CONTENTS
HEADMISTRESS’ WELCOME
INTRODUCING OUR TEAM
KEY INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND PUPILS
Academic Assessment
Attendance & Absence Reporting
Bring Your Own Device
Canteen
Communication
Drop off & Collection
House System
Key Policies
Medical Forms
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
School Fees
Term Dates
The School Day
Transport
Uniform
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DAY
LOCATION
Dear Parents,
HEADMISTRESS’ WELCOME
“As the Headmistress of Sherborne Qatar School for Girls, a proud member of the Sherborne Qatar family of schools I welcome you to our wonderful school. Our ethos revolves around nurturing well-educated, well-rounded individuals who flourish in an environment of joy and support. It gives me immense pleasure to extend my warmest greetings to you as you embark on this journey with us.
Your decision to entrust your daughter’s education to Sherborne Qatar School for Girls is truly appreciated, and we are thrilled to have you join our vibrant STEM-focused community. As we approach August, anticipation builds as we prepare to welcome your daughter to the next phase of her educational journey.
With a waiting list in most year groups, your daughter is privileged to secure a place in our school. This year marks a significant milestone as we bid farewell to the first cohort of Year 12 students, who will now form part of our cherished alumni.
Once again, a hearty welcome to Sherborne Qatar School for Girls. Together, let us embark on a journey of learning, growth, and achievement.”
Our school offers something truly special, a unique girls’ school built on the strong foundations of our highly successful and prestigious Sherborne sister schools. These schools, steeped in rich cultural heritage and renowned for their outstanding academic achievements, have long been the preferred choice for families seeking top-tier private education in Qatar and the UK.
At our school, we place a strong emphasis on STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), adopting a STEM approach to learning that fosters inquiry, innovation, and creativity in a gender-neutral environment. Here, girls are provided with the space to flourish and thrive without the pressures often associated with traditional schooling. Our environment is free from self-consciousness, enabling girls to reach their true potential without distraction. We pride ourselves on offering a friendly and nurturing environment where individual talents, strengths, and interests are not only recognised but also cultivated and enhanced. Our academic program is rigorous, complemented by an extensive range of co-curricular activities, all within a disciplined setting.
Our core values of Respect, Honesty, Kindness, Perseverance, Teamwork, and Responsibility form the bedrock of our school culture and permeate everything we do. Through unwavering pastoral support and the cultivation of a positive three-way relationship between parents, pupils, and teachers, we strive to nurture aspirational, curious, talented, and kind young ladies. Our aim is to instill in them a sense of courtesy, generosity, and a balanced mix of self-belief and humility.
I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to meet you and your daughters at the school in August. Rest assured; we will be in touch closer to the start of term with further details about what to expect on the first day at school.
With best wishes for you and your families.
SOFIA DARR Headmistress
INTRODUCING OUR TEAM
SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM
Headmistress sdarr@sherborneqatar.org
Deputy Head (Pre-Prep) nramsden@sherborneqatar.org
Second Master/ Academic sliaqat@sherborneqatar.org
Deputy Head (Prep) ahussain@sherborneqatar.org
Deputy Head
(Years 3 to Year 6) nrahman@sherborneqatar.org
Deputy Head Deputy Head Pastoral (Years 9-13) mmukhtar@sherborneqatar.org
KEY INFORMATION
ACADEMIC
To explain our six learning dispositions, we’ve chosen the word CREATE. CREATE is more than just a word; it represents an important way of learning for our goal of becoming the best STEM school for girls in Qatar. Our students are encouraged to show the following learning dispositions: Confidence, Reflective Enquiry, Aspiration, Thoughtfulness, and Expressiveness. While our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum for England and includes the skills from the IGCSE syllabi, it is also designed to include a STEM education approach. This makes sure that our lessons are both enriching and meaningful, with our moral values and learning dispositions being the main focus of our teaching.
