The Qatar Shirburnian 2018/19

the qatar s hirburnian

2018 / 19

OUR VALUES

Respect, Honesty, Kindness, Perseverance, Responsibility and Teamwork.

OUR MISSION

Well-educated, well-rounded individuals who have high aspirations and achieve their potential, in a happy and nurturing school.

WITH THANKS

The Qatar Shirburnian was made possible by the outstanding creativity and hard work of many people in the school community. We are grateful to all pupils and staff who have contributed to this edition.

Book designed and produced by SHERBORNE QATAR Marketing. ©

SHERBORNE QATAR 2019

MODEL UNITED NATIONS DEBATING

QATAR NATIONAL DAY

PTA

TRIPS

WORK EXPERIENCE

PE & SPORT

THE HOUSES

SPORTS DAY

OUR TEAMS

GIRLS' FOOTBALL

NETBALL

GIRLS' VOLLEYBALL

ROUNDERS

GIRLS' CROSS COUNTRY

BOYS' BASKETBALL

BOYS' FOOTBALL

CRICKET

RUGBY

BOYS' CROSS COUNTRY

BOYS' VOLLEYBALL

FROM THE BURSAR

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. Shirburnians follow a diverse range of careers at the highest levels and include diplomats, bishops, politicians, journalists, actors, poets, and musicians.

Sherborne Preparatory School is an independent co-educational 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.

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 Sherborne and Sheikh Abdullah and his wife Sheikha Amal have sent some of their sons there too.

Sheikh Abdulla was keen that Sherborne should join him in a partnership to bring to Qatar education opportunities and values that he had seen and liked at Sherborne. He says: “Ahmed our oldest son was transformed by Sherborne. The school’s approach helped him to discover different talents in himself and he was greatly nourished by the experience. We

are extremely grateful for what a Sherborne education has given him. Sherborne has history, culture, discipline and a willingness to transform a child. That is what it did for our child and that is what we want to give to Qatar. We need to bring a more structured educational experience to our country. Qatar needs Sherborne’s culture, experience and tradition.”

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

Talented and dedicated teachers combine with talented and dedicated pupils and the emotional bond between them leads to outstanding learning

THE PRINCIPAL FROM

Welcome to the Qatar Shirburnian for the academic year 2018 – 2019. Thank you to everybody who has contributed to this magazine; it is an excellent production and a wonderful record of the year. I hope you enjoy reading the articles and remembering all the things that you and your friends have achieved over the last 12 months.

The magazine includes fascinating and thought-provoking articles written by both pupils and staff and, as you look through the magazine, I am sure you will all agree that Sherborne Qatar has had a wonderful year. There are many highlights of the year covered in the publication, including sport, music and drama and academic successes, but I would like to highlight 3 specific areas of excellence.

The first area I would like to highlight is the wonderful artwork you can see throughout the magazine. The paintings, drawings, print work and sculptures are of an exceptional quality and I hope you enjoy looking at them.

Secondly, I would like to highlight the continued success of our outstanding debating team, and I encourage you to read the full article. During this year’s Commem I announced a new prize, the Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement and the first recipients of the award were Turkia Al Thani and Shahd Al Hajiri. Turkia and Shahd were both selected to represent Qatar in The Asian World School Debating Championships, a truly outstanding achievement and recognition for their hard work and commitment to debating.

The final area I would like to highlight is something that I am very proud of and that is the way the whole Sherborne community has come together to support Som Roung School in Cambodia.

This is a charity we are committed to supporting for a number of years and as a start to establishing even stronger links with the Som Roung a group of 8 teachers and a representative from the PTA, visited Cambodia to deliver desperately needed resources, to meet the children and understand their difficulties and to provide support to the school’s teaching staff.

The visit also allowed the staff to start working on the first pupil trip, which I hope will take place in early 2020, and will truly establish this charity in the hearts of our pupils and make sure we, as a school community, are living by our school values and giving our pupils a great opportunity to take an active role in an operational charity and learning both the importance, as well as the true meaning, of service.

In addition to presenting the new award at Commem, I also mentioned during my speech that outstanding schools need talented and dedicated people to work successfully. Talented and dedicated teachers combine with talented and dedicated pupils and the emotional bond between them leads to outstanding learning. Pupils need to feel safe and secure, not just physically, but emotionally. They must be allowed to express themselves and make mistakes without negative consequences. Pupils need to respect their teachers and be respected in return.

At Sherborne we encourage interaction between staff and pupils, whether in lessons, sporting activities, Inter-House competitions or after school enrichment and this allows an emotional bond to develop and grow. At Sherborne we care about our pupils, we care about their development inside and outside of the classroom and I think this bond is clearly demonstrated in the pages of this excellent publication.

I hope you enjoy the magazine.

Nick Prowse

S ummary of the y ear

As we approach the end of another school year, it is so rewarding to reflect on the many achievements in the school. This, the third, Qatar Shirburnian captures the many highlights and achievements since September 2018. The pages that follow show just how much has been achieved and how we continue to grow together. With 50 plus nationalities, we are a truly international school that draws upon the rich heritage of our mother school in Dorset.

What we most pride ourselves on is that we nurture confident, responsible, respectful and emotionally intelligent global citizens.

At Sherborne Qatar we have a holistic approach to education. We aim to promote the ambitions of the whole child by ensuring that we know each individual pupil and by addressing pastoral as well as academic needs. Pupil well-being and happiness remains our first priority.

The Senior School continues on its journey to further raise the standard of teaching and learning, to promote the ambitions of the whole child and to be the school of choice in Doha. It is amazing to see just how far we have come in the last three years. Beyond the classroom, we have continued to extend the array of exciting enrichment activities that are on offer every day of the school week.

All pupils can succeed and our enrichment programme, in combination with the other opportunities we offer, is an ideal vehicle for this.

With clear and high expectations of work and behaviour, our pupils continue to excel at i/GCSE, AS Level and A Level. Last year approximately one in every six pupils achieved 8 or more A/A* grades (or 7-9 for the examinations that used the new i/GCSE number grades) and 38% of all the grades were the top A/A* grades (or 7-9). At A Level an impressive 45% of all A Level grades were between A* and B, with one in every four pupils achieving at least one grade A. The pupils that left our Sixth Form last year are now one year into their degrees in leading universities in the UK and worldwide.

This academic year saw the introduction of AS Level and A Level Politics and Media Studies.

This year also saw the launch of our new BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Business for pupils interested in a career in business and who want to study the subject in depth. This dynamic new programme, which is delivered in the new specialised BTEC suite, has proven highly popular.

As a family-orientated inclusive school we want to provide the best support for our pupils in order that they can achieve their full potential. With this in mind, September 2018 saw the introduction of our new Year 7 Alternative Curriculum programme, and from September 2019 we will introduce a further support programme in Year 7 and Year 8, the Reduced Programme.

We have continued to expand the learning support provision in the Senior School and from September 2019 we will have three enthusiastic and inspirational full-time learning support specialist teachers.

Further curriculum developments include the exciting expansion of subjects offered in Years 10 and 11. The continued growth of the school, particularly in Year 10 and Year 11, was an exciting opportunity to enhance our Key Stage 4 programme and to increase our appeal to existing and prospective pupils. To accommodate the school’s growth, from September 2019 we will be offering our Year 10s and 11s the option to study Economics, Media, Psychology and Sociology.

One of the other major developments this academic year, has been the introduction of our new Colours Awards. At Sherborne Qatar, we strive to recognise excellence in our pupils both within and beyond the classroom. The Colours system is a public acknowledgement of outstanding achievement in 5 key areas:

Service and Charity House Sport Enrichment

The new Colours Awards identify and celebrate success in these five areas, and support our philosophy that every pupil can succeed. The aim is to reinforce our efforts to promote the ambitions of the whole child and foster a ‘can do’ attitude.

Academic

Finally, with regards to recent developments, in an effort to further improve communication, this academic year saw the introduction of the new Fusion Virtual Learning Environment, and this will be developed further in the next couple of years. Many parents are now seeing the benefits of the system. In brief, the system is a single platform for all school and pupil data. Fusion is: a consistent environment for all academic information (including what homework has been set and when it is due); translatable into multiple languages, including Arabic; a single sign-on for all websites - including the Parents’ Evening Booking System, enrichment, the Parents’ Portal and the schools’ website; and, it has the ‘My Learning’ App that eliminates the need to check emails from school.

At the beginning of the year we welcomed a number of new teachers to the Senior School, many of who were recruited to new positions in the school to facilitate our continued growth.

One of the new teachers that we welcomed into the Sherborne Community was Mr. Keefe who joined the Senior School’s Senior Leadership Team (joining myself, Mrs. Oldridge, Deputy Head Academic and Mr. Burns, Director of Learning) as our new Deputy Head Pastoral. Mr. Keefe quickly established himself at the school and, working with our Senior Leaders and our Middle Leaders, he has done much to help us on our continued journey to deliver the highest quality pastoral care in Doha.

2018/19 saw the school building on the successes of the past two years, further developing the inter-house programme, improving pupil voice and offering more pupil leadership opportunities. This academic year also saw some amazing sporting success which are detailed in the pages that follow.

It has been a wonderful and eventful year and we are very proud of the accomplishments our pupils have made throughout the year.

I hope you enjoy reading ‘The Qatar Shirburnian 2018/19’ and that it becomes a memento that you fondly look back on in future years.

Stephen Spicer Headmaster

Academic Review 2018-2019

Commem

Commem is a celebration of the year and our commitment to developing “well educated, well rounded individuals”. The event started with a welcome and opening address from Principal and CEO of Sherborne Qatar.

Schools, Mr Prowse, and was followed by a recital of the Holy Qur’an by Mr Eldemiry. He went on to sing the Qatar National Anthem, accompanied by Abdulaziz Al Thani, Butti Al Naimi, Rashid Fadel Al Mansoori, Abdulla Salem Al Naimi. The Arabic Department then presented a series of Qur’an Recital Awards to 9 pupils who gained special recognition at a recent national event.

The Award winners were Mohammed Elsayed, Mohammed Al Sumaiti, Ghofran Alahmadi, Nour Elsayed, Idris and Elias Yusuf, Ibrahim Al Azawi, Hamza Baalousha and Abdelrahman Ghanem.

Mr Prowse went on to present a new Award, The Principal’s Award, introduced to recognise an outstanding achievement across any of the Sherborne Qatar schools. The inaugural award went to Shahd Al Hajri and Turkia Al Thani who have been selected to represent the Qatar National Debating Team. Proceedings continued with some inspirational words from The Headmaster, Mr Spicer, who finished by presenting a cheque for 36000 QR to Aisha Almannai from Education Above All for our UWS partner school Som Roung in Cambodia. The cheque will be enough to keep the school running for a year with a further 14000 QR raised by Sherborne Qatar to be invested at a later date.

Inbetween speeches, we had a series of amazing performances by our talented pupils, including Killer Queen by Queen, sung by the Choir and accompanied by the Senior Band, May-Lian Tham

playing Holiday in Paris on Piano, and a series of short sketches – Commedia Del Arte Lazzi – performed by pupils from Years 8 and 9.

The Special Award winners included:

Charity Cup: Laila Salem, Year 12

PTA Community (Charity) Service Award: Eman El Gohary, Year 8

Both received these Awards in recognition of their contribution to the Ramadan Project this year. Hamad House won the House Charity Cup having raised approximately 40% of the total amount for UWS.

IN THE ARTS, THE SPECIAL ARTS WINNERS WERE:

SQ SIMON ELIOT DRAMA PRIZE: Jamie Wollaston, Year 8

SQ MUSIC PRIZE: Joseph Lloyd, Year 10

SQ ART TROPHY: Haya Abdelrahman, Year 12

Zeina Hassanien, Year 8 Hamad House won the INTER-HOUSE ART COMPETITION

THE SPORTS AWARDS WINNERS WERE:

JUNIOR BOYS’ SPORTS AWARD: Oliver De Jongh

JUNIOR GIRLS’ SPORTS AWARD: Sara Al Bakri

SENIOR BOYS’ SPORTS AWARD: Daniel Eite

SENIOR GIRLS’ SPORTS AWARD: Lily Smith

The pupils were recognised for their commitment to PE, as well as their contribution to House events and successful school teams. Special mention was made of Daniel Eite who gained an International Cap for Qatar U18 versus Lebanon in Rugby Union, whilst also picking up the Man of the Match Award.

The International Duke of Edinburgh Award looks to develop the personal and professional skills of the individuals taking part ensuring they are #WorldReady.

THE INTERNATIONAL DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD WINNERS INCLUDE:

BRONZE

Emily Dobison Alex Head

Jana Elbanna

Jeyla Guliyeva

Sophie Kakkad

SILVER

Haya Abdelrahman

Baraah Ali

Other awards winners included House Awards for those pupils that demonstrated loyalty and commitment to their House across the course of the year, as well as Head of Year Awards for those who consistently demonstrated the Sherborne values.

HOUSE AWARDS

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO:

AHMED HOUSE: Elio Karam

COOK HOUSE: Ngoni Mutezo

COPELAND HOUSE: Karla Hallett

CUTLER HOUSE: Laila Salem

HAMAD HOUSE: Sara Al Kubaisi

MOZA HOUSE: Sophie Kakkad

Always keen to introduce new clubs and opportunities at Sherborne Qatar the inaugural online chess competition, involving 30 pupils and staff, was won by Navjot Saroa in Year 13.

THE HEAD OF YEAR AWARDS WINNERS WERE:

HEAD OF YEAR 7: Rebecca Mathew

HEAD OF YEAR 8: Mahnoor Baig

HEAD OF YEAR 9: Navashini Surenthiran

HEAD OF YEAR 10: Nadeen Yosif Khalil

HEAD OF YEAR 11: Jana Elbanna

HEAD OF SIXTH FORM: Laila Salem, Year 12:

HEAD OF SIXTH FORM: Navjot Saroa, Year 13

THE ACADEMIC AWARDS WINNERS WERE:

Divya Velupandian, Year 7

Elizabeth Davis, Year 8

J’Ouvert Sykes, Year 9

Mohamed Elsayed, Year 10

Huda Baig, Year 11

Lucas Oldridge, Year 12

Navjot Saroa, Year 13

CHARITY

Staff Visit to Som Roung

As the wheels touch down in Siem Reap, excited and looking forward to the memories we can keep. Som Roung School is built on stilts and swings blow in the breeze, how they welcome us with open arms and such ease. There is no Zara, Gucci or Prada, only bright eyes and big smiles is their only armour.

As we travel through streets on a journey, like no other, I mustn’t forget the Golden Ornamental

Budha.We visit the new school with the realisation, how lucky are we? and who knew cashew nuts grew on a tree? Did I get much sleep in the hammock? Not on your nelly, oh how I miss my bed, a shower and the telly.

So, thank you Sherborne for this amazing trip, one thing I did learn is – Everyday, we grow a little

Som Roung School

This year we have continued our support for our United World Schools (UWS) partner school, Som Roung, in Cambodia and, thanks to a very generous parental donation, a second school at Prey Meas has also been built and is now open.

Earlier in the year, a group of staff from both the Prep and Senior schools visited Som Roung to work with the pupils and teachers at the school. The staff were given a warm welcome from the whole community, which is very proud of its school. Sherborne Qatar staff were able to see how the school has transformed the pupils’ lives and, indeed, the community around it. With the help of translators, they worked on various projects with the staff and pupils, with very positive results. The staff all found their departure from Som Roung quite an emotional experience. The staff also had the opportunity to visit Prey Meas school which, at that time, was approaching completion.

On returning to school they were able to share their experiences with our pupils, to give them a greater insight into what is being achieved in these communities in Cambodia. For their part, Sherborne Qatar pupils have continued to hold House Charity days throughout the year and, in conjunction with the Prep School’s Walk for Som Roung, have ensured that we can again make a sizeable donation to continue our support for the school into another year.

Senior School pupils have shown real leadership skills and qualities this academic year in both House events and through debating and public speaking.

The School Council have been outstanding in providing a true pupil voice for all, especially in transforming our Achievement Assemblies into events that are ‘for the pupils, by the pupils’. It has been a real privilege to hear School Council Reps and House Reps speak about their many successes and the achievements of their peers.

In a broader leadership context, Sherborne Qatar has introduced a Level 2 Sports Leaders Award for the Sixth Form who have expertly delivered training on sports leadership to pupils in the Prep School and also organised events like the Wenlock Olympian Games as part of the British Festival in Qatar.

LEADER

Doha Golf Master

Role Models Communication skills

“IF BETTER IS POSSIBLE, GOOD IS NOT ENOUGH.”

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Beyond the school gates, Leaders from Sherborne Qatar, including Abdullah Fakhroo in Year 11, Aseel Ahmed, and Aaron Swindell in Year 10, have successfully applied to be part of the Youth Panel for the Supreme Council for Delivery and Legacy.

