The Prep Qatar Shirburnian 2023-2024 | Al Rayyan

THE PREP QATAR SHIRBURNIAN AL RAYYAN

2023-2024

HIS HIGHNESS

Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani AMIR STATE OF QATAR

HIS HIGHNESS

Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani FATHER AMIR STATE OF QATAR

CONTENTS Our History 6

Public Speaking 68

From the CEO 8

Maths 70

From the Headteacher

Modern Foreign Languages 72

12

From the Deputy Head 13

Enrichment

Pre Prep 14

Performing Arts

Preschool 16

PE and Games 78

Reception 20

Science 80

YEAR 1 26

The CUBE 82

YEAR 2 32

The Houses 84

Lower Key Stage 2

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Amna 84

YEAR 3 38

Irons 86

YEAR 4 44

Jassim 88

Upper Key Stage 2

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Khalifa 90

YEAR 5 50

Powys 92

YEAR 6

Sheppard 94

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74 76

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Events 96

Art 64

PTA 100

English 66

Message From The Bursar 102

Arabic and Islamic Studies

OUR

History

SHERBORNE SCHOOL is an independent boys’ boarding school re-founded in 1550 under a royal charter granted by King Edward VI. It has grown into a modern school of nearly 600 pupils and about 100 teaching staff. Surrounded by the bustling market town, the school attracts pupils from across the world.

Sherborne Preparatory School is an independent coeducational school for children aged 3-13 years.

The school has a long and distinguished history and an enviable academic reputation as a feeder to many of England’s leading independent schools. As of April 2021 Sherborne Preparatory School has been part of Sherborne School. Sherborne Qatar was founded in 2009 and is a joint venture between Sherborne School and Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Thani. Members of the Qatari royal family such as the Emir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, have attended.Shirburnians follow a diverse range of careers at the highest levels and include diplomats, bishops, politicians, journalists, actors, poets and musicians.

Sherborne Qatar is a founding member of Qatar’s Ministry of Education & Further Education Outstanding Schools Initiative and is overseen by the Ministry’s Private Schools Office. Sherborne Qatar is a selffinanced, not-for-profit school with its own Board of Governors, of which Sherborne School has half of the appointed membership. Our ethos, brand and educational standards are overseen by and aligned to Sherborne School.

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FROM THE

CEO

Sherborne Qatar was launched on the 9th of September 2009. Today, we are celebrating 15 years and 15 days of educational excellence. I am proud of our achievements over the past 15 years, but I am even more excited about the possibilities that lie ahead in the next 15 years. I will share more about future developments shortly.

In 2009, I was asked to establish a school in the image of Sherborne UK. This request, made by the Founding Principal, Dr. Colin Niven, initially puzzled me because Sherborne School in the UK is a Senior Boys Boarding School, while I was tasked with establishing a Junior Co-Educational Prep School. These are two schools at completely different ends of the education spectrum. However, it did not take long to realize that we shared the same values and a holistic approach to education. It became apparent that, although we were different, by placing our pupils at the centre of all that we do, we could genuinely say we shared the same educational ethos as Sherborne UK, and we could proudly call our pupils Shirburnians.

Founding a new school is not easy and requires many people to work collaboratively towards a specific goal. There are far too many individuals to thank, but by mentioning just a few, I hope everyone realizes that I am attempting to highlight the outstanding work of all staff in creating the schools we are celebrating today. If I do not mention your name in this short section, I hope I have not caused any offense, but there have been too many excellent staff members since 2009 to mention you all.

Firstly, I must acknowledge the leadership and support given to the school, and to myself personally, by Sheikh Abdulla, our Chairman of Governors. Thank you for the trust you have shown in all of us to run your schools.

I would also like to thank Sheikha Amal, our Managing Director, for her continued advice and guidance, especially with respect to the culture of Qatar.

From the admin team, I would like to highlight two former members: Mrs. Gill Johnson, who is here as a parent today but was our first professional Marketing Manager in 2012, bringing our marketing and communication into the modern era; and Mrs. Emma Keefe, who did an amazing job looking after me and the entire Executive team for the last seven years.

From Sherborne UK, I would like to thank Professor Richard Hodder Williams and Michael French for their incredible support and guidance. They were Founding Governors and true visionaries in establishing Sherborne in the State of Qatar. Both gentlemen remain interested in the progress of the schools, and I meet with them each year to keep them informed.

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From the staff, I am spoiled for choice in whom to mention to epitomize the hard work and commitment of so many great teachers. However, I would like to thank Ms. Susan Saada, who has been with Sherborne for almost the entire 15 years and works tirelessly for the benefit of her pupils.

She is also an amazing advocate for her subjects, Arabic and Islamic studies.

I heard just last week that Sherborne Qatar School for Girls had been awarded the prestigious Microsoft Showcase School status. Achieving this distinction takes incredible effort from the whole staff, but in particular, this award is thanks to the enthusiasm and knowledge of Jo Gilbert.

Jo has recently relocated to the new Boys School, so unfortunately, she needs to start the process again, but we all have confidence that she can once again achieve this amazing accomplishment.

Mr. Richard Williams has been a colleague and friend since 2009, and I have relied on his wisdom and guidance more times than I can mention. Thank you for all that you have done for the school and the support you have shown me personally.

From the Ministry of Education, I would like to acknowledge the support from Dr. Ibrahim Al Nuaimi, the Undersecretary at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Back in 2009, Dr. Ibrahim was the Chairman of the Outstanding Schools Council and played a key role in bringing Sherborne to Qatar.

The most important group of people in any school are the pupils. Here, I would like to mention Ghada Al Enazi, a pupil who has faced more challenges in her life than many of us could imagine. She joined the Prep School when she was entering Year 3, and I remember accepting her application faster than any other pupil during my time as Headmaster.

She greeted me with such a warm smile and gracious good morning that I knew she would make a great Shirburnian.

I met with Ghada just yesterday, and she told me of her plans to study business during her GCSEs and hopefully at university. She still has the warmest smile.