Below are some examples of typical learning at Sherborne Qatar School for Girls using our learning dispositions:
Confidence: Pupils build and program robots to complete a maze. They present their robots and explain their programming choices to the class.
Reflective Enquiry: Pupils conduct experiments to see how different materials affect the speed of a toy car on a ramp. They record their observations, reflect on the results, and discuss improvements.
Aspiration: Pupils design and build bridges using limited materials in an engineering project. They set high goals for their bridge’s strength and durability.
Thoughtfulness: Pupils work on a project about reducing waste, considering different methods of recycling and reusing materials, and their impact on the environment.
Expressiveness: Pupils use a digital drawing program to create posters about internet safety, designing colourful and informative posters.
Collaboration: Pupils work together on a complex maths problem, discussing strategies, sharing ideas, and combining their knowledge to find the solution.
Collaboration: In a Year 9 maths class, pupils work together on a complex problem involving geometry and algebra. They discuss different strategies, share ideas, and combine their knowledge to find the solution, demonstrating effective teamwork and collaborative learning.
In our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) department, which includes Pre-School and Reception, we started using the new 2021 curriculum early on. So, the school year 2023/24 is our fifth year using this framework.
Throughout the Prep Years, we follow the Read Write Inc Phonics Programme, the White Rose Maths scheme of work, and the Talk for Writing structure. These practices help us keep the British essence of our education. This British influence can be felt in the themes and topics covered in the Primary sections.
In the Senior sections of the school, our curriculum is carefully designed using a topdown approach. We include the skills needed for the IGCSE exams, starting from Year 7, and we keep clear links to real-life situations through our STEM education style of learning. Students start studying some IGCSE content in Year 9 and, if their grades are good enough at the end of Year 11, they move on to AS and A Levels in Year 12.
NICOLA RAMSDEN AZRA HUSSAIN
SOFIA DARR
MUNAZZA MUKHTAR NADIRA RAHMAN
SAIQA LIAQAT
ASSESSMENT ATTENDANCE & ABSENCE REPORTING
Our assessment strategy is meticulously crafted to ensure that each child maximises their progress, with a keen focus on recognising the added value our school brings to their academic journey. Employing a blend of external and internal assessment methods, we carefully track pupil progress to inform our teaching and learning strategies.
From Years 1 to 12, all pupils undergo externally assessed cognitive ability tests in English, using the CEM testing suite to establish baseline levels. These tests are repeated at each Key Stage transition. Additionally, approximately every six weeks, pupils receive an attainment grade in each subject, meticulously recorded by their class or subject teacher. Moreover, year 2 onwards undergo short reading tests in both English and Arabic. These attainment grades are derived from various assessments, including tests, a variety of work samples, and academic observations within the classroom.
Arabic pupils in Year 1 through to Year 12 undertake annual Arabic examinations as per the MOEHE guidelines. Muslim pupils also sit Islamic Studies exams (Years 1 to Year 12) and Qatar History papers (Year 1 to Year 9).
IGCSE examinations take place in May and June of Year 11, while AS and A Level qualification are pursued in Year 12 and 13, respectively. The results of these examinations, coupled with pass grades in Arabic and Islamic Studies from Years 10, 11, and 12, culminate in the attainment of The Al Thanawiya (Qatari General Secondary Education Certificate). This achievement opens pathways for our pupils to pursue their chosen subjects at universities in Qatar and beyond
Attendance is key to a successful academic journey. At our school, we believe in fostering a culture of commitment and dedication to learning, our attendance target aligns with the Ministry of Education & Higher Education guidance at 90%. However, we encourage pupils to aim higher and strive for excellence in all aspects of their educational experience.
Our dedicated team, including Form Teachers, Heads of Year, and the Senior Leadership Team, closely monitor attendance to ensure students have every opportunity to thrive. While we understand that occasional illnesses and authorised absences are inevitable, we are committed to supporting students in maintaining regular attendance.