Whilst our Year 8s have piloted a new cross-curricular resource linked to educating people about the wider impact of Qatar 2022 called Tamreen, as well as setting up a weekly fitness session called Activ8 linked to the theme of Healthy Qatar.

Meanwhile, Norain El Gebely in Year 9 acted as a ball girl on centre court at the WTA Qatar Total Open, whilst Hanley Hilton and Zain Ali in Year 12 kept score for the professionals at the Qatar Golf Masters as walking scorers. A further 20 pupils in Years 10 to Year 12 have successfully applied to be kit carriers at the 2019 World Championship Athletics in Doha from the 28th September to the 6th October.

RSHIP

At Sherborne Qatar

AMIN & AMIR

RUNNING

‘FIND A GOAL’

LEADER

NATHAN & OMAR

ORGANISING

CHAIN

GANG

LAILA, MAYA, LARA & AMEERA ORGANISING “1-2-3-4”

RSHIP

At Sherborne Qatar

LENNON & OMAR EXPLAINING “SCARECROW TAG”

LEARNING SUPPORT:

A lternative Provision

This year has seen the addition of a set class within the Learning Support Department; namely the PRIDE group! Promoting Respect, Independence, Discipline and Effort (PRIDE), this alternative curriculum aims to engage and stimulate pupils, while embedding the values of the school.

The Project Based approach is cross-curricular learning, incorporating numeracy, literacy and humanities, as well as promoting general life skills. English and Maths is also taught in isolation but using less traditional methods. Understanding and embedding school values is of high importance across all teaching and it has allocated time devoted to it.

The following pictures will provide a snippet of the alternative approach to teaching and learning this year.

WHO LIKES TO PARTY?

In the Autumn Term the pupils were responsible for researching, planning and hosting a Tea Party. At the end of term, the group entertained parents, SLT and Sheikha Amal with their performance of a scene from Fantastic Mr Fox!

Hussayen, Hamad and Jassim enjoy completing comprehension tasks, using STILE equipment and independently attempting tasks that they can self-check. Word and sentence structure, as well as all areas of maths have been taught in this way.

What did you do in school today? Played darts, monopoly and did some boxing!

A practical focus has seen the group learning through play, whether it be mental maths through darts, timetable boxing or developing entrepreneur skills through highly competitive games of monopoly. Having built an initial understanding of the maths topics the group concluded each unit with practical activates based on the unit of learning.

The group can be seen participating in the game-based learning activities. There is no ‘I’ in Team!

LEARNING IN STYLE

Responsibility, Respect, Perseverance, Honesty, Teamwork, Kindness…building understanding and awareness of the school values can be a lot of fun!

Hussayen, Abdulaziz, Khalifa and Jassim participating in our BE@Sher Values lesson.

REFLECTIONS

Ihave loved Year 7 and although it was different to the Prep School, I had lots of fun. I have really enjoyed all the new subjects, especially languages. I have learnt so many things this year. I found PE very fun because we discovered so many new sports, such as table tennis, badminton and basketball.

Even though this year has been a lot harder and required more maturity, I liked it a lot more because of all the freedom we have been given. Instead of having a set teacher, we have a different teacher for every lesson.

I love the after - school enrichment clubs especially football. I enjoy Inter-House because I love my house which is Moza. Overall, I have had an amazing year with my friends and I can’t wait for Year 8.

Alba Confalone (7A)

Who would have thought that we only have a few more weeks till the end of Year 7? I can still remember my first day. I felt like an alien walking towards earth, it was so big and strange but now I know the school like the back of my palm. I was so nervous, I thought I was going to do something dumb, like trip or even forget my own name.

I would never have guessed how different this year was going to be, well at least compared to Year 6. For starters there are a lot more lessons but with that comes a lot more homework. Back in Year 6 you had one teacher for almost all of your lessons; now I have a different teacher for every single class and that is not helpful if you have a terrible memory.

After a while the amount of homework I got seemed normal, it sometimes feels like not getting homework is strange, but I’m not complaining. One thing I can say I don’t totally enjoy is, of course, all the tests I’ve had. I don’t think I’ve done that many in all of the Prep School, but I suppose that’s what makes it Senior School. I know it is an old saying but it is true; with a group of friends or even just one it makes school a lot more fun. It’s all these things throughout this year that’s made it so enjoyable. That’s not just because this is the first year of Senior School, it is because of all the different memories I’ve made and how much fun I’ve had. It seems that I can say, even though it is strange, that I have loved Year 7.

Rebecca Mathew (7C)

Iremember our hushed whispers when the teachers announced the winners of the Enterprise Project. My friends and I had enjoyed spending time creating our project and almost every day, we would talk about how to improve it. We didn’t win, but I didn’t really mind; the fact that we were given a chance to explore the business world, and that we were fortunate enough to merge our creativity together outside our academic subjects was enough for me.

This was the year that we would really leave our primary years behind us and enter teenagehood. I have to admit; I was extremely nervous at the beginning of the year and not very eager to move on with my life that fast.

But throughout the year I discovered many fascinating new skills and I have made many new friends; I figured growing up wouldn’t be too bad. Year 8 was also the year in which we learnt that we must take more responsibility for our studies. Thanks to the kind words and support from my teachers, I can happily say that I have greatly improved, particularly in Geography and Science – the two subjects I had not done so well in last year.

Even though, the end-of-year examinations was a very stressful time for me, I think that due to the support I received from my teachers, my parents and my friends, I am confident that I got good results. Year 8 has prepared me for the challenges of next year and I am now confident that I will do well in the future.

Mariam Tanveer (8B)

When I started Year 8, I was both nervous and excited, all at once. During Year 7 at Sherborne I sometimes had trouble getting to classes on the right time and often struggled with structuring my day, both in and out of school.

Thankfully, I was able to get over these problems within the first few months and quickly settled into school life; although, academically I felt like I wasn’t performing at my best. This changed over time and now I feel like my performance in examinations, especially the end-of-year exams, has been quite satisfactory, although not as high as I had aimed for originally.

It was a great honour representing Sherborne outside the classroom as well, since I was able to play for Sherborne in the QUESS Badminton Tournament. As well as winning the tournament, I made several new friends, something much more valuable than the medals we took home. It was a great opportunity and more importantly we had brilliant time as well!

Now, I am at the end of the journey through Year 8. Although, it’s certainly been a difficult experience at times, and is the start of a much more important and much scarier academic life. I think this year has also taught us many things and will definitely be a memorable one in my school life; it will be a memory to cherish and preserve for a long, long time.

Sendhur Muthukumar (8E)

It has been a successful year for Year 9; we have finally come to the end of Key Stage 3 and will be starting our GCSEs next year.

Year 9 has been an important year for our education as pupils chose their options for their GCSEs next year and we had to ask ourselves what do we want to be? Doctors? Lawyers? Athletes? Artists? There is such a wide range of career interests in Year 9 and we feel very lucky as this year pupils have been given the opportunity to be the first to try new options like Economics, Psychology, Creative Media Production and Sociology, which is very exciting for us and the school.

Pupils this year have really worked hard to improve their education, with some of them joining help clubs during their break times to be the best they can be. The help we receive from teachers is overwhelming. They are always offering to re-cover things we don’t understand, give us practice tests and tell us the best revision tips. This is the last year of Key Stage 3 and pupils have been prepared to tackle their GCSEs, starting next year. No more messing about, it’s time to get serious. We are nervous to see what next year holds for us but are sure that the teachers will be just as supportive as they were this year. We have been given so many different opportunities outside school too this year, with some of the main highlights being the school trips we have been on. In Geography pupils investigated globalisation by going to The Pearl and learning different fieldwork techniques and in Qatari History, we went to the Msheireb Museum and learnt about the discovery of oil in Qatar and how the economy has grown.

These trips gave us the opportunity to have fun with our friends and was a nice change to learning from a normal classroom environment. Also, this year pupils have competed in a very wide range of sports and we have all represented Sherborne with great pride. The Debating Teams had great success in the World Scholars Cup, where they qualified for the global round in Beijing and Sherborne also had the pleasure of hosting the Qatar Schools’ Debate League for Girls for the third year in a row.

All of Year 9 are really close and supportive of each other; no one ever sits alone and the pupils are extremely nurturing and friendly with others and we have good relationships with our teachers.

Overall, the school values of Teamwork, Perseverance, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and kindness have been showcased throughout the year by Year 9 pupils, which we hope to carry through to Year 10.

Abdullah Khan (9D) and Thwayba Hussain (9E)

Year 10 is an energetic and friendly year group. We have grown on each other as the year has progressed and evolved into remarkable characters. One of the most influential phases of our Year 10 adventure was the week in which we all took on vast responsibilities in the demanding, stressful work environment. We were expected to blend into the workplace, acting like each and every single employee. The diverse collection of different jobs we all took part in is commendable, from working in hospitals and law firms to hotels and schools. This was such a beneficial experience for our year group as it matured us for the better and gave us a taste of what life is like as we grow older.

Walking in the desert was another highlight of the year, as we persevered through our 30 Km expedition as part of our Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. Relaxing by the campfire after our tiring walk really demonstrated how our year came together and had fun, even after bearing heavy loads on our backs for hours on end. There were numerous other trips which took place over the course of the year, such as the Geography trip. Half the year explored the east end of Doha at one of its most famous cultural landmarks, Souq Waqif. We awkwardly asked questions to unsuspecting tourists, evaluated the environment and sat outside at teatime, socialising and tasting the amazing food.

Our year has also exceeded in their athletic achievements, from two Year 10 boys securing second place in the U16 QUESS Badminton Tournament and the U19 girls winning two football matches to the U16 girls winning the QUESS Rounders Tournament and enjoying great success in the netball league and tournaments.

Some pupils participated in multiple Model United Nations conferences in which two Year 10 pupils received the honour of chairing a conference and leading a committee room. The successes of Year 10 highlight their commitment to the school values of perseverance and teamwork. As a year group, we have illustrated resilience and dedication to our studies and our school and this leaves a promising outlook for the next year as we approach our GCSEs. Each and every one of us should be proud of our vast attainments and it is safe to say we’ve had an exceptional year.

Sahar Ali (10C)

SENIOR TEACHING STAFF

Arabic & Islamic Studies

The Arabic and Islamic Studies Department continues to flourish at the Senior School. The department welcomed Miss Basant and Miss Nermin to the team at the beginning of the year and, along with Mr Saleh, Mr Mahmoud and Mr Rahman, the department has gone from strength to strength. Arabic as both a first and second language and Islamic Studies in Arabic and English in all year groups are offered by the department.

Let us recap the year by giving a brief overview of each term. In the Autumn Term, pupils studying Arabic as a first language went on a trip to the Museum of Islamic Art and the Souq Waqif in order to see first-hand Qatari artefacts and how they are made by local tradesmen. On the last day of term, we had the traditional National Day celebrations where a local group came to sing and perform the traditional Razif dance in front of the school. Dr Al Kubaisi was invited to the school to speak about Qatar and his passionate speech captured the hearts and minds of the pupils and staff. Delicious food was of course on the menu, provided by the families of some of the local Qatari pupils. Some long serving staff members commented on the fact that the celebrations this year were more enjoyable than any in the past!

During the Spring Term pupils were involved in the annual Qatar Schools Qur’an competition. Congratulations to Idrees Yusuf who participated in the category with those who have memorised the entire Qur’an! Idris was given a distinction for his recitation and memorisation. Also, during the Spring Term a group of 15 pupils travelled with Mr Bassam and Mr Rahman to Turkey for a school trip. Pupils visited many historical sites, including the Blue Mosque, the TopKapi and Hajji Sophia museums among many other historical and tourist sites.

The blessed month of Ramadan came and left like a distinguished guest during the Summer Term. A special mention for Turkia Al Thani and Maryam Al Kuwari who presented the Ramadan assembly to the Senior School just before the beginning of the blessed month. Pupils learnt about the main duties and obligations that Muslims have upon them during the month and the virtues of the month. The annual Ramadan Iftar also took place at Al Rayyan Hotel at the Mall of Qatar. It was wonderful to see the school community come together and open their fast together. We hope that we have the opportunity to embrace Ramadan again for many years to come, amen!

Mr. Rahman, Head of Arabic and Islamic Studies

Once again a Sherborne Qatar pupil achieved the highest GCSE grade in Art in Qatar

In August we were very happy to see so many pupils had chosen Art at GCSE level and above. These artists have worked hard to achieve the same high standards as the current Year 11s and 13s, whose end of year exhibition should be the most exciting so far.

In January the two Year 8 pupils who produced the wonderful ‘graffiti” on the wall of the sports hall were invited to help with the Year 6 project on Street Art. This cross-year topic was a huge success and great fun for all involved. Another exciting collaboration was with the English Department on their recent Year 8 Dystopia project.

In April a group of Year 10, 12 and 13 pupils were lucky enough to work with the world-renowned artist Rasha Alem when she came in to do a workshop on oil painting.

The skills learnt on this day are clear to see in the most recent work being produced by these excellent artists.

Several competitions over the year, including the regular Inter-House sessions, have given the department an increased ‘buzz’ outside lessons. This atmosphere of collaboration and imagination has spilt over into timetabled classes and has helped develop an even more exciting learning environment in which Sherborne’s young artists are flourishing. We are all looking forward to building on the successes of this year in the 2019-2020 academic year!

Mr. Mortimer, Art Teacher

Examples of Year 7 work

Happy Year 7 pupils showing off their artwork

More examples of A Level work

Drama

The Autumn Term Upper School Production in November was The Accidental Death of an Anarchist, performed by our GCSE and A Level pupils. The play, written by Dario Fo, is a piece of Political theatre aimed at the rise of fascism in Italy during the 1970s. The cast were joined by a few Year 7 - 9 pupils who took part in a short scene. This was an excellent representation of farce, slapstick comedy and dark humour.

This year’s A Level Devised Performance was Towers of Struggle, a devised piece created by Faizan Ahmed and Christopher Williams, explored the effect that terrorist atrocities had upon Muslims living abroad. The piece considered conflicting pressures as they worked to integrate and be accepted amongst an environment of negative propaganda and mistrust.

Our fourth staff Winter Pantomime was based upon the popular film, Shrek. Traditionally, this devised performance is delivered to an audience of Years 7 - 13 and is a chance to see the teachers perform to the pupils. This year the staff presented the fairytale with more dance routines, physical theatre and comedy than ever before, as well as support from the staff band. The starring role was played by our very own Mr Peters, who has played lead characters in every pantomime, backed up by Mr Burns as Donkey, Miss Arandiga as Puss in Boots, and Miss Higgins as Fiona.

Mr Hake, Mr Oldridge and Mrs Long took pupils on a trip to London at the end of October to experience a visit which included:

A panoramic guided tour of London by coach, including Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London;

A trip back in time to the Imperial War Museum and St Thomas Operating Theatre Museum, The London Dungeon and a guided Jack the Ripper tour;

Exploring London, sightseeing and shopping in London at Trafalgar Square, The London Eye, Leicester Square, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street and Carnaby Street;

Three West End Theatre performances;

A coach trip to Shakespeare’s home, Stratford Upon Avon;

The Warner Bros Harry Potter Studios Tour and a drama workshop at Britain’s National Theatre followed by the chance to watch a live performance;

A guided visit to Hyde Park and Horse Guards Parade.

During the Spring Term Mr Hake devised and choreographed a short piece of physical theatre, The Best of Britain. This piece showcased a few of the unique qualities or traditions with which the British identify, from celebrating New Year by singing Auld Lang Syne, to British transport, juxtaposed with the countryside getaway, from snowball fights to summers on the beach and the glory of British music, from the Clash to the Beatles. The pupils performed this piece at the Olympic Day Festival.

The Spring term Lower School Drama Production was Return to the Forbidden Planet. This rock `n’ roll musical was performed in The Auditorium in April and the cast took us on a spaceship trip around the galaxy with a live band to keep us entertained. The audience were immersed in the voyage and experienced asteroid storms, space monster attacks and Klystron Generator malfunctions. Pupils demonstrated skills in characterisation, physical theatre, singing and dancing.

This year’s GCSEs Devised Performances were created by the Year 11 class in workshops from researched stimuli. The pieces were titled Right to Bear Arms? and Grenfell. The themes were explored with sensitivity and maturity, producing an evening of extremely original and thought-provoking drama.

Mr. Hake, Head of Drama

DRAMA PRODUCTION

ECONOMICS & BUSINESS STUDIES

IT HAS BEEN AN EXCITING YEAR FOR THE ECONOMICS & BUSINESS STUDIES DEPARTMENT

We have seen our provision of courses grow with the successful launch and delivery of the new Level 3 Business BTEC course. This course gives our pupils the opportunity to complete coursework based assignments which develop and stretch their research, analysis and evaluation skills. The course is supplemented with talks from visiting business professionals who provide a greater insight into their respective departments or industries. After the completion of this one year course, the pupils will have a better understanding of the workings of real businesses and it is the equivalent of 1 A level!

