Last weekend was a busy one here in College as we hosted two large-scale events in the form of the Doha College MUN Conference and the BSME Games. With so much talent and commitment on display, it was hard to know how to divide my time to ensure that I supported both events. I had the great privilege of speaking at the start of the MUN conference and I was so impressed with the leadership, organisation and dedication that the students who led the conference (the so-called Big Seven) demonstrated.
The MUN is such an important part of our co-curricular offer as it allows students to develop their understanding of what is going on in the world, view difficult situations from a variety of different angles and develop the most important skills of public speaking, debating and rhetoric. I would like to say a huge thank you and congratulations to all of the students involved - from those who performed essential press and admin roles to those who participated or led the event.
In the BSME games, our under 13 and under 15 sides performed exceptionally well with all teams getting to the latter stages of the tournament and challenging for the converted awards. Both boy's teams made it through to the final with the under-13 boys putting in an exceptional performance to win. Both girls teams lost out in the cruellest of ways being knocked out on penalties in the semi-finals.
This week sees the co-curricular events continue with our excellent Year 8 and 9 performances of Arabian Nights and the first of the Year 10 bronze award DofE expeditions. My best of luck to all those involved and I am sure I speak for our entire community in thanking those members of staff who help make these wonderful events happen.
David Tongue
Principal
The 2023/2024 academic year at British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) has been marked by extraordinary opportunities for students to exhibit their sporting prowess. We are thrilled to report that Doha College has recently been at the forefront of these endeavours, hosting the exclusive BSME U13/U15 Boys & Girls Football Tournament – a landmark event in our school's distinguished history.
This prestigious tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation from teams across the Gulf region, converging in a spirit of healthy competition and camaraderie. Doha College's teams displayed exceptional skill and sportsmanship, making significant strides in each category.
Our U13 boys' team deserves special accolades for their outstanding performance, clinching the top spot in their category. This victory not only exemplifies their dedication and talent but also elevates the stature of our school in the regional sports arena.
The success story continued with our U13 and U15 girls' teams, who showed remarkable tenacity and skill, securing the 4th overall position in their respective categories. The U15 boys' team also made a commendable impression, finishing as the runners-up in a closely contested series of matches.
The event garnered overwhelming praise from participating schools, commending Doha College for its exceptional organisation and hospitality. The tournament was lauded as one of the best-coordinated sporting events in the region, a testament to our commitment to excellence in all facets of education and extracurricular activities.
Tournament Highlights:
Friday 24th November 2023: The U13 boys and girls teams from Doha College achieved remarkable success. The boys' team emerged as champions, claiming the 1st overall position, while the girls' team showcased great potential and skill, finishing 4th overall.
Saturday 25th November 2023: The U15 category saw our boys' team performing admirably, securing the 2nd overall position. The girls' team, with their grit and determination, maintained a consistent performance, also ranking 4th overall.
This tournament not only highlighted the athletic talents of our students but also reinforced Doha College's reputation as a leading educational institution in the Middle East. We look forward to continuing our tradition of hosting and participating in such esteemed events, fostering sportsmanship and excellence among our students.
Please be reminded that next week is the last week of Term 1 CCAs.
Term 2 CCAs will commence on Monday, 8 January 2024.
We are delighted to formally announce the performance dates for this year’s Primary production of Mary Poppins Junior. It is likely that you have already heard a lot about this show, and no doubt, you will soon know every line, song, and costume change as rehearsals are well underway.
We are thrilled that all Year 6 children, their parents, and our staff can come together in this way to demonstrate the children's hard work and celebrate their successes over four performance evenings.
The performance dates are as follows:
Show 1: Sunday, 3rd December - Red and Yellow classes
Show 2: Monday, 4th December - Orange and Purple classes
Show 3: Tuesday, 5th December - Lilac and Teal classes
Show 4: Wednesday 6th December - Blue and Green classes
The productions will begin promptly at 5.30 pm and will be hosted in our school auditorium, accessed via the central reception. We anticipate the runtime to be around one hour. Please fill in the form to request tickets for the performance for your child’s class.
To ensure fairness of ticket allocation, each child will be allocated a maximum of 4 tickets. - www.dc.click/booking
At our Tuesday assembly, we had the privilege of delving into the extraordinary life and impactful work of Malala Yousafzai, a beacon of inspiration and resilience in the realm of education activism. Led by our Heads of Year, Malala’s story of struggle to ensure that all children have the right to education was retold to the children, as well as her achievements, including the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize laureate at the age of 17.
