l School F5 American Curriculum 4487 0995 vis.qa

Doha Institute for Graduate Studies B3 4035 6810 dohainstitute.edu.qa Georgetown University in Qatar C2 4457 8100 qatar.sfs.georgetown.edu Global Studies Institute D3 3007 6005 gis-qatar.org Hamad Bin Khalifa University C2 4454 0272 hbku.edu.qa HEC Paris in Qatar C2 4454 0161 qatar.exed.hec.edu

Specialised Schools Awsaj Academy C2 Specialised Curriculum for children needing an Alternative Education Plan 4454 2111, tlc.edu.qa Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence D3 Modified Qatari Curriculum/ Sports Development 4413 6570 aspire.qa Qatar Leadership Academy American Curriculum, IB and Leadership Training 4043 9298 qla.edu.qa

Special Needs Education Mind Institute E3 3337 7648, 4418 1968 mindinstitutes.com Shafallah Center A4 Adapted Curriculums in Arabic for children with special needs 4495 6666 shafallah.org.qa

Universities/Colleges Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar C2 4454 8400 qatar.cmu.edu College of the North Atlantic-Qatar B3 4495 2222 cna-qatar.com

Qatar Aeronautical College C5 4440 8888 qac.edu.qa

Academic Bridge Program C2 4454 2120/1 abp.edu.qa Al Seraj Training Centre C3 7700 1379 serajlc.net Belgravia High School D3 4016 5151, 3323 9669 belgraviadoha.com Berlitz Language Centre E4 4455 0506/7 berlitz-qatar.com British Council D3 800 5501 britishcouncil.qa Geometric Learning Centre D3 English, Maths, Science, Arabic and French 4427 9295, 3333 2468 geometric-centre.com

Qatar University B3 4403 3333 qu.edu.qa

IAID D4 Performing arts 4444 1234, 4432 0974 iaid.qa

Stenden University Qatar D3 4488 8116 stenden.edu.qa

Institut Français du Qatar B4 4493 0862 institutfrancais-qatar.com

Texas A&M University Qatar C2 4423 0201 qatar.tamu.edu

Qatar Foundation C2 4454 0000 qf.org.qa

University of Calgary-Qatar C2 4406 5200 ucalgary.edu.qa

Qatar Science and Technology Park C2 4454 7070 qstp.org.qa

University College London Qatar C2 4000 2600 ucl.ac.uk/qatar University Foundation College C3 Pre Foundation, NCUK, IELTS 4444 1291 ufc.edu.qa Ulster University, City University College D4 4019 8198 ulsteruniversity.edu.qa cityuniversitycollege.edu.qa VCUarts Qatar C2 4402 0555 qatar.vcu.edu Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar C2 4492 8000 qatar-weill.cornell.edu

Qatar Skills Academy E3 Vocational Training 4416 1622 qatarskillsacademy.com StudyPlus Academic Tutoring D3 IGCSE/A Level/IB/AP/Skill Booster 4442 4294 thestudyplus.com ScorePlus Test Preparation D3 SAT/SATII/ACT/IELTS/GMAT/GRE 4436 8580 princetonreviewme.com Qatar Int'l Beauty Academy (Tajmeel) C2 4436 3057 qiba.com.qa Translation and Interpreting Institute (TII) C2 4454 2578 tii.qa

Checked & Updated October 2020

Step by Step Centre for Special Needs D3 A range of programmes for students with learning challenges 4475 7625 stepbystepqatar.com

Northwestern University in Qatar C2 4454 5000 qatar.northwestern.edu

Academic/Learning Centres

*Int'l is short for International QATAR EDUCATION E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

12 eBook USEFUL NUMBERS Education M79.indd 3

12/3/20 10:23 AM

Â©

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

13 QF COMMUNITY AD M79.indd 1

12/4/20 1:16 PM

About Us Belgravia High School is a British School in Doha offering a new concept in eduction, where school students are given a quality, British Eduction in a friendly and supportive environment. Belgravia offers students the opportunity to grow within a mature setting, it offers quality education in luxurious surroundings. Belgravia High School offers outstanding teaching of British Cirriculum AS, A2 and IGCSE subjects in a calm, friendly and supportive learning environment. The combination of small teaching groups, quality academic delivery and the superb purpose built School facilities will help your son or daughter settle quickly into life at Belgravia and prepare them for the independent learning and living that they need at university.

Advantages of our British School Advantages Highly qualified British trained teachers of our British School Modern School building & Teaching A wide & balanced IGCSE, AS & A2 British curriculum Small classes with individual support Support with university applications and places 15 minute walk from newly opened sports city metro station

Get in Touch

Email: enquiries.belgravia@yahoo.co.uk reception@belgraviadoha.com Phone: +974-40165151 +974-33239669 +974-55500693 Check out our website and social links at www.belgraviadoha.com/contact/

QATAR EDUCATION E-GUIDE ÂŠ

MARHABA

14 BELGRAVIA AD M79.indd 1

12/4/20 1:17 PM

FEATURE

Qatar's First Technical High School for Girls By Ola Diab The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) opens the first technical high school for girls in Qatar for the academic year 2020–21.

he academic year 2020-21 began on a high note with the opening of the first technical high school for girls in Qatar in September 2020.

Qatar Technical Secondary School for Girls had an inaugural class of 90 students, who have completed grade 9 successfully. Students who meet the admissions requirements were eligible to attend grade 10 in the 2020–21 academic year. According to the ministry, admissions opened for Qatari nationals, children of Qatari mothers or children born in Qatar. Online registration opened from 16 August to 3 September 2020. The number of students applying to the school exceeded the 90-student capacity specified for the first academic year.

The technical subjects, however, will be taught based on the students' discipline of choice, which include laboratory technicians, electronics and communications, and Information Technology (IT). Upon graduation, girls specialising as laboratory technicians will earn Australia's International TAFE Certificate II in laboratory sampling and measurement. They can pursue their careers as laboratory technicians in a variety of sectors, including health, environment, and industry. Additionally, they can continue their graduate studies in chemical engineering.

The new school will play a major role in enhancing the technical and vocational education system in Qatar, and expand the contribution of Qatari women in the country's development.

Girls specialising in electronics and communications will be awarded Australia's International TAFE Certificate II in electronics. They can seek jobs in a variety of relevant sectors and organisations. Also, they can continue their university studies in electronics, power, or communications engineering either locally or internationally.

The school's educational plan consists of academic and technical subjects to prepare students for postsecondary education and successful careers such as Arabic, Islamic studies, English, mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, science, social science and physical education.

Girls specialising in Information Technology (IT) will earn the Microsoft Office Applications Specialist certification and the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification, which is intended for IT students who wish to pursue a career in network infrastructure and management.

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

15 QATAR'S FIRST TECHNICAL....indd 1

12/4/20 1:40 PM

Furthermore, they can continue their graduate studies in information technology and computer engineering. IT specialists can be involved in various roles relating to installing and configuring desktops, laptops, and core networks. Also, they can professionally use Microsoft Office applications after earning the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification. Other areas of specialisation include Windows application installation, upgrade, and management, as well as computer network connection. They can also be involved in installing servers' protocols services and network security. IT graduates can also pursue their careers as network administrators, network developers, IT solutions engineers or systems engineers. STEM schools in Qatar There are a few Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) schools in Qatar. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) allows students who meet admission criteria to register in vocational schools. The first STEM to open in Qatar was the Qatar Science & Technical Secondary School for Boys (QSTSSB), which is a public school for vocational training and education that aims to equips students with various technical skills preparing them to work in various fields such as General Mechanics, Welding, Information Technology, Electricity, Electronics, Instrumentation technology, Industrial Operations, as well as working as Lab Technicians and in the field of safety and security. The school admits Qatari students, children of Qatari mothers, children of GCC Residents, and children born in Qatar. qstssboys.qa Most recently, in 2018, Qatar Foundation (QF) launched Qatar Academy for Science and Technology (QAST), under the umbrella of its Pre-University Education (PUE). It is Qatar's only STEM school offering both a US Diploma through Advanced Placement Courses and UK A Level certification. Starting from Grade 8, the QATAR EDUCATION E-GUIDE ©

programme offers three course curriculums in Engineering, Computer Science, and Biomedical Sciences. Admission is open to both boys and girls as well as non-Qataris. qast.qa STEM and higher education Students who attend STEM schools in Qatar have various higher education and career prospects in the country. STEM students may choose to continue their higher education by attending Qatar University or Texas A&M University in Qatar. Qatar University has several STEM programmes including the Future Scientists Academy – STEM, which is an educational orientation that prepares school students to engage in careers related to STEM. It also contributes to empowering students’ skills in survey, logical thinking, problem solving, and 21st century skills through scientific activities and integrated applications to ultimately prepare learners to succeed in their university life and their career prospects. qu.edu.qa/education/centers/ nced/programs/stem Since 2008, Texas A&M University in Qatar has been running several STEM outreach programmes and activities with more than 20,000 students from grades 9 to 12. stem.qa m

MARHABA

16 QATAR'S FIRST TECHNICAL....indd 2

12/4/20 1:40 PM

Â©

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

17 AIA AD M79.indd 1

12/4/20 1:19 PM

MARHABA

18 DOHA BRITISH SCHOOL MAIN AD M79.indd 1

12/4/20 1:28 PM

Where great thinkers are made

As part of Nord Anglia Education’s global network of 69 premium schools, Compass International School provides an educational offering that is unmatched in Doha. Through bespoke global educational experiences, collaborations with some of the world’s finest institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, (MIT) and The Juilliard School, and a personalised approach to learning, Compass delivers excellent academic outcomes for children at all levels. To find out how your child will succeed in the classroom and beyond, visit us at: cisdoha.com

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

19 COMPASS AD M79.indd 1

12/4/20 1:20 PM

OUR FLEXIBLE OPTIONS ON-PREMISE LEARNING BLENDED LEARNING DISTANCE LEARNING

DISCOVER MORE

Family Discount Packages available - up to 25% oﬀ *

THE BEST EDUCATION FOR YOUR CHILD High quality, innovative and exciting international curriculum preparing our students for the best international universities. World-class campus and facilities, including Qatar’s largest school-based theatre, two swimming pools, professional standard football pitch and excellent ICT and science labs. Music and the arts are celebrated in our school, giving every child the opportunity to embrace their creativity and develop their conﬁdence. Part of International Schools Partnership, a global group of 46 schools, which includes Park House English School, one of Doha’s oldest and most respected schools. *Families may avail up to 25% discount off tuition fees, based on school Founders and Sibling Discount policies. All discounts are at the discretion of school management.