The Economics & Business Studies Department has also had the opportunity to work with Year 8 on a project which extended across the Spring Term.

Year 8 used their form time over a series of 6 weeks to form their own businesses and develop a product idea which they then presented to their peers and judges on PSHE Day. We were fortunate to have a panel of judges made up of Mr Spicer and external business professionals and we thank them for taking the time to support us. This was a wonderful opportunity for the Year 8 pupils to experience a taste of business and we hope to see many pupils choosing the subject as an option in the future.

Miss McCormack, alongside Mr Roberts, has also seen great success in their weekly Business Enrichment Club. The chosen topic in the Summer Term has been The London Underground and pupils have been tasked with the rebranding of different stations. This has required the pupils to undertake an investigation of the history of the London

Underground and to come up with new themes for the stations. This was a really fun club and one which we hope to continue next year.

Miss. McCormack, Head of Economics and Business Studies

Geography

FROM THE ENVIRONMENT TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

It has been a very successful year for the Geography Department at Sherborne Qatar.

This year we had the introduction of the new International A level course in Year 12 and the continuation of the new GCSE course in Years 10 and 11. The course has covered Urban Environments, Economic Activity, Globalisation and Migration, Coastal Landscapes and Hazardous Environments and all the feedback from the pupils has been positive. At Key Stage 3 the department has made some changes to the Year 9 course and added in Tectonic Activity which focuses more on GCSE material to further stretch and challenge our pupils.

Field investigations continue to be an important element of Geography at Sherborne Qatar and new fieldtrips were introduced this academic year to broaden pupils’ understanding of both the human and natural world.

Year 9 pupils travelled to Medina Centrale on the Pearl to investigate the rapid development of globalisation on the urban environment.

Year 10 headed off downtown Doha to investigate the inner city redevelopment and regeneration.

Year 11 pupils travelled to Al Wakrah Beach in February to investigate the impact of human and natural processes on the coastal environment.

Year 12 pupils travelled around Doha to have a look at transportation issues and regeneration. They visited several sites ranging from Souq Waqif, the Corniche to the city centre.

We also had Eco and green events in which we raised more than QR 4000 through bake and smoothie sales, pupils dressing in green and donating plants to school. This money will go towards future eco initiatives pupils would like to introduce around the school. It has been a vital year for Geography with issues ranging from the environment to sustainable development, which proves that Geography is an extremely relevant part of the curriculum.

Mrs. Malik, Head of Geography

History

WE HAVE CHALLENGED PUPILS’ SKILLS TO THE LIMITS

This year has been an exciting year for the History Department with the introduction of Politics A Level and the development of the Year 9 curriculum to include a depth study on World War One, in conjunction with our celebrations to remember the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.

On the 11th November we were joined by several guests from the armed forces for our Remembrance Day Assembly. The assembly was delivered by a group of History pupils in Years 11 and 12 who spoke about memorial sites and read a selection of war poetry. Following the assembly pupils were given the opportunity to create a piece of work for our Remembrance Day display. The response from pupils was overwhelming and the quality of the pieces produced exceptional.

Pupils in Year 7 have delivered outstanding presentations on Roman life, built models of chariots and amphitheatres, produced superb display work on the legacy of the Romans and made speeches on who should be the next King of England in 1066.

Year 8 have debated if Mary I deserved her nickname, created monuments and epitaphs to Elizabeth I and re-enacted the trail of Charles I.

Year 9 pupils have written bias newspaper reports on the death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, sat on a military tribunal and heard evidence from conscientious objectors and decided if Field Marshal Haig deserves the title ‘the butcher of the Somme’.

The level of commitment and hard work from our exam classes has once again been fantastic. Year 10 pupils have grappled with the collapse of the Weimar Republic and the rise of Nazi Germany and compared it to life in the USA.

Year 11 pupils have explored the complexities of the Cold War, the League of Nations and the UN.

Year 12 pupils embarked on an in-depth study of apartheid in South Africa and Germany after World War One, while Year 13 have delved into Civil Rights in the USA and the Hot War in Asia.

In Politics we have investigated UK political systems and followed current debates with avid interest.

Ms. Gregory, Head of History

COMPUTER SCIENCE ICT &

DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF IT PROFESSIONALS

The number of girls choosing Computer Science at Sherborne Qatar Senior School is currently 22%, compared with less than 10% of girls in England. At Sherborne Qatar, we try hard to instil interest in computer science from a very young age. We invited Year 6 pupils at our annual Transition Day and we focused on Lego Mindstorm and BBC Microbits. It was a very successful event and Year 6 pupils had a fruitful day where they were able to program robots to complete different challenges.

Our main challenge for this academic year was the rolling out of Lego Mindstorm. Pupils were able to work on different challenges and it was important to give pupils the opportunity to experience a variety of learning techniques. Pupils were able to use mathematical skills to solve some of the challenges. They learnt about a variety of sensors, such as infrared and colour sensors, worked with many hands-on activities and got involved with working in pairs to solve different problems. Pupils had lots of fun and were able to develop sensorimotor skills, which always helps to bring out the best of our pupils.

In Key Stage 3, we continue to explore the teaching of computational thinking. Through graphical Integrated Development Environment (IDE) such as Scratch, we have been able to teach a variety of programming techniques. Older pupils in Key Stage 3 were able to experience Python, where they had the opportunity to write different selection and iteration constructs. Beside computational thinking, we introduced graphics software, which has been quite enjoyable for a lot of the pupils.

In Key Stage 4 and 5, we continue to offer both ICT and Computer Science. It has been great to see the department thriving with numbers and we are envisaging having two sets of GCSEs Computer Science from September 2019. Year 12 Computer Science pupils were a great support to the department when we welcomed the Year 6 pupils in the Senior school. They acted as great role model helping the younger pupils and it was satisfying to see the different ends of the school meeting together.

Katie Bouman and her team have inpired a lot of young girls into this male dominated field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Her work on developing algorithms to capture images of a black hole went viral and this has captured a lot of attention from aspiring young female scientists.

Beside academic progress, we were able to offer a Coding Club, where pupils who opted, got the chance to develop mobile apps. This was a very exciting experience and the satisfaction of being able to test a completed app was amazing.

The academic year 2018-19 has been a very successful year, continuing our growth of the department along with great academic results. We aim to grow further, with more pupils opting to take ICT / Computer Science and continue to develop the next generation of IT professionals.

Mr. Ranglall, Head of ICT

Science

THIS YEAR’S HIGHLIGHT WAS SCIENCE WEEK

The Science Department here at Sherborne Qatar has had a remarkable year; this success can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of both staff and pupils.

Staff have been keen to engage pupils with experiences that will cultivate a love of Science that goes beyond what they learn in the classroom.

Our year began with Year 12 and 13 Biology pupils visiting the flying Orbis Hospital, which was aimed at supporting the interests of pupils wishing to pursue a health science related degree at university. During this visit, pupils learned about how the flying Orbis plays an important role in providing free medical treatments in the developing world, such as surgery to cure cataracts amongst other beneficial services.

As the year progressed, Year 7 pupils took part in the STEM challenge at Al Khor International School. Our pupils worked diligently to complete challenges, demonstrated perseverance when facing particularly difficult problems, and were all great team workers. The Sherborne Qatar A Team achieved third place - a highly-commendable achievement

As a school, we took part in three medical conferences, where pupils were able to showcase their talents in discussing complex biological theories in simple terms. It was truly inspiring to see pupils speaking so passionately when discussing topics that ranged from cancer to mental health.

This year’s highlight was Science Week, which took place in March. The Science Department hosted its first

ever Science Fair in The Atrium. It was a huge success, showcasing amazing projects by pupils and ‘wow’ practicals, which boasted interactive elements for both staff and pupils to take part in. During the week, pupils also took part in a basic life support workshop, provided by the Hamad International Training Centre as well as a Science Bake Off, both of which hopefully inspired a greater awareness of and interest in the sciences, particularly for younger pupils.

On behalf of the Science Department, I wish all our outstanding pupils further success as they navigate their way through the world of science at Sherborne Qatar.

‘Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.’ Marie Curie

Mr. Malik, Head of Science

Mathematics

WORKING TOGETHER TO FIND THE OPTIMAL SOLUTION TO COMPLEX PROBLEMS

It has been a successful year within the Mathematics Department with five new staff entering the department, bringing a rich array of ideas to our pupils. A variety of teaching methods have been showcased to convey different mathematical concepts within the areas of Algebra, Shape and Space, Geometry and Data. Particular highlights have been allowing pupils to apply their mathematical knowledge to problem solving tasks, working together to find the optimal solution to complex problems.

The Inter-House Mathematics challenges have been a huge success in the department, allowing pupils to compete against each other in their houses. Teamwork and communication skills were on display throughout as the pupils undertook Logic, Crossnumber and KenKen problems.

The competition element really brings out the best in our pupils. We look forward to hosting many more in the years to come.

Pupils have taken part in numerous extra-curricular activities throughout the year, notably World Pi Day at Carnegie Mellon University and recently in the UKMT Junior Mathematics Challenge. Two teams of four competed in the World Pi Day competition where pupils undertook high level questions (to University level) from the topics of Algebra and Geometry.

The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and are looking forward to competing again next year. More than 80 pupils in Years 7 and 8 took part in the Junior Mathematics Challenge at the end of April, allowing the younger pupils to undertake lively, intriguing questions designed to stimulate the joy of Mathematics.

We hope that such an activity will continue to inspire these pupils moving forward.

We would like to take the opportunity to wish the pupils well in their external examinations and look forward to more continued success in the future.

Mr. Robinson, Head of Mathematics

Modern ForeignLanguages

Whilst writing this on an early sunny morning in May, the last week of Year 11 teaching approaches. There is an intangible sadness hanging in the air in the Senior school. The MFL Department, who have much enjoyed working side by side with this good-humoured cohort, having had many of them since their arrival in year 7, will miss this year group...a lot. So many fond memories have been created with them in their corridors and language classrooms over the course of the last few years and it’s always a wrench to say goodbye.

The beauty of being a language teacher is being gifted with the extraordinary privilege of witnessing enthusiastic Year 7 pupils bumble into the MFL corridors, barely able to string a sentence together in the first few weeks and yet, as the months and years pass, they grow taller than their teachers and become more confident young men and women.

In turn, their languages skills go from strength to strength, so much so that by year 11 great banter and fun is had while conversing with them only in “foreign tongues”. When they finally understand the jokes, the wit and the banter; that’s when we know they have really mastered the language, when we are most proud and when we know that we have armed them with a life skill which will open wide many future doors.

For this article, I have asked a selection of year 11 pupils to take a trip down memory lane and share their favourite language memories in Sherborne Qatar with us.

On behalf of my excellent MFL team, I would like to wish the Year 11s the very best in their next chapter.

“Le meilleur reste à venir » /« Lo mejor está por venir ». (The best is yet to come!)

Mrs. Long, Head of Modern Foreign Languages

LE MEILLEUR RESTE À VENIR » /« LO MEJOR ESTÁ POR VENIR

Five years ago was the first time I did Spanish and I didn’t know a single word! Now I am studying Spanish in Year 11 as an option. I never knew I would go this far during my years of Spanish and I am very thankful for what the language department has done for me by supporting me, helping me and guiding me. My favourite moment of Spanish was our trip to Spain, led by Ms Cobo. Unforgettable! Amazing! I will be forever grateful. I hope that all the pupils at Sherborne Qatar enjoy the journey just as we have done. Also, I would like to thank all my language teachers over the years for both French and Spanish: Ms Cobo, Miss Khayari. Ms Thurston, and Mrs Long. Without them, I would never have got so far so thank you all.

Studying a language isn’t always easy, especially when you’re learning one as complex as French. However, Mrs Long or Madame Long as we call her is such a wonderful teacher, that we often forget the complexity of the language. It’s so encouraging to have a teacher as caring as her, and it’s clear that she truly wants all her pupils to succeed. I know I’m going to miss French at Sherborne Qatar and Madame Long a lot, but I will carry on studying French and hope to continue to succeed in French A Level when I’m back in England.

Oluwafolawemi Olowu, 11 C

I have been learning French at Sherborne Qatar since I first arrived at the school back in Year 5. However, it wasn’t until year 7 that I really grasped the language with Miss Khayari, my French teacher throughout my time in Sherborne Qatar. She has been extremely supportive throughout my many years at this school and I know that I can rely on her and the rest of the language department to help me whenever needed. Although this may be the last year, I learn the language in school, I have developed a great interest in the language and its culture, and I am determined to continue to improve my French skills in the future.

From knowing no other language than English when I first came to Sherborne Qatar, to now being extremely comfortable in speaking Spanish has been incredible. This is all due to the wonderful Languages Department and their hard work in teaching us. Mrs Long and Miss Arandiga have massively aided my enduring love for the Spanish language and I owe all my thanks to them.”

My interest in Spanish has grown significantly since I started taking the language in Year 7. Learning this language has changed me profoundly: I have been educated so much about the Spanish culture and lifestyle. Above all, it was thanks to Ms Cobo that I have become fond of the language; her style of teaching strongly cultivated my passion.

Adithya Sankar , 11 C

Lily Smith, 11 D

Music

IF YOU HAVE A PASSION OR A TALENT, PURSUE IT

The fundamental objective of music education at Sherborne Qatar is to provide pupils with an active music experience. At our school, music education goes beyond the classroom and is part of our everyday life. We like to go further than the demands of the official curriculum and believe that music contributes to academic achievement and personal development.

The performances and activities scheduled during the school year foster relationships and co-operative work among the pupils. Throughout the academic year, the pupils participated in all the school’s assemblies and this year we established the Sherborne Qatar Choir and a Staff Band.

Music is part of our identity as a school.

Through it we enrich our pupils’ sensitivity and emotions. Music provides self-discipline, teamwork, auditory discrimination and accuracy, among other values.

It was such a privilege to perform as a band, to celebrate the accomplishments pupils have made that make Sherborne Qatar such a successful school.

Mr. Arts, Head of Senior Music

Natesh Ranasinghe, 10B

“What amazing fun it was to perform numerous times for our school. I had great fun getting to work closely with my colleagues and friends to improve our musical skills. It was especially good for me as I got the opportunity to pick up a new instrument.” Mr. Curneen.

Our pupils have enjoyed playing at the British and Australian festivals in the Autumn at Lulu Al Messila and Sherborne Qatar pupils were welcomed at the Sheikh Faisal museum in March, where they delivered an evening full of outstanding performances.

“On March 24th, 2019, Sherborne Qatar held a recital in which both the Prep and Senior schools participated. The only way you would be selected is if you are the best of the best.

As a guitarist with a decent level of experience in live performances, I wasn’t very scared or nervous but the only thing that irritated me was that we were playing outside and it was cold! If you didn’t know, the cold hampers your technical ability to do anything because your muscles don’t work best in those temperatures. The guitar neck felt much grippier and the strings weren’t as manoeuvrable

At the start of the summer term the American Air Force Band played two sets of fantastic music for the Year 7 and 8 pupils. A few weeks later, several musicians performed as part of the musical, “The Forbidden Planet”.

“Being part of both the cast and the band, it was amazing to see both pieces grow together cohesively. Being able to be part of the play allowed us to learn numerous songs that have expanded our repertoire as a band. Because of this, we have a

wider range of songs we can play on different occasions. Accompanying the school production also gave us the experience of performing as part of a production. Personally, it was really fun since I was able to assist more as part of both the band and the cast. Although rehearsals were tiring, it was worth the exhilaration of preforming the numerous songs that we as a band enjoyed performing”

as I am used to. Fortunately, in the end, we did manage to pull off a great performance, which kept the audience fully entertained and satisfied.

I am truly proud that I got and have the chance to play and experience something new.

If you have a passion or a talent, pursue it. Even if it means staying in school until 5 o’clock or playing outside of school hours and having to wear your uniform because it will improve your self-esteem and your personality.

J’Ouvert Sykes (9D)

Maximous Boctor, (10A)

‘Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.’

Rita Mae Brown

English

THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT OF SHERBORNE QATAR IS GOING PLACES…

We are proud to be running a subject taken by ALL the pupils at our school up until Year 11 and at A Level by a smaller cohort of pupils opting for Literature in English and / or English Language. This year has been one of new initiatives and the cultivation of traditions. We ran a very successful Creative Writing Competition at the beginning of the Spring Term, and we are hoping that this will become an annual event, with a possible expansion into poetry writing and public speaking next year too.

To celebrate World Book Week, in conjunction with the Prep School, we organised ‘Drop everything and read’ for 15 minutes every day, the English corridors were decorated to depict Alice in Wonderland’s experiences down the rabbit hole and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. On the

penultimate day, all the Year 9s and their teachers headed to the Prep School, where some of our pupils performed for the Prep pupils. The Year 9s then joined them in their classrooms to assist with book-related activities. On the last day of Book Week, some staff and many pupils dressed up as famous literary characters and a fun time was had by all.