In the rare event that a student’s attendance falls below our target figure, our Form Teachers will reach out to parents with supportive communication. These letters serve to highlight the current attendance percentage and express our belief in the students’ ability to improve. We approach attendance issues with sensitivity, offering support and guidance to students and their families every step of the way.
We value open communication between home and school, so we encourage parents to promptly notify the Form Teacher via email of any absences, providing an explanation to ensure accurate record-keeping. Furthermore, we require all requests for leave of absence rto be submitted in advance to the Head of Year and School Counsellor and Welfare Officer. Each application is carefully considered, with parents kept informed of the outcome.
While we understand that exceptional circumstances may arise, it’s important to note that regular attendance is vital to academic success. Together, let’s work towards ensuring every student reaches their full potential by prioritising attendance and active engagement in their education.
BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE
As a STEM and Microsoft-affiliated school, the devices your daughter brings in play a crucial role in her education. They serve as essential tools for learning across various subjects and are utilised daily in our curriculum. Weekly computing lessons cover a wide range of knowledge and skills, including computers and networks, media creation, data management, and programming. Our goal is to equip your daughter with transferable skills that she can apply in higher education and the workplace, including proficiency in Microsoft programs, which will be recognized through certification.
Your daughter will be provided with a school email to facilitate the setup of her device, enabling access to the school’s Microsoft 365 and Minecraft licenses. Devices can be acquired from various stores across Qatar, or you may opt for a convenient SQSFG package deal offered by Mannai Trading. Keep an eye out for pop-up shops within the school premises for added convenience.
Seba Eskaif – Microsoft Solutions seba.eskaif@consultant.mannai.com.qa
Mannai Trading Co. Doha, Qatar GSM: +974 51190744
For further information contact Simi Jacob simi@sherborneqatar.org
Technical Specifications:
• Processor Intel® Pentium 4425Y
• Operating System Windows 10 Pro
• Graphics Intel® HD Graphics 615
• Front Camera 5MP, 1080p FHD video
• Rear Camera 8MP Auto Focus with 1080p FHD video
• Microphones Dual Studio Mics
• Memory Option 1: 8GB RAM Option 2: 4GB RAM
• Storage Option 1: 128GB RAM Option 2: 64GB RAM
• Audio 2W stereo speakers with Dolby® Audio™
• Display 10.5” PixelSense™M (1920 x 1280)
220 PPI.
408 nits.
• Touch 10-point multi-touch
• Dimension (W × D x H) 245 × 175 x 8.3 (mm)
• Starting Weight Tablet: 544 g With keyboard: 789 g
• Bluetooth ® Bluetooth Wireless 5.0 technology
• Wireless Wi-Fi 6: 802.11ax compatible
• Sensors Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope and Magnetometer
• Security Firmware TPM, Enterprise-grade protection with Windows Hello face sign-in
• Battery Up to 10 hours of typical device usage*
Technical Specifications:
• Processor 11th Generation Intel® i3
• Operating System Windows 10 Pro
• Graphics Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics
• Front Camera 5MP, 1080p FHD video
• Rear Camera 8MP Auto Focus with 1080p FHD video
• Microphones Dual far-field Studio Mics
• Memory 8GB LPDDR4x RAM
• Storage Removable 128 PCle SSD, easy to upgrade
• Audio 1.6W stereo speakers with Dolby® Audio™
• Display 12.3” PixelSense ™ (2736 × 1824)
267 PPI.
410 nits.
• Touch 10-point multi-touch
• Dimension (W × D × H) 292 x 201 x 8.5 (mm)
• Starting Weight Tablet: 770 g With keyboard: 1080 g
• Bluetooth® Bluetooth Wireless 5.0 technology
• Wireless Wi-Fi 6: 802.11ax compatible
• Sensors Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, and Magnetometer
• Security TPM 2.0 chip, Enterprise-grade protection with Windows Hello face sign-in
• Battery Up to 15 hours of typical device usage*
Required accessories for all pupils
Keyboard & Pen
Suggested accessories for all pupils
Glass protector & protective case
PLEASE REMEMBER TO LABEL THE DEVICE, INCLUDING THE ACCESSORIES AND CHARGER, SO THEY DO NOT GET LOST
CANTEEN
Our canteen supplier provides a diverse range of nutritious snacks, drinks, and meals at our two school canteens, available before, during, and after school hours. We have a traditional staffed serving area to accommodate different preferences. To streamline transactions, we operate a cashless system where pupils use cards to make purchases. Parents have the convenience of adding credit to these cards online. Further information will be communicated prior to the start of term.