ADMISSIONS OPEN PRE-KG TO GRADE 9 (Year 10)* *Subject to MOEHE approval

admissions@this.qa +974 3329 6569 +974 4492 4343

The Hamilton International School, Mesaimeer, Doha

www.hamiltoninternationalschool.qa

Part of

45,000

7,000

Students

Staff

Schools

Countries

Curricula

MARHABA

20 HAMILTON INTL SCHOOL AD M79.indd 1

12/4/20 1:27 PM

Education in Qatar

Qatar’s expatriate population continues to grow, putting considerable pressure on many international, private and community schools, which as a result have been operating at capacity. Class size is limited by law to approximately 30 students, forcing a number of schools to close admission lists due to lack of available space or staff. New schools are opening but demand continues to grow, rendering early registration essential. Students may be required to sit an entrance exam; reports and test results from previous schools may also be required. With the diversity of the population, schools in the private sector offer up to 23 curriculums, including Qatari, British, American, Indian, French, Egyptian, Lebanese, Canadian, German, Finnish, Filipino, Swiss and Syrian. There are more than 840 schools in Qatar with approximately 300,000 students.

marhaba.qa

10 March 2020. Final exams were either taken online or postponed until students return to school. In May 2020, the ministry published the calendar for the academic year 2020–21. School employees returned to duty on 19 August 2020, and classes began on 1 September 2020. Blended or virtual learning continues through the academic year 2020–21 as precautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, as per the decision of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to adopt blended learning – combining classroom teaching with distance learning – which requires only 30% attendance of the total capacity of schools. There are 283 public schools and preschools and 334 private schools and kindergartens with over 340,000 students enrolled for the academic year 2020–21. Staff members of all private and public schools in Qatar had to undergo medical examinations before the start of the academic year 2020–21 to ensure they are free of COVID-19.

Education in Qatar

Qatar places education at the heart of its national development strategy as it seeks to move from a hydrocarbon-based to a knowledge-based economy. Its vision is for all citizens to have equal access to education and training consistent with their abilities and interests – and which will prepare them for participation in the workforce where possible. So great is its belief in the global importance of education, Qatar also funds a number of educational initiatives overseas.

PRINT and ONLINE

The ministry also announced the calendar for the academic year 2021–22. School employees will return to duty from 22 August 2021. Classes will begin from 24 August 2021.

In a move aimed at providing quality education that would lead to the all-round development of Qatar's children, The Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued Law No 9 of 2017, regulating government or public schools, which are mainly attended by Qataris and Arabic-speaking students.

For more detailed information on education in Qatar, visit the Ministry of Education and Higher Education website at edu.gov.qa.

The academic year 2019–20 was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. All schools, universities and other educational institutions closed on

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

21 eBook EDUCATION IN QATAR M79.indd 1

12/3/20 10:43 AM

PRINT and ONLINE

Education in Qatar

marhaba.qa

The ministry invites students, parents and all relevant educational entities to use its mobile app to learn about the many services that it offers so as to enhance communication among schools, families and all stakeholders. The app is available on Google Play, the App Store and Windows Phone Store. School fees: Most expatriate students in Qatar attend private schools, where fees are met by parents or occasionally an employer. Fees increase with the level of education, particularly towards the end of secondary school, and are usually payable in advance per term or half year. Most schools require a one-off non-refundable registration fee on initial admission and charge for entrance assessments. An additional non-refundable registration fee may be required from current students to secure a place for the following year. Fees vary: International schools – approximately QAR22,000 a year at primary and QAR35,000 a year at secondary level with fees at international schools often considerably higher (in some cases QAR50,000 to QAR60,000+ at secondary level). Schools may not increase fees without prior approval from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Parents are strongly advised to negotiate the inclusion of school fees and incidentals (for all children) in their employment contracts. Hidden ‘extras’ may include: books and stationery; capital charges, refundable deposit, ‘other resources’; exam entrance or invigilation fees; uniforms; and transport. Many schools offer transportation for a fee; alternatives are to hire private drivers, or share ‘school runs’ with other parents. Few live near enough to their schools to walk. Academic calendar: Qatar has implemented a compulsory ‘unified school year’ calendar for private and public schools. The academic year usually begins in August/September and ends in QATAR EDUCATION E-GUIDE ©

May/June. All public schools and most private schools in Qatar follow the unified school year calendar; however, a few private schools are exempted from following the unified school year calendar and follow the academic calendar followed by their respective countries. Timings and holidays: State and private sector schools operate a single shift, generally starting between 7 am and 8 am and finishing between noon and 2:30 pm, according to age and the time of year. Normally, timings for KG, primary and secondary levels vary within the same school. In May 2018, the ministry issued a circular to reduce school hours for students of all grades in public schools, from 7 am – noon. To be more accommodating to students, in January 2019 the ministry announced that some private schools, especially community schools, will be allowed to run two shifts from the 2019–20 academic year, effective from April 2019 onwards. The weekend is Friday and Saturday. In 2018, the ministry issued a circular modifying the number of classes to be taught per week, starting from the 2018–19 academic year. According to the circular, for grades one to six, the school day will start from 7 am and end at 12:30 pm from Sunday to Thursday. The number of classes per day will be seven except on Wednesdays and Thursdays, which will be reduced to six. For grades seven to 12, the school day will start at 7 am and end at 1:30 pm with seven classes per day from Sunday to Tuesday. Classes will conclude at 12:30 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays with six classes per day. The number of classes per week is a maximum of 18 for each teacher at all educational institutes from primary to secondary. In addition to Qatari public holidays (see Day to Day Qatar in the Discovering Qatar section), there is a winter break of two weeks, a one two-week break in spring, and two months or more in the summer.

MARHABA

22 eBook EDUCATION IN QATAR M79.indd 2

12/3/20 10:43 AM

Applications for September 2021 now open

Delivering excellence through our EYFS, Primary, Secondary and 6th Form curricula Scan to register or visit dc.click/admissions

A BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Â©

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

23 DOHA COLLEGE AD M79.indd 1

12/4/20 1:20 PM

MARHABA

24 RGS Guildford Ad M79.indd 1

12/4/20 1:27 PM

Primary and Secondary Education

Primary education is compulsory for all Qatari children from age six. Mandatory kindergarten (KG) attendance for Qatari children from the age of four

and their compulsory secondary education are also envisaged. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) supports, regulates and oversees education in Qatar. A robust, diversified, and everexpanding K-12 system provides a broad set of schooling opportunities to meet the individual needs of students and their families.

Education in Qatar

State schools are gender-segregated after preschool and divided into primary, preparatory, secondary and specialised secondary categories. A range of educational facilities at all levels in both sectors, from nursery to postgraduate level, offer parents, guardians and students – both citizens and residents – a wide choice. The majority of Qatari students are enrolled in the public sector, but the number attending (private) international schools has surged in the past decade.

Schools in Qatar are heavily regulated by the ministry. In recent years, nurseries and kindergartens specifically have been heavily scrutinised for licensing and to ensure healthy and safe educational environments.

Nurseries and Kindergartens In January 2014, details of Qatar’s long-awaited new nursery law were released after the legislation received final approval from The Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Law No 1 of 2014 – which passed through the Cabinet in October 2015 – had been in the works for years. • The law defines nursery schools as a place designated for the care of children below four years of age. These include the nurseries run by public or private schools. According to Law No 1 of 2014, employees at nurseries are strictly limited to women. Nurseries should be managed by a qualified female director, who will be responsible for all work at the place. She will be aided by a female general supervisor, a female assistant supervisor, a dietician, a nurse, and a female physician, who can be a visiting specialist in paediatrics or general medicine. • In addition, there should be an adequate number of guards, cleaners, drivers, and other necessary staff. Visiting doctors, as well as other employees who do not come into direct contact with the children, may be men. • All nursery staff should be physically fit, free of any communicable disease, enjoy a good reputation with no criminal history, and possess adequate qualifications and expertise. • Nurseries should also keep regular and updated records. According to the law, a prior licence has to be obtained from the department concerned at the Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs (MADLSA) to establish, manage or modify an existing nursery. • MADLSA will classify nurseries based on the qualifications of its staff and the fees. Nurseries are expected to provide comprehensive care to children and ensure the appropriate conditions to develop their skills in all fields. • With the implementation of this law, nurseries have become more regulated and safer for children. So when you decide to enrol your child in a nursery ensure the school meets all the criteria outlined. ©

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

25 eBook EDUCATION IN QATAR M79.indd 3

12/3/20 10:43 AM

MARHABA

26 DOHA BRITISH SCHOOL RAWDAT AD M79.indd 1

12/4/20 1:29 PM

ADMISSIONS

OPEN

COVID-SAFE NEW LANDMARK CAMPUS

THE WORLD NEEDS NEW THINKING: WE’RE READY. Our students are empowered with resilience, creativity, self-belief and the skills to thrive in a changing world.

FOR GIRLS AND BOYS AGED 3–18. CALL + 974 3026 6800 OR EMAIL DOHA-ADMISSIONS@ACS-SCHOOL.COM TO ORGANISE A PERSONAL TOUR.

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

27 ACS AD M79.indd 1

12/4/20 1:21 PM

Education in Qatar

The Public Sector

Qatar continues to invest heavily in all aspects of public education, regularly assessing progress. Literature, the arts and sport are regarded as important parts of the curriculum, as are religion, culture and tradition, but emphasis is placed on mathematics, the sciences, Arabic and English. Its state schools are known as independent schools.

Ministry of Education and Higher Education The Supreme Education Council (SEC) was disbanded and its role taken over by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education according to Amiri Order No 1 of 2016. The ministry directs the nation's education policy. Membership is drawn from Qatar’s top leaders in government, business and academia. The strategy is to develop the public sector while simultaneously promoting the private, to offer families a wider choice. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education receives and handles all enquiries and complaints from students, their parents or guardians. You can visit the ministry in person at Al Dafna C3. Hotline: 155, edu.gov.qa

with curriculum challenges to competent hospitals and medical centres to diagnose and assess their cases, and regularly follows up with every school support department to monitor their achievements. The Evaluation Institute develops and conducts the testing of students, monitors student learning and evaluates school performance. It also offers a service for certificate attestation/equivalency. Comprehensive individual School Report Cards (SRCs) for independent, private Arabic and international schools in Qatar are available online to the general public. They include data on academic achievement, teaching methods, parental involvement, facilities and resources. To evaluate students in Qatar against those in other countries, the institute participates in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), and Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS). The Evaluation Institute consists of five offices:

At present the three institutes of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education are:

* The Student Assessment Office

The Education Institute oversees and supports public schools, developing curriculum standards in key areas and providing professional development opportunities for staff members. It also monitors their financial management.

* The Data Collection and Management Office (DCM)

The Institute’s Private Schools Office is responsible for licensing Arab, international and expatriate private (including community) schools, nurseries and kindergartens operating in Qatar and monitoring their compliance, including fee structure. It is also responsible for the Educational Voucher Programme. The Institute’s Office of Additional Educational Support provides guidance and assistance in establishing confidential files for students with Additional Educational Support Needs (AESN). It also develops procedures for transferring students QATAR EDUCATION E-GUIDE ©

* The School Evaluation Office * The Qatar Office of Registration, Licensing and Accreditation (QORLA) * Qatar Senior Schooling Certificate Office The Higher Education Institute (HEI) supports the development of Higher, Technical and Vocational Education (HTVE) so that individuals can develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, prepare for future leadership roles and meet the nation’s workforce needs. It advises individuals on career options and study opportunities that match their abilities and interests, and meets the needs of the labour market. It supervises scholarships and grants for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Qatar, the Arab world, Australia, the UK, Europe, the US and Canada.

MARHABA

28 eBook EDUCATION IN QATAR M79.indd 4

12/3/20 10:43 AM

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa student and teacher will receive a free tablet PC along with educational aids and applications that conform to the national curriculum standards. The Ministry publishes a ‘white list’ of the hundreds of websites accessible to students through their free tablets. The available websites are listed by curriculum subject content, eg mathematics, English, science, etc.