Cross-curricular work has also been evident this year – with Year 8 set 1 creating some amazing art pieces on dystopian societies, to accompany their descriptive writing and inspired by their literary study of the novel ‘The Giver’. It is hoped that this project has paved the way for more collaborative work across various subjects soon.

Miss. Castaldo, Head of English

The night is alive with lightning. A lone current of purple electricity strikes the thick undergrowth, somewhere to my right. The pale and ghostly moon stares at me from above, searching for any clearing in the vast canopy. The trees are all around me, withered and slender, rising up and beyond the heavy fog and piercing it with their needle-sharp twigs.

I can hear my own footsteps plodding unevenly on the one-way wooden path. The trees and bushes conceal them, but I still hear the woodland creatures crying out, informing one another of the new danger I present. I know their beady eyes are all focused on me, all around me, but my eyes are deceiving in the dark. A distant wolf starts howling and is soon joined by other members of the pack. My pace quickens. The wooden lodge should be around the next turn, a couple of hundred metres away. Suddenly, like the silence after a bullet shot, the forest stops talking. A bobbling blue light is coming my way. I can hear people speaking – men’s voices. I can’t be seen. I see a bush to my left and I don’t hesitate to jump right in. That is when I hear a match being lit and thrown into the undergrowth.

The men have gone but the forest is now revived with the screeching of mammals and birds alike. I can smell smoke. The fire is too far away to be a worry, but I still have to be cautious. The wooden cabin has all my belongings inside, so I turn back and run as fast as I can without spraining my ankle on the rickety, wooden pathway. Why did those men want to burn the forest? They will probably wipe out all the animals. The fire is closer now. Much closer. I am losing my breath as I sprint ever faster, whilst inhaling the noxious, malodorous fumes of smoke. The fire is roaring in my ears now. My lips are dry. Just when I think that my cabin is gone, it appears in the middle of the inferno. Somehow it hasn’t started to burn. But my luck is short lived. A twig from a tree way above me is burning and I can only watch as it falls slowly and lights up the roof.

I have two options now: risk dying but retrieve my stuff, or not taking the risk and having nothing. I know which option is must choose. I start to walk towards the lodge.

My shirt covers my nose as I crawl underneath the poisonous black cloud and I hope that my belongings have not succumbed to the blaze. Then suddenly the fire is stopping. I feel a drip of refreshing water coming through the open roof. Then the clouds above me release a huge torrent of water and in the space of a minute the fire is gone. I look up and see the moon winking at me knowingly and I realise that it has always got my back.

By Zineddine Badis (Year 8)

Creative Writing INTER-HOUSE

COMPETITION WINNERS

DRONE ALONE

By Joe Blaine •Sixth Form (Cutler House)

The soldier stared upwards through glassy eyes, gazing into the heart of the cloudless sky, so shamelessly blue, so beautiful that is seemed to be mocking the men lying below. The men who would never stir again. Sprawled in the dirt or slumped against crates, their weapons free of their relaxed hands, they could have been sleeping. There was a tranquillity emanating from them that in no way reflected how they had fallen into this everlasting slumber

As the men slept, the trees lining the valley looked on in stony silence, horrified by the atrocities committed before them that day. There was no rustling of branches, no movement among the iridescent leaves. It was as if they were standing vigil for the men before them, holding themselves erectly and to attention, respecting the silence which resided over the valley. It was late in the day now, the scorching red sun was falling below the jagged peaks of the surrounding mountains, leaving nothing but elongated shadows extending over the valley floor. On any other day, it may have been beautiful, but not today. Today the setting of the sun was nothing more than a cruel metaphor for the ending of so many lives.

Since the last gun had fired, an unnatural silence had occupied the valley, seeping into every crack and every crevice, smothering the sounds of the crackling grasshoppers and the croaking frogs. Subduing the chirping of the birds and the barking of the deer. However, there was one sound that would not be silenced. One sound which prevailed even in this earthly hell as it was not a sound which is natural at all. It was the whirring of a drone, reverberating around the valley, growing in volume with every passing second.

The drone seemed to have no pity for the deceased as it passed through the graveyard of the unburied dead. Seemed to have no feelings of empathy for the families whose sons and brothers would never return home as it manoeuvred its metallic, unfeeling body through the intricate maze of the war’s latest victims.

Redirecting itself again and again, the drone observed every aspect of the field, detecting the crusted blood streaking down grimy faces; the congealed earth clinging to the underside of boots, and the looks of fear etched among the faces of the soldiers for all eternity. Slicing the air with its honed blades, it approached a body which lay isolated from the rest, spread-eagled in the dappled shadow beneath a maple tree. Circling the uniformed boy, besmeared with mud and blood, the automation steadied its camera upon what was visible of the man’s harrowing visage.

While a straight nose and angular chin hinted at formerly handsome features, the horrors of the day had taken their toll. Mouth agape, as if in utterance of a final scream; head tilted upwards as if offering a final prayer to the heavens, and blood hardened against the cooling skin, it was still the eyes which were conspicuous. Drained of all signs of life yet still able to convey emotion, they portrayed the terror endured in the soldier ’s final moments as they gazed forwards into nothingness.

The drone continued to stare emotionlessly; however, it was not alone. Somewhere, thousands of miles away, sat behind a desk, a man saw what it saw. His eyes glued to the pixilated image of his computer screen, a tear streaked down his cheek. Knowing that what he had seen that day would never leave him, he knew that you forget what you want to remember, and you remember what you want to forget.

By Olivia Keefe •Year 7 (Cutler House)

The door, as well as I could see it in the dim light, was a great piece of wood all studded with nails: and I lifted my hand with a faint heart under my jacket and knocked once. Then I stood and waited. The house had fallen into a dead silence; a whole minute passed away, and nothing stirred but the bats overhead. A bat swooped past my head and hung from the rusty fence and it screeched as the wind whistled past the mansion. The grass surrounding the house was jet black like the night sky hovering above my head dotted with tiny sequins. Still silent, there was no response to my knock. I took a step forward, clenching my fists and chattering my teeth nervously. I took another anxious step and my knees started to wobble like a plate of jelly.

I worked up the courage to place my fingertips on the dirty, once-golden handle and forced my hand down and gave the wooden door a nudge until it was just ajar. I peeked my head through the small gap between the walls and the door. I placed my foot inside; it was dark with very little light. My throat, which now had a layer of bitter dust around it, was as dry as a desert. I was incredibly curious about what was coming next. I slowly touched the old wooden stair banister. Daringly, I forced myself up the stairs, a cold chill crept down my spine.

Once I had reached the top, there were three closed brown doors. The door on the right had a strange amount of light coming from it. The door on the left had a dark violet doorknob and the middle door had a red cross that almost looked like…BLOOD! I had a weird feeling about the doors on the left and right so I stupidly went for the door with the blood plastered on it. I was too intrigued to stop. I reached my hand out, twisted the doorknob and stepped inside.

I stood still for a few seconds in the cold room until I noticed the paintings were changing. One by one, stroke by stroke, the paintings evolved before my eyes. First, a huge ocean with a small pink surfboard floating over it. Next, a cave full of sand and gravel. Each one completely random, yet somehow similar. It was just a room; other than the paintings it was practically empty. Apart from one thing, a small Russian doll, the ones that get smaller as you open them. I crept up to it and yanked the head, hoping it would open. It did not. I tugged harder. It did not budge. I tried one last time with all my strength and …still nothing. I tossed it to the ground and I heard a faint crack. It fell open effortlessly. Out came a glowing sphere, it was baby blue and was floating like a leaf on a pond. I touched it. My fingertips were frozen, like ice straight from the freezer. Out came a pixie/fairy/ elf. I do not really know what it was. It pulled out a short wand that looked like a weed. Out of the wand came a huge burst and suddenly the floor started to melt. Each and every floorboard had disappeared.

I awoke days or weeks or even months later and used a wooden ladder to climb my way out. When I got to the top, I quickly ran to the door and sprinted out of the house and into a street. I walked past a convenience store and went in. I picked up a magazine and read the date: ‘Tuesday 26th October 2078’!

By Zaim Waqar •Year 8 (Hamad House)

Something was different. I can’t tell what it was, but it was something. The wooden bed, with a spring mattress and black cover, was the same and the, also wooded, study desk hadn’t changed, so what was it? I looked in the mirror and I saw the same brown haired, skinny kid. I know who I was this morning but I have changed a few times since then. I thought about my name, Mark Miller. Had anything changed? I rushed downstairs in a desperate hope. I saw the same people I always have: my mother, Grace Miller, and my father, Steve Miller. ‘Can I go outside, Mom?’ I asked Grace.

“Yes, dear,” she replied in a calm voice. My eyes widened in shock, horror, confusion and a thousand other emotions I can’t name.The house’s identity hadn’t changed, but the world around it transformed its identity from a road of never-ending rain, to a golden and vast beach, like one you’d find on a postcard. I blinked repeatedly in confusion and found no change in my perception; this was no illusion. Am I the only one aware of the change in environment, or are there others? I ran back in and, as any other person of my age would, I asked my mother:

“Did you notice any change?”

“No, dear”.

“Dad?”

“Nope.”

“Not even outside?”

“Nothing’s changed, son”, Steve said confidently.

“A lone house on an empty beach?”

“That’s how it’s always been, dear”.

“Didn’t we live on an English street?”

“Nope, never.” They didn’t know, did they?

I checked my phone and saw all the same contacts I always have. I called one of them. Simon. “Hello?” I began.

“I thought you disappeared!”

“You remember me! My parents don’t even remember my old home.”

“It isn’t just me; everybody else does as well. Where are you?”

“On a beach in…let me check”. I opened my GPS app.

“Ok,” he replied.

“Palma, a coastal city in Spain,” I ended the call.

A memory entered my train of thought, one of me wishing to be free from my old home.

It was a cold bright day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen.

By Ibrahim Khan • Year 9 (Cook House)

It was a cold bright day in April and the clocks were striking thirteen. It was the same old day as the frosty wind brought a charcoal sky and a sprinkle of rain with it. I looked around and saw men with pallid faces creeping along the hole – searching for any type of shelter as the tempestuous winds pierced through our skins.

The battlefield was confusing; one minute the bullets were raining like hell on us in a never-ending bombardment, and the next nothing. No movement, no bullets, no sound, no people. It was as if they had all vanished. Were they even here to begin with?

The sudden, soft bullets sunk under the sunset, as it filled the sky with a glowing medallion – setting the clouds ablaze. Slowly our ghosts were hauled out of ourselves, reminding us of the crippling sense of equality in our ‘glorious’ empire.

Later, fog rolled in, shoving us into deep despair. The thick air wrapped around me like a blanket. Cutting through the air without being able to see, fight or even have the strength to talk, us men tried our best not to give up. Drunk with exhaustion, we limped on, in fear of what would happen if we stopped. None of us was afraid of dying. We were all more afraid of drowning in this crimson red hole. We didn’t know what would happen next, so we just kept waiting as the rain sank our hopes far underground. The only thing we knew was that this perpetual darkness is never going to end.

Suddenly, we were being mobbed, bullets terminating us, slaughtering us like sheep. Clanging against the metal barriers and penetrating their way through our bare skin. Without expecting it, most of us were dead before we even knew what had happened. Titan red blood spurted out of wounds as men wailed in agony. The effluvium of death was all around us. The battlefield had been drenched in blood and the bitter, pungent perfume of corpses emanated from it.

Fear, pain, hatred. Courage, determination, desperation. What could I do? Help my mates? Help my country? Or help myself?

There were barely any of us left as the Hun hammered us with their appalling machine guns, as bullets flung across the battlefield – slowly slaughtering every single being who got in their way. I hung on to my life by the skin of my teeth – trying to escape from the abhorrent smells, the deafening sounds of gunfire and the raucous weather.

Explosions everywhere. Ongoing gunfire and never-ending death. Is there any way to escape from this traumatizing experience? There has to be a way to end this war, a way to end this hatred, a way to introduce peace to everyone. There has to be a way…

And then the worst of all, the silence began again. We are waiting, 10 years from now we will still be waiting.

By Younes Sellami •Year 10 (Hamad House)

Inside the ship, there were noises. Deep structural groans. I stumbled and fell. No harm done. I got up. With the help of the handrails I went down the stairwell four steps at a time. I had gone down just one level when I saw water. Lots of water. It was blocking my way as I tried to get the cans of food that slowly sunk in the depth of the water. One step forward and I froze, fear suddenly overwhelming me. I couldn’t touch the water because of the irrational fear I had developed since being dumped in the ocean, forced to claw my way on deck. My blood ran cold at the prospect of having past the harsh cold ocean water that rippled before my eyes. So, I returned to the main deck, wishing once more that I had never angered my father.

It had only been a few days when it felt like an eternity. I was looking forward to leaving home, the cold breeze ruffling my lustrous black hair and my face bathing in sunlight. My pale blue eyes shining with excitement while the same dark sadness lay hidden beneath the safety of fake amusement. I always looked forward to those moments; escaping my father’s hateful comments and my mother’s empty sobs that echoed through the cramped house that I once lived in. My father, Hugo Ramirez, basically abused his wife for something as stupid as not bearing the perfect child. Me. I was the cause of those red marks stinging Maria Levesque’s face every night and day. Me, Elizabeth Ramirez. The disappointment. The freak. The Mexican scum.

But that was my past now. No one would bully me anymore, for when I had finally worked up the courage to speak back to my dad, he had thought it appropriate to throw her into the ocean with no supplies but the large boat he had stolen from the marina and some food. Five hundred kilometres into the sea. Alone. Afraid. Yet defiant. Ready to survive and fight. At the time.

I lay, thinking about my regrets and mistakes. Tears stung my eyes as I screamed silently at my father: why? What did I do for my father to hate me? I had the worst luck in my life: an immigrant, a reject, hated for not being a guy by my own father! Pushing my emotions to the side, I sat up, thinking that I would pull myself together and just swim for the food. I stood. Two cans. Then death. Good thing or bad thing. I did not know just yet.

Another day and this time I woke up frightened as I felt the cold water soak my dry skin as the boat sank below the surface of the ocean. Elizabeth Ramirez, age 17, death by murder. I’ll miss you mom, I thought as death finally arrived. For the first time in my life, I did not fight back.

I knew who I was this morning. I have changed a few times since then.

By Janine Obiri

• Year 11 (Moza

House)

Ordinary.

It’s looked down upon by everyone, me included, at least until recently. Now…it’s a virtue that I’d do anything to grasp onto.

Before, it was a normal night. I was home alone, as usual, like every other night. The doorbell rang not too soon after dusk, drilling itself into my reality. Or at least, what I had perceived to be reality.

It was so unusual, so out of the ordinary that it had been unnerving. The out of place sound evoked a vibrating fear throughout my body. I began to notice the surroundings I had lived in for years, acknowledge everything I ad allowed to fade into the background like props.

The monotonous clicking of the clock, the empty whirring of the heater, the moaning static of the television.

The air had become dense, it felt like a thick jelly which I could not inhale or move through; I felt squashed and contained. With no way of escape. No way to leave.

The doorbell then rang for the third time, the person behind the door was persistent or maybe it had been multiple people. Irrational assumptions and fears had filled my head at the time, my perception had changed so drastically in such a short amount of time.

It was so odd. I knew who I was this morning, but I have changed a few times since then.

It felt like I was suddenly in someone else’s body, as if my life up to that point had changed or worse yet, was completely fictional. I tried to recall memories, feelings, interests, hobbies…but nothing was produced by my brain.

The only things here were the door of my fears and I, a hollow echo of what I had been that is, if I had ever been.

My mind whirled with questions, I felt sick and nauseous. Detached from reality or at the very least, the jar I had sealed myself in which I called reality.

Slowly, everything around me started to melt, all constructs and knowledge I had accumulated left my body. Leaving my hollow shell alone with murky fears. Fears which gagged and choked me. Fears that mercilessly crushed my very being. Fears which –

A fourth and final ring echoed through the silent room. This time, it compelled me forward.

The only things were the door hiding answers and I, in this black room. I slowly turned the handle with damp palms, unknowingly at the time, this action had sealed my end.

Once I opened my door, and my face was greeted with the cold, night wind and a tall stranger’s back, my sense of self and reality began to return, as if what had just taken place was only a dream.

The person who had been standing at my door and ringing my bell for quite some time was in the process of walking away.

Foolishly I reached out to them.

Enrichment

Enrichment plays a vital role in the lives of our pupils at Sherborne Qatar and this year has been the most successful ever. New options have included Horse Riding, Arabic Calligraphy, Cross Fit, Sewing, Film Club, Boxercise, Flamenco Dancing, Mobile App Making and many more. As well as the new clubs, many of the more popular clubs have continued from previous years, including The Model United Nations (MUN), The Debating Society and The Photography Club. Pupils have engaged more than ever and participation levels are at an all-time high.