One of my favourite memories as Headmaster was watching a young man play goalie for his House and seeing

his father’s reaction when he made a save. This might not seem like an outstanding event, but when you realize that Esaa has cerebral palsy and had to use a walking frame or wheelchair in his daily life, you can appreciate the enormity of Esaa being involved in house sports. However, it was the reaction of the other children that made this one of my favourite memories. They did not take it easy on Esaa but adapted the game by lowering the crossbar to ensure their friend had a chance to save the ball. Apart from that small change, he was treated equally by his friends, and the celebrations when they won the match were magical—a wonderful example of the values we pride ourselves on at Sherborne. For your information, Esaa is now studying Law at Exeter University.

Sharaka Holdings is our Qatari holding company, and I must thank Mr. Amer, the CEO, for his friendship and guidance as we work together to achieve our shared goal of creating the British Schools of choice in Qatar.

I have mentioned a few people by name, but as I alluded to before, I hope everyone associated with the school understands that by highlighting these individuals, I aim to thank everyone who has been involved in the school. Thank you all for your efforts to create an excellent group of schools with the same ethos and high expectations as Sherborne UK. Back in 2009, we originally planned to build one central campus, but after considerable thought and discussions, it was decided to build a family of schools. We believe it is to the pupils’ benefit to be in smaller and more nurturing schools, where everyone is known and appreciated for their individual talents. The Sherborne Qatar Family of Schools now consists of a Boys School, a Girls School, an all-through Co-Educational School, and a stand-alone Prep School, which includes specialist provision for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). I am delighted with the development of all the schools, but the SEN provision holds a special place in my heart.

Thirty-five years ago, I started my teacher training in Cheltenham, specializing in Physical Education. Much of my training involved coaching a special group of children in preparation for their swimming and athletics events for the National Special Olympics. They were an amazing group who couldn’t try harder to improve their skills and please everyone around them. I owe this group of children a great deal, as they were responsible for making me the teacher and educational leader I am today. I always wanted to repay them for their 9.

kindness. Therefore, starting a school to help similar children became an important ambition of mine. I am hugely grateful to Sheikh Abdulla, who encouraged and supported me in setting up this school, and to Sam Campion Gibson for making my dream a reality. I hope the children of Paternoster Special School would be pleased with the school we have created in Qatar.

This seems like the perfect time to announce that, following meetings with the Qatar Olympic Committee, Sherborne Qetaf will be hosting the National Indoor Special Olympics next January. This will be a hugely prestigious event, and I am sure it will be greatly enjoyed by our pupils.

Our 15th Anniversary Logo mentions academic excellence, but I hope we have achieved much more than pure academic success since 2009. I hope we have encouraged our pupils to take risks with their learning, to make a wide variety of friends, to try new challenges and activities, and to have fun in their learning. We have achieved academic excellence, as highlighted by our recent A Level results, but to me, academic excellence is not just about examination results. It is about teaching a child how to read so they can access the world of books. Academic excellence is teaching a child how to hold a pencil and make marks on a page, which will grow and develop and eventually lead to amazing creativity within art. It is about mastering a second language (1,200 of our pupils speak English as a second language), appreciating and enjoying music, having the confidence to participate in public speaking, or excelling at debating and the Model United Nations. Ultimately, I believe that academic excellence is about outstanding teachers developing a true connection with their pupils and supporting each individual to have a genuine love for learning and to achieve standards that were perhaps beyond their initial expectations. Good schools should not just be a hotbed for examination results; they should offer a genuine holistic education, an all-round education that encourages challenge, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, community, leadership, and very importantly, charity and service. Unfortunately, this list 10.

would not fit on the poster, so we adopted the term “Academic Excellence” as a general statement for all that we stand for.

Ten years ago, I was the Headmaster of the Prep School, and as part of our 5th anniversary celebrations, we buried a time capsule, which was dug up last week by some of the boys at our new Boys School. As the Headmaster, I wrote a letter to the future Head of the Prep School, who is now Mrs. Heidi Berry, and I would like to read a short extract from that letter to you now: “A very warm welcome to you all as you celebrate 15 years of this wonderful school, from 10 years in the past.

I am sure many things have changed over the last 10 years, although I am not convinced we will have ‘hover iPads or unicorns’ as suggested by a Year 1 pupil back in 2014. But I also hope many things have remained the same. I hope that the relationships between pupils and teachers have remained at the forefront of teaching and that the school community continues to work together for the benefit of all the pupils. I hope technology has not taken over from books and that children still use their imaginations to write stories. I hope that we all enjoy our sport and physical activities and continue to flourish during plays and public speaking. I hope there is still time to paint with our fingers and to take time to enjoy the creativity all around us. I hope we are still a proud British School that benefits hugely from being guests in this wonderful country of Qatar, supported by our friends from around the world. It was an absolute pleasure to lead this school in its first few years, and I hope that whoever is Head now will be as happy as I was, and I wish you and your school every success for the next 15 years. With very best wishes, Nick Prowse.”

I feel that many of my wishes in 2014 have remained true. The teachers at Sherborne continue to encourage creativity, and they do allow the children to paint with their fingers. The teachers continue to develop honest relationships with their pupils. Sport and physical activity are still of paramount importance, and I believe we are still a proud British School. We continue to find the individual talent within each pupil and nurture it to

its fullest potential However, my concern about technology overshadowing books is growing.

I believe that reading is the best indicator of future academic success, as supported by a recent study. A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics in August 2024 found that children who are regularly read to during their early years have a more extensive vocabulary and better language skills by the time they start school. These advantages translate into higher literacy levels, which are strong predictors of academic success in later years.

I think every teacher would agree with this statement. Moreover, many of us feel that the increased reliance on social media as a form of entertainment for our youngest children has the potential to undermine their future intelligence by reducing their ability to read and enjoy a good book.

My current favourite question during interviews is: “With the rapid growth of AI, do the three-year-olds who have just joined our school need to learn to read and write?” I am not sure there is a correct answer to this question, but it certainly leads to very interesting discussions about the future of education.