The Institute assists students with online college admission procedures and the Ministry is promoting the mission of Qatar’s cultural attachés in scholarship countries, reopening some which had previously closed.

Public schools Autonomous government-funded public schools reflect Qatar’s ‘Education for a New Era’ values through internationally benchmarked curriculum standards in Arabic, English, mathematics and science. Schools must meet the Qatar Comprehensive Educational Assessment and other evaluation tools to measure student learning and school performance, and must comply with periodic financial audits. School curriculums must follow the standards set forth by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Mandatory subjects include Arabic, English, mathematics, science and Islamic studies, while preserving the values and traditions of Qatari society. Public schools are free for Qatari citizens. Non-Qatari enrolments are subject to individual school policy.

eEducation and eLiteracy The Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Communication (previously ictQatar), has created a technology-based framework in public schools that enhances, supports and accelerates the reform initiative. The eLearning portal project enables teachers to prepare their lessons electronically, uploading them for students to access any time, anywhere. Teachers and students are provided with personalised email addresses, and ultimately, every public school

Increasing educational opportunities Many students who are eligible for public education in Qatari schools have experienced a wider choice and variety of educational opportunities since the introduction of the Ministry’s Educational Voucher programme (certain restrictions apply) which covers tuition fees, books and transportation costs up to a maximum value of QAR28,000 per year. Costs in excess of that remain the responsibility of the parents.

Education in Qatar

The Hamad bin Khalifa and Tamim bin Hamad Grants Programmes offer suitably qualified Qatari students scholarships to 30 select universities. HEI has an Advising Career Development Centre and a Scholarship Office as well as a Standards Office, which licenses and accredits higher education institutes and programmes in Qatar.

Additionally, the eLearning portal provides access to online courses covering topics in information technology and business, offering more than 2,500 different courses and allows for flexible learning. Individual enrolment is currently on ‘indefinite hold’, but organisational enrolment is open. elearning.ictqatar.qa

The establishment of public schools in Qatar The Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani issued Law No 9 of 2017, regulating government schools. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education shall regulate the public schools and appoint their administrative and academic staff. The law abolishes Law No 11 of 2006 governing local Independent schools and Law No 12 of 1996 regarding the collection of transportation and other fees from non-Qatari students. The process of converting Independent Schools into Public Schools has been completed in accordance with Law No 9 of 2017. Vacancies of staff in the schools have been filled and seven new schools for different educational levels have been opened and fully equipped to admit students. Teachers have been hired internally from the country through individual interviews as well as through teacher training programmes such as Teach for Qatar. The ministry recruited some teachers from the graduates of the College of Education at Qatar University and hired 201 teachers from Oman, Jordan, Tunisia and Sudan. ©

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

29 eBook EDUCATION IN QATAR M79.indd 5

12/3/20 10:44 AM

MARHABA

30 SISQ AD M79.indd 1

12/4/20 1:30 PM

The Private Sector

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa that licences and regulates nurseries. Illegal nurseries are liable to be fined up to QAR100,000 and their owners can face a jail term of up to two years, or both. The law puts the maximum age of children that can be left in the care of nurseries at four years and stipulates strict licensing criteria.

There are more than 200 private schools and kindergartens in Qatar with more than 190,000 students. The 2020–21 academic year opened with the first Qatar Technical Secondary School for Girls and the opening of the private national Lusail University. Community schools aim to serve specific expatriate groups and are run, sponsored or overseen, by their diplomatic missions. Some international schools modify their curriculums to accommodate non-native speakers of the language of instruction. Parents and guardians are advised to consider the future adaptability of the curriculum offered by the school of their choice should the child return home or move to another country.

Nurseries and kindergartens (KGs) Nurseries and kindergartens must be licensed and headed by a female director over the age of 21. The facility is required to have a nutritionist, nurse and a resident or visiting physician in addition to an adequate number of hygiene workers, guards and drivers (who may be male). Some accept babies from two months upwards; several take toddlers from 18 months, others from the age of three, finishing at four. The range of activities and facilities varies, but several offer more than one language. Licensing is stringent, with all facing strict regulation. It is important that parents/guardians check the facilities are licensed as nurseries or kindergartens rather than 'supervised play areas’. In 2014, Qatar enacted Law No 1 of 2014 that mandates childcare facilities, also known as crèches and nurseries, to be licensed by the Ministry of Administration Development, Labour and Social Affairs. The Social Affairs Department of the ministry has an administrative unit

Children under five at school (as opposed to kindergarten/nursery) can currently, by law, only attend for four hours per day, so for some working parents the longer hours provided by private KGs are more convenient. Nurseries and independent KGs often close for holidays so check if you are a fulltime working parent with youngsters who need yearround care. Fees are usually paid monthly and many establishments ask for a one-off registration fee.

Education in Qatar

Qatar’s private-sector Arabic, international and community schools serve over 250,000 students.

Nurseries should not be confused with kindergartens (lower and upper KGs) which, being education institutions, are licensed and monitored by the education sector regulator, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

Preschools attached to schools Places are in great demand, since admission almost ensures a later main-school place. To avoid wait-listing for admission, register well in advance. Some private schools insist that a newly admitted child starting Year 1 should have received a fulltime preschool education.

Primary and secondary schools Private sector schools operate as commercial establishments or non-profit-making community schools. A number are run on a coeducational basis through to graduation, others segregate the sexes during, or after, primary level. Newer schools, or those serving small communities, often begin operations at primary level, expanding into secondary schooling as and when required. Many schools teaching in the English medium base their curriculums on those of the UK and the US, working towards IGCSE and A Level examinations or the American High School Diploma. Others meet the home-nation requirements. The International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) is now offered by an increasing number of secondary schools. Due to its almost universal availability, these qualifications are often the choice of geographically mobile families. Most schools have excellent websites, which are a good source of information for families moving to Qatar. ©

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

31 eBook EDUCATION IN QATAR M79.indd 6

12/3/20 10:44 AM

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa Employers and embassies can offer guidance on schools serving their communities; you can also find a list of private schools and curriculums in Useful Numbers in this section. The Private Schools Office has a special portal for private schools, with necessary information for parents and students. edu.gov.qa

Education in Qatar

The Outstanding Schools Initiative This initiative aims to open additional private international schools in Qatar over the coming years. ‘Outstanding schools' are invited to participate in the Ministry’s Educational Vouchers programme and are selected from a pool of applicants in the UK, the US and Europe. Established examples are: • The Michael E DeBakey High School for Health Professions at Qatar offers a college preparatory programme in science, mathematics, medical science, literacy, engineering and technology, to help prepare students for post-secondary healthsector careers. The school’s campus in Doha serves students in grades 7 – 12 and offers a broad-based US curriculum including extensive Advanced Placement offerings. debakeyatqatar.org C3 • The International School of London (ISL) Qatar offers exceptional international education to students aged 3 – 18. In addition to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes, ISL Qatar is known for its mother tongue language programmes integrated into the curriculum as it currently offers 12 mother tongue languages. islqatar.org A3 • Sherborne Qatar opened in 2009 and offers a British Curriculum based on an enhanced version of the National Curriculum. In the Senior School, pupils are prepared for IGCSE examinations (in up to 10 subjects per pupil) in Year 11, and AS and A Levels in the Sixth Form, using the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Edexcel specifications. sherborneqatar.org C2 • SEK International School Qatar opened in 2013 as part of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s Outstanding Schools Programme and joining the SEK Education Group of nine International schools across Spain, France and Ireland. SEK Qatar is an IB World School authorised to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programmed (DP). The school is accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). More than 60 nationalities are represented in the school; while the main language of instruction is English, their QATAR EDUCATION E-GUIDE ©

students have the opportunity to develop their fluency and mastery of both Spanish and Arabic. SEK Qatar students benefit from a continuum education from pre-school through to Grade 12. sek.qa C3 • As an inspirational learning community from grade 0 to high school, grounded in Finnish education excellence, Qatar-Finland International School (QFI School) strives toward building the best possible future for their international student body. QFI School follows the highly acclaimed Finnish National Core Curriculum, with local adaptations and additional content in accordance with Qatari standards. The main language of teaching is English, but because the school values languages as a richness, QFI School offers an extensive language programme to all of their students. qatarfinlandschool.com A3 • King’s College, Doha offers the very best of a British education adapted to the international setting of Qatar, in partnership with King’s College UK. King’s College, Doha has an excellent array of facilities that support the school’s unique approach to specialist teaching with all subjects taught by specialist teachers from Year 5 onwards, and an enriching and fulfilling extended School day. A science lab, an art and design studio, music and drama classrooms including dedicated practice rooms, a sports hall, and an Early Years centre are all provided. The curriculum is based on the King’s UK curriculum and is underpinned by a strong emphasis on pastoral care and wellbeing to support the learning and development of all children. King’s College, Doha recently announced the extension of its first class education offer to the full age range at its new state of the art campus at Mesaimeer. Opening in September 2022, award winning architects have designed world class facilities which will allow King’s children to complete their school education in an inspiring environment. kingscollegedoha.com E4 • Royal Grammar School, Guildford in Qatar (RGS) is an independent, British-curriculum school for boys and girls aged 3 to 13. The bespoke British curriculum has been developed at the RGS Guildford in Qatar in conjunction with the RGS Guildford, extending the British National Curriculum to include traditional, values-based teaching. The language of instruction is English, with an introduction to French. Arabic and Islamic Studies are taught by highly qualified specialist teaching staff to Arabic and Muslim children. rgs-guildford.co.uk/645/qatar A3

MARHABA

32 eBook EDUCATION IN QATAR M79.indd 7

12/3/20 10:44 AM

sek.qa/admissions

THE WORLD IS OUR CLASSROOM ONE STEP_AHEAD We are an IB World School authorised to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme(DP). We are NEASC Accredited and part of the prestigious SEK Education Group encompassing 9 international schools worldwide (Spain, France, Ireland, Qatar) and the University Camilo José Cela in Madrid (Spain). Students from over 60 nationalities. A state-of-the-art technology for state-of-the-art learning. Part of the Microsoft showcase school family.

Online Admissions-Meet with our admissions team online.

+974 4012 7636

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

33 SEK AD M79.indd 1

12/4/20 1:21 PM

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa

Education in Qatar

to teach the Arabic language and Islamic studies to Qatari students and Qatari history to all students according to the national standards, as per an academic follow-up policy published by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

Law regulating private schools In November 2015, HH The Amir approved Law No 23 of 2015, the New Private Schools Law, which regulates all privately run schools in the State; the New Private Schools Law aims to update the previous legislation which dates back 35 years. Some of the key points from the New Private Schools Law are: • Schools cannot operate without a licence or make any changes to their existing licence without the pre-approval of the Education Regulator. • Any materials, tools and/or curriculum that do not meet the standards of the Education Regulator may be withdrawn or ordered to be changed. • Schools are prohibited from receiving funding or donations without approval from the Education Regulator and face fines for violation of this rule. The Private Schools Office has set up a special portal for private schools, with necessary information for parents and students to choose a suitable school, including their location, curriculum, academic calendar, annual performance report, and general information. It can be accessed at edu.gov.qa A periodic evaluation of private schools is made mandatory starting from the academic year 2017–18, according to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. The move represents a new condition for private schools to get national accreditation which qualifies them to take advantage of the Educational Voucher System which allows Qatari students to seek education in private schools through government support. Schools that implement accredited international curriculum standards should allocate weekly hours QATAR EDUCATION E-GUIDE ©

All private schools must make use of the student database system to add, transfer or delete registered names and certifications. Expatriate students in the country can now be enrolled directly in private schools without the need for an equivalency certificate. Parents can hereafter transfer their children between private schools without the Ministry’s permission if there are vacancies at the appropriate level in the receiving school. The move to allow parents to place a child at a class with older or younger children will help them substantially.