The teachers have enjoyed building relationships with pupils beyond the curriculum and have taken the opportunity to create an outlet for our pupils to pursue friendships and meaningful connections with those around them, in a fun yet enriching environment.

These activities have allowed pupils to interact with a diverse group of peers, helping to learn tolerance, perseverance and respect. Highlights of a cross section are mentioned below.

Mr. Robey

Enrichment Cordinator

Arabic Calligraphy

This year, pupils at Sherborne Qatar had the opportunity to learn about Arabic calligraphy at the Arabic Calligraphy Club, led by Mr. El Demiry. The club offered lessons on learning about the diverse range of Arabic calligraphy tools, the different types of Arabic calligraphy as well as holding wooden pens in a specific manner. I am extremely proud to say that pupils have enjoyed the club and made good progress overall this year.

Chess Club

Chess Club has gone from strength to strength. The recent online tournament has also proved popular with teachers, pupils and parents getting involved. Next year there will be more tournaments and hopefully matches against other schools. If you’re interested in playing, whether it be online or face to face, please see Mr. Mortimer.

Coding

This year we learnt how to use Python to develop the pupils' ability to think logically and solve problems. Some of our GCSE pupils attended this year to further enhance their ability by tackling some difficult exercises. This allowed them to understand how to break down a problem and work out different constructs to come to a solution.

During the Spring Term we investigated JavaScript coding and how the web uses this particular language. We developed code that was able to draw images and understand how webpages are made to be interactive. We also entered the National Scratch competition where our pupils developed code, based on certain themes provided by the organisers. Pupils worked hard on developing their code and entered several of their projects to be judged.

For the Summer Term, we investigated the BBC Microbits and developed different types of games available. Here pupils were expected to try some of the advanced level programming.

Band Club

Band Club has been working hard this year on the schoolproduction. We have managed to get ourselves several performances in the community. Pupils have learned to perform and entertain audiences at nearly a professional standard.

Horse Riding

The launch of horse-riding as part of the Enrichment Programme has been a tremendous success. Pupils, of ranging abilities from Years 7-12, have enjoyed their weekly outings to Al Samariyah Riding School, where they have had the opportunity to improve their riding skills, both in the indoor riding school and on short hacks around the grounds. The beginner’s group are all riding independently, working on their transitions and trotting and have perfected the basic posture and balance. The more proficient riders are beginning to look at how to improve their transition between gaits, cantering and arena spacing.

The group have also learnt skills in equine care and stable management, meaning they know the basics in grooming horses, tacking them up and how they are looked after. After tiring themselves out in their lessons, the pupils have had the opportunity to enjoy and relax in the amazing facilities, often feeding the horses carrots and visiting the café for drinks and snacks, before returning to school.

Photography

Photography Enrichment Club has been a very popular club this year. Pupils from Years 7 to Year 12 have learned and developed numerous skills and captured some amazing images. Pupils have learned about composition, framing, the rule of thirds, forced perspective, how to effectively shoot in black and white, as well as how to photograph people.

This year, pupils have had the opportunity to take pictures on a weekly basis, where they have been tasked with fulfilling a brief and the pictures have always been of excellent quality!

In January, several pupils from Photography Enrichment Club attended a trip to the Museum of Islamic Arts and the MIA Park. During the trip, pupils were able to use their developing photography knowledge to capture some stunning photographs.

Professional photographer Nigel Downes visited the school in February and chatted to the group about his work and shared his fantastic images with them. He also contributed several ideas in order to help pupils improve their already superb photographs.

CHESS CLUB

CODING CLUB

STAFF BAND

MUSIC BAND

PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB

M ODEL U NITED N ATIONS MUN

This school year has been very eventful and successful for the Model United Nations (MUN) club and we participated in many conferences.

We provided the Deputy Chair for the first time at the Middle School MUN (MSMUN) conference in Qatar. Chairing a forum proved to be a very different side of MUN - this is because you do not participate in the debate at all. Instead of writing resolutions and giving speeches, you must: write a research report and ensure that THIMUN procedures are being followed.

MSMUN-Q 2019 was a unique conference because it did not have conventional forums. Instead, each committee con-

sidered one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which were set by the United Nations General Assembly with the aim of being achieved globally by 2030. The forum I chaired was SDG 3: Good health and Well-being. There were various issues on the agenda. I was the expert chair for the question of: ‘Providing Access to Affordable Healthcare in less economically developed countries (LEDCs)’. This matter needs to be addressed urgently because millions of vulnerable lives are at risk.

Along with productive debates and creating innovative solutions to various issues, our committee participated in a sponsored walk to raise money for the Smile Train. Smile Train is an international

non-profit organisation which aims to provide free corrective cleft surgery to children. The majority of these children will never receive treatment because their families cannot afford it. Most of these children will never be able to eat, speak or breathe properly. Again, this highlights the need for affordable healthcare in LEDCs.

In MUN not only do we debate solutions to existing problems affecting our world but now we are also taking action to solve these issues. We do not only argue for positive change but also consciously take steps to help others less fortunate. Thus, I believe MUN is an impactful initiative which I strongly urge more pupils to join.

Butool Abedi, (10C)

IN MUN NOT ONLY DO WE DEBATE SOLUTIONS TO EXISTING PROBLEMS AFFECTING OUR WORLD BUT NOW WE ARE ALSO TAKING ACTION

NOVEMBER

2018

Fifteen pupils attended the 7th Annual Leadership QLC Conference. They heard and took part in a wide range of workshops, from looking at how social media can be used positively, to writing college applications and equality. The quality of the speakers and workshops was extremely good and several them have really struck a chord with our pupils.

The dynamic workshop, given by Evan Wesley from the Thirst Project, and his inspirational opening address on leadership qualities, prompted Mrs. Hamlin to arrange for him to visit Sherborne Qatar to speak to Year 10 pupils about the project to get clean water to all communities throughout Swaziland. In addition, Maryam and Henry attended an inspiring session on the refugee crisis in Syria

and made contact with the speaker, Jordan Hatter, and are looking into the possibility of arranging for him to come into school to talk to our pupil body.

The conference focuses on inspiring the leaders of tomorrow. However, the message from Evan Wesley was that there is no need to wait until tomorrow, that now and what creates a great leader is the drive and commitment to do active service to make an idea reality.

Three pupils, Turkia Al Thani, Shahd Al Hajri and Marcus Munjoma took on the challenge of preparing and presenting workshops for the pupils who are gathered here from all over the world and they were very well received.

The Middle School Model United Nations Conference was an exceptional one for Sherborne Qatar’s MUN club. Henry Kakkad and Oliver Underwood attended as delegates and Sahar Ali and Butool Abedi as Deputy Chairs.

This is the first time that Sherborne Qatar has had pupils appointed as student officers and both Sahar and Butool excelled in their roles helping chair their committee rooms.

In addition, Henry was one of the pupils chosen as a pupil ambassador to deliver his address at the opening ceremony. Despite facing an audience of 300 delegates, guest speakers and teachers, Henry delivered his speech with clarity and conviction.

This was Oliver’s first conference but this did not deter him as, on the very first day he took to the podium to support a resolution on providing access and affordable healthcare services to LEDC’s. We are exceptionally proud of all our delegates.

THIMUN 8 TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE ON PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS

Sherborne Qatar, delegates ranging from Years 7 to 13 attended the THIMUN 8th Annual MUN Conference in January 2019. They joined over a thousand other delegates from a wide range of countries including Afghanistan, Ethiopia, India, USA, Kuwait and Nepal at the Qatar National Convention Centre to discuss key issues that need to be resolved in our world today.

After the amazing opening ceremony pupils dispersed to their conference rooms to engage in a wide range of debates, from how to reduce corruption and violence to how to promote the rule

of law at national and international levels to ensure equal access to justice.

As ever, the members of the Sherborne Qatar MUN club were a credit to our school. Their thorough preparation, ability to communicate clearly, promote their resolutions and to ask pertinent points of information, led to several of their resolutions being passed.

The participants at this conference were:

Butool Abedi, Samer Buqla, Joseph Lloyd, Sahar Ali, Henry Kakkad, Dakshanya Saravanan, Uneiza Haque, Maryam Ali, Mustafa Malik, Turkia Al Thani, Insaf Arredouani, Nathan Braganza, Sharifa Al Attiayah, Laila Salem, Alanoud Al Thani, Buthaina Al Thani, Aldana Al Kuwari, Aaron Swindell and Muneeb Rahman.

The Sherborne Qatar

Debating Society

I am delighted to announce that Colours can now be awarded for pupils who excel in debating as part of our unique Enrichment Programme at school and this year has once again seen many pupils flourishing in this field. As a result, the debating society has continued to achieve outstanding results, not only nationally but internationally.

I am proud to announce that Shahd Al Hajri and Turkia Al Thani have been selected as part of TEAM QATAR for the third time. Team Qatar is the National Debate Team that represents Qatar at one of the most competitive and prestigious schools competitions – the Asian World Schools Debate Championship (AWSDC). This year, Qatar Debate will be sending the team to Thailand in July. We wish both Shahd and Turkia well at that competition. This year, pupils participated in the Doha round of the World Scholar’s Cup 2019. We were extremely proud to announce that our debaters successfully qualified for the global round of the World Scholar’s Cup competition, which is due to take place in Beijing, in China at the end of June. Sherborne Qatar would like to congratulate them for their hard work and commitment this year and wish them to do well in China.

In February, we were offered the privilege of hosting the Qatar National Debating Competition for girls. At this event, we welcomed about 350 participants from local and international schools in Qatar.

I would like to thank all our remarkable debaters and volunteers who came to assist staff and visitors on the day. Ameera Elawad (Y13), Sophie Kakkad, Maya Abou Jalala (Y12), Oluwafolawemi Oluwu, Janine Obiri, Huda Baig & Jana Elbanna (Y11), Bouchra Bendou, Shahd Al Hajri, Kashmala Afridi & Hadeel Dossa (Y10), J’Ouvert Sykes, Thwayba Hussain, Tigen Osiago & Maryam Ali (Y9), Eman El Gohary (Y8).

Mr Nick Prowse, Principal and CEO of Sherborne Qatar, and I am proud of their hard work and commitment. We have received much positive feedback from our visitors (including from Qatar Debate, a member of Qatar Foundation).

Miss. Khayari, Debating Coordinator

Year 12 Debating Inter-House Competition

Shahd Al Hajri and Turkia Al Thani

OPENING OF QATAR NATIONAL DAY celebrations by Dr. Al-Kubaisi

In the name of Allah, the most gracious, the most merciful.

Dear Pupils, respected teachers, parents and Headmaster, Mr Spicer.

Good Morning to you all….

Qatar declared its independence on September 3rd, 1971 and, since then, it has transformed dramatically in all aspects of modernization and development.

From a population of 200,000 more than 2 million people live in Qatar right now. This has definitely impacted the National Identity of the local people of Qatar. However, this has enriched and enhanced the overall cultural diversity in the country

Like any other developing state, Qatar has passed many ups and downs, throughout the 47 years since its independence. Nonetheless, what happened on the 5th of June 2017, was and will always be a memorable day, for years to come inshallah.

The people of Qatar, including the citizens and the expats of this country, have proved to the world that, with unity we can achieve prosperity, regardless of the size, wealth, and power of the blockading countries. Qatar has proved to the world, that it is not the size, or the voice that matters, but rather it’s being on the right side, and advocating a good cause, which will definitely prevail, in the end.

Throughout the many days of the blockade, Qatar has always believed that by embracing the principles of dialogue, any argument or conflict could be solved.

Dialogue and open discussion are the only key to resolve our differences, whether it’s between two siblings at home, two colleagues in a classroom, or even between two neighbouring countries, One day this unfair and unjust blockade will end, but surely Qatar will come out of it stronger, more resilient, and absolutely more independent as Qatar will always be free.

To end I’d like to finish my speech with the lyrics of our national anthem, that clearly depict the struggle of our ancestors, to today’s very existence of the country of Qatar.

Swearing by God who raised the sky, Swearing by God who spread the light, Qatar will always be free

Elevated by the souls, of the loyal, Follow the path of the ancestors, and the prophet’s guidance

In my heart, Qatar is an epic of dignity and glory

Qatar is the land of the forefathers

Who protect us, in the call-ups to sacrifice,

Dovish, at the time of peace

Hawkish, at the time of sacrifice

Finally, I’d like to thank the school management and the Arabic Department for giving me the opportunity to speak about my beloved country, Qatar.

Thank you for listening, and Happy National Day!

PTA

Where has the year gone? It only feels like a few months ago that the PTA was planning its first event this academic year and our very first Family Fun Day! Unbeknown to us, we would all experience the October floods of 2018! The day started off sunny and warm, everything was going really well, and it was good to see lots of parents and children. Then the rain came, so everyone joined in the games in the Atrium & Sports Hall and it was wonderful to see a mixed age range of children playing netball and football alongside each other.

In early December we hosted our ever-popular Winter Fair! I was excited because we were able to arrange an ice sculpture of a snowman, which took pride of place in reception.

There was a fantastic selection of external vendors selling jewellery, paintings, clothes and fresh fruit juices. Yet again, thanks to your donations, the tearoom was full of cakes and biscuits. Popcorn was as popular as ever and some extremely tasty pies were on sale. This year we had a few changes to the games on offer. There was biscuit decoration, henna, wet sponge a friend, golf, house team games, various inflatables and lots of music and singing! Food was provider by Nando’s and Ocean Basket.

The bake sale at the Prep School was, as always, very busy! Once again, we had some amazing and extremely kind donations of cakes and biscuits. In addition, we have managed to host a few Coffee Mornings at the Prep School and we were able to support the U11 BISQ Games by selling drinks and snacks. Our last event of the year was the Quiz Night in June.

As a result of the PTA events this year and last year, we have been able to donate the following to the school:

PE Department – The PTA has paid for sports kits for both the Prep and Senior Schools for this academic year and additional monies will be forwarded in preparation for additional kits for 2019 / 2020.

EYFS – The PTA has been able to pay for some new bikes for the children.

House Teams – The PTA purchased House banners for every House team in the Prep and Senior school.

donated for the Schools choir.

Financial donations were made to the Musicians’ Recital at the Sheikh Faizal Museum, the Senior School play and the Senior School Science Week Competition.

PTA

Senior School Reception – a Nespresso Coffee machine was bought for Visitors’ use. Our plan is to purchase another Nespresso Coffee machine for the Prep School Reception.

School Choir – 40 new t-shirts were

We do hope you have enjoyed taking part in the PTA Throw Back Thursday photo competition and this will continue in the new academic year.

Thank you to the parents, children, Headmasters and staff, for once again providing your support to the PTA. Without your help and assistance, we would not be able to do anything that we do.

Mrs. Jackie Wollaston, Chair Sherborne

At Sherborne Qatar, as it is at our sister school Sherborne Dorset, Commem is a time when we reflect on the academic year and it is also a time to give thanks. We are very fortunate to be supported by a dedicated Governing body, enthusiastic and engaged parents and an ever-helpful Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

During the 2018/19 academic year the PTA have run several hugely successful events for the Sherborne Community, including the Family Fun Day, the Winter Fair and a quiz night. The PTA has also supported numerous school events, such as the Music Recital at the Sheikh Faisal Museum and the production of The Return to the Forbidden Planet; it has provided prizes for competitions; it has run coffee mornings; and the PTA has organised uniform sales throughout the year. Among other things, the PTA has also helped purchase sports equipment and kits, t-shirts for the school choir, an Nespresso Coffee machine in the Reception for guests to the Senior School, and House banners.

We are hugely grateful to the PTA and it seems fitting that we recognise their unwavering support in the Qatar Shirburnian.

TRIPSABROAD

Turkey 2019

Another year and another trip organised by the Arabic and Islamic Studies Department! Fifteen pupils from Year 7-11 travelled with Mr Bassam and Mr Rahman to Turkey where they visited three cities and many historical sites.

The group first went to the city of Sapanca where they visited the picturesque Sapanca lake and learnt about the local history before moving on to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Here the pupils visited the Grand Mosque of Bursa which, among other things, had on display the cloth which covered the Ka’bah doors from the early 1500s. The group also used the cable car to go up a mountain where some saw snow for the first time in their lives!

After a short stay in Bursa it was time to move on to the historical city of Istanbul, where the group had a full itinerary of events including visits to the famous Topkapi museum where pupils saw a cloak of the Prophet Muhammad, the staff of Musa (Moses) and the turban of the Prophet Yousaf (Joseph) - peace and blessing be upon all the prophets of God. Pupils also visited and prayed at the famous Blue mosque and took in other historical sites including visiting the oldest football club in Turkey, Besiktas. If that was not enough, the group also visited Princess Island and also went to the restaurant of the world-famous chef Burak, who in the past has had the president of Turkey Tayyib Erdogan and his eminence Sheikh Tamim dine at his restaurant also. The chef put on a great show for the group and needless to say the food was amazing!