Every candidate seems to have a different opinion, often based on the subject or age group they teach. What I do know is that the way we teach and what we teach must change. We need to be teaching skills, including reading, rather than just subjects if we are to prepare our pupils for the uncertain yet exciting future they will enter when they leave school or university. AI can already simultaneously translate meetings and presentations, write essays, and read texts; it can even write 15th Anniversary speeches! And yes, I used AI to write a small portion of this speech. If you think you know which part, please come and speak to me afterward to see if you are correct.

As part of my dissertation for my Master’s Degree, I quoted an article in an Arabic newspaper which stated that the average 11-year-old English-speaking girl reads 12 novels a year, while the equivalent 11-year-old Arabic boy reads on average just 11 pages a year. This is a very worrying statistic.

while they are at school and afterward when they enter the wider world. This is why, as I mentioned earlier, academic excellence cannot be determined solely by examination results.

We need to consider new and innovative approaches to education. These approaches will include the increased use of technology but must not exclude the vital skill of reading.

We have created a Family of Schools in Qatar over the last 15 years, but we are not stopping there. We are planning new schools throughout the MENA region, with our next school opening in Jeddah in September 2025, and hopefully Riyadh in 2026. We are also in discussions to open schools in Oman and the UAE. These additional schools will provide wonderful opportunities for staff and pupils alike. Pupils can compete internationally in debating, music, academic quizzes, and of course, sports. Staff can become involved in greater opportunities for training and possible exchanges within the group of schools. It is an exciting future for Sherborne MENA. As we grow into a larger group of schools, I am hopeful that we will have the opportunity to influence future educational policy and perhaps develop new educational pathways for our pupils.

As I come to the end of my allotted time, I would ask for the opportunity to thank one final group of people and that is my family. To Beccy, Alexander, Sophie and Amelia, I am hugely grateful for your love and support over the last 15 years, I appreciate that I have missed many birthdays, family occasions and special events whilst I have remained in Qatar, but I promise to make it up to you all when I return home.

I hope you enjoy the remainder of today’s celebration, as well as the other events we have planned for this year.

Thank you.

Prof. Nick Prowse CEO

My message here is clear: as a school community, we must work together to ensure all of our pupils, especially the boys, are surrounded by and exposed to great literature, from Dr. Seuss to Shakespeare, until they find a joy in reading or, at a minimum, master the skill of reading. I strongly believe that the ability to read will have a significant impact on their future academic ability.

The Sherborne Qatar Family of Schools is proud to celebrate 15 years of excellence in Qatar, but I feel the next 15 years will be even more crucial as we develop new educational models and strategies that embrace the rapidly changing world. We need to be leaders in developing a new approach to teaching, one that provides our pupils with the best opportunity to be successful 11.

FROM THE

Headteacher

REFLECTIONS ON THE YEAR

Becoming the Headteacher of an established school can be challenging, as change is often difficult and sometimes unwanted. However, staff, parents and pupils of Sherborne Prep Al Rayyan embraced the changes, welcoming and supporting me, enabling us to have a productive year of growth and adventure.

At the start of the year, parents got together during a coffee morning and added their thoughts to the school improvement plan. Listening to parents is important as it enables us to work effectively together. Together, we have improved communications, now having consistent information going out weekly from each year group. Our enrichment program has widened to ensure all pupils can enjoy a variety of clubs through the week.

We have worked hard to ensure parents feel fully integrated into the school with our new parent representative groups, a coffee station for socialising, open house events, as well as the continuation of the successful coffee morning program showcasing our staff. Our parent Arabic and English classes in term 1 were also a great success.

In sport, our wonderful PE team have ensured that all pupils enjoy a wide range of activities, that many were able to compete against other schools, and we were thrilled to finally add swimming to the timetable for many children. We look forward to having our own swimming pool on site next year.

Many of our pupils are passionate about sustainability and protecting our world, and we have given pupils opportunities for planting this year. Our school council worked hard to ensure that we turn off lights when rooms are empty and are increasingly diligent in recycling. We even have our own green team who meet regularly to make sure we are all doing our best to save resources.

This team have started work on the Green Seashore award with the aim of building a generation that is aware and capable of facing the challenges of the future to build a sustainable society. Activities for this included: planting trees, setting up recycling bins and compost, promoting healthy food and diet, incorporating green concepts into curriculum, organising workshops, creating upcycled project and artwork, led by our own pupils.

This follows on from our success this year in the Primary Science Quality Mark which recognises how we have made a difference by improving teaching and learning as well as raising the profile of science and children’s aspirations for STEM. As we prepare to move to a new campus, we are excited about continuing the journey together, ever striving for better pupil outcomes in a happy and stimulating learning environment.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all parents, staff and of course pupils for making this a productive and exciting year of learning together.

Mrs Heidi Berry Headteacher 12.

FROM THE

Deputy Head

As we wrap up another remarkable year, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and joy reflecting on all that we have accomplished together. Stepping into the role of Acting Deputy Head has been an incredible journey, allowing me the privilege of witnessing the growth and development of each and every one of our pupils.

This year has been marked by countless memorable moments and achievements. From our enthusiastic participation in sports competitions, where our pupils showcased not only their athletic prowess, but also their teamwork and sportsmanship, to our vibrant performances that left everyone mesmerized and inspired. The talent and dedication of our community have shone brightly.

Academically, our pupils have demonstrated remarkable progress and determination. Through engaging lessons and personalized support, they have embraced challenges, expanded their knowledge, and reached new heights of academic excellence. It has been truly inspiring to see their curiosity and thirst for learning flourish.

Beyond the classroom, our pupils have shown exceptional compassion and empathy, engaging in various charitable initiatives and really encompassing the Sherborne Values. Their commitment to making a positive difference in the world is a testament to the values we strive to instil in them.

As Acting Deputy Head, getting to know every child has truly been the highlight of my year. Witnessing their unique personalities, talents, and aspirations has been a privilege and a joy. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly at Sherborne.

As we bid farewell to another incredible year, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of such a remarkable community. I look forward to seeing our pupils continue to flourish and grow in the years to come.

Zara Dada Acting Deputy Head

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Pre Prep Qatar has been my home for the past 13 years and although I am very familiar with this beautiful country, this was my first year being part of the Sherborne family. Like starting anything new, I was filled with excitement but also a sense of a fear for stepping out of my comfort zone. I need not have worried as the staff, children and parents at Sherborne Prep have made me feel extremely welcome and offered help, guidance and smiles along the way.