Electronic pre-registration The Ministry of Education and Higher Education launched an electronic pre-registration system in private schools for the academic year 2018– 19 in order to ease the enrolment process. The online portal will allow parents to know the number of students on the waiting list and the number of seats available in the required grade in all schools. Available vacant seats will be distributed by the school according to classes. The system also does not require an acceptance exam or an interview. The online registration will show the student's educational background and his/her progress in the last two years, which will help the school to know the student, the school, curriculum and class. Parents will be able to follow admission of their child through the reference number received by text messages sent to their mobile phone. Schools and KGs must enter the applications in the system, decide the date and time of the interview and inform the parents by sending a text message. Schools and KGs must verify telephone numbers to facilitate communication with parents. Once the seat is booked and fees have been paid, the student's name will be removed from all the waiting lists. All students must be registered in the National Student Information System (NSIS) system at the beginning of the academic year.

MARHABA

34 eBook EDUCATION IN QATAR M79.indd 8

12/3/20 10:44 AM

FOR LIFE AND LEARNING Creating a Community of True Global Citizens A IB World School for Ages 3-18

12 Integrated Mother Tongue Languages

Innovative Learning Experience

Now accepting application for the academic year 2021-2022. Join us on our Virtual Open Mornings, private tours or e-meet with our Admissions Team to learn more about our programmes. Email us at admissions @islqatar.org for enquiries. www.islqatar.org

+(974) 4433 8600

Â©

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

35 ISL AD M79.indd 1

12/4/20 1:22 PM

Special Needs Education

Education in Qatar

It is Qatar’s national policy that every child should be provided with education to help it reach its full potential, and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education is committed to inclusive integration in education where possible. Some 80% of independent schools have introduced additional educational needs facilities and staff. An early intervention programme provided by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) provides services and support to families who may need assistance with extraordinary care for a child with special needs. The programme includes child development (for preschool children) and therapy for behavioural changes. It also supplies required equipment and does a home assessment. Older individuals with special needs are not neglected and a number of programmes and facilities are available to young adults. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education established the first database for students with special needs in local schools in January 2018, in line with the government's directives towards digital transformation, and to achieve the vision and mission of the ministry in the implementation of a system of integrated educational services for students in accordance with Qatar National Vision 2030. Al Noor Institute for the Visually Impaired offers help to those who are sightless or visually impaired. 4422 2777 A4 The Autism Program by HMC is an outpatient programme providing diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation services to children with autism or under ASD. The programme started in 2012 at the Child Development Center (CDC). The programme accepts referrals only from HMC's or CDC’s physicians to make best use of the programme and resources for the right group of children. Qatar’s state sector has specialised programmes for the hearing and visually impaired; there is a programme for Arabic speaking children with learning difficulties and programmes (in Arabic) for gifted children. Some expatriate schools provide special needs support without a fully modified curriculum. All families in the country with disabled/special needs members are encouraged to take advantage of the available facilities. hamad.qa C3/D3 Awsaj Academy, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), tutors Grade KG – 12 students with learning challenges in classes of 10 students and one teacher. Teaching is in English, and the curriculum includes maths, English, Science, Arabic, Islamic Studies, Qatar National History, art, IT and physical education. It also has an outreach centre that provides evaluation and professional development services to the community (see Qatar Foundation in this section). 4454 2111, 4454 2115, awsaj.qa C2 QATAR EDUCATION E-GUIDE ©

Child Development Center (CDC) is a special needs centre in West Bay. Established in 2013, CDC provides a network of internationally qualified and licensed professionals who offer childcentered and evidence-based early detection and intervention for children with developmental delays. Services include: applied behaviour analysis (ABA), speech therapy, occupational therapy, diagnostics and assessments, as well as professional development training and workshops. The Early Intervention Program is the only one in Doha firmly grounded in the principles of ABA. 6692 0199, 4414 7283, cdcenterqatar.com B4 Family Hope Center is for children, adolescents and adults with social, mental and physical challenges. The centre was established to provide the necessary resources to support both individuals with special needs and their families. 4435 0951, familyhope.qa C3 HOPE Qatar Centre for Special Needs is a pioneer in the field of Special Needs Education in Qatar, established in 2005, providing Help, Opportunity, Participation, and Education for children and young people aged 3 – 25. HOPE Qatar is approved by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and offers individualised programmes meeting academic as well as therapeutic needs of its students in a near school environment that enables achieving their full potential and holistic development. hope-qatar.org D4 Mind Institute works with children from birth to 18 years with communication difficulties, fine and gross motor challenges, language delays,

MARHABA

36 eBook EDUCATION IN QATAR M79.indd 9

12/3/20 10:45 AM

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa hearing difficulties, educational delays, behaviour disorders, emotional disorders, sensory integration issues, social skills challenges and more. 4418 1968, mindinstitutes.com E3 The privately-run Omega Centre for Special Needs Education offers diagnostic, therapeutic and education services and aims to assist families whose children have psychiatric, physical, educational and social challenges. omegaqatar.org E3

The Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs attends to the social, mental, academic and healthy rehabilitation of people with special needs in society, in keeping with the Islamic principles, traditions and customs of Qatari society. qsrn.org D4 Renad Academy, a member of QF, is a centre for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The centre provides education and specialised services to students, and training and support to parents. It provides education to Qatari students, aged 3 – 21, experiencing mild-moderate ASD. The centre provides all aspects of education for its students, using evidence-based practices such as ABA, discreet trial training, pivotal response training, and structured TEACCH in one-to-one and

Shafallah-Integration for the Disabled, established in 1999, offers state-of-the-art technologies, including an on-site Genetic Research Centre, cutting-edge therapies, and a first-class faculty and counsellors. The centre is a non-profit, private institution, serving as a model for the provision of special education, therapeutic, and healthcare support services for children with disabilities from birth to adulthood. 4495 6666, shafallah.org.qa A4 Step by Step Centre for Special Needs offers a caring and stimulating environment to enable children, aged 3 – 16, with learning challenges to achieve their full academic and personal potential through specialised teaching in a school setting and individual therapy sessions. It also has a Summer School Programme. 4475 7625, stepbystepqatar.com D3 The Learning Center (TLC), a member of QF, is a centralised student support services team comprised of special educators and school-based specialists. They collaborate with QF schools to develop an inclusive approach that provides a tiered system of support to students from early childhood through secondary education. The tiered system focuses on ensuring ageappropriate development, supporting students with developmental and learning challenges, and helping students who need more attention to bolster their academic performance. 4454 2106, qf.org.qa/education/the-learning-center C2

Education in Qatar

Qatar Assistive Technology Centre (Mada) enables those with learning, visual, hearing, and physical disabilities (including dyslexia) to access information and communications technology without barriers offering assessments, advice and training. 4459 4050, mada.org.qa C4

small group settings (see Qatar Foundation in this section). qaa.openapply.com C2

Register for School The registration of new students with Additional Educational Support Needs (AESN) in kindergartens (KGs) is only for Qataris, while registration in the first grade is allowed for both Qatari as well as expatriate students with special needs, according to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. In a circular issued to independent schools, the ministry said students who suffer from speech and language problems like hearing, hyperactivity disorder and physical disabilities not associated with mental disabilities can register directly through independent schools. Hearing impaired students of all levels of ability can register at the Audio Education Complex. Blind students who suffer from severe visual impairment can register at Al Noor Institute for the Visually Impaired. Children who suffer from conditions like cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, autism and others can apply through Roua Centre for Assessment, Support and Counseling under the Special Education Office to determine the right school for the student. Meanwhile, the Ministry has issued a circular to public schools, asking them to admit children of employees working in the private sector in areas which do not have private schools like Al Shamal, Dukhan, Rawdat Rashed, Al Karaana, Al Sheehaniya, Al Ghuwariyah, Al Zubara, Al Kharsaah, Al Kaaban, Al Ghashamia and Al Jamiliyah. According to the circular, all admission and registration requirements should be met and the parents should provide documents proving their residence in the area. Students cannot be transferred to public schools in areas which have private schools. ©

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

37 eBook EDUCATION IN QATAR M79.indd 10

12/3/20 10:45 AM

Education in Qatar

Specialised Curriculum Schools

Aspire Academy

Qatar has a number of specialised state facilities at the secondary education level and beyond. These schools specialise in certain areas of the curriculum to boost the achievement of students in a particular discipline. Aspire Academy was established in 2004 to provide sports training and high quality education to students with sporting potential. The original intake of students in 2003–4 included 31 football players, aged 12 – 18. Aspire typically works with 6,000+ children aged 6 – 12 through sport and football skill development and talent identification programmes throughout the country as a preliminary step towards future Academy scholarships. The Academy also runs Multi-Sport Skills Development Centers across Qatar. aspire.qa C2 Josoor Institute is the education and training arm of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, the organisation leading preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. It was launched in December 2013 as a legacy project with the aim to create a talent pool within the region capable of delivering FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and other major events, develop the skills of current and future professionals, act as a catalyst for the growth of the sustainable sports and events industries in Qatar and across the region, and help everyone with the right talent and skill pursue a career in these industries, from new entrants to entrepreneurs seeking guidance on developing their business. Through a powerful programme of diplomas and bespoke courses blending theory and practice, Josoor has provided education and training solutions for over 4,000 participants, equipping them with skills and expertise to manage projects and organisations in the sports industry, and to deliver world-class, high-profile sporting and leisure events. josoorinstitute.qa C2 Qatar Leadership Academy (QLA) is a member of Qatar Foundation (QF). Located in Al Mazroua close to Meqdam Military Camp and founded in QATAR EDUCATION E-GUIDE ©

2005 as an innovative partnership between QF and the Qatar Armed Forces, QLA offers a US Diploma programme (MSA). It accepts male Arabic speaking cadets aged 11 – 16 (Grades 7–12), regardless of nationality. Cadets are admitted only after entrance exams in Arabic, English and mathematics, followed by an interview and, finally, a fitness assessment (see Qatar Foundation in this section). 4043 9298, qla.edu.qa Qatar Leadership Centre (QLC) launched its first Current and Future Leaders Programme for those aged 25 – 35 in 2011 and has added additional programmes since. It is open to both male and female Qatari nationals. QLC’s National Leadership Program mandate is to provide leadership training to selected Qataris with proven abilities, who gain admission to the Programme in a competitive, merit-based process. Through the National Leadership Programme, those highly-qualified Qataris selected to participate receive significant benefits, such as customised leadership education taught by global leaders, and professional and personal skills development. 4019 4444, qlc.org.qa See Marhaba's Map of Al Khor for locations of QLA and QLC.

Education Service Law No 18 of 2015 Governs any individual or entity which provides education services and/or training in the fields of languages, computing, secretarial, accounting and/or business administration; such services and/or training to be provided in centres. • Educational centres cannot advertise/ announce that they are opening or accept any students until a licence is approved. • Educational centres should have separate premises in which they operate; the licence will be issued for those premises. Penalties for violation of the above laws include imprisonment of up to six months and/or a penalty of QAR100,000 and/or cancellation of the licence. For more information on education laws, see Law regulating private schools in this section.