It was a fantastic trip with lots of educational value. Pupils learnt much about the Turkish culture, history and heritage.

Mr. Rahman, Head of Arabic and Islamic Studies

‘One of the highlights of the trip was that I got to team up with Sherborne Boys for the debate organised by Sherborne International and I am very proud we won the debate’ Talatum (Year 9)

Sherborne Dorset Exchange

2019

Miss Khayari and a group of Year 9 pupils, Talatum Guliyev and Michael Kalu, travelled to Sherborne Boys, Dorset (UK) during February half term. On arrival, they were welcomed by Dr Luckett, Headmaster of Sherborne School. During their visit and stay in Sherborne, the boys thoroughly enjoyed the itinerary of activities and educational experience at Sherborne UK, which involved lessons and enrichment activities and sightseeing around Dorset, including local landmarks such as Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne Castle, and day trips to London and Bath. Both Talatum and Michael experienced living in boarding houses for the first time and enjoyed it very much.

This year, a group of Sherborne Boys (Dorset) and their teachers joined us to experience life in Qatar and attend lessons at Sherborne Qatar. Sherborne Boys had an equally exciting time in Qatar and visited the Qatar Total Tennis Open, went kayaking and dune bashing and rode camels.

‘My trip to Dorset was a one in a life time experience. We got to experience the atmosphere of living in a British boarding school. I think I made friends for life and would love to go back.’ Michael (Year 9)

Miss. Khayari, Exchange Coordinator

Dr Luckett, Headmaster of Sherborne School with Talatum Guliyev, Michael Kalu and Miss Khayari

Work Experience2018-2019

Work experience is an opportunity for Year 10 pupils to attend various workplaces to gain experience in a specific occupation and to gain insight into a professional working environment. It was an interesting week that all of Year 10 seemed to thoroughly enjoy. We carried out our work experience in a myriad of different work environmentsfootball clubs, hospitals, law firms and television broadcasting stations, to name a few.

Although the experience only lasted a week, we learnt many new skills such as teamwork, problem solving and organisation and we developed old ones in order to improve ourselves as individuals. I chose to do my work experience

at Al Kass sports channels as I wanted to see what goes on behind the scenes at a busy company which broadcasts live sporting events that take place in Qatar. It was there that I learnt about all the crucial departments that must work cohesively in order to produce programmes that run live flawlessly.

I had the opportunity to help in numerous departments within the studio, some of which include production, translation and filming. One of my favourite departments would have to be sound because of the technicality and skill involved. I witnessed sporting personalities such as Chris Makin and Nicky Summerbee commentating on local football matches. My peers and I aided them by choosing match highlights for them to discuss.

Work experience can help pupils decide which career path to take, helping to make a transition from education to employment. We have now gained more knowledge about our chosen career paths which will help us make critical decisions in the future.

Aaron Swindell, 10C

For my work experience, I went to PAWS, an animal rescue centre in Qatar, which provides shelter for injured or abandoned pets, mainly cats and dogs, but also some of the cutest, rabbits. Working with the animals was really rewarding but I also really liked the people, all volunteers, who were really kind, friendly and passionate about animals and spending time with the staff. Like any company, there’s always room for improvement but I found that everyone worked as a team and were constantly open to new ideas. Even though I was only there a week, I got to see how hard it was to run a business like this, as well as the amount of emotional commitment it takes. The worst part was not being able to take the animals home with me!

Looking after sick animals and giving them medication and calming them down when they were scared or anxious was really hard work and a lot harder than it sounds! I would help, wherever I was needed, with everything from tidying the storeroom to running errands.

Everyone made me feel welcome and they were such down to earth, easy to get along with people. I enjoyed working there so much; it helped me develop new skills, build my confidence and to identity some career goals for the future.

I have nothing but happy memories from my time with PAWS and I would recommend it to anyone and really hope that I get an opportunity to go back there soon.

Amy Hamilton, 10B

Idid my Work Experience at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Doha. I spent a week in cross-exposure training, learning the operations and functions of different departments of a hotel.

Some of my favourite sections were: Marketing Communications, Human Resources and Culinary Operations as they are all very interesting and busy areas of the hotel. In Human Resources the environment was very friendly and welcoming.

They always had people coming into the department liaising with one another and it had an extremely uplifting atmosphere.

When walking around the hotel everyone was very friendly and would say, ‘Hello’ to one another. It made the environment a relaxed atmosphere, which made me feel relaxed and at ease, as the first day is always nerve wracking.

During my week I got to meet so many wonderful people from all around the world and hear their stories of how they became to work in Doha. My work experience improved my self-confidence and communication skills with adults.

In addition, it helped me to use and improve my initiative and overall, I feel I’ve become more mature.

Libby Wollaston, 10A

PE & S PORTS

VOLLEYBA L L

The U16 boys also finished 4th in their tournament having won their group stage comfortably. Year 11 pupils Daniel Eite, Oliver Sherlock, Abdi Hassan and Darshan Gangineni were well supported be Alex Head, Daniel Ventorim, Ibrahim Khan and Mohammed Elsayed from Year 10. In the second group stage they lost out to a hugely impressive Doha British School team that controlled the tournament from start to finish.

The U19 boys finished 3rd in the QUESS tournament. They qualified second in the group following impressive performances against NIA and Park House. They lost the semi-final to an impressive Doha British School side, which went on to win the competition, before beating the other losing semi-finalists, Doha College, in the final match of the day to finish 3rd overall.

The U16 girls had impressive wins over GEMS and Qatar Academy, in the group stages of their tournament and came agonisingly close to making it into the tournament final, having narrowly missed out to Park House 22-20 in the semi-final. Park House went on to win the final comfortably whist our girls lost another close game to an impressive Doha College team, to finish 4th overall. Lavina Jardine, captain and Player of the Tournament, led a strong squad fantastically well.

The U19 girls finished 4th in their tournament. After an encouraging start against Doha College, in which our girls narrowly lost 20-25, we had two further difficult games against Qatar Academy and Park House. The way the team pulled together to win their final game against NIA reflected their impressive team spirit.

ROUNDERS

It was another successful year for our rounders teams with four teams winning medals across the four age categories. The U12 squad got us started off with Maria Bryeddy starring as captain. She led her team to the final of their tournament, where they were narrowly defeated but were rightly proud of their silver medals. The U13 team were captained by Ella McMahon and, as a team, they experienced a number of challenges, not least the bowling conditions being unfavourable and they were unfortunate to miss out on the semi-finals by half a rounder.

The U14 team were captained by Sara Al Bakri and had a phenomenal tournament, outscoring every other team, to bring home the first rounders golds of 2019. They were quickly matched by the U16A team who, captained by Anna Maria Panteli, were formidable in their group, as were the U16b team made up of Year 10s and captained by Rose McMahon.

The two teams met in the semi-final and the U16As were victorious, narrowly winning by 1 rounder. The A team won the gold and the B team won bronze. The B team will have their eyes firmly fixed on gold for next year. The Players of the Tournament were Hadeel Dossa (U16B) and Oluwafolawemi Olowu (U16A) for their outstanding performances throughout the tournaments.

Mrs. Welch

RUGBY

SENIOR BOYS' RUGBY UNION

The senior boys' rugby team continued to grow in numbers this year thanks to the energy and enthusiasm of some hugely committed boys within the group. Although opportunities to play were limited, a block of Friday morning training at the end of the first term was well attended with the group working really hard. This complemented the opportunities that many of the group took to continue their rugby development

through the national team with the Camels and through Doha RFC. Games came through opportunities to play in a couple of round robin events against Blue Phoenix U16s and a strong U15 Doha RFC academy team. In every game experienced players competed hard alongside those that are newer to the game and the quality of rugby was fantastic at times.

It was really pleasing to see so many of the squad stepping up to compete in the Domestic Qatar 7s league, organised by the Qatar Rugby Federation.

As a result Harry Junor and Charlie Mathers were both deservedly selected to represent Qatar in a 7s friendly against Lebenon. Daniel Eite and Darshan Gangineni both achieved their first cap for Qatar U18s when they beat Lebenon 20-3 at the rugby club. Daniel Eite was man of the match in this game with a fantastic performance.

Captain: Oliver Kinnaird-Barr

Player of the season: Daniel Eite

Most improved: Harry Junor

Hughes

Mr.

CRICKET

Cricket remains a popular sport with many pupils at Sherborne Qatar and cricket enrichment sessions were well attended throughout the Spring Term. More experienced players have had the opportunity to develop their skills in the nets with those newer to the game enjoying their indoor training sessions.

In March, the senior team travelled to Dukhan to take part in the U19 QUESS 6-a-side tournament. Sherborne took a young side to this event with the majority of boys being in Year 9. They came up against teams with far more experienced players during this event but impressed with their competitive spirit and their efforts to stand up and be counted.

The first game was very close as Sherborne lost to Dukhan with 3 balls remaining of the final over. This meant they then played their next match against the other losing semi-finalists and lost to Newton by 12 runs. Year 9 pupils Niranjan Muthuswamy, Ibrahim Khan and Abdullah Khan deserve recognition for their performances, all contributing with runs and wickets. In his final game for the school before leaving for university, Year 13 pupil Navjot Saroa led the team with great enthusiasm.

Captain: Navjot Saroa

Player of the season: Abdullah Khan

Mr. White

NETBALL

U19 NETBALL

The U19 Netball team was ably captained by Laila Salem, saw the welcome return of Gaia Davi and Danielle Obiri to the team and saw Jeyla Guliyeva make her debut appearance on court. They were the most dedicated of squads and it is always refreshing to see dedicated pupils managing to find a balance between studying and sport.

The U19 girls finished 3rd in their league and 4th in their tournament but those results don’t tell the full story. This team organise social events, train hard during the week and at weekends and offer each other a great support network both on and off court. Some of the girls were also involved in the mixed netball match against the teachers which was great fun for all involved in playing and spectating.

This year’s Player of the Season was Ameera Elawad and this was very well deserved. Ameera was very much the versatility player, switching from GK to C and always playing with energy and determination.

U16A NETBALL

The U16A Netball team had a challenging season following a period of upheaval and injuries. Captain Lily Smith led her team with poise and positivity in the face of a number of defeats and it was impressive to see how the team were able to pull together and continue to try to apply the skills and tactics they had practised in training.

Although they were winless in the league, the whole team pulled together in the tournament and managed to finish a respectable 4th overall. Lavina Jardine was voted player of the season by her peers. She was dominant in defence in every game and it was pleasing to see how she has grown in confidence on court over the last three seasons.

Mrs. Welch

FOOTBALL GIRLS

U12 GIRLS' FOOTBALL

Other teams in Doha should be wary: this group of girls could very possibly dominate in the coming years. Considering that because of other commitments we never got the opportunity to train as a full team this season, our performances this year have been particularly impressive.

Our old fashioned centre half and captain, Emily, shows ability way beyond her years and will only continue to get better and the infectious tenacity of Alba in midfield inspired those around her. All of this, along with our natural born goal-getter Kyla, is potentially the spine of Sherborne girls

U13 GIRLS' FOOTBALL

It has been a sensational season for the U13 Girls' Football Team. Our players have really felt the step up this year in terms of the physicality and the tenacity that is needed in girls football and we have been through the emotions and each fixture brought a different challenge for the girls to face.

There is some unbelievable talent coming through the ranks here at Sherborne and we really have to look no further than the Ghaly twins who really lead by example. In defence, we have Joud Zayet who has made wonderful progress this year and who reads the game effectively, together with the dependale Athmaar Yousef. We were ‘Plate Bowl Winners’ in the QUESS tournament. There were close games in the league which concluded with a solid win against Al Jazeera Academy.

The girls should be very proud of the way they represented the school and we all look forward with excitement to next season.

Captain: Khadija and Maryam Ghaly Player of the Season: Athmaar Yousef

football for years to come.

Our fixtures this year began with a tournament at DC. Our girls showed that they could compete at the top level and they won the group stage before narrowly lossing the semi-final. Following the tournament, there were narrow losses to DC and Park House but, in the final fixture, a comfortable win at Al Jazeera.

Captain: Emily Spicer Gregory Player of the Season: Salsabil Saif

“We may not have won every match, but we all took part in the best way possible.”

Thank you Uneiza, I could not have summed up that season better myself. We have had an absolute rollercoaster of a season this year. We’ve seen the highs and, unfortunately, we have experienced the lows as well – everything was done as a unit. We have an incredible spine going forward, from our recently appointed goalkeeper Celine, to our free kick specialist in defence Rachel, to our midfield maestro Norain, right up to the goal machine Skye.

The season began with a comprehensive victory at Oryx but was followed by an early exit from the knockout tournament.

Captain

:

Navashini Surenthiran

Player of the Season: Skye Joseph

U16 GIRLS' FOOTBALL

Watching this team is like The Song of Ice and Fire. We have the resolute defence of Alanoud, Oluwafolawemi and Anna Maria, akin to the defenders of the Wall, and our fiery attackers Sofia, Vivian et all wreaking havoc like the dragons.

This was a great bunch of girls playing a brand of football that they have made their own. Gone are the days when it was a kick and chase game, based on strong defenders. Instead it was amazing to watch this team, full of players with assured touches, the confidence to play out from defence, look up when they had the ball and play football. To see this level of development is one of the best feelings I have had as a coach.

We came 3rd in our section of the league and just missed out on medals in the tournament but to see the girls play with style was the biggest win we had this season.

Coaches Player of the Season: Vivian Umoh

Player’s Player of the season: Sofia Yousef

U19 GIRLS' FOOTBALL

What can I say about the U19 Girls' Football team? The very fact we have an U19s team is testament to the commitment our girls have shown over the past 4 years. I have had the privilege to have coached some of these girls as my first team in Sherborne Qatar and it will be the end of an era for many of my longest servants.

Who can forget our captain fantastic, Ameera Elawad and her marauding runs from midfield in both the tournament and the league fixtures? Where would we be without the feverish chasing from Jana Elbanna and her sister Fajr?

From our first tournament last year, with no goals scored and no points, our improvement has been remarkable with qualification for the knockout stage in this year’s tournament and a 2nd place finish in the U19 league. We have come a long way and some of our new recruits, including Vivian and Kashmala have made our squad so much more competitive.

For leading by example, both on and off the pitch, I am delighted to award Player of the Season to the captain Ameera.

Mr. Burns

FOOTBALL

BOYS

U12 BOYS' FOOTBALL

The season started positively with wins against Mesaieed and Dukhan and a tournament at Al Jazeera, where the team drew one game and lost narrowly in the other two. There followed a series of narrow defeats as, despite playing some pleasing football collectively responding to errors and offering words of encouragement to one another, the team were unable to capitalise on a number of promising periods of play.

The final fixture against EMS was one of those, ‘How have we not won?’ moments. Charlie was a rock at the centre of defence and ably assisted by Elio and Max; Sam martialled the midfield, providing Sonny and Sajad the freedom to take the game to the opposition with their constant direct dribbling, and Obada was outstanding in allowing the midfielders time to support. Unfortunately, Sherborne’s shot-after-shot was met with block-after-block…from defenders, the keeper, the crossbar or the post but there was an abundance of evidence that the beacon shines bright for the coming years.

Player of the season: Samuel Mackey

Most improved: Charles Stewart Farman

U12B BOYS' FOOTBALL

Results were less than favorable throughout the season but the team showed tremendous heart in every game. Although the opening game of the season finished in defeat L3.0 it was great to see a wide range of pupils representing the school against NAISAK.

A heavy loss to AKIS L8.1 saw a tiresome performance from Ali who was constantly on the move. While impressive performances from Sajad and Wasay saw them later promoted to the A-side. Notably Sajad scored an excellent goal and was unlucky to hit the post with a similar effort shortly afterwards.

An action-packed game against QAD will be remembered as much for its goal celebrations as the goals themselves. The opening goal was a fantastic strike from an Aidan Sherlock free kick while powerful running from Julian in central midfield drove the team forwards throughout this fixture. Despite scoring 3 goals in the first half, this game also finished in defeat L6.3 as QAD converted their chances in the second half. As a management team we were very proud of the manner in which the pupils conducted themselves in defeat.

The final fixture of the season saw the pupils play in a 9-a-side match for the first time with the added complication of the off-side rule. Having initially struggled with the new rule Kareem took responsibility by martialing his defense; especially during set plays. Without the many interceptions of Joe Kind and hard work of Ilyas Ahmed this defeat could have been greater.

We hope that the pupils enjoyed their first season here at Sherborne and we look forward to seeing them play in the future.