COMMUNICATION
As a new member of the Sherborne family, maintaining open lines of communication between us, you, and your child/ren is paramount. Your Form Tutor will serve as your primary point of contact throughout your journey with the school.
We place great value on face-to-face interactions, offering both formal and informal opportunities for these engagements. Additionally, we utilise Class Dojo to share messages and information with parents via the ‘Class/School Story’ feature. Email is also employed to convey important letters or essential details when necessary.
Furthermore, we leverage our social media platforms and weekly newsletters to keep parents informed. These newsletters provide concise summaries of the past week’s events, along with important reminders and other useful information to look forward to.
In addition, all parents have access to the Parent Portal, an integral part of our management information system. This platform provides convenient access to policies, documents, school reports, and grades throughout your child’s enrollment at the school. Upon your child’s admission, you will receive an activation email containing instructions on how to access these resources. If, for any reason, you do not receive this email, please don’t hesitate to contact our IT Team members, Simi Jacons, at sjacobs@sherborneqatar.org.
DROP OFF & COLLECTION
@SherborneQatar
We kindly request your cooperation during pick-up and drop-off times to ensure the safety of all children. Please drive safely and be mindful of limited parking space. Your assistance in keeping our children safe is greatly appreciated.
3.00pm Open throughout the day for pedestrian access only Visitors, morning drop-offs, early drop-off, early pick up, appointments, finance, admissions etc can all be done through this gate by walking in to Primary reception
– 3.00pm Exit for cars Pedestrian access only for early drop off, early pick up
access only for KS2 pupils
We kindly request all drivers to drive slowly and adhere to the instructions provided by our security staff and teaching personnel on duty. If it’s your first time driving to our school, we understand it can be challenging. We recommend doing a ‘dry run’ before the start of term to familiarise yourself with the route and ensure a smooth arrival.
In our ongoing efforts to prioritise safety for all staff, pupils, and visitors, we continually work to ensure smooth and safe traffic flow. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school community safe.
HOUSE SYSTEM
Our Houses are named after inspirational, motivational and highly successful women, three from Qatar and three from the UK. When a girl enters the school, she is placed in one of these Houses and stays with that House for the entirety of her time at the school.
Parents are be notified which House their daughter is in before the start of term. Siblings, wherever possible, are placed in the same House.
Al-MAYASSA (Yellow):
Named after Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the sister of Qatar’s ruling Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and daughter of the country’s Father Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and former First Lady Moza bint Nasser. Sheikha Al-Mayassa was declared the most influential person in art-on-Art Review’s Power 100. She serves as Chairperson of Qatar Museums and the Doha Film Institute, and she established the NGO ´Reach Out to Asia´.
She is the girls’ inspiration for the Arts, Media, and Charity.
SHEIKHA (Purple):
Named after Sheikha Ahmed Al-Mahmoud, the first woman to be made a member of the Qatari cabinet. Sheikha AlMahmoud was a schoolteacher, a secondary school Principal, a member of the Committee for revising elementary education methods, and became the Minister of Education in Qatar. She was also appointed as an Under Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Cultivation, and Education.
She is the girls´ inspiration for culture, politics, and innovation
HIND (Green):
Named after Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, the sister of Qatar’s ruling Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and daughter of the country’s Father Emir Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and former First Lady Moza bint Nasser. Sheikha Hind serves as Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development. She holds a Masters degree in Human Rights from University College London and has played an important role in launching and supporting various national projects with a particular focus on educational initiatives and the teaching profession.