MARHABA

38 eBook EDUCATION IN QATAR M79.indd 11

12/3/20 10:45 AM

Tertiary Education and Bridge Programmes – A level, and higher national diplomas which can in turn qualify the holder to apply to various universities and colleges. qiba.com.qa C2

Qatar Nanny Training Academy (QNTA)

There are private tertiary education institutions in Doha (full-time, part-time and through distance learning). A year’s full-time study at a branch campus of a foreign university in Qatar generally costs in excess of QAR100,000. Some scholarships may be available. Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA) was established in 2009 under the auspices of Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA) to raise the financial services industry standards and help organisations and professionals achieve their learning and business objectives, thus aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030. It was set up with the intention to create a Qatar-based learning and development organisation for delivering pragmatic and innovative financial services education. Their programmes benefit entry-level to senior level executives within the sectors of banking, asset management, capital markets and insurance. QFBA has a mandate to enhance the training and competency standards in Qatar’s financial sector. qfba.edu.qa B4 Qatar International Beauty Academy (Tajmeel) is Qatar’s first and only beauty and hair training academy. Tajmeel was founded by Nama (prev. Social Development Center) in 2009, offering a wide range of full and part-time courses and workshops for personal and professional interest, obtainable in the fields of make-up, hairdressing, beauty, body, and holistic massage. The International Certificate and Diplomas of CIDESCO, ITEC, CIBTAC, City and Guilds and VTCT offered at Tajmeel are Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications which are equivalent to IGCSE

Qatar Skills Academy is an internationally recognised vocational training provider. It offers qualifications for occupations in a range of sectors, working directly with employers to improve quality and productivity through the careful analysis, design and implementation of skills development and training. The Academy is an approved Centre of Edexcel, the UK’s largest awarding body, an approved Microsoft Academy, an authorised centre for IATA and associated with many health and safety certified associations in the UK. A wide range of courses are offered. qatarskillsacademy.com D3

Education in Qatar

Post-secondary facilities in Qatar are expanding to ensure the development of a well-educated, dedicated and innovative workforce, while acknowledging not all students wish to pursue a degree course. A variety of university scholarships are also available for nationals, expatriates and those residing outside Qatar.

Established by QF in 2014, the Qatar Nanny Training Academy (QNTA) aims to educate Muslim Arabic-speaking nannies that have the capacity to teach Islamic values. Students on the 10-month programme are drawn from Arab countries; the training includes specialised courses in all aspects of childcare, including first aid, nutrition, hygiene, education, and Arabic, Islamic and cultural studies. 4454 7351, qnta.qa B3

Embassies and cultural centres generally have details of distance-learning courses, and often have an educational adviser, provide assistance with overseas university applications, and/or act as examination centres for overseas exams (see Foreign Embassies in the Discovering Qatar section). Technical colleges and training programmes While encouraging graduate and post-graduate studies, Qatar acknowledges that many students – boys in particular – are often attracted to jobs for school leavers in the army, police, the civil service or the hydrocarbons industry. Consequently, the Minister for Education and Higher Education and Secretary General of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education authorised the development of a strategic plan with three objectives: • To establish national vocational and technical competency standards for Qatar. • To work in conjunction with the Higher Education Institute to integrate vocational and technical qualifications into a National Qualifications Framework. • To establish specially designed vocational technical training facilities capable of providing internationally accredited competency standards that suit the needs of the Qatari labour market. ©

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

39 eBook EDUCATION IN QATAR M79.indd 12

12/3/20 10:46 AM

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa

Education in Qatar

Academic Bridge Program (ABP) The Academic Bridge Program (ABP), a QF center, is a premier pre-university programme established for high school graduates from Qatar and other countries in the region. Since its establishment in 2001, more than 2,500 students (mostly Qatari high school graduates, but also students from over 30 other countries) have graduated from their programme. Many have enrolled at one of the universities in Education City, Qatar University, or abroad at universities in the US or the UK. Over 90% of their graduates are admitted to university each year. abp.edu.qa C2

AFG College with the University of Aberdeen in Doha The University of Aberdeen is the first UK University to operate on a dedicated campus in Qatar, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The undergraduate subjects on offer are include Business Management, Accountancy and Finance, Business Management and Information Systems, and Business Management and International Relations. The postgraduate programmes are LLM International Commercial Law, Master of Business Administration (MBA), MSc International Business Management, International Postgraduate Diploma in Education (iPGCE) (MEd), and MSc International Human Resource Management. abdn.ac.uk D3

College of the North Atlantic Qatar (CNA-Q) College of the North Atlantic – Qatar (CNA-Q) is a national technical college offering over 30 programmes through student-centred learning and state-of-the-art training facilities. Since opening in 2002, CNA-Q has graduated more than 5,400 students to enter the workforce and contribute to Qatar National Vision 2030. Today, there are more than 3,000 full-time students enrolled in over 30 internationally-accredited diploma and certificate programmes in the disciplines of Business Management and Information Technology, Engineering Technology and Industrial Trades, and Health Sciences. CNA-Q is regarded as a Centre for Excellence in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Qatar, delivering CNA's Canadian curriculum specifically aligned to Qatar's labour market needs. Currently, there are more than 650 faculty and staff working at CNA-Q. cna‑qatar.com B3

Community College of Qatar (CCQ) Established by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in 2010, the Community College QATAR EDUCATION E-GUIDE ©

of Qatar (CCQ) is an open admissions institution that offers a number of associate and bachelor degree programmes that meet the needs of the labour force in Qatar. Among them are two-year Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degree programmes for students wishing to transfer to four-year universities, high demand 2+2 Associates and Bachelor degree programmes, and two-year Associate of Applied Arts and Applied Science degree programmes. CCQ also offers short-term continuing education and marketable skills certificates for those that wish to upgrade their knowledge and skills to help them become more marketable in the job market. In addition, CCQ has partnered with a number of local and international four-year universities in order to provide students with the opportunity to seamlessly transfer to a university to obtain a bachelor degree without losing any of their coursework. ccq.edu.qa (CCQ Boys) C3 (CCQ Girls) D4

Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI) Founded in 2014 by the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies. The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies (DI) is an independent institute for learning and research in the fields of Social Sciences, Humanities, Public Administration and Development Economics. Programmes of study are offered at the master’s degree level in three schools: the School ofSocial Sciences and Humanities, the School of Public Administration and Development Economics,and the School of Psychology and Social Work.In addition, the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studiesat the DI offers a master's in Conflict Management and Humanitarian Action. dohainstitute.edu.qa D3

Lusail University The new Lusail University welcomed its first batch in the autumn of 2020 with over 800 students accepted to join the College of Managerial, Financial and Economic Sciences, College of Law, and the College of Education and Arts. lu.edu.qa A4

Police College (Qatar) Established by Amiri Decree in 2013, the Police College (Qatar) offers a four-year bachelor’s degree in law and police science in Arabic. However, the college’s Supreme Council (chaired by the Minister of Interior) has the right to allow one or more subjects in a foreign language. Non-Qatari students who obtain scholarships from their own countries can also apply. moi.gov.qa F1

MARHABA

40 eBook EDUCATION IN QATAR M79.indd 13

12/3/20 10:46 AM

ADMISSIONS

OPEN NOW FOR SEPTEMBER 2021

GET YOUR PASSPORT TO THE FUTURE

A globally recognised UK degree right here in Qatar. Apply now to our programmes: Inte rnational Foundation Vocational Studies - BTEC HND Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management - BTEC HND Computing & Application Development

BSc (Hons.) Business Studies

Scholarships Available

T: +974 4019 8198 F: +974 4016 2637 W: www.cityuniversitycollege.edu.qa cucqatar

E: info@cityuniversitycollege.edu.qa Barwa Commercial Avenue Jeera Building, Block 39 P.O. B ox 200197, Doha, Qatar

Â©

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

41 CITY COLLEGE AD M79 FEB.indd 1

2/1/21 10:46 AM

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa

Education in Qatar

Qatar Aeronautical College (QAC) Qatar Aeronautical College (QAC) was founded in 1975 as the Civil Aviation College of the Gulf States, with assistance from the United Nations Development Program. It changed its name in 1996 to Qatar Aeronautical College, and its programmes have now expanded to include training not just for airline pilots but also for aircraft maintenance engineers, air traffic controllers, meteorologists, airport operations management personnel and flight dispatchers. Qatari high school graduates between the ages of 17 and 24 are eligible to apply for trainee positions sponsored by Qatar Airways, Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, etc. Qataris and other nationals may also apply to join on a fee-paying basis. qac.edu.qa D4

engineering and science pathways developed and accredited by the Northern Consortium of UK universities (NCUK). NCUK is globally recognised for its programmes developed collaboratively with the 16 NCUK Partner Universities. The college also houses SI-UK Qatar; SI-UK is the leading provider of independent advice and support to international students applying to study in the UK. SI-UK Qatar is part of a global network of 23 offices, which have helped tens of thousands of international students join UK universities. As an official UCAS centre, SI-UK Qatar are the first and the only to be licensed by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to help guide students through every step of the university application process. universityfoundationcollege.com C3

Ulster University Qatar, City University College

Stenden Qatar University of Applied Sciences – Qatar

Ulster University (UU) operates its branch campus in Qatar in partnership with City University College. Through its business expertise, quality teaching and innovation, UU aims to deliver the future business leaders of Qatar and beyond. Their entrepreneurial and dynamic programmes provide students with the skills and knowledge to fuel public and private sector organisations, and drive the regional economy.

Stenden University of Applied Sciences – Qatar is an international university which was established in 2000 under the Chairmanship of HE Sheikh Faisal bin Qassim Al Thani. Stenden Qatar offers three internationally accredited four-year signature bachelor programmes in International Business and Management Studies, International Hospitality Management and Tourism Management.

Ulster University Business School is one of the largest providers of university accredited business education in the UK and their 60,000 alumni work across 120 countries to drive economic growth and make a difference. Students can now obtain a UK business degree from UU whilst studying in Qatar. They will have access to Ulster’s online resources, faculty and the option to spend a semester abroad at one of their campuses in Northern Ireland. Introductory undergraduate programmes for September 2020 are the International Foundation Programme and BSc Honours Business Studies. However, UU Qatar will be augmenting their offering by introducing an exciting portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, as well as short courses, that respond to the corporate sector’s needs and challenges, supporting leaders and managers to reimagine their business in times of change. ulsteruniversity.edu.qa, cityuniversitycollege.edu.qa E3

University Foundation College University Foundation College is a private British college, licensed by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. The College brings to Qatar ‘UK bridging’ programmes in business, humanities, QATAR EDUCATION E-GUIDE ©

Stenden Qatar also offers internationally accredited master’s degrees in International Hospitality and Service Management, and in International Leisure, Tourism and Events Management. The main campus in the Netherlands designs all study programmes and issues degrees fully recognised by the local Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Scholarships are available from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education for students wishing to study at Stenden Qatar. More than 40 nationalities study at their campus in Doha. Having campuses in Leeuwarden (The Netherlands), Bali (Indonesia), Rangsit (Thailand) and Port Alfred (South Africa), students can go abroad to study. stenden.edu.qa D2

University of Calgary – Qatar (UCQ) Established in 2007, the University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) offers university training in all aspects of professional nursing in compliance with the same rigorous international standards applied at the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary in Canada. In addition to a Bachelor of Nursing degree programme, UCQ offers a foundations programme that assists students with the language, mathematic and science skills they need to thrive in the nursing profession. ucalgary.edu.qa D2

MARHABA

42 eBook EDUCATION IN QATAR M79.indd 14

12/3/20 10:46 AM

Qatar Foundation

QF’s work encompasses education, science and research, and community development. World-class universities are brought to Qatar to help create an education sector in which young people can develop the attitudes and skills required for the nation’s future. QF also works to foster a progressive society while enhancing cultural life, protecting Qatar’s heritage and addressing immediate social needs in the community. qf.org.qa C2

Education At QF, a world-class system has been built that caters to students from when they are six months old through to postgraduate study, creating a multidisciplinary environment that produces a highly competent and diverse workforce to serve the needs of the country and thrive in a global environment. Key to this has been the development of QF’s unique partnership model with leading universities from around the world, comprising: Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, Weill Cornell MedicineQatar, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar, Texas A&M University at Qatar, Northwestern University in Qatar, Georgetown University in Qatar and HEC Paris in Qatar. Through its homegrown research university, Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU), QF produces students that can address national grand challenges and critical questions that are locally relevant and have global impact.