There have been lots of successes this year from Pre School right across to Year 2: from planting seeds that grew into sunflowers, fruits and vegetables, taking part in Sports Day, going on school trips, learning to recognise letters and read books, mark-making to writing stories, to using thinking skills to complete Maths challenges. However, most importantly, I am proud of our learners for starting to embed the Sherborne Values into school life and watching them show kindness and respect to one another, working as a team when faced with challenges, demonstrating perseverance when things got tough and showing responsibility.

As my first year as Head of Pre Prep at Sherborne comes to an end, I feel deeply honoured to have been part of the rich tapestry of experiences that define our school. Our shared Sherborne Values are what binds us together and I am very grateful to have joined this strong school community of pupils, teachers and parents. For those families who are leaving us, it has been wonderful to get to know you and I wish you the best of luck for the next chapter. For those who will be coming to Bani Hajer with us in September, I cannot wait to see you all; we have an exciting year ahead planned!

Eva Taggart

Head of Pre Prep

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Pre-School It always amazes me how much our Pre School children develop throughout the year; from entering school for the very first time with tears, to knowing their sounds and subitising by the end of the year!

It has been wonderful to watch the children in Meadows and Treetops share their lunch times and play out on the grass this year, expanding their friendship groups ready for Reception! From our first trip to Oli Oli to joining in with school House Days, it really has been a busy and fabulous year!

Lindsey Wilkin

Head of Pre-School

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PRE-SCHOOL MEADOWS

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PRE-SCHOOL TREETOPS

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Reception The Reception classes have soared through a remarkable year filled with playful learning and exploration. Academically, they've thrived, but their growth as confident individuals and independent learners shines even brighter. Their journey extended beyond the classroom, venturing to Expo 2023 and Kidzania, weaving unforgettable memories and forging lifelong friendships along the way.

Rooted within our Sherborne values, their experiences have nurtured resilience, curiosity, and teamwork. As they conclude this chapter, I must reiterate on behalf of all the teachers, how immensely proud we are of each one of you. As you continue your journey of learning, embracing opportunities for growth, we wish you the best of luck in discovering endless possibilities!

Abigail Jessop

Head of Reception

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RECEPTION A

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RECEPTION J

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RECEPTION R 24.

RECEPTION W 25.

YEAR

1

What a wonderful year! The children began with a seamless transition from Reception to Year 1 because of the continuation of play-based learning which we enhance for further challenge. Our learning journey has included a trip down the yellow brick road to visit Dorothy, our Little Chef’s series of healthy recipes, trips to Kidzania and Bounce, fun dress-up days, a pesky dinosaur invading our school, a dinosaur scavenger-hunt, whole school celebrations, house days, helping the environment with our One World for Year 1 initiative and last but by no means least our hugely successful production of You are Special.

Jessica Deane

Head of Year 1

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YEAR

2

It’s time to celebrate what a truly wonderful year it has been: a year of academic triumphs and personal growth for all our Year 2 children, who have demonstrated kindness, respect, and perseverance, along with the other Sherborne Values.

This year, the adventures never ended, including a trip to the shivering Snow Dunes, bringing their brilliant Bug Hotels to life and their remarkable recycling-inspired Trashion Show. Our wonderful pupils have embraced every opportunity to learn and explore, and we wish you all the best as you move into Year 3! I wonder what adventures you will go on next year?

Sally Nixon Head of Year 2

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Lower KEY STAGE 2 YEAR

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What an extraordinary year it has been in Year 3! We began with an exhilarating trip to Oli Oli, where children explored various spaces nurturing their creativity, curiosity and imagination. Our second excursion led us to Katara, where we delved into the library steeped in the rich history of its surroundings. Finally, our last adventure took us to Bounce, where we related our experiences to the principles of Forces in Science.

During the year, children have delved deeply into Africa, Ancient Egypt, and Forces of Nature, exploring both historical and geographical elements of these topics. Children have crafted outstanding pieces of artwork inspired by these topics, which have been proudly displayed around the school.

The anticipation and excitement reached its peak with the fantastic Year 3 performance, The Glint of Gold. The children’s dedication and commitment vividly exemplified our Sherborne values of Teamwork and Perseverance.

Jessica Newsome Head of Year 3

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YEAR

4

What a fabulous year it has been in Year 4, filled with lots of exciting learning.

It all started with our enquiry Into the Deep, in which the children looked at rainforests and the environment we live in. We focused on plastic pollution and the children were fortunate enough to go on an exciting trip to the Singing Sand Dunes to clean up litter.

Watching Alice in Wonderland hooked the children into our The BFG English unit. Who knew we could bring Sophie’s adventure to school?

Over the year, the children have built on their creativity and independence through learning the process of editing and redrafting work. Our enquires have also allowed the children’s art skills to flourish and to learn about warriors in the past.

There has been a big focus on times tables this year and most of the children in the year group now know all their multiplication facts to 12.

Zahra Mohammed Head of Year 4

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Upper KEY STAGE 2 YEAR

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Year 5 has been nothing short of exhilarating, with memorable highlights that have left a lasting mark on our pupils' learning. A standout event was our Ancient Greek Day. Pupils delved into the rich tapestry of history, immersing themselves in the culture, mythology, and traditions of Ancient Greece. From soap carving to traditional Olympic Games, it was a day brimming with excitement and discovery.

Another thrilling moment was when our pupils transformed into Formula 1 racers, exploring the principles of physics and engineering while experiencing the adrenaline rush of high-speed racing.

Alongside these were our curriculum days: pupils engaged in hands-on learning, from scientific experiments to creative arts projects, fostering a deep love for learning. Our Living Museum was also a favourite: children dressed up and presented research on famous scientists, bringing history to life and showcasing their knowledge with passion and flair.

These moments of exploration and discovery, alongside the wonderful learning that takes place each day, have helped to create a fantastic year.

Katie Gittins

Head of Year 5 50.