She is the girls´ inspiration for lifelong learning, human rights, and charity.
SHARMAN (Orange):
Named after Helen Patricia Sharman, CMG, OBE, HonFRSC, a chemist who became the first British astronaut (and in particular, the first British Cosmonaut) as well as the first woman to visit the Mir space station in 1991.
She is the girls´ inspiration for the Sciences and overall academic success.
RIMINGTON (Red):
Named after Dame Stella Rimington DCB MA, author and most notably the first female Director General of the Security Service MI5. Rimington was the role model for the character “M” played by Dame Judi Dench in the James Bond 007 films.
She is the girls´ inspiration for leadership and literacy.
GRAINGER (Blue):
Named after Dame Katherine Jane Grainger DBE, British former rower, current chair of UK Sport and Great Britain’s most decorated female Olympian with five Olympic medals to her name.
She is the girls´ inspiration for sport and determination.
TERM DATES
TERM DATES 202 4-2025
Autumn Term 2024
Sunday 1st September
starts for all pupils at 10:00 Sunday 27th to Thursday 31st October
Tuesday 17th December
Monday 6th January
Spring Term 2025
ends at normal time for pupils
starts for all pupils at 10:00
Tuesday 11th February National Sports Day
Wednesday 12th & Thursday 13th February
Term Thursday 27th March
April
20th April
5th to Thursday 12th June
1st July
Pre-School and Reception pupils have a staggered start / shorter day initially. Parents will be notified of their child’s schedule.
Parents of pupils in the examination years (Years 11, 12 & 13) must note that some external examinations will be held on Fridays, during Ramadan & national holidays and may continue up to 1st July 2025. You should avoid committing to travel arrangements during these times.
Sherborne Qatar reserves the right to make amendments to dates as and when necessary and will endeavour to give as much notice as possible.
KEY POLICIES
At the Sherborne Qatar family of schools, we have a comprehensive range of policies that cover all facets of school life. Many of these are available on our website or on the parent portal.
Other useful information, including up-to-date inspection reports, can be found on the website.
Parents are kindly requested to complete and submit an online Home School Agreement, an ICT Acceptable Use Agreement, and a Photo & Video Permission Form. The Admissions Department will send you the link to access these forms separately.
MEDICAL FORMS
The health and well-being of our pupils is so important. To ensure we are giving your child the appropriate care and advice, it is essential our medical records are up to date. As such, all new parents are asked to complete and submit an online medical form before their children start school. It is your responsibility as parents to keep us informed of any changes to the medical needs of your child or medication.Failure to keep us informed may result in your child not being able to enter school.
If you have any queries relating to the medical care provided at our schools, kindly email our Lead Nurse Mrs Baron at rbaron@sherborneqatar.org.
THE PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)
Dear Parents,
A warm welcome to Sherborne Qatar Schools! On behalf of the Sherborne Qatar Parent Teacher Association (PTA), I am delighted to introduce you to the PTA. We are a group of parents and teachers, whose priority is the well-being of our children and supporting the school community.
Throughout the year we have various fundraisers and events designed to provide funds to enrich our children’s educational experience, over and above what the school would be expected to provide from fees.
We are excited to build community across all of the schools within the Sherborne Qatar family. We are proud to bring those schools together and create connections across the schools and foster community amongst our parents and children.
In March 2023, we were thrilled to welcome over 2,000 people from the Sherborne Qatar community to the Spring Fair, hosted at the Senior School. It was the first time since 2019 we have been able to host such an event and it was a huge success. This is just one of the events we have planned for the year to come.
Your involvement and support are highly valued and greatly appreciated. If you would like to know more then please contact us on SherborneqatarPTA@gmail.com. Please keep an eye on regular notices from the PTA.
