18 January 2024

‘Nearly everything is interesting if you go into it deeply enough.’

Richard Feynman

Young children are innately curious. They are forever asking the question ‘why’ - at times seemingly ad infinitum and to the extent that it can cause considerable frustration to their long-suffering parents! As children age and enter adolescence, some of this innate curiosity can diminish and many children will be less willing to ask questions, more accepting of the fact that there are some things that they do not understand as they become more acutely aware that there are some questions that do not have a simple answer.

There is an increasing realisation, however, in education that an individual’s curiosity is a strong predictor of their future educational outcomes and success. It has also been shown to be closely related to greater patience, prolonged engagement, propensity to complete extended research, deep learning and understanding of complex topics. Another positive side effect of curiosity is its association with ‘idea linking’, or an individual’s ability to create a kind of virtual knowledge map that individuals develop as they learn new material and put it into the context of what they already know. Students who excel in the more advanced stages of education often need to be able to apply skills and knowledge from disparate parts of the curriculum, so their ability to see patterns and link ideas together becomes increasingly important.

In the workplace, individuals with a greater propensity towards curiosity have also been shown to be more creative, more adaptable, more resilient, more open to feedback and more willing to accept viewpoints that are different from their own. These are not only highly desirable skills and attributes today, they are likely to become increasingly so in the future. Beyond work, encouraging curiosity in older people also has tangible short-term memory benefits, according to a recent study.

What can we do as parents to help nurture curiosity in our children? Here are just some ideas:

Encourage your child to ask questions (even if they seem simple or repetitive) - if you don’t know the answer to the questions yourself, treat this as a really positive learning opportunity. Research the answer to the question together. Try to encourage your child to ask several other questions related to what you have found out!
Model curiosity yourself by expressing interest in various topics and current events and by showing your child you are still learning new things.
Provide tools that will help your child to become more curious - ensure you have a ready supply of books, board games and materials that encourage your child to find things out, try new things and explore.
Encourage your child in their pursuit of hobbies and link their interests to curiosity - if they are interested in cricket, help them to explore the history of the sport, the role of imperialism in the growth of the sport, and the role of statistics and economics is establishing the value of players.
Encourage your child to develop a list of ‘research questions’ that they would like to find the answer to. Update and revisit this list on a weekly or monthly basis.
Encourage your child to read - if they are reading fiction, encourage them to do some research about the historical period or location in which the book is set.
Help your child to understand that mistakes are positive as they are a vital part of curiosity, creativity and the learning process. Exemplify this by explaining that the Post-It note, the tea bag, x-rays, the microwave oven and penicillin were all discovered accidentally and these were more often than not the result of a mistake when someone was trying to achieve something else.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone and stay curious!

David Tongue

Principal

1 Gruber, M J et al (2014) States of Curiosity Modulate Hippocampus-Dependent Learning via the Dopaminergic Circuit

2 Kashdan, T (2022) The Art of Insubordination

3 Galli et al (2018) Learning facts during aging: the benefits of curiosity

KEY COMMUNICATIONS

LIBRARY UPDATE

Please note that, as per a Ministry of Education and Higher Education directive, we will be

carrying out some essential auditing work within the library in the coming days. During this period, students will not be allowed to use or take books out of the library. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

SMILE WITH PRET-A-PORTRAIT

Reminder: Pret-a-Portrait will be in school next week taking pictures of our Primary pupils, please ensure your child is smartly dressed and in full school uniform. Photography schedules can be found on Class Dojo.

Year 13 Students will have their graduation photos taken next week and have already been informed of their individual schedules.

A CULTURAL EXPLORATION AT DOHA COLLEGE

Join FDC for a Palestinian cultural exploration on Saturday 20th January from 10 am - 1 pm.

This is a unique opportunity for parents and students in our community to immerse themselves in the rich and diverse history of the Palestinian people.

Engage in enlightening discussions with speakers who have on-the-ground experience in Palestine, and gain insightful perspectives on how sensitive global issues are portrayed in mainstream and international media. Our speakers specialise in understanding and analysing media narratives related to Palestine.

Along with the informative sessions, enjoy an array of traditional Palestinian dance workshops, savour authentic cuisine, and participate in various interactive activities.

All attendees must sign up via our official Doha College Eventbrite registration portal here.

A Day For Palestine

ACTIVATE WITH AI - PARENT WORKSHOP (PRESS PLAY)

We are excited to invite you to our special Parent Remote Workshop as part of Activate with AI month this January!

At Doha College, we believe in the power of AI to transform education, and we want to empower you with knowledge about its use in our school. Join us for an informative session where you'll gain insights into AI's impact on your child's education, its role in enhancing learning experiences, and how we integrate AI technologies at Doha College. Don't miss this opportunity to learn and engage in meaningful discussions about AI in education. Together, we can shape a brighter future for our students.

Complete this short Google Form and be a part of this exciting journey into the world of AI!

Teresa Menton
English Teacher & Head of Digital Learning (Secondary)

News from Primary

The Power of Words: Celebrating Martin Luther King Day

This week we celebrated Martin Luther King Day by every year group having a special lesson and through our weekly assembly. We were reminded of the powerful impact words can have on building a better world. We celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a courageous leader who used the strength of his words to inspire positive change.

Dr. King once said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." These words teach us that kindness and love have the power to overcome darkness and hatred. Just like Dr. King dreamed of a world where everyone is treated with respect, we too can contribute to that dream by using our words wisely.