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YEAR

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Year 6 has been whirlwind of growth and excitement, marked by unforgettable moments on school trips which fostered creativity, curiosity and real-world skills. The Enterprise project empowered pupils to pitch innovative business ideas, culminating in setting up their ventures. As they bid farewell to the Prep School, Year 6 stand at the threshold of a new adventure, transitioning into Year 7. Their journey through the Prep School, with its cherished memories and friendships, prepares them for the challenges and triumphs ahead in the Senior School. With hearts full of memories and minds brimming with potential, they embark on a new chapter, ready to shine brighter than ever. We wish them all the best!

Zara Dada Head of Year 6

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Arabic AND ISLAMIC STUDIES ARABIC The Arabic Department has maintained its success over the year, with ongoing development and numerous achievements. Our pupils have represented our school with pride and actively participated in events like the Reading Olympics and competitions organized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. As a result, they have gained a significant amount of confidence in Arabic as both a first and second language, effectively expressing their identities.

Throughout the year, the Arabic Department emphasises Qatari culture and celebrates diversity, through engaging events involving our pupils. A notable highlight this year is the introduction of an Arabic section in the school library, offering a wide variety of stories and books for our pupils to enjoy and learn from. Additionally, our Year 6 pupils have showcased their strength in poetry, demonstrating comfort in both reading and presenting.

We are proud that our pupils continue to excel, consistently receiving positive feedback from the Ministry, the school, and parents alike.

ISLAMIC STUDIES Islamic Studies is a significant component of the Arabic Department, aligning with the ministry curriculum and taught in both Arabic and English. The department offers various resources to enhance pupils’ understanding of Islam.

This year, 18 pupils achieved excellent grades in the National Quran Competition.

Additionally, several pupils participated in a competition organized by the ministry on the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Throughout the year, pupils actively engaged in learning and celebrating Islamic traditions. The theme My Values Shape My Identity served as a cornerstone of our teaching, with pupils embodying Islamic values in their daily lives.

Suzan Saada

Head of Arabic & Islamic Studies

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Art This year, the Maker Space underwent a vibrant refurbishment, providing a dynamic space for children to explore their creativity. With access to new tools and equipment, children have been able to unleash their imagination and bring their artistic visions to life.

During STEAM Week, children immersed themselves in a variety of artistic activities from bubble printing to intricate radial designs, showcasing their creative talents. Alongside this, special workshops were provided, offering children the opportunity to delve into the realm of realistic art.

Sherborne has also encouraged pupils to participate in external art contests, fostering creativity beyond the classroom. These opportunities not only provide recognition but also reinforce the school's continuous commitment to nurturing diverse talents.

Holly Ryan

Head of Art

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English Sherborne Qatar Prep has experienced an exceptional year of educational growth in every facet of the English curriculum.

Notably, this year saw a concerted effort in fostering a robust reading culture schoolwide, using Accelerated Reader, a digital platform which helps pupils and teachers manage and monitor independent reading practice. Children have been more engaged in reading and have enjoyed choosing books related to their own interests, both online and in paper form. Pupils participated in some exciting competitions to achieve set Accelerated Reader Goals.

“I really enjoyed the pizza party that my class won for reading the most books!”

“Our class read the most words, almost double compared to others!”

In March, we celebrated World Book Day and our theme this year was, “Come as an ambitious word!” The creativity of some pupils with their costumes was astounding! A personal favourite of mine was “precipitation.” The children enjoyed a day of reading activities and also competed against one another to decorate their classroom doors as their favourite class book.

“The children were excited to use their imagination when it came to the door designs. My class loved working as a team to design the door so that it matched our class reader, “ Polar Bear Explorers’ Club” – Miss Davies, 5D Laura Doyle

Head of English

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PUBLIC

Speaking

The Year 3 – 6 Public Speaking Competition has been a feature of the Summer Term for the last 12 years and the standard seems to get better every year. This year was no exception.

All children have to prepare a short speech from a range of topics, to deliver to their classmates. These in class heats move towards year group semi-finals and then finals.

However, this year there was a new element – the grand team final between Prep Al Rayyan, Prep Bani Hajer and the Junior section of the Girls’ School and featuring the individual age group winners from all three schools. The event was hosted by Prep Bani Hajer and held in front of an audience of pupils, parents and a panel of distinguished judges. The standard was very high with some excellent speeches from pupils in all three schools. There was also a guest speaker from Qetaf.

The result was very close but it was Prep Bani Hajer who emerged as the winners of this highly entertaining competition.

Richard Williams

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Maths This year at Sherborne Prep Al Rayyan, our pupils have embraced the challenge of our exciting Times Tables Rock Stars competition, showcasing their impressive mental maths skills each month. We also took part in the national Qatar Rocks competition.

During STEM week, we explored the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and of course Maths, through engaging activities and experiments.

Our school community also came together for a fun-filled parents’ coffee morning, during which families enjoyed interactive maths games and discussions about manipulatives and problem-solving.

We also hosted a successful open house event during which parents embarked on a treasure hunt across the school, whilst exploring and seeing the children’s maths journey from EYFS to Year 6 across the school campus.

Daithi Colton

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MODERN FOREIGN

Languages

At Sherborne Preparatory Al Rayyan, the Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Department has embarked on an exciting journey, notably introducing Spanish into our curriculum, providing our pupils with an holistic education and embracing cultural diversity. Spanish is taught to Reception, Year 1 and Year 4 pupils, complementing our French lessons that continue to thrive from Reception to Year 6.

Our approach is designed to prepare pupils for a multilingual future. This initiative not only enhances language skills but also deepens cultural understanding. For instance, Year 5 and Year 6 pupils have been exploring French culture in more depth, culminating in projects like creating a family tree.

Year 2 pupils have taken their first steps in French by learning how to introduce themselves, a fundamental skill in language learning. Year 1 pupils have embraced Spanish, engaging with cultural elements such as piñatas and the catchy Chuchuwawa song, which enriches their educational experience.

Year 4 pupils, having laid a solid foundation in French over the past three years, are now beginning their Spanish journey. As they advance, Spanish will continue to be a focus in Years 5 and 6, ensuring continuity in their language development.