Pre-University Education Pre-University Education (PUE) is the beginning of QF's education cycle and fortifies the organisation's commitment to lifelong learning. It delivers unique learning opportunities, and strives to meet the individual needs of each student in its diverse community.

marhaba.qa PUE has expanded to comprise a total of nine schools. These include Qatar Academy, which has five branches in different geographical locations throughout Qatar; Qatar Leadership Academy, which promotes personal growth in young men by engaging them in an environment that promotes excellence in academics, leadership, athletics and character; Renad Academy, dedicated to helping children with mild to moderate autism spectrum disorder (ASD); Awsaj Academy, dedicated to working with children with learning difficulties; Academic Bridge Program (ABP), a premier preuniversity initiative; and the Qatar Academy for Science and Technology (QAST), an advanced academic programme for accomplished students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.

Research, Development and Innovation Research and innovation efforts across QF are designed to enable Qatar to develop homegrown solutions that tackle the nation’s challenges while also having the potential to benefit the world. Through its institutes, initiatives, programmes and discoveries in this sphere, QF helps to:

Education in Qatar

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) is a private, non-profit organisation that supports Qatar on its journey to becoming a diversified and sustainable economy, providing homegrown solutions for the benefit of not only Qatar, but the world. QF was founded in 1995 by the Father Amir, HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of QF. HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani is Vice Chairperson and CEO of QF.

PRINT and ONLINE

• Develop the capabilities of Qatar’s people and institutions. • Build and maintain a competitive and diversified economy. • Improve the health and social wellbeing of Qatar’s population. • Support Qatar’s distinctive culture and the security of its people. • Preserve and improve the natural and built environment. Key to QF’s philosophy of excellence is Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) – see Investment and Trade in the Banking and Commerce section. qstp.org.qa Another unique educational partnership is Sidra Medicine, an academic medical centre. See Healthcare in Qatar in the Health and Beauty section.

Community Development Community development is the long-term dividend of education and scientific innovation, and is at the heart of everything that QF does. QF’s various initiatives are designed to address the needs of the society, embody Qatari culture, promote lifelong learning and foster social engagement. Community development initiatives at QF encourage an active, healthy lifestyle as well as social cohesion and cross-cultural understanding. ©

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

43 eBook EDUCATION IN QATAR M79.indd 15

12/3/20 10:46 AM

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa Carnegie Mellon University Qatar

Education in Qatar

For more than a century, Carnegie Mellon University has challenged the curious and passionate to imagine and deliver work that matters. A private, top-ranked and global university, Carnegie Mellon sets its own course with programmes that inspire creativity and collaboration. In 2004, Carnegie Mellon and QF began a partnership to deliver select programmes that will contribute to the long-term development of Qatar. Today, Carnegie Mellon University Qatar (CMU-Q) offers undergraduate programmes in biological sciences, business administration, computational biology, computer science, and information systems. More than 400 students from 52 countries call CMU-Q home. Graduates from CMU-Q are pursuing their careers in top organisations within Qatar and around the world, and many have started their own entrepreneurial ventures. With 13 graduating classes, the total number of alumni is more than 900. qatar.cmu.edu

Georgetown University in Qatar Established in 1789, Georgetown University is one of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, offering a unique educational experience that prepares the next generation of global citizens to lead and make a difference in the world. Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) continues this tradition with its campus in Education City. GU-Q offers the same internationally respected Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service degree as the campus in Washington, DC, allowing students to major in fields such as culture and politics, international economics, international history, or international politics. The university also delivers a range of custom-designed professional education programmes and community classes for members of the public in Qatar. qatar.georgetown.edu

Hamad bin Khalifa University Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of QF, was founded in 2010 as a research-intensive university that acts as a catalyst QATAR EDUCATION E-GUIDE ©

for transformative change in Qatar and the region while having global impact. Located in Education City, HBKU is committed to building and cultivating human capacity through an enriching academic experience, innovative ecosystem, and unique partnerships. HBKU delivers multidisciplinary undergraduate and graduate programmes through its colleges, and provides opportunities for research and scholarship through its institutes and centers. hbku.edu.qa

HEC Paris in Qatar Founded in 1881 by the Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry, HEC Paris, a founding member of the Université Paris-Saclay, brings together 140 permanent professors, more than 4,500 students and 8,000 executives and directors in education each year. In 2010, HEC Paris joined QF and brought worldclass Executive Education programmes and research activity to Doha and the region. By 2011, HEC Paris had launched Qatar’s first international Executive MBA (EMBA), which has been ranked number 1 worldwide by the Financial Times in 2019. The HEC Paris international EMBA is a part-time programme that provides executives with a set of fundamental skills to expand their knowledge and leadership capabilities. In addition to the EMBA, HEC Paris in Qatar provides a Specialised Master’s Degree in Strategic Business Unit Management. The institution also offers non-degree management programmes for executives, in the form of executive short programmes and certificates as well as custom-designed programmes for individual companies. qatar.exed.hec.edu

Northwestern University in Qatar Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) offers bachelor’s degrees from Northwestern’s School of Communication and the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications. Most recently, NU-Q rolled out an all-new graduate programme, offering a Master’s in Sport Administration, as well as a variety of executive education programmes for professionals in Qatar. NU-Q is the 12th school of Northwestern University, which is ranked among the top

MARHABA

44 eBook EDUCATION IN QATAR M79.indd 16

12/3/20 10:47 AM

vcuqadmissions @vcuqadmissions

Â©

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

45 VCU-QATAR AD M79.indd 1

12/4/20 1:24 PM

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa

Education in Qatar

universities in the world. Northwestern ranked 9th best by US News & World Report, and 22nd best worldwide, according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Students interested in news reporting, multimedia storytelling, and strategic communication enrol in NU-Q’s programme in journalism and strategic communication. If their interest is more aligned with creative media – scriptwriting, cinematography, film production and animation – the programme in communication offers the academic rigour, alongside the training in the technical components of those careers. In addition to their majors, all Northwestern students benefit from a well-rounded education, which includes a variety of disciplines in the liberal arts from history and political science to literature and economics. qatar.northwestern.edu

Texas A&M University at Qatar Texas A&M University, recognised as having one of the premier engineering programmes in the world, has offered bachelor’s degrees in chemical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering and petroleum engineering at QF’s Education City campus since 2003, and master’s degrees in chemical engineering since autumn 2011. Texas A&M at Qatar has awarded more than 1,161 degrees since 2007. In addition to engineering courses, Texas A&M at Qatar provides classes in science, mathematics, liberal arts and the humanities. All four of the undergraduate engineering programmes offered are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The curricula offered at Texas A&M at Qatar are materially the same as those offered at the main campus in College Station, Texas, and the courses in Doha are taught in English in a coeducational setting. The reputation for excellence is the same, as is the commitment to equip engineers to lead the next generation of engineering advancement. Faculty from around the world are attracted to Texas A&M at Qatar to provide this educational experience and to participate in research activities now valued at more than USD263.9 mn, and that address issues important to the State of Qatar. qatar.tamu.edu

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar Established in 1998 through a partnership with QF, VCUarts Qatar is the international branch campus of Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) School of the Arts, a top-ranked art and design programme in the US. VCUarts Qatar is celebrating more than 20 years of a fruitful alliance between VCU and QF that underscores the commitment of each institution to excellence, inquiry, discovery and innovation in a global setting. It offers students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in fashion design, graphic design, interior design, and painting and printmaking, a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history, and a Master of Fine Arts degree in design. A vibrant community with a global reach, the university promises to instill in students a lifelong passion for education and the arts. VCUarts Qatar offers valuable opportunities for crosscultural exchange and connects VCUarts to the influential art and design world of the Middle East and beyond. The campus attracts renowned contributors to contemporary visual culture for speaking and teaching engagements, and hosts two major international events: Tasmeem Doha, a biennial art and design conference; and the Hamad bin Khalifa Symposium on Islamic Art. qatar.vcu.edu

Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar (WCM-Q) is at the forefront of medical education, clinical care, and biomedical research in the Middle East. Established in 2001 as a partnership between Cornell University in the US and QF, WCM-Q is part of Cornell University and was the first US university to offer its MD degree overseas. From their very first year, medical students gain clinical experience with the country’s finest healthcare providers, and go on to residencies in some of the best teaching hospitals in the world. WCM-Q’s Division of Continuing Professional Development is accredited to provide continuing medical education for physicians and in doing so disseminates information about clinical best practice, augmenting local healthcare delivery.

MARHABA

46 eBook EDUCATION IN QATAR M79.indd 17

12/3/20 10:47 AM

PRINT and ONLINE

marhaba.qa

WCM-Q’s affiliation with Cornell University and Weill Cornell Medicine in New York, as well as with the Ministry of Public Health, Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medicine, Aspetar, the Feto Maternal Center and the Primary Health Care Corporation, has created powerful partnerships that are dedicated to delivering excellence in education, patient care and biomedical research. qatar–weill.cornell.edu

Education in Qatar

In line with their commitment to focus on diseases prevalent in Qatar, WCM-Q established a world-class biomedical research programme, the first of its kind in the Middle East, that will help inform more efficient Education City healthcare delivery by ushering in the era of precision medicine. The biomedical research programme also provides robust training programmes, helping to build local research capacity and contributing to Qatar’s knowledge economy.