In our everyday lives, we should strive to use kind words that uplift and encourage others. Imagine a world where everyone feels valued and accepted, regardless of the colour of their skin. By choosing our words carefully, we can create an environment where differences are celebrated, and kindness prevails. We also talked about the fact that it is never ok to use racist language and thought about what this is: that racist language is when someone says or writes mean things about someone else because of the colour of their skin, where they're from, or how they look. It's like using words to be unkind or unfair to someone just because they're different.

Using kind words means treating everyone with respect and understanding, no matter what colour their skin is. We should celebrate our differences and make friends with people who are different from us. That way, we can create a world where everyone feels happy and included.

Our hope is for a day when no one is treated differently because of the colour of their skin. Dr. King's dream can become a reality if we all work together to create a community where everyone feels included and appreciated.

In the spirit of Martin Luther King Day, let us reflect on the power of our words and commit to using them to build a brighter and more compassionate world.

Ruth Whymark

Senior Vice Principal - Head of Primary

PARENT PORTAL UPDATES

Dear Parents,

Please follow the link below to the parent portal, which has been updated with the curriculum information for your child for this term. Should you have any questions regarding this, please contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance.

https://site.dohacollege.com/doha-college

Best wishes,

Derek Watson
Deputy Head of Academic, Primary

News from Secondary

Empowering Our Teens: Navigating Important Decisions and Exams with Sean Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.

As we find ourselves in a pivotal period of the academic year, with crucial decisions, important moments, and exams on the horizon, it is essential for us, as a secondary school community, to come together and provide the support our students need to navigate these challenges successfully.

Year 9 and Year 11 students are currently making decisions about their option choices, a task that can often feel overwhelming as it sets the stage for their academic journey ahead. Simultaneously, many of our Year 12 and 13 students are facing external exams, and Year 11 and 6th Form students are gearing up for internal mock examinations.

In times like these, it's crucial for our teenagers to recognise their agency and understand that they are in control of their destinies, even though, invariably it will not feel like this. They already possess the resilience, determination, and potential to overcome any obstacle in their path; nevertheless, as parents and adults with the responsibility of nurturing our wonderful young people, we understand that at times in life we can run low on these characteristics and will need ‘topping up’ from time to time. To reinforce this message of empowerment and provide a valuable resource for both parents and students alike, I’m reminded of Sean Covey’s Best Seller "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens."

This book serves as a guide to help teenagers develop essential life skills and habits that will not only benefit them academically but also in all aspects of their lives. The 7 principles or habits Covey refers to are:

Be Proactive: Encourage your teens to take the initiative in making their option choices or preparing for exams. Being proactive means understanding that they have the power to shape their own future.
Begin with the End in Mind: Help them set clear goals for their academic and personal lives. Understanding their long-term objectives will provide motivation and direction during challenging times.
Put First Things First: Time management is a crucial skill during exam periods. Encourage your teens to prioritise tasks, ensuring that they focus on the most important activities that will lead to success.
Think Win-Win: Foster a positive mindset. Emphasise the importance of collaboration and cooperation, not only with their peers but also with teachers who are there to support them.
Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood: Communication is key. Encourage open and honest conversations with your teens about their concerns, fears, and goals. By understanding their perspective, you can provide more effective support.
Synergise: Highlight the benefits of teamwork and collaboration. Studying with classmates can add a refreshing new dimension to study.
Sharpen the Saw: Remind your teens to take care of themselves physically, emotionally, mentally, and socially. A balanced and healthy lifestyle is fundamental for optimal performance during exams and decision-making.

Perhaps most importantly of all, please reinforce to your teens that ‘Success is a journey and not a destination’.

Life will always challenge us, but our job is to hold their hands every step of the way. They will never be alone. Our mission is to provide our teens with the resilience and confidence they need in order to actualise their potential.

The final message to our teens: be confident; be yourself; you are ‘good enough’ already.

Jerome Scafe
Senior Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

UPDATES FROM THE DC COMMUNITY

GOOD LUCK IN BAHRAIN - U15 BSME GAMES

We are thrilled to announce that our talented Year 10 students embarked on an inspiring journey to Bahrain this Wednesday.

Their mission? To represent Doha College with pride and distinction in the prestigious British Schools in the Middle East (BSME) games.

This is more than just a competition; it's a celebration of sportsmanship, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Our students have been training rigorously, demonstrating incredible dedication and spirit in preparation for this event. They are ready to showcase their skills, learn from new experiences, and, most importantly, make lasting memories.

We wish all students and staff a safe return to Doha.

Stay tuned to our social media channels next week! We'll be bringing you exclusive updates and photos from this exciting event.

THANK YOU TO THE DOHA COLLEGE COMMUNITY

I write to thank all of you that very kindly donated prior to the winter break towards a gift to our excellent facilities, cleaning, security, and catering teams.

We were able to provide 80QR to 95 members of staff in total and I can assure you they were a lovely mix of surprised and touched.

All these teams play such a crucial role here at DC but for which they often receive limited recognition and very modest pay, so this was a really impactful act and only possible on account of the generosity of you and the contracted DC staff.

I write also to encourage you to do the same during Ramadan when we'll ask for donations once more.

David Lish

Chief Operating Officer

A ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR OUR WAVES OF CREATIVITY

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the students and staff who graced the stage with their poetic brilliance at the Waves Poetry Evening.

It was a night where words danced, emotions flowed, and creativity soared. Our talented participants took us on a mesmerising journey through their powerful and evocative performances, leaving us inspired and deeply moved.

We invite you to relive this enchanting evening by scrolling through the images captured during the event.

Let's celebrate the art of poetry and the voices that bring it to life!

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