By integrating Spanish, we not only expand our linguistic repertoire but also cultivate an appreciation for the rich tapestry of cultures that shape our world, making our pupils well-rounded, culturally aware individuals.

Cesar Rozmus Head of MFL

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Enrichment Enrichment has seen more than 500 pupils participate in more than 50 activities each term, ranging from Little Chef to Netball. It is great to see pupils excelling in their chosen Enrichment activities and exploring their interests further.

We have tailored the Enrichment programme to suit our pupils and parents and everyone has access to a variety of academic, movement and creative enrichment options. The Enrichment Showcases were a chance to celebrate our children’s Enrichment achievements and learn a little bit more about what they have been doing.

Sherborne has also strengthened its links with community providers and invited clubs such as Nutty Science and Pound to provide fantastic and engaging sessions. We have also introduced SQAcademies, in connection with Future Football, FAME Basketball and Trojan Swim, which give pupils the opportunity to access elite level sports and train at a very high standard with specialist coaches and teachers.

Rebecca Kinsella

Head of Enrichment

CHESS Chess!!! The game of concentration, strategy and resilience that enhances critical thinking and, in a world full of social media that is affecting the attention of our young minds, helps pupils focus. This is an opportunity for pupils, not only to play a game which encourages them to think 7 steps ahead, but also demonstrate the Sherborne Way. It takes a lot for a young mind to sit still and focus on every step of the game.

We believe that every Chess player is in fact a winner, developing life skills which teach them to be innovators and creative thinkers.

So, Sherborne Prep Chess Team - let's keep playing. Checkmate!

Cezar Rozmus

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Performing ARTS MUSIC Although it may not always have been obvious, there has been a great deal of Music going on at Al Rayyan this year. The Year 4 children participated in a Sherborne School Choral Festival and it was great to see pupils from both Prep Schools and the Senior School enjoying singing together.

The children have enjoyed developing a wide range of skills, from singing, appreciating various music genres, playing instruments, improvising and composing. Year 3 and 4 have been learning to play the recorder and some have taken great steps up the Recorder Karate ladder!

Individual music lessons have continued and we have extended our music opportunities with our new International Youth Orchestra. The choir participated in the annual Choir of the Year competition and gave an impressive performance.

Gail Williams

YEAR 1 PRODUCTION This year, we worked together as a team to create a live production, You Are Special packed with catchy songs, dazzling dancing and amazing acting. I am sure that everybody who came to watch was thoroughly entertained and impressed by the efforts that went into the show. The children learned so much about music, sound effects, lighting, props as well as all their performing arts’ skills. It was wonderful to see how much commitment the children had to their characters and their confidence grew so much throughout the experience. A special thank you to all the parents who supported their children with learning their lines and songs and creating such wonderful costumes. Bravo!

Jessica Deane

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YEAR 5 PRODUCTION In the Autumn Term, Year 5 took us back to ancient times, performing Greece Went to Pieces. Through vivid storytelling, enchanting costumes and spirited acting, the pupils transported the audience back in time, immersing them in the wonders of Ancient Greece. The children delved into the fascinating world of Ancient Greece and its civilisation, sharing the stories of Athenians and Spartans, Olympians and pottery makers. Throughout the term, the children thoroughly enjoyed connecting their understanding of Ancient Greece to different areas of the curriculum and it was fantastic to watch this come to life through their captivating performance.

Katie Gittins

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PE AND

Games

All pupils have made progress and developed holistically within Physical Education, whilst demonstrating and adhering to the Sherborne Values. Pupils have developed their physical, emotional and social wellbeing and have been provided with the opportunity to refine and develop their technical and tactical abilities.

All Key Stage 2 pupils have completed a swimming module, increasing their knowledge within swimming and pool safety. All pupils have been given the chance to engage with competitive sport against other schools and develop vital skills, such as resilience, teamwork, respect, and communication. Each of the Sports Days served as a fun-filled display of their sporting abilities.

Sherborne has been a force to be reckoned with in competitive sport across all age groups and pupils can be immensely proud of their achievements!

QPPSSA Medal Achievements Bronze (3rd Place)

Silver (2nd Place)

Gold (1st Place)

Under 10 Indoor Athletics

Under 11 Indoor Athletics

Under 8 Boys Football

Under 10 Touch Rugby

Under 8 Girls Football

Under 9 Girls Football

Under 10 Girls Basketball

Under 8 Boys basketball

Under 8 and Under 9 Outdoor Athletics Under 9 Touch Rugby Under 11 Touch Rugby Under 10 Cricket Under 8 Girls Basketball

Qatar Games Medal Achievements Bronze (3rd Place)

Silver (2nd Place)

U11 Girls Basketball

U11 Girls Football

U11 Outdoor Athletics

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Science It has been a great year in Science for all classes from Preschool to Year 6. Each class explored the Science curriculum in an interactive way, where the children developed a curiosity and a love for learning the subject. Our commitment to nurturing and caring for plants was evident around the school, with some flowers and vegetables prospering under our care. One of the most exciting events was STEAM week where Nutty Science amazed us with CO2 experiments and showed children the changes that gases can undergo.

We have participated in our annual Science competition; this year it was all about time, celebrating the 30th anniversary of British Science Week. Through this, children learned other ways of time-telling, built usable time-telling devices such as sundials and water clocks, and gained an understanding of how shadows move and how things change over time. We were also delighted to achieve the Primary Science Quality Mark celebrating our commitment to excellence in Primary Science.

Altogether, it has been a wonderful year full of exploration, discovery, and scientific growth!

Sinead Ferguson Head of Science

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The CUBE This year marked the exciting opening of the CUBE Hub learning environment, providing a vibrant space for our pupils to create and explore. With access to new tools and equipment, children have been encouraged to delve into a realm of innovative learning experiences.

Alongside this, we launched the Virtual CUBE Hub to provide invaluable support for teachers in planning fun, dynamic lessons. Across the school, children have remained actively engaged in digital learning, utilising VR headsets to embark on immersive journeys and applying their coding expertise throughout specialised weeks like STEM Week.

The fusion of technology and education at Sherborne Prep continues to empower our pupils to cultivate critical skills and embrace the boundless possibilities of the digital age.