Player of the season: Imaad

Mosharraf

Most improved: Ali Elbih

U13 BOYS' FOOTBALL

The U13 boys' football team finished 2nd in the QUESS tournament and won their QUESS league. Having made light work of the tournament group stage they qualified for the semi-final against Doha College. A goal from Zeno Badis and a strong defensive performance meant this game finished 1-0 to Sherborne. In the final, against Swiss International School, Sherborne enjoyed much of the possession and came close to scoring on a number of occasions but could not make the breakthrough. Sherborne lost the resulting penalty shootout and captain Aaron Jervis collected the runners-up trophy on behalf of his teammates.

In the league, Sherborne U13 boys won the ‘A’ league beating Dukhan 4-0, Messaieed 7-1, Park House 4-1 and Doha College 2-1. The game against Doha College was a key result in the league with both teams going into the game undefeated. In this match Sherborne produced their best performance of the season. Basel Elfakhi scored directly from a free kick before Zeno Badis fired in from outside of the area. Oliver De Jongh and Mutende Kapapa both worked tirelessly in midfield throughout to secure the result. Well done to all the boys who have contributed to this team’s success this season.

Captain: Aaron Jervis Player of the Season: Rohan Martin

U14A BOYS' FOOTBALL

After 2 unbeaten years the 2018-19 season was always going to be a more challenging one as several key players have left the school, but we still performed with great credit in the A league.

Whilst we started off slowly against a very powerful Mesaieed team we responded well with goals from exciting attackers Abdullah Al Kuwari and Ghanim Al Naemi seeing us to a comfortable victory against Dukhan. The defence led by Captain Muhammad Abdullahi, Vice Captain Ibrahim Al Azawi, Jack Tobin in goal and new A team players Abdulla Seyam and Erik Paul then led us to hard fought

victories away at AKIS and QIS and a draw at QA. We then slightly ran out of energy in the last part of the season as we were narrowly defeated by DC and Al Jazeera Academy and came 4th in the 8 a side tournament.

Once again, the boys' attitude towards training and matches has been outstanding and they have been exemplary in their conduct representing the school. They have been a very successful team over the last 3 years and we look forward to seeing their progress in the U16s and beyond.

Captain: Muhammad Abdullahi

Vice Captain: Ibrahim Al Azawi

Player of the season: Abdullah Al Kuwari

Most improved players: Erik Paul and Abdulla Seyam

U14B BOYS' FOOTBALL

One of the most positive things about sport at Sherborne Qatar is our policy of aiming to get as many pupils as possible playing and if pupils made the regular commitment to attend training they would be guaranteed to play for the school in a competitive setting.

The team opened the season well with a very close and hard fought home victory against QAK with Ali Chilenge scoring an excellent goal with just minutes to spare.

Following two unbeaten years this year was always likely to be harder in Division C as several schools enter their A teams and play a standard of football which belies their level. We suffered some tough losses against QA Al Wakrah, Gulf English School and Oryx but the boys competed and per-

Captain: Ibrahim Elhams

Player of the season: Michael Kalu

formed their best in often difficult conditions. For example, whilst we ‘lost’ the first half against GES 6-0 thanks to the goals of Anas Abdelmoula and the excellent keeping of Michael Kalu we ‘won’ the second half 3-0 and arguably our best performance of the season came in a 4-0 loss to Oryx.

We finished the season in a more competitive double header against Compass and ISLQ. Whilst we narrowly lost to Compass the boys perseverance and determination to succeed were exemplified in the last minute equaliser we scored against ISLQ for a strong finish our season.

Once again, the boys' attitude has been outstanding and they have taken great pride in competing for Sherborne.

Vice Captain: Aayaan Abbasi

Most improved player: Dylan Lopez

U19 BOYS' FOOTBALL

The Under 19 football team had a memorable season which few would have predicted following the first game of the season. Playing Doha College in the first QUESS league game gave us an eye-opening start, as we went down to a 7-1 defeat. Rather than let the poor start set the tone for the season, the boys worked hard in training every week and continued to develop with every game they played. A fantastic team spirit grew under the leadership of captain Omar and vice-captain Pablo.

Victories in the QUESS league came against Dukhan, AKIS, ACS and Newton – leading to a very respectable 3rd place league finish. The momentum built up during the QUESS league was perfectly timed as we entered the Qatar Foundation Cup, a competition in which the boys excelled. An early highlight was exacting revenge for that first game defeat, as we beat Doha College 3-1 in a demonstration of how far the team had come. Only one defeat in the group stage saw us progress to the knockout stages where, in the semi final, goals from Lucas, Pablo and Ghazi sealed a tense 3-2 win over Qatar Academy, with goalkeeper Alex Head the star of the show following several excellent saves, as he was in many of the previous games.

Winning the final was sadly a step too far, as the boys went down to ASD. However, there was no doubt that reaching the final capped a great season in which the team grew each week through a combination of hard work and team spirit.

Captain: Omar Salem

Vice Captain: Pablo Echeverri

Player of the season: Alex Head Most improved player: Hanle Hilton

BASKETBALL

Basketball is a sport that is growing in popularity at Sherborne Qatar and attendance at both senior and junior training sessions have been encouraging throughout the year.

Each year group seems to have a couple of players that represent basketball clubs away from school and these individuals have done a great deal to encourage others within the school to take up the sport. The boys' football season takes up so much of the Spring Term that we were limited to only entering the juniors in the U13 League. Sherborne Qatar also entered the U19 League this season for the first time, providing opportunities for boys from Year 9 to Year 13 to represent their school.

The U13 team played GEMS American Academy and won 36-6 but lost to Doha College 34-21 although this game against Doha College was unquestionably the better performance of the two and all boys played with an impressive level of intensity, both offensively and defensively. The U19s worked very hard but lost both their games.

U13

Captain: Mutende Kapapa

Player of the season: Oliver De Jongh

U19

Captain: Ghazi Jichi

Player of the season: Philip Ndubisi

DIAMOND L EAGUE

ATHLETICS

Sherborne Qatar pupils were given the unique opportunity to share the track with World and Olympic Champions at the Diamond League meeting held in Doha in May, at the Khalifa Stadium.

In the opening race of the evening our girls 4 x 100m team made up of Rose McMahon (Year 10), Poppy Gallagher (Year 8), Hadeel Dossa (Year 10) and Vivian Umoh (Year 10) put in a fine performance with smooth baton changes. “What an experience. The atmosphere was amazing,” said Hadeel.

In the mixed 4 x 100m Relay our team of Emily Spicer Gregory (Year 7), Oliver Kinnaird-Barr (Year 11), Jana Elbanna (Year 11) and Jack Oldridge (Year 12) put in a stunning display of 49.29 seconds to claim 3rd , just behind the Aspire Academy and beating some strong teams, including Mesaieed and Newton.

To continue an impressive night of athletics for Sherborne Qatar, Emily Spicer Gregory was 6th in the 100m Girls Qatar National Team race, competing against girls more than 4 years older than her. This added to her impressive 3rd place in a similar event at the Asian Athletics Championships, with Oliver Kinnaird-Barr securing 4th place in his race at the same meeting.

U12 - U19 QUESS BOYS’ ATHLETICS MEETING

The U12 - U19 QUESS Boys’ Athletics meeting took place at American School Doha and Sherborne took a full squad.

Rohan Martin ran a brave 800m to win his U13 heat in 2:47.9s; however, some strong performances in the 2nd heat left him in 4th overall. Zeno Badis performed admirably in the U13 High Jump to finish 2nd overall with 1:30m. Saul Saunders repeated his really strong performance in this year’s QUESS Cross Country competition to finish 2nd in the U14 1500m. Muhammed Abdullahi qualified for the U14 200m finals in style and went on to finish 5th in this competitive race.

Oliver Kinnaird-Barr won the U16 200m race in 24:4s and Oliver Sherlock won the high jump on count back after clearing 1.70m. Sherborne took both Gold and Silver in the U19 200m with Jack Oldridge winning the race in 24:2s and Lucas Oldridge finishing 2nd in 24:8s. Omar Salem narrowly missed out on a medal in the U19 800m and the U19 Shot Putt, finishing 4th in both events. Ghazi Jichi won the U19 100m with a time of (12:1s) and the Long Jump with 5.80m. All our relay teams competed for medals with both the U14 and U16 teams taking gold. The U19 team managed to finish 2nd in the final race of the day.

CROSS COUNTRY

More than 40 pupils made the journey to Dukhan to tackle the tricky desert cross country course. A far cry from the rolling hills of England, the conditions were harsh and a biting wind whipped up the dust. The runners prepared by warming up on the coast line before heading in land to the desert wilderness for their race.

In the girls events, we had strength in depth, with many girls across all ages groups finishing with personal best cross country times. Although there were no medals won, this is very much a team event and by ensuring everyone finished well, they secured 3rd place overall – a huge achievement from an inexperienced running squad.

The boys brought home two medals. It was a strong start with Oliver De Jongh claiming gold in the U13 race by putting in a sterling performance to beat a very strong field. This was quickly followed with a silver from captain, Saul Saunders in the U14 event having run tirelessly through the sand to claim his place on the podium.

The combined efforts of the boys and girls meant Sherborne finished 3rd overall.

THE HOUSES

A HMED HOUSE

HAMAD HOUSE

COPELAND HOUSE

THE HOUSES CUTLER HOUSE

COOK HOUSE

MOZA HOUSE

A HMED HOUSE

Mr. Lloyd

This year I had the privilege of leading the enthusiastic group of pupils who make up Ahmed House. It has been an honour to work with them and see the many strengths and talents that they possess. I had a great committee to help me with the house events and they were able to ‘show me the ropes’ as this was my first year at the school.

I would particularly like to thank Ghazi Jichi and Lucinda Dobison for their continued support, especially with the Ahmed charity day. Adithya Jaganathan has proved himself worthy of his sports captain position and has ensured that we have had talented teams to enter competitions. Jana ‘the enforcer’ Elbanna, has stepped up and ensured that pupils have been in the right place at the right time during each Inter-House competition.

Our newly-appointed Junior House Captain, Norain El Gebely, has organised the Junior House Committee successfully and was even brave enough to speak about the house in front of the whole school, during the Spring Term awards ceremony.

Our charity day was the last one of the current academic year. As such, we were under a lot of pressure to live up to the successes of the previous charity days organised by the other houses. There was the usual bake sale and coffee stall, but we also had some, ‘test your skill’ activities and it was great fun watching pupils trying to eat a suspended donut without using their hands. Our breakfast stall was a great success and we completely sold out of pancakes and turkey bacon rolls. Our head chefs, Lucinda and Ghazi, did a great job and I’m sure that even Gordon Ramsey himself would have been proud. Other than the substantial amount of money that we raised for UWS, all pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day.

Another highlight of the year was Sports Day. There was a great team spirit within the house, with pupils trying hard to perform their best, and supporting others. Even though we did not gain the coveted Sports Day Cup, our athletes did us proud, with many first places, including under 12 boys 60m, 200m, 800m, 4 x 200m relay and high jump, under 13’s shotput (boys and girls), under 13 girls vortex, under 15 boys vortex.

As well as gaining first place in the 60m and 800m, the under 19 boys also won the high jump and long jump (thanks, in no small part to Ghazi’s freakishly long legs!).

Finally, I would like to say thank you to all the Ahmed House staff for their support this year, especially Ms. Gregory and Mrs. Burns for their hard work with the charity day.

I look forward to and even more successful year for Ahmed House, next year.

Mr. Lloyd, Head of Ahmed House

HAMAD HOUSE

Mr. Broome

Icount myself as very fortunate to have a been able to work with an incredible group of pupils who made me feel proud week after week throughout the year. Our motto, Hamad Works Hardest, recognises that if you want to do well and improve, you must be prepared to work hard. We approached every event knowing that if we worked harder than the other Houses, we would be giving ourselves a chance.

Hamad House is indebted to the work of our House Captains, Lucas and Sara, who have led the House superbly. Sara must have visited my office at least three times a week to help with organisation. Leadership from Raihah, Meryeme, Maya, Abdi, Abdulla and Nava plus the Hamad Council (Lara, Amin, Zain, Ameena, Oluwu Folawemi and Shahd) all played a vital part in supporting the House.

Many memorable moments are related to the incredible efforts that went to in raising money for charity and winning the Charity Cup. So many Hamad pupils got involved in the fundraising, once again ensuring Hamad House was working hardest. Our fundraising was wide-ranging. Pupil leaders visited a global business and delivered a pitch. Several energetic Hamad pupils took part in a sponsored cycling marathon, while those who witnessed it will never forget Abdi having his legs waxed to raise money.

Our new attitude and work ethic saw us become a force to be reckoned with in the House Cup competition. Finishing in 2nd place was a great achievement and a big improvement on previous years.

Hamad House has demonstrated beyond doubt if you want to achieve your goals and improve on your previous achievements, then hard work is the key to your success. I hope all our Hamad pupils take this message with them in everything they do.

Mr. Broome, Head of Hamad House

COPELAND HOUSE

Mr. White

This year has been a successful one for the pupils and staff in Copeland House. Being new to the post and the school, I was straightaway struck by the impact of the house system at Sherborne Qatar and the passion and responsibility the pupils of Copeland had. The pupils have achieved well across all the opportunities the house system has provided them. Furthermore, alongside some of the outstanding performances within the academic competitions and sporting competitions, the values the Copeland pupils abide by are impressive. They have shown a great deal of responsibility, fairness, teamwork and empathy throughout this year, which has made me very proud.

HIGHLIGHTS:

Senior Sportsman: They have excelled in many of the sports competitions this year, winning the Football Tournament and the Rugby 5’s Tournament, to name a few.

Our junior mathematicians have performed consistently well throughout the year and were awarded first place many times;

The consistency, hard work and excellence in our creative art competitions. This includes winning several photography and media style events;

Sherborne’s Got Talent saw our House Band perform the Arctic Monkeys track ‘Do you wanna know’. It was a fantastic performance and it was down to hard work and committed preparation;

A huge highlight was Copeland’s fun-filled charity day. Pupils and teachers enjoyed the delights of Arabian coffee and foods, tag archery and the chance for pupils to play sports against the staff in our ‘Beat the Teacher’ activity;

The generosity shown in our recent Ramadan project, collecting items for the less fortunate here in Qatar.

Sports Day was a fantastic success for Copeland.

I would finally like to take this opportunity to thank all pupils and staff of Copeland House for their tireless work and commitment in making this academic year a successful one for Copeland.

Let’s make 2019-20 even better.

Mr. White, Head of Copeland House

‘It has been an honour to work as House vice-captain this year. To be involved with the organisation of teams, speak in assemblies and working closely with members of staff has been rewarding. We have been so successful this year, and I would like to thank all senior pupils for being good role models to younger pupils. Next year looks bright for Copeland House’ Karla - Year 12 (House Vice Captain)

‘Copeland House is like a family, whether we win or lose everyone sticks together. At times pupils have participated in events which they may not know, be comfortable with or be good at, but this just shows the unselfishness’ of our House’ Malak - Year 8 (Junior Sports Captain)

CUTLER HOUSE

Mr. Roberts

Cutler House have had an impressive year of wins in our sports Inter-House events, including the Senior Girls’ Cross-Country and Junior Boys’ Football. We’ve also seen victory in some other alternative sports, including SNAG Golf and Tag Archery. This is due to the hard work and perseverance as the pupils put their all into every single event, which is more important than any win.

Cutler have also seen some fantastic wins away from the sports pitch, including 1st place in the Geography Quiz in both the senior and junior categories, the Spirit of Sherborne Photography Competition and the Water Conservation Challenge, showing the range of skills that pupils in Cutler hold.

This year has also seen the success of pupils in areas of performing arts with some amazing singing from Hannah McQueen in Year 11 and Dancing from Sofia Sutherland, also in Year 11. These pupils have balanced their academic education alongside developing their skills outside the classroom.

Sports Day in February saw Cutler come together and work as a team to secure 2nd place in the Track and Field events and 2nd place in Dodgeball.

All of this would not have been possible without the hard work and perseverance of the pupils and staff in Cutler. Some special mentions must go out to Olivia Keefe (Year 7), Evelyn Zalewska (Year 8), Toto Guliyev (Year 9), Sofia Sutherland & Darshan Gangineni (Year 11), Laila Salem & Jeyla Guliyev (Year 12) and Danielle Obiri & Joe Williams (Year 13) whose organisation and dedication to the house has been unquestionable and crucial throughout the year.

Mr. Roberts, Head of Cutler House

Miss Khayari COOK HOUSE

You will have noticed the expansion of our Inter-House activities lately, covering diverse ranges of pupils’ skills. Indeed, Heads of House have continued to work hard this year to include a complete schedule based on the Howard Gardner multiple intelligences theory. The psychologist from Harvard believes that education can be improved by knowledge and application of these intelligences emphasising that all pupils have various strengths which define the way they think, learn, and interact in the world.