Malala's story is one of courage that transcends borders. Our assembly showcased Malala's tireless efforts as a global education advocate. From addressing the United Nations to co-authoring the memoir "I Am Malala," she has been unwavering in her commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of gender or background, has access to quality education. Malala's story encourages us to appreciate the educational opportunities we have and to strive for a world where education is a right, not a privilege. During the assembly, we encouraged our students to reflect on Malala's journey and the values and principles she stands for. Malala's story serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, one person's determination can spark a movement. By appreciating the educational opportunities we have, and understanding the challenges others face, we can contribute to a world where education is a universal right.
Ruth Whymark
Senior Vice Principal - Head of Primary
I am thrilled to write this week about the resounding success of our recent Arabian Nights secondary school production. It was an excellent testament of the incredible talent and creativity within our school's performing arts department.
Arabian Nights was not merely a showcase of talent; it was a celebration of creativity, dedication, and collaboration. The students, our actors, were utterly compelling in their roles. We are all so very proud of them.
At the heart of this achievement lies our school's commitment to nurturing and tapping into our students' creative potential. Engaging in such artistic endeavours provides a canvas for our students to express themselves, explore their imaginative faculties, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts.
Beyond the dazzling lights and applause, these productions play a pivotal role in shaping well-rounded individuals. Through theatre, our students develop invaluable life skills, the art of communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience. The camaraderie forged during these productions fosters a sense of belonging and support that extends far beyond the stage.
I would like to express huge thanks to our passionate teachers, dedicated staff, and supportive parents who enable our students to throw themselves into these sometimes ‘stress inducing’ moments. However, what we witness come afterwards are resilient and confident young adults who understand more the value of grit and why leaving one’s comfort zone is important for personal development.
I have heard from many parents who are commenting that the school is ‘bouncing back from covid times’. There is more to come!
I’m sure, as a community, we are eagerly awaiting news of the next amazing secondary school production.
Well done, and thank you to everyone involved in this wonderful production.
Jerome Scafe
Senior Vice Principal - Head of Secondary
In a groundbreaking event, Doha College proudly marked its first-ever participation in the prestigious annual Holy Quran competition. This significant step aligns seamlessly with our ongoing commitment to community engagement, the inculcation of Islamic values, and the reinforcement of national identity.
Organised by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Awqaf in Qatar, this esteemed event spanned two days of intense and spiritually enriching competition. It offered a platform for our students to showcase their dedication and proficiency in Quranic knowledge.
The competition was meticulously structured, with the boys' contest held at the esteemed Mohammed bin Abdul Wahhab Mosque, whilst the girls demonstrated their Quranic recitation skills at the Rawdah bint Mohammed Centre for the Holy Quran.
Recognising the importance of parental involvement in educational endeavours, Doha College took proactive steps to engage parents in this spiritual journey. We reached out to them, encouraging their active participation and providing clear guidelines on the competition's registration and participation process. This was complemented by an informative presentation detailing each step of the registration process, designed to make the experience as smooth and accessible as possible.
Understanding the challenges of preparation, the school supported our students every step of the way. We offered dedicated sessions to aid in memorisation and provided prompt responses to any enquiries from parents, ensuring a supportive environment for our students' spiritual and educational growth.
Moreover, in our efforts to facilitate seamless participation, Doha College arranged transport for students, ensuring their safe and timely arrival at the competition venues.
We are immensely proud of our students who participated, demonstrating not only their memorisation skills but also their deep connection with the cultural and religious heritage of Qatar. Their participation in such a significant event reflects the broad and inclusive education that Doha College is committed to providing.
As we reflect on this landmark event, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the MOEHE, the Ministry of Awqaf, and all who contributed to the success of this competition. We look forward to future opportunities where our students can engage, learn, and grow in such enriching experiences.
Gamal Shawkey
Primary Head of Arabic, IS & QH
We reflect on a day filled with homemade treats, joyous laughter, and generous hearts that have brought our parents, students, and staff closer together. Every scrumptious bite taken contributes to a noble journey, as all proceeds are journeying towards a worthy cause to make a meaningful difference.
Together, we’re 'baking' a difference!
This year, we are collecting cash donations for our wonderful, behind-the-scenes staff members from the facilities, security and canteen teams.
If you would like to contribute a cash donation, you can find our money boxes beside our Giving Tree in the main reception area. We know that all donations will be greatly received.