Stacey Duncan

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THE

Houses

Amna The children in Amna House have really shown resilience and perseverance this year. Despite remaining near the bottom of the table for Merits each week, they have, nonetheless, participated in all events with enthusiasm and shown great Teamwork.

As ever, Amna has shown its strength in sport, winning both the KS1 and the Combined Schools Sports Days and making everyone very proud. Interhouse events and House Days have been great fun and it has been fantastic to see all the children getting involved and learning in many different ways. We have been very impressed with the way the Year 6 children have taken the lead when necessary and have helped look after and support the younger members of the House.

Gail Williams

Head of House

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Irons Join me in celebrating Irons House as we reflect on another remarkable year. We started strongly as the 2022-23 Inter House Cup winners and we have continued to succeed as the year has progressed. I have been proud to see our pupils develop their sportsmanship and embody so many of the Sherborne Values and Dispositions during Interhouse events. During our various House Days and House Assemblies our house spirit has shone brightly as we gathered to learn and grow together. To our Irons staff and parents, thank you for being a part of our community this year. To our Irons pupils, thank you for making this year unforgettable!

Here's to another year of excellence and unity - Go Irons!

Sally Nixon

Head of House

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Jassim What a fantastic year it has been for Jassim!

Tuesdays have been buzzing with excitement thanks to everyone's amazing turnout for Interhouse events. From the hilariously competitive Silly Athletics to the intense battles of tug-of-war, football, basketball, and even bingo, we have shown incredible spirit and sportsmanship.

Our House Days have been nothing short of magical, filled with laughter and joy. We've created unforgettable memories, forged strong friendships, and celebrated numerous successes together. Whether it was Team Building House Day, International House Day, or Earth Day, there was always something for everyone.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our departing Year 6 pupils. You've been the heart and soul of our house, leading by example and inspiring our younger members. We'll miss you dearly and wish you all the best in your future endeavours. We do not doubt that you'll continue to shine brightly wherever life takes you.

Louise McCormack Head of House

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Khalifa Launching into this school year as the 2022-2023 Jo Callaway Cup holders, Khalifa House has consistently raised the bar. Notably, our triumph in securing the Sportsmanship award during the Key Stage 2 Sports Day stands out as a testament to our spirit!

It's been a joy to see the pupils not just excel in teamwork but also fully embody Sherborne's Values and Learning Dispositions throughout Interhouse and House Day events. A huge thank you to Khalifa House's committed staff and parents - your support has been incredible this year. To the brilliant pupils: your dedication, enthusiasm and perseverance has made this year one to remember!

Matthew Frost

Head of House

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Powys Wow - another fantastic year in Powys! Each year gets better and better. The attitude, dedication and commitment has remained noteworthy throughout the year. We have enjoyed some incredible House Days; team building, Qatar National Day, International Day and Earth Day, using every opportunity to demonstrate our skills and talents. Interhouse has continued to be successful, securing wins in athletics, board games and basketball.

Thank you to our prefects, children, staff and parents for being part of our team and making Powys such a wonderful house that we can be proud of.

Nicole Chambers Head of House

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Sheppard Sheppard house has had a fantastic academic year! During the House Days this year, we have developed our teamwork, risk taking and curiosity, working together to be creative and succeed in many tasks. Our weekly Interhouse competitions have also supported the development of all the Sherborne Values and Dispositions.

A huge thank you to all the Sheppard parents, teachers and pupils for your continued support and engagement through the year. The Sheppard spirit had been very high this year and we are all hoping for a house cup win in 2024.

Steven Chi-Min Chong Head of House

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Events COMMEMORATION 2023-24 This year we held 3 events, EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. In each event, pupil success was celebrated and awards were presented. At the Key Stage 2 event, our prefects spoke eloquently about their time at our school and the impact it has had upon them. We are very proud of all our leavers and hope they will take their Sherborne Values onwards with them to the next part of their educational journey.

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Pre-School

Reception

Achievement

1. Sofia Niwaz (Meadows) 2. Talia Grace Chong (Treetops)

Progress

1. Safaa Malik (Meadows) 2. Naiza Zikra Sheraz (Treetops)

Achievement

Progress

Year 1

Achievement

Progress

Year 2

Achievement

Progress

1. Sumayah Aamir (Reception W) 2. Ibrahim Ibrahim (Reception A) 3. Liam Kirchubel (Reception J) 4. Nuha Shameel (Reception R)

Year 3

Year 4

1. Mubarak Al Sulaiti (Reception W) 2. Noah Lowe (Reception A) 3. Saoud Al Enazi (Reception J) 4. Khalid Al Thani (Reception R)

1. Aljohara Al Korbi (1C) 2. Fatima Hussain (1D) 3. Aldana Al Malki Al Jehani (1P) 4. Aiden Tan (1O)

Year 5

1. Shazil Jaffery (1C) 2. Jawaher Al Khawaga (1D) 3. Mohammed Saoud (1P) 4. Tamim Al Thani (1O)

1. Ayman Poolat (2R) 2. Hassan (2F) 3. Nahla (2W) 4. Jude Kerwat (2M) 1. Ayman Poolat (2R) 2. Hassan (2F) 3. Nahla (2W) 4. Jude Kerwat (2M)

Year 6

Achievement

1. Noura Chukir (3S) 2. Aarav Navkar (3M) 3. Aayah Saifuddin (3L) 4. Faris Durraiz (3N)

Progress

1. Zehra Ece Kutlu (3S) 2. Lulwa Al Sulaiti (3M) 3. Alalya Al Thani (3L) 4. Al Maha Al Thani (3N)”

Achievement

1. Mashael Abdul Rahman (4M) 2. Mariam Najjar (4S) 3. Yumna Tajeldin (4C) 4. Omar Aamir (4B)

Progress

1. James Dube (4M) 2. Yusairah Solwa (4S) 3. Talha (4C) 4. Jana Abu Sitta (4B)

Achievement

1. Asma Hamud (5F) 2. Muneera Al Sulaiti 5G) 3. Teoluwalase Patrice (5D) 4. Khalifa Shahim (5L)”

Progress

1. Giselle Nasser (5F) 2. Hana Latif (5G) 3. Ahmad Sultan (5D) 4. Aden Sepetu (5L)

Achievement

1. Alysa Rose Gray (6T) 2. Tobi Akintayo (6L) 3. Hassan Khan (6D) 4. Aisha Siddqui (6Y)”

Progress

“1. Alfarouk Hisham Shah (6T) 2. Ismaeel Hasan (6L) 3. Saoud Alawi (6D) 4. Mert Ali (6Y)” 97.