With this in mind, Cook House pupils successfully participated in all the Inter-House competitions dedicated to sports which included handball, volleyball, rock climbing at Aspire, basketball, dodgeball and cycling at Lusail Circuit.

With a strong overall winning record in the sports and academic competitions, I was delighted to see how the pupils demonstrated great teamwork which helped us reach the top position in several competitions this year.

I was thrilled to see how hard-working and committed each of Cook House tutees was in preparation for Sports Day. What a dazzling adrenaline filled atmosphere we experienced during Sports Day once again this year! All members of Cook House passionately took part in the event which culminated in Sports Day being a huge success for Cook House by securing 2nd position overall! We had some truly outstanding performances from our highly capable athletes; with every Cook pupil giving their best.

I would like to thank the pupils and staff for an amazing year again!

Miss. Khayari, Head of Cook House

‘I am new at Sherborne this year and for me the Inter-House was like a family coming together and doing their best’

Bouchra Bendou - Year 10B

‘Inter-house brings people together like a family! You get to work with people from upper and lower years creating bonds and friendships’

Libby Wollaston - Year 10

MOZA HOUSE

Mr. Ahmed

Having successfully won the House Cup last year, it was always going to be difficult to retain this honour. However, with such talented individuals, the pupils have shown great commitment, teamwork and outstanding leadership skills throughout the year. We have been in 1st position every week from the beginning of the year; this truly has been a superb performance so far!

On our Charity Day we had several activities taking place and a variety of food options. The day was a huge success and our charity reps, along with our house leaders did a wonderful job to ensure the day ran smoothly. We had an amazing contribution from all our Moza pupils who bought in so much food for the bake sale. Special thanks go to Hissa Al Thani, Ahmed Al Thani and Moza Al Thani for making most of the arrangements and leading the events. It was an awesome day and one not to forget!

On Sports Day, our pupils managed to outshine other houses in most of the events. Some notable competitors from Year 7 included Max Saunders, Emily Spicer Gregory, Maria Al Hijji, Alba Confalone, Maria Anjali Byreddy and Aiden Sherlock and, in Year 8, Rachel Head, Isabela Ventorim, Rohan Martin, Elizabeth Davis, Marie Cabibihan, Poppy Gallagher, Joud Zayat and Leo Confalone. The Seniors also did us proud with exceptional performances from Abdulla Seyam, Muhammad Abdullahi, Saul Saunders, Genevieve Jardine, Daniel Ventorim, Alexander Head, Vivian Umoh, Oliver Sherlock, Jack Oldridge and Lennon Vaz.

Special thanks go to our Moza leaders: Sophie Kakkad, Jack Oldridge, Khalid Abdullah, Muhammad Abdullahi, Jack Tobin, Anna Maria Panteli, Robin Peters, Saul Saunders, Rachel Head, Sneha Ranglall, Aidan Sherlock and Max Saunders. Our highest contributors are Henry Kakkad and Janine Obiri; they all have been truly remarkable. I have thoroughly enjoyed leading such wonderful pupils and wanted to thank Moza staff and pupils, who have shown great enthusiasm and an outstanding teamworking spirit, which truly has encapsulated our moto; “together we play, together we win”.

Mr. Ahmed, Head of Moza House

‘It was incredible to see the amount of food brought to raise money for UWS’

‘We were able to work together to pull off an enjoyable day at Aspire’

Jack Oldridge

Sophie Kakkad

S PORTS D AY

2018-2019

UR

EAMS

GIRLS' FOOTBALL

Back Row (L-R): Maria Al Hijji, Rebecca Mathew, Neve Swindell, Olivia Keefe, Kyla Corcoran; Front Row (L-R): Stacey Boctor, Alba Confalone, Emily Spicer Gregory, Jumainah Haq.

Back Row (L-R): Athmaar Mohamed Yousef, Sama Saeed, Haneen Ortashi, Rachel Head, Evelyn Zawelska, Ella McMahon, Ghofran Alahmadi, Malak Abdelhadi; Front Row (L-R): Maryam Ghaly, Isabela Ventorim, Maab Elsheikh, Khadija Ghaly, Joud Zayet, Sophia Hixson, Marie Cabibihan

GIRLS' FOOTBALL

Back Row (L-R): Zahra Rashid, Rachel Hallett, Natalia Davies, Skye Joseph, Norain El Gebely, Lucy Younger, Celine Bishtawi; Front Row (L-R): Uneiza Haque, Maryam Ghaly, Tigen Osiago, Navashini Surenthiran, Kate Imrie, Tunde Peter, Khadija Ghaly. Marie Cabibihan

Back Row (L-R): Vivian Umoh, Kashmala Afridi, Roisin O’Sullivan, Oluwafolawemi Olowu, Norain El Gebely, Jana ElBanna Front Row (L-R): Navashini Surenthiran, Khadija Ghaly, Halaa Saber, Alanoud Al Thani (c), Maryam Ghaly, Safia Yousef, Rachel Hallett

GIRLS' FOOTBALL

Front Row (L-R): Alanoud Al Thani, Khadija Ghaly, Halaa Saber, Norain El Gebely, Maryam Ghaly, Safia Yousef, Navashini Surenthiran

Back Row (L-R): Jana ElBanna, Vivian Umoh, Oluwafolawemi Oluwu, Rose McMahon, Ameera Elawad (c), Roisin O’Sullivan, Kashmala Afridi, Laila Salem

Back Row (L-R): Olivia Keefe, Rebecca Mathew, Emily Spicer Gregory, Kyla Corcoran, Maria Byreddy Front Row (L-R): May-Lian Tham, Neve Swindell, Jumainah Haq, Alba Confalone

Back Row (L-R): Rachel Head, Ella McMahon, Evelyn Zalewska, Matilda Von Lutzow, Haneen Ortashi, Omotoyosi Olagunju Front Row (L-R): Poppy Gallagher, Isabela Ventorim, Malak Abdelhadi, Daisy Kinnaird-Barr, Khadija Ghaly

Back Row (L-R): Carmen Brown, Nora Al Gody, Sama Saeed, Elena Kohlfuerst, Sohaina Shaiq

Front Row (L-R): Marie Cabibihan, Maab Elsheikh, Mahnoor Khan, Maryam Ghaly, Lina Dossa

Back Row (L-R): Leen Abou, Skye Joseph, Norain El Gebely, Sara Al Bakri Front Row (L-R): Navashini Surenthiran, Lucy Younger, Tigen Osiago, Kate Imrie

NETBALL

Back Row (L-R): Oluwafolawemi Olowu, Rose McMahon, Lavina Jardine

Front Row (L-R): Mfoniso Vivian Umoh, Lily Smith, Libby Wollaston, Halaa Saber

Back

Row (L-R): Norain El Gebely, Abby Van Eck, Kashmala Afridi, Bouchra Bandou

Front Row (L-R): Karima Salem, Nadeen Yosif Khalil, Hadeel Dossa, Navashini Surenthiran

NETBALL

Back Row (L-R): Gaia

Davi, Lara Awada, Ameera Alawad, Jeyla Guliyeva

Front Row (L-R): Maya Abou

Jalala, Lucinda Dobison, Laila Salem, Jamila Badis, Danielle Obiri

GIRLS' VOLLEYBALL

Back Row (L-R): Ella McMahon, Rachel Head, Evelyn Zalewska, Carmen Brown Front Row (L-R): Khadija Ghaly, Maryam Ghaly, Malak Abdelhadi, Isabela Ventorim

Back Row (L-R): Norain El Gebely, Skye Joseph, Sara Al Bakri Front Row (L-R): Navashini Surenthiran, Lucy Younger, Tunde Peter, Leen Abou

GIRLS' VOLLEYBALL

Back Row (L-R): Kashmala Afridi, Rose McMahon, Lavina Jardine and Oluwafolawemi Olowu Front Row (L-R): Halaa Saber, Lily Smith, Jana Elbanna, Mfoniso Vivian Umoh

Back Row (L-R): Mfoniso Vivian Umoh, Lily Smith, Ameera Elawad and Oluwafolawemi Olowu Front Row (L-R): Halaa Saber, Laila Salem, Gaia Davi, Danelle Obiri, Maya Abou Jalala

Back Row (L-R): Kyla Corcoran, Maria Al Hijji, Rebecca Mathew, Sana Ali, Emily Spicer Gregory Front Row (L-R): Chenae Samura, Divya Velupandian, Jumainah Haq, Maria Bryeddy, Alba Confalone

Back Row (L-R): Ludan Tajeldin, Ebunoluwa Adewumi, Norain El Gebely, Sara Al Bakri Front Row (L-R): Aisha Ghauri, Tunde Peter, Lucy Younger, Leen Abou, Navashini Surenthiran

Back Row (L-R): Areen Al Hyassat, Rosa McMahon, Maryam Al Helou, Hadeel Dossa Front Row (L-R): Kashmala Afridi, Marwa Arisan, Libby Wollaston, Bouchra Bendou, Mfoniso Vivian Umoh

Back Row (L-R): Lavina Jardine, Abby Van Ek, Oluwafolawemi Olowu Front Row (L-R): Halaa Saber, Jana Elbanna, Lilly Smith, Annabella Lewin

GIRLS' CROSS COUNTRY

Back Row (L-R): Chloe Horn, Rachel Head, Evelyn Zalewska, Hadeel Dossa, Bouchra Bendou, Rose McMahon, Matida Von Lutzow, Kashmala Afridi, Mfoniso Vivian Umoh, Karima Salem, Areen Al Hyassat, Sama Saeed, Ella McMahon

Middle Row (L-R): Lina Dossa, Ghofran Alahmadi, Maab Elsheikh, Poppy Gallagher, Sarah Hamud, Neve Swindell, Leen Abou, Malak Abdelhadi, Sohaina Shaiq, Maryam Ghaly, Nora Al Gody, Isabela Ventorim

Front Row (L-R): Maria Al Hijji, Alba Confalone, Rebecca Mathew, Ayesha Ghauri, Juwayriya Sidat, Emma Soukri, Khadija Ghaly, Jumainah Haq, Maria Byreddy, May-Lian Tham, Divya Velupandian

BOYS' BASKETBALL

Back Row (L-R): Elio Karam, Matthew May, Oliver De Jongh, Hamish Wilson, Max Eite and Liam Corcoran Front Row (L-R): Joe Kind, Max Saunders, Aaron Jervis, Mutende Kapapa, Demir Khan, Adam Suteu, Basel Elfak

Back Row (L-R): Michael Kalu, Philip Ndubisi, Daniel Eite, Omar Salem and Mazin Elawad Front Row (L-R): Nathaneal Cuevas, Nathan Braganza, Ghazi Jichi, Lennon Vaz, Mohammed Elsayed

BOYS' FOOTBALL

Back Row (L-R): Obada Khalaileh, Charles Stewart Farman , Wasay Afridi, Sonny Clayton, Hamza Amin

Front Row (L-R): Sajad Tajeldin, Elio Karam , Samuel Mackey, Krzysztof Pawliszewski, Max Saunders

Back Row (L-R): Ali Elbih, Jiho Lee, Max Eite, Aiden Sherlock, Michael Mathews Front Row (L-R): Joe Kind, Ilyas Ahmed, Julian Joseph Raphael, Kareem Khan, Yousef Molokhia,Imaad Mosharaf

BOYS' FOOTBALL

Back Row (L-R): Liam Corcoran, Zino Badis, Hamish Wilson, Oliver De Jongh, Asad Rathore, Abdelrahman Ghanem

Middle Row (L-R): Eamon Rawi, Corey Samura, Matthew May, Jamie Wollaston, Rohan Martin

Front Row (L-R): Mutende Kapapa, Basel Elfaki, Aaron Jervis, Ali Hussain, Leo Confalone, Adam Suteu

Back Row (L-R): Allan Kamau, Abdullah Al Kuwari, Erik Paul, Jack Tobin, Abdulla Seyam, Saul Saunders, Ahmed Bashir Front Row (L-R): Ibrahim Al Azawi, Oscar Loej, Nathaneal Cuevas, Muhammad Abdullahi, Elias Loughreit, Ghanim Al Naemi

BOYS' FOOTBALL

Back Row (L-R): Rayyan Haque, Ibrahim Syed, Aayaan Abbasi, Michae Kalu, Ruan Horn, Alsiddig Elamin, Mohammed Elbanna, Front Row (L-R): Ngoni Mutezo, Dylan Lopez, Anas Abdelmoula, Ibrahim Elhams, Fahad Al Mumaiz, Ali Chilenge, Ibrahim Ahmed

Back Row (L-R): Ahmed Al Thani, Oliver Sherlock, Daniel Eite (C), Ben Powell, Oliver Kinnaird Barr, Selham Al Kubaisi Front Row (L-R): Shaheen Al Shaheen, Robin Peters, Shaun Stoddart, Mohammed Al Messalam, Mazin Elawad, Ahmed Mohamed, Mohammed El Sayed

BOYS' FOOTBALL

CRICKET TEAM

Back Row (L-R): Mr. Broome, Ghazi Jichi, Omar Salem, Pablo Echeverri, Oliver Sherlock, Brandon Lopez, Khalifa Al Kamali Front Row (L-R): Amin Mohammed, Hanley Hilton, Jack Oldridge, Lucas Oldridge, Lennon Vaz, Thomas Quinn, Joseph Blaine, Amir Mohammed

Back Row (L-R): Mr White, Jack Tobin, Navjot Saroa, Ibrahim Khan Front Row (L-R): Eric Paul, Abdullah Khan, Ibrahim Khan and Niranjan Muthuswamy

BOYS' CROSS COUNTRY

Back Row (L-R): Abdulrahman Hassaan, Pen Powell, Harry Junor, Daniel Eite, Darshan Gangineni, Oliver Sherlock, Nikhil Santhosh

Front Row (L-R): Charlie Mathers, Samuel Kinnaird-Barr, Oliver Kinnaird-Barr, Robin Peters, Shaun Stoddart, Kareem El Ansari

Back Row (L-R): Talha Ghauri, Daniel Ventorim, Ziyad El Ansari, Aaron Swindell, Jack Tobin, Samuel Kinnaird-Barr, Elias Loughreit Middle Row (L-R): Mutende Kapapa, Elias Youssef, Matthew May, Abdelrahman Ghanem, Saul Saunders, Oliver De Jongh, Rohan Martin, Leo Confalone

Front Row (L-R): Elio Karam, Yousef Molokhia, Krzysztof Pawliszewski, Sajad Tajeldin, Sonny Clayton, Sam Mackey, Max Saunders

BOYS' VOLLEYBALL

Back Row (L-R): Mutende Kapapa, Abdelrahman Ghanem, Hamish Wilson, Matthew May Front Row (L-R): Adam Suteu, Oliver De Jongh, Basel Elfaki, Leo Confalone

Back Row (L-R): Abdulla Seyam, Jack Tobin, Oliver De Jongh Front Row (L-R): Matthew May, Muhammad Abdullahi, Oscar Loej, Allan Kamau

BOYS' VOLLEYBALL

Back Row

(L-R): Oliver Sherlock, Daniel Eite, Ghazi Jichi

Front Row

(L-R): Lucas Oldridge, Daniel Ventorim, Ghanim Al Kuwari, Jach

Oldridge

Bursar

I do believe that the pupils make the most significant contribution to the success of a school.

I often consider what is it that makes a good school. Some researchers suggest leadership and high expectations, whilst others say curriculum, facilities, evaluation, goals and direction. I believe it is true to say that it is a combination of all these and other things. Ultimately, I do believe that the pupils make the most significant contribution to the success of a school.

In essence, they are a representation of what they learn in school. At Sherborne we are fortunate to have young people who display a range of talents and skills in the academic and sporting fields as well as the arts. When I walk around the school every day, I see lots of happy and enthusiastic learners. Their determination to succeed,

their pride and participation in school life all help to make Sherborne a great school. The 2019 Commem celebrations and contents of this publication bear witness to all that they enjoy and achieve.I share the pride that all the parents must feel.

I extend my congratulations to all the pupils who have worked so hard throughout the year. Progress can be measured in different ways, and it is important for pupils, individually, to recognise and acknowledge their own efforts.

If you believe you did your best, then you should be proud of yourself, if you believe you can do better, then you have learned something about yourself, which is an important life skill in itself. Know yourself and you will understand instinctively what you need to do to achieve your goals.

My best wishes to you all.

Bursar and Clerk to the Governors

I was a student at Sherborne Qatar since day one, when I was nine years old. I grew up in Sherborne and along the way I met some amazing people from all over the world. I have so many fantastic school memories, including joking with friends and teachers in class, studying all day and night during the exams season, going on school trips and many more.

I am so thankful to have attended Sherborne Qatar as it has helped to shape me into the person I am today and it is the reason I met some of my closest friends.

Leaving pupil

ALJOHARA AL THANI