Kind Regards
Lucy Fowlie Chair Sherborne Qatar PTA
SCHOOL
FEES
All parents are be asked to read and sign the Fees Policy when they register their child. The Fees Policies in both English and Arabic can be found on our website. Sherborne Qatar Schools have 3 terms per year. Tuition fees for each term are payable on or before the first day of term. Invoices will be emailed to parents no later than one month prior to the payment due date. The Finance Offices in all our schools are open Sunday to Thursday 7.00am to 3.00pm. Holiday opening hours differ. For any queries relating to the payment of fees and the Qatari education voucher scheme, kindly email Kaila Taduran on ktaduran@sherborneqatar.org
Mrs Rebecca Baron Lead Nurse
THE SCHOOL DAY
Prep (Years 1 to 6) Senior (Years 7 to 12)
Pupil start time 7:00am 7:00am 7:00am
Pupil finish time 1.00pm Years 1 to 3 - 1.30pm Years 3 to 6 - 1.45pm 1.45pm
Enrichment 1.00pm - 1:35pm 1:45pm - 2.45pm 1:45-2.45pm
*Siblings can be supervised in their classroom by their class teacher to help parents with pickup
TRANSPORT
SHERBORNE
UNIFORM
Sitting alongside our high expectations of attendance are our standards of school uniform. We are very proud of our school and the high expectations we set ourselves. A visible sign of these high standards is our school uniform. We believe that wearing the Sherborne uniform:
• promotes pride in ‘The Penny’;
• engenders a sense of community and belonging towards the school and each other;
• identifies the children with our school and the Penny which, in turn, symbolises all the values and learning dispositions we stand for.
EYFS 1 - KS1 DAYWEAR
Parents have a duty to send their children to school correctly dressed and ready for their daily schoolwork. One of the responsibilities of parents is to ensure their child has the correct uniform, and that it is clean and in good repair. Thank you for your support.
All items on our uniform list are available to purchase from Noble House at www.noblehouse. qa and our unique school code is SG805.
Here is the uniform list and Noble House’s items can be viewed here.
Please ensure all your daughter’s belongings are clearly labelled with her name.
Due to new ministry guidelines as we go to press, girls’ skirts must not be above knee and require non-transparent long tights. For PE kit, girls need to wear non-transparent tights or leggings beneath their shorts or can
KS3 - KS5 DAYWEAR
EYFS - YEAR 4 YEAR 4 - YEAR 12
EYFS - YEAR 12 HOUSE SHIRT
EYFS - YEAR 12 SWIMWEAR
GIRLS’ HAIR
should be tidy, kept clean, a natural colour and if below the shoulder tied back using a dark tieback or hairband.
ALL PUPILS’ IN YEARS 7-12.
Pupils who wear choose to cover should wear abayas and shayla which are plain black in colour or plain navy blue. Bright colours and vivid patterns are not permitted. White or black socks for pupils in KS3-5
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DAY
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR CHILD’S FIRST DAY
Your child’s class teacher will write to you before the start of term to confirm the arrangements for the first day of term and with a reminder of what to bring in.
Your child’s class teacher will write to you before the start of term to confirm the arrangements for the first day of term and with a reminder of what to bring.
We look forward to seeing all our girls at 10.00am on Tuesday 16th August and welcoming many new families to our wonderful community. Wishing you all a wonderful summer break.
We look forward to seeing all our girls at 10.00am on Sunday 27th August and welcoming many new families to our wonderful community. Wishing you all a wonderful summer break.
LOCATION MAP
LOCATION MAP
the knee.
Plain or pastel coloured shirt with a collar. Shirts should be tucked in at all times. Plain, dark coloured suit and trousers.
Girls in the Sixth Form are not required to wear ties.
Plain dark coloured suit jacket / blazer should be the same colour as the trousers.
navy blue V necked jumper.
white or black socks or plain black tights. Plain, flat, smart, black school shoes; no trainers are permitted. Navy PE Shirt with amber stripe.
Navy blue PE shorts or navy blue leggings or tracksuit bottoms.
School navy blue Zip Top, PE bag, white socks and appropriate sports trainers.
Sherborne Qatar School for Girs