AWARDS

Awardee

Dawn Ayling Trophy

KS1: Aasiyah Aasiyah Mohammed Aziz (2W)

The Colin Niven Cup

LKS2: Tristan Jessie Regan White (4M)

The Sheikha Noura Cup

UKS2: Avika Sachdeva (6Y)

The Antonia Confalone Cup

Aarya Navkar (Pre-School Meadows)

The Alice McVeigh Cup

KS1: Nylah Walji Kassamali (2M)

The Beccah Barton Cup

KS2: Dareen Bader Al Fehani (5G)

Sports: Outstanding Performance

Amna Abdulrahman (6D)

Sports: Outstanding Progress

Muneera Al Kuwari (3N)

The Jo Slatter Public Speaking Cup

Farwa Rizvi (4M)

The Withey Public Speaking Cup

Sarah Khan (6D)

The Carolyn Savage Cup

Mohammad Al Qasabbi (2F)

The Bailey Bowl Cup

Muhammed Isa Moosa (2W)

The Jennifer Mitchell Music Cup

Kitty Hilhorst (5L)

Headteacher's Award

Mazin Ortashi (6L)

MAJLIS In November 2023, a group of Year 6 boys decided they would like to repurpose one of our rooms that no longer had a specific use. They imagined a majlis where they could socialise with friends. They worked as a team for three whole months to transform the space: they designed, they painted, they decorated and they equipped the space with traditional majlis seating.

On Tuesday 27th February 2024, the boys hosted a Majlis Grand Opening during which they welcomed pupils and teachers from around the school with dates and tea. The space was then used as an additional indoor area for breaktimes during the holy month of Ramadan and is now available for teachers to use for lessons on a booking basis.

This is a great achievement that of which all the boys should be proud!

Stacey Duncan

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PTA The Sherborne Qatar PTA has had a productive year, providing support and organizing numerous activities across all five Sherborne schools. They've engaged in charity fundraising for Palestine, held bake sales, facilitated book club enrichments, donated to science fairs, created sensory areas, supported choir competitions, celebrated international days, contributed to sports days, been involved in school productions, and conducted secondhand uniform sales.

Additionally, they have contributed to events like Sherborne's Got Talent, provided sensory bags, incentivised senior school values, hosted coffee mornings, donated to school nurses, assisted families with settling in and acquiring uniforms, supported Year 11, 12, and 13 gala evenings, and planned for the 15th Birthday in the next academic year.

The recent Spring Fair, was a resounding success, highlighting their dedication to enriching the school community through various initiatives and events.

Lucy Fowlie

Chair, Sherborne Qatar PTA

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MESSAGE FROM THE

Bursar

This year has truly been a testament to the strength and resilience of our Sherborne Qatar community. As ever, our achievements have been defined not just by what we have accomplished, but by the challenges we have overcome along the way.

Qatar’s dynamic vision for the future continues to inspire us, evident in the nation’s remarkable progress in infrastructure, education, and community building. At Sherborne Qatar, we have embraced this spirit of ambition and adaptability, achieving significant milestones over the past year. Among these, the restructuring and expansion of our Family of Schools has been a standout achievement. Highlights include the growth of our Prep School at Bani Hajer, the launch of the Boys’ School at Al Rayyan, and the addition of pre-prep provision at the Mall of Qatar, transforming it into an all-through school site—hallmarks of our forward-thinking ethos.

The expanded Prep School at Bani Hajer has already become a vibrant addition to our community, offering pupils a dynamic space to learn and grow. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to parents for their continued trust and partnership. Your active involvement, trust and continued support is at the heart of what makes Sherborne Qatar so unique and special.

While this year has presented its share of challenges—whether in recruitment, logistical complexities, or construction timelines—our focus has always remained clear: to provide the highest quality of education for our pupils. The opening of our Pre-Prep facility at Mall of Qatar is one such achievement, welcoming over 300 pupils into an inspiring environment designed to ignite curiosity and creativity.

We also celebrated a significant leadership transition at the Girls’ School, as we bid farewell to an exceptional Headmistress who has taken on the prestigious role of Director of Education for the Sherborne Schools network. Her legacy is one of outstanding leadership, and under the guidance of her successor, I am confident that the Girls’ School will continue to reach new heights.

Across our campuses, we have seen pupils thrive both inside and outside the classroom. From academic successes to extracurricular accomplishments, this year has been filled with pride and promise. The introduction of our SQ Academies, including the eagerly anticipated swimming pool, has further enriched the pupil experience, providing new opportunities for growth and enjoyment.

At the Prep School in Bani Hajer, facility improvements such as upgraded classrooms and new play areas have reinforced our commitment to creating the best possible environment for our pupils. These developments reflect not only our dedication to education but also our belief in fostering the well-being of every child entrusted to our care.

Looking ahead, the launch of the Boys’ School at Al Rayyan represents an exciting new chapter in our story. This initiative has already garnered considerable interest and promises to be a defining moment in Sherborne Qatar’s history, offering a tailored education that reflects the best of our traditions and values.

As we reflect on a year of hard work and achievement, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who makes up our Sherborne Qatar family: pupils, parents, and staff alike. Your dedication and support drive us forward and ensure that Sherborne Qatar continues to be a beacon of excellence.

To our leavers, we wish you the very best as you embark on new journeys. You carry with you the memories and friendships forged here, which we hope will remain with you always. To our new joiners, we warmly welcome you to Sherborne Qatar and look forward to the successes we will achieve together.

Thank you all for being part of our remarkable journey. I look forward to another year of growth, resilience, and shared accomplishments.

Ashish Garg Bursar

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Today ... and in the future

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