QF Heritage Centers AL SHAQAB became a member of QF in 2004 with the mission to promote the highest standards in the breeding and showing of Arabian horses and provide innovative, educational and competitive opportunities in all of the equestrian arts. AL SHAQAB began a visionary expansion in 2006 with the development of a world-class equestrian centre. alshaqab.com Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art was founded in 2010 in Education City in a renovated former school building. Mathaf Collection, co-owned by Qatar Museums and QF, is now holding over 9,000 works, making it the world’s largest specialised collection of its kind. An initial group of works was gathered by HE Sheikh Hassan bin Mohammed bin Ali Al Thani. mathaf.org.qa Oxygen Park is a 130,000 sq m green space in Education City, inviting students and visitors to exercise and explore the symbiotic relationships between oxygen, plants, and healthy purified living. Within Oxygen Park is the Qur'anic Botanic Garden (QBG), which was inaugurated by HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser in 2008. It has plant species mentioned in the Quran, and those in the hadith and sunnah (sayings and traditions of Prophet Muhammad PBUH). Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) provides a venue of choice for regional and international conventions, exhibitions, gala events, concerts, theatrical productions and banquets. qncc.qa Qatar National Library (QNL) is a non-profit organisation under the umbrella of QF. It gives residents access to more than one million books, periodicals and special collections. It also provides printed and digital library materials for students and researchers, and delivers library services and information for everyone. qnl.qa Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra (QPO) was founded in 2007 by HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. The orchestra performs both Western and Middle Eastern works by the people of Qatar and the region. QPO comprises 101 professional musicians chosen in international auditions from 30 countries. qatarphilharmonicorchestra.org *Other QF entities and initiatives: World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH), World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), Qatar Foundation Annual Research Conference (QF-ARC), Qatar Foundation Research and Development (QF R&D), Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), Doha International Family Institute (DIFI), Qatar Green Building Council (QGBC), and more. ©

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

47 eBook EDUCATION IN QATAR M79.indd 18

12/3/20 10:47 AM

Industrial Area Aspire Zone Al Furousiya St

Doha Khalifa Town Al Gharrafa Interchange

ar S Huw

New interchange under construction

Al Shamal (North) Road Al Khafji St Umm Lekhba

afa St Al Gharr

16 18

Qatar National Library Metro Station

College of Islamic Studies Education City Mosque

EDUCATION CITY

Oxygen Park

Torba Farmers Market

Al S

Sidra Medicine

Al Shaqab Metro Station

ab S

haq

15 Al SHAQAB

Chef’s Garden 25

Al L

Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC)

uqta

Multi-storey Car Park

Premier Inn Doha Education City Hotel

Fort 12

Education City Metro Station

Al Rayyan Road

a St asriy

Ja d

Education City Stadium 2022 FIFA World Cup QatarTM

ayy a

Education City Golf Club

arr afa

Ra yy an

Zekreet Street

Al N

Community Housing 2

t 13

uqta

Al L St

Community Housing 1

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art

Cultural Landmark

Parking Area

Hotel

Power Plant

Restaurant

10.2020

kha

Qatar Academy Msheireb

Al Terhab St

Green line Metro: Metro :Al AlRiffa Riffa--Al AlMansoura Mansoura

Al Shahama St

Entrance Gate

Japan & Sherborne Schools are at the end of Al Terhab St

Al Wajba Mall Of Qatar Al Rayyan Sports Club Al Sheehaniya Dukhan

1. Qatar Foundation HQ 2. Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) 3. Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar 4. Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) 5. Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar 6. Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art 7. Academic Bridge Program (ABP) 8. Qatar Academy 9. The Learning Center 10. Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) 11. Sidra Medicine 12. Al Jazeera Children’s Channel 13. Cultural Development Center (CDC) 14. Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) 15. Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) 16. Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) 17. Recreation Center 18. College of Islamic Studies (CIS) 19. Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) 20. Multaqa (Student Center) 21. Qatar National Library (QNL) 22. HBKU Operations 23. HBKU Housing (Male) 24. HBKU Housing (Female) 25. HBKU Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS)

marhaba.qa

MARHABA

48 EDUCATION CITY MAP M79.indd 1

12/4/20 1:32 PM

THE NEXT BREAKTHROUGH CURE COULD COME FROM YOU At Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, we know that the talented people of this region have the potential to make a great impact in the medical field – when given the right tools. That’s why we provide our researchers with world-class training programs and state-of-the-art laboratories to find cures and treatments for the most formidable health challenges facing the region. To discover how you can join a research program making Qatar a global centre for medical innovation, please visit our website.

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

49 WCM-Q AD M79.indd 1

12/4/20 1:24 PM

Qatar University

Education in Qatar

Since Qatar University (QU) was established in the late 1970s, the university has been striving to be a platform and a minaret of knowledge and enlightenment for Qatar, and one of the leading institutions of higher education in the country. Today, it offers quality education to more than 20,000 multinational students at the undergraduate and graduate level. QU meets international standards and maintains the fastest growing research profile in the region. It has always been the moving force of the society as well as its centre of enlightenment. QU has contributed in fulfilling the needs of the society for qualified personnel, scholars, consultants and researchers in various specialisations. It has been actively interacting and contributing to the development of society through its academic and research expertise. QU develops as society’s needs increase, and accordingly, it expands its colleges, departments and academic programmes to fulfil the necessary needs required to achieve Qatar National Vision 2030. It also employs its expertise in planning and setting up strategies to enhance stability in the social, economic, academic and human development domains.

QU offers various academic programmes and research projects based on international standards taking into account aspects and issues related to Arab-Islamic culture and identity. QU has appointed more than 130 Qatari academic staff. Currently, more than 100 male and female Qataris have been carefully selected to complete their higher education abroad in the best internationally recognised universities so that they may return to share their experience and knowledge. QU has transformed from being an institution of learning to a platform of research, a process that took much effort and time to be achieved. QATAR EDUCATION E-GUIDE ©

QU has emphasised international ranking during the last few years, and has strived to get the academic accreditations for several colleges and programmes to achieve quality assurance. International ranking and academic accreditation enables QU to observe performance and quality, and investigate strategies and applied plans in order to achieve university objectives. Times Higher Education (THE) World University Ranking continues to rank QU as the most improved international university, an honour it has held since 2015 indicating QU as a truly global university, one that attracts students and scholars from around the world and collaborates with others globally. QU is also named 52nd in Asia University Rankings, 79 in Young University Rankings and among the top 500 universities in the world by THE. As part of Qatar's policy, which aims to improve health services, QU announced in 2017 the establishment of a health cluster, aptly titled QU Health, to fulfil the market's needs for qualified national specialised cadre in all fields related to the health, safety and pharmaceutical industries. QU’s diverse and lively student body is a testament to the potential of Qatar’s greatest future leaders, respected scholars and inspired artisans. Students at QU enjoy the convenience and beauty of state-of-the-art facilities and technology, paired with traditional values, in a harmony and ease-of-access which fully supports their education and life experiences. QU is also the host for one of the rail stations constructed as part of the preparations for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, connecting the QU community to more destinations. qu.edu.qa B3 m

Checked & Updated October 2020

QU has 10 colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business & Economics, Education, Engineering, Law, Pharmacy, Sharia & Islamic Studies, Health Sciences and Medicine. The College of Dental Medicine opened its doors in 2019 and is the first dentistry college in Qatar, offering a wide range of academic programmes to meet the requirements and increasing needs of Qatar’s society.

Research is an integral part of the academic environment at QU and is bolstered by an ambitious five-year roadmap addressing national priorities and listing four priority research areas -- Energy, Environment and Resource Sustainability; Social Change and Identity; Population, Health and Wellness; and Information, Communication and Technologies (ICT) -- with a state-of-the-art Research Complex, and 14 research centres of excellence. It is further enhanced by over 400 collaborative projects in over 130 countries.

MARHABA

50 eBook EDUCATION IN QATAR M79.indd 19

12/3/20 10:47 AM

Art, Education and Sports

Qatar Foundation (QF) has installed murals, painted by local artists, outside the Education City Stadium to highlight the vibrancy of Education City. The idea for the murals came about when the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) was finishing preparations to inaugurate the Education City Stadium in 2020. They wanted to create a lively and engaging space outside the stadium that captures the essence of its unique location â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in the midst of the vibrant QF environment that hosts universities, schools, research centres, and year-round community activities. The SC put out a call for local artists, particularly from the nearby Virginia Commonwealth School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar), a partner university of QF, inviting them to paint the walls outside the stadium with artworks that capture life in Education City, Qatari culture, the spirit of football, and more.

ÂŠ

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

51 FILLERS M79.indd 19

12/3/20 11:08 AM

Education Courses, Tutoring and Lectures Language courses and tuition Berlitz Language Center Offers tuition in more than 10 languages. Test preparation for IELTS and TOEFL. 4455 0506/7, berlitz-qatar.com E4 British Council A wide range of English language courses as well as access to a library and computers. It is also an IELTS centre. 800 5501, britishcouncil.qa D3

Education Courses, Tutoring and Lectures

Geometric Learning Centre Personalised English and maths learning programmes in the British curriculum. 4427 9295, 3333 2468, geometric-centre.com D3 Inlingua Qatar – ScorePlus General English/ Business English/French/German/Spanish/Arabic and more, for groups and individuals. 4413 1260, inlinguaqatar.com D3 Institut Français du Qatar A range of French courses for adults and children, certifications in French language. Tests for immigration to Canada or Quebec. 4493 0862, institutfrancais-qatar.com B3 Score Plus Qatar – The Princeton Review Language courses, test preparation and early edge courses in SAT/SAT subjects/AP/ACT/ GMAT/GRE/IELTS/TOEFL. 4436 8580, princetonreviewme.com D3

Enertech Qatar Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Training Provider. 4401 0888, enertechqatar.com D3 Qatar Financial & Business Academy (QFBA) Offers various courses in finance and investment. 4496 8333, qfba.edu.qa C4 Qatar Skills Academy Offers vocational training, education and professional development. 4416 1622, qatarskillsacademy.com E3 VCUarts Qatar Offers a selection of art, design and craft courses in English or Arabic. Holds workshops and lectures including an annual fashion show each spring. 4402 0555, qatar.vcu.edu C2

Lectures/discussions/workshops

Seraj Training Centre Test preparation for IELTS, TOEFL and SAT. 4029 5665/7700 1379, serajlc.net C3

Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar Dean’s Lecture Series. 4454 8400, qatar.cmu.edu C2

Stenden Qatar IELTS preparation and professional training programmes. 4488 8116, stenden.edu.qa D3

Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art Holds lectures, workshops and artist encounters. 4402 8855, 4402 8830, mathaf.org.qa C2

StudyPlus Education Center Personalised academic tutoring in Edexcel, Cambridge and IB Curriculum. Core Maths/Further Pure Maths/ Physics/Chemistry/Biology/Business Studies/ Accounting/Economics/ESL/EFL/Statistics/ Mechanics/ICT. 4442 4294, thestudyplus.com D3

Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Education Centre offers talks, art workshops, programmes and training courses for children and adults. 4422 4444, 4452 5555, mia.org.qa D4

Center of Community Service and Continuing Education (CCE) at Qatar University meets training needs through specialised training programmes for professional and international certification. 4403 3925, qu.edu.qa/cce B3 College of the North Atlantic Qatar (CNA-Q) Foundation English, Mathematics and Science courses. IELTS test centre. Corporate Training Division offers a variety of part-time courses. 4495 2222, cna-qatar.com B3

Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP) Technovate, networking seminars and open discussions. 4454 7070, qstp.org.qa C2 The Center for International and Regional Studies (CIRS) at Georgetown University in Qatar holds CIRS Faculty Lectures, Dialogue Series and Distinguished Lectures to deliver a variety of public lectures by leading experts in international affairs. 4457 8400, cirs.georgetown.edu C2 Weill Cornell Medicine – Qatar Grand Rounds where healthcare experts speak on related issues. 4492 8000, qatar-weill.cornell.edu C2 m

Checked & Updated Octiober 2020

Community classes and extra-mural courses

Qatar Foundation Research, Development, and Innovation (QF RDI) Research Dialogue series. 4454 0000, qfrdi.org C2

For a list of contact numbers of educational institutions see Useful Numbers in this section. Arabic language courses can be found in Arabic/Islamic Culture Courses in this section. QATAR EDUCATION E-GUIDE ©

MARHABA

52 EDUCATION COURSES....indd 1

12/3/20 2:11 PM

Arabic/Islamic Culture Courses Arabic, the official language of Qatar, ranks sixth among the world’s major languages and is the native tongue of nearly 250 mn people around the world, as well as the language of the Holy Quran and thus, Islam. It is one of the United Nations' six official languages.

The Arabic Language

Classical Arabic and MSA are, to a large extent, learned languages and must be taught in schools, since nearly all Arabs grow up learning a colloquial form of the language. Local dialects vary with more than 30 different regional variations. Arabic is written from right to left. There are 18 distinct letter shapes, which vary slightly depending on whether they are connected to another letter before or after them. There are no 'capital' letters. The full alphabet of 28 letters is created by placing various combinations of dots above or below some of these shapes. Other languages – such as Persian, Urdu and Malay – use adaptations of the Arabic script. Taking a course in Arabic is an interesting way to learn more about the region's culture and to meet new people. Arabic language courses in Qatar offer a choice of colloquial Qatari Arabic or MSA. Islam is the official religion in Qatar. Courses offer a chance to learn about the faith as well.

Courses in Qatar

Berlitz Language Center Group and private conversational and written Arabic courses at levels 1 – 10. Evening classes are available twice a week at each level. Fees vary. 4455 0506/7, berlitzqatar@qatar.net.qa, berlitz‑qatar.com E4

Institut Français du Qatar The successor to the French Cultural Centre (CCF), the official French Institute provides courses in MSA for French and non-French speakers. Private tuition and corporate courses also available. Fees vary. 4493 0862, institutfrancais-qatar.com B3 Islamic Online University Courses online in English. Free programmes available. 4486 8458, islamiconlineuniversity.com Loghati Language Centre Private and group Arabic courses at various levels. Separate classes for men and women. 4488 8846, loghaticentre.com D4 ScorePlus – Inlingua International School of Languages in Qatar General English/Business English/French/German/Spanish/Arabic and more, for groups and individuals. 4413 1260, inlinguaqatar.com D3 Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center (previously known as Fanar) Lessons in MSA with separate classes for men and women. Courses at levels 1 – 5 are intensive and last two and a half months, with classes twice a week. Classes in Islamic studies and culture in English, with assistance in Tagalog (Philippines), Sinhalese (Sri Lanka) and Nepali. 4444 7444, binzaid@islam.gov.qa, binzaid.gov.qa D4 Stenden Qatar Conversational Arabic classes. Three hours a week at QAR3,000. 4488 8116, stenden.edu.qa D3 TII Arabic Language Program At HBKU, offers courses in MSA or the Qatari (Khaleeji) dialect with an emphasis on communication. Also available are courses in medical Arabic to help healthcare professionals communicate with patients. 4454 2578/993, tii.qa C2 m

Checked & Updated October 2020

Arabic for Non-Native Speakers (ANNS) Center is a specialised language centre at Qatar University that offers certificates of completion to international students whose mother tongue is not Arabic. A one academic year programme provides students with communicative skills of comprehension, speaking, reading, writing and pragmatics. 4403 4584/91, qu.edu.qa/students/ international-students/arabic-program B3

Arabic/Islamic Culture Courses

Classical Arabic has preserved the language of the Quran for over 1,400 years. Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is an adapted form of the classical language used in books, newspapers, on TV and radio, and at times, in conversation.

All courses and fees are subject to change. Start learning Arabic with the simple words and greetings in Arabic Phrases in the Discovering Qatar section.

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

53 ARABIC/ISLAMIC COURSES.indd 1

12/3/20 2:19 PM

FEATURE

Education For All By Sarah Palmer The Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, and Education Above All Foundation (EAA) are providing education for children of underprivileged expatriate families in Qatar.

ccording to many international human rights organisations, education is not a privilege. It is a human right. The right to education is recognised as a right to free, compulsory primary and secondary education for all. As part of a partnership between Education Above All Foundation (EAA) and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to provide education for children of underprivileged expatriate families in Qatar, the second Ihsan School opened in Ras Bu Aboud in January 2020. Fully supported by Qatar Charity (QC) and Afif Charity, the second Ihsan School is a non-profit school for Arab expatriates in Qatar, who are unable to afford to place their children in local schools. According to HE the Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Al Hammadi, the opening of the school reflects Qatar’s keenness to fulfil their social responsibilities to provide free education opportunities to all of Qatar’s residents, locals and expatriates alike. During the period 2014 to 2018, Qatar's total spending on education and culture reached approximately QAR766 mn, which benefited nearly two and a half million people in 50 countries around the world.

According to HE Dr Mohammed, EAA plays a significant role in accomplishing its mission to protect the right of children and youth all over the world to quality education, especially for those residing in Qatar, so that no child is left outside the education system. EAA’s mission is to make education accessible to every child in the world. Founded in 2012 by HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, EAA is a foundation that aims to contribute to human, social and economic development through the provision of quality education. With a particular focus on those affected by poverty, conflict and disaster, it champions the needs of children, youth and women to empower them to become active members of their communities. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has provided the building and many services such as maintenance, security and academic supervision for this school, while the school’s board of trustees is concerned with appointing the teaching staff, school administration and other operational matters. The school building has been renovated and rehabilitated in the old traditional style.

MARHABA

54 eBook EDUCATION FOR ALL.indd 1

12/3/20 2:22 PM

QC considers education as a priority area, extending its support in various ways, including building educational facilities and training centres and providing sponsors for students and teachers. The school adopts the Qatari curriculum of local public schools and is completely free of charge including school books, uniforms and other necessities. The school currently runs on two separate sessions with a total of 482 students, including 353 students in the first session, while the second session, which begins at 2 pm, has 129 students from the fifth grade to high school. The area of the second Ihsan School is about 6,000 sq m and can accommodate 12 classes and employ about 48 teachers and administrators, 23 teachers and 10 administrators in the first session, and 14 teachers and one administrator in the second session. The first Ihsan school The first Ihsan school opened in June 2019 in Umm Ghuwailina. The school for non-Arabic speakers operates on the special curriculum, Cambridge English. Some teachings will be in Arabic such as Shariah and the history of Qatar. The school includes 36 classrooms, accommodating 400 students, operating on two sessions, morning and evening, to accommodate 800 students. The cost of the school exceeded QAR4 mn, excluding maintenance, with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education covering most of the expenses. The school includes 354 students who were unable to afford to complete their education. Both the first and second Ihsan schools operate in coordination and cooperation between the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs and EAA to provide students with opportunities in education.

Inclusive education Al Shafallah Centre for Persons with Disability announced the launch of the evening programme for children on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on January 2020, for children on waiting lists aged 6-10. The programme will operate on the evenings, three days a week. The programme was launched as a temporary solution until additional branches of the Al Shafallah Centre open. Al Shafallah Centre for Persons with Disability was established in 1999 by HH Sheikha Moza bint Nasser to provide exemplary educational and rehabilitative services to people with mental disabilities under 21 years old, with focus people on the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The centre aims to promote societal awareness of the cause and rights of people with mental disability, and to help them acquire a more independent life and maximise their integration in society. Since 2013, the centre operates under the umbrella of Qatar Foundation for Social Work. 4495 6667, shafallah.org.qa The Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs (QSRN) has recently approved a specialised musical rehabilitation course within its programmes to develop the capabilities and skills of its members with mental disabilities. Offered at four centres of QSRN, the programme of rehabilitation and treatment using music is aimed at people with mental disabilities in order to restore and improve their emotional, psychological and spiritual condition, through the use of musical hearing, which is background therapy, musical meditation, and relaxation when listening to calm music through live play. 4466 3232, qsrn.org m ÂŠ

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

55 eBook EDUCATION FOR ALL.indd 2

12/3/20 2:22 PM

FEATURE

School Support for Mental Health By Ola Diab The Ministry of Education and Higher Education has launched a programme to provide psychological services in schools.

atar has successfully set on a strong academic year 2019–20, thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.

The academic year 2019–20 witnessed the opening of five new schools for primary, preparatory and secondary levels in Al Wakra, Muaither, Al Kheesa, Old Airport (Al Matar Al Qadeem) and Al Manaseer. In September 2019, the ministry issued a Ministerial Decision to open an additional seven new schools to meet the growing demand of seats in the country.

‘With Education We Build Qatar’ The new academic year began as it meant to continue; with the launch of the sixth edition of the campaign ‘With Education We Build Qatar’, from 16 to 24 August, organised by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Also known as 'Back to School', the campaign includes a variety of programmes and competitions related to education and its atmosphere. There are recreational, scientific and cultural activities that also touch on health, wellness, and safety and provide tips and guidance on road traffic safety.

This campaign is one of the ministry's most important and successful initiatives, enhancing the abilities and capabilities of students to develop and fuel the spirit of competition and creativity through a number of guidance and useful educational advices, serving the educational process and the educational system in Qatar in all its aspects and dimensions at the beginning of a new academic year. The school campaign aims to strengthen communication with all the parties within the education system in Qatar with the aim of preparing students for the new academic year and providing them with the necessary guidance. In addition, as school attendance is of high importance to the ministry as well as the schools, the campaign emphasises on the importance of moral obligation and psychological readiness to attend school and motivates students to return to and regularly attend school from the first day.

Psychological services As the new academic year 2019–20 began, the Ministry of Education and Higher Education launched a programme to provide psychological services in schools from September 2019, as part of their efforts to provide the best psychological services to students.

MARHABA

56 eBook SCHOOL SUPPORT FOR MENTAL HEALTH.indd 1

12/3/20 2:14 PM

School psychologists work in schools to support students' abilities to learn and teachers' abilities to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behaviour, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviourally, and emotionally. In addition, school psychologists work with families, teachers, administrators, and other school professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections among home, school and the community.

A few schools in Qatar already have school psychologists or health and wellness coaches to help students meet academic and emotional challenges. However, the new programme, to be implemented throughout the current academic year, will cover a larger number of schools. It is aimed at nearly 75 schools, including integration schools, specialised schools for students with disabilities, and other schools. In its second phase, the programme will include all schools as a public service to all groups. The role of the programme is to provide the best psychological services to students in the targeted schools such as Al Hedaya and Audio Education Complex Boys and Girls. It also aims to train over 100 psychologists in these schools. This includes professional development certification, review of the programme, summary of the development of psychologists’ performance and programme requirements, and also the review of training topics and objectives to be achieved from field visits to ensure implementation. A range of services will be provided to assist students in their learning, growth and development by providing supportive services to help students meet academic and emotional challenges. The programme is based on the ministry’s vision to provide quality, long-lasting and innovative learning opportunities for the Qatari community. Introducing the programme is part of the ministry’s vision to improve the quality of services provided to students, in general, in integration schools and specialised schools. The programme will require the involvement of the entire educational system, including students, physiologists, families, teachers, administrators and other school personnel. m ©

MARHABA

WINTER 2020/21

57 eBook SCHOOL SUPPORT FOR MENTAL HEALTH.indd 2

12/3/20 2:15 PM