14th March 2024

Last week I had the pleasure of attending and speaking at the BSME Conference right here in Qatar.

The conference brought together Principals and Heads from British Schools within the region who have been quality assured through a BSO (British Schools Overseas) inspection. The conference provided an opportunity for us to share perspectives on current issues, opportunities and challenges within the region and encouraged a spirit of inclusiveness and collegiality.

The CEO of BSME, Debra Forsyth, in her conference speech spoke about the long history of the membership organisation and it was great to see that not only was Doha College one of the first members, but that a number of well-known previous Principals of the College have served as Chair, including the current Chair Mark Leppard MBE who served as Principal of Doha College from 2006 to 2015. Many members of the College community will remember Mark fondly and will be grateful to the wider BSME community - including those pupils who have enjoyed so much success this year in the BSME games - and those parents who have cheered their children on from the sidelines!

To our Muslim community, may I extend heartfelt wishes for a blessed and fulfilling Ramadan.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

David Tongue

Principal

KEY COMMUNICATION

PARENT APPOINTMENTS SURVEY

We are currently in the process of reviewing our Parent Appointment procedures to ensure that we provide the most efficient and effective experience for both pupils and parents. As part of this review, we would like to gather feedback regarding the format of the appointments moving forward. Please see below the links to both the Primary and Secondary surveys, if you have children in both schools we kindly ask you to complete both Google forms.

Primary Parents - here

Secondary Parent - here

Derek Watson
Deputy Head of Academic, Primary

Nicholas Taylor

Deputy Head of Pastoral, Secondary

REGISTRATIONS NOW OPEN - FDC COMMUNITY IFTAR

We are pleased to announce that on Tuesday, 26th March, FDC will be hosting a whole-school Community Iftar at Doha College.

This will give our school community the opportunity to break their fast together and enjoy the communal experience of Ramadan. There will be a short programme just before prayer time to learn more about Ramadan and fasting, along with some performances from the pupils.

Last year was an amazing event for our community, and we would love to see you again!

If you'd like to reserve your family place, please register here.

PARTICIPATE IN THE MINISTRY'S SCHOOL EVALUATION SURVEY

As part of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education's (MOEHE) ongoing commitment to improving educational standards, the MOEHE is inviting all parents to participate in its School Evaluation Survey.

Your feedback will help them understand your perspectives and identify areas for improvement within the educational system. Here's how you can participate:

1. Via SMS Text Message:

A text message will be sent directly to your registered mobile phone number in the Ministry's database. Click on the survey link provided and answer the questions directly. It'll only take a few minutes, and you will receive weekly reminders until you've completed the survey.

2. Through the Ministry’s Website and Maaref Application:

Alternatively, you can access the survey link on the public services portal on the Ministry’s website and through the Maaref application. Log in using your personal account details and provide responses.

Please note that on the MOEHE database, the name of the school is registered as 'Doha English College'.

Uzma Zaffar

Vice Principal - Quality Assurance

Executive Designated Safeguarding Lead

ACT OF KINDNESS DONATION BOX

We are excited to announce the return of our Doha College Ramadan Act of Kindness Giving Boxes.

This year, we are collecting cash donations for our wonderful, behind-the-scenes staff members from the facilities, security and canteen teams during the Holy month of Ramadan. If you would like to contribute a cash donation, you can find our money boxes in our reception area until Thursday 4th April. In addition to our Staff Ramadan Donation boxes, we will also have Qatar Charity donation boxes, these boxes are collecting donations to provide iftar meals to the people of Palestine. These boxes will be available until Thursday, 28th March.

We know that all donations will be greatly received.

Ramadan Kareem.

David Lish

Chief Operating Officer

KEY DATES IN MARCH

NEWS FROM PRIMARY

DOHA COLLEGE SHINES AT BSME U11 GAMES IN DUBAI

On Thursday, February 29th, a group of 32 enthusiastic Year 6 students, accompanied by the primary PE department, embarked on a thrilling journey to King's School Al Barsha, Dubai, to participate in the Under 11 BSME large games.

The three-day tournament, featuring 16 teams from across the Middle East, proved to be a fierce competition and an unforgettable experience for our young athletes.

The events kicked off on Friday with a grand opening ceremony, setting the stage for a spirited competition. The day unfolded with fierce matchups in girls' football and boys' basketball. Facing formidable challenges, our Boys' basketball team clinched a respectable 6th position, while the Girls' Footballers secured the 13th spot, showing resilience in the face of tough competition.

NEWS FROM SECONDARY

Ramadan Kareem.

As we complete the first few days of the Holy month of Ramadan and gear up for the upcoming examination season, I wanted to take a moment to share some important updates and reminders with you all.

Ramadan Observance:

Ramadan is a month of reflection and heightened devotion for our Muslim students and families. We recognise the significance of this month and aim to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all members of our school community.

During Ramadan, students may be fasting from dawn until sunset, which could affect their energy levels and concentration. We encourage understanding and flexibility during this time, both within the school and at home. Please feel free to reach out to us if your child requires any specific accommodations or support during Ramadan.

Preparation Ahead of Examination Season:

As we enter the final stretch of the academic year, our KS4 and 5 students will be focusing on their upcoming examinations commencing at the end of April. This period can be both challenging and rewarding, and we want to ensure that our students are adequately prepared to excel.

Here are some tips to help your child prepare effectively for the examination season:

Create a study schedule: Encourage your child to create a realistic study schedule that allows for adequate revision of all subjects. Break down study sessions into manageable chunks and include regular breaks to avoid burnout.
Stay organised: Ensure that your child has all the necessary study materials, such as electronic textbooks, notes, and stationery. Encourage them to keep their study space neat and organised to minimise distractions.
Prioritise self-care: Remind your child of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle during exam season. Encourage them to get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and engage in regular physical activity to support their overall well-being.
Seek support when needed: Let your child know that it's okay to ask for help if they're struggling with any concepts or subjects. Our teachers and support staff are here to provide guidance and assistance whenever needed.
Stay positive: Encourage your child to stay positive and maintain a growth mindset throughout the examination period. Remind them that their worth is not determined solely by their exam results and that they are capable of achieving great things with hard work and perseverance.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's academic progress or well-being. We're here to support you and your child every step of the way.

Wishing you all a blessed Ramadan and a successful examination season ahead.

Jerome Scafe
Senior Vice Principal - Head of Secondary

WORLD BOOK DAY SHORT STORY WRITING COMPETITION WINNERS

Thank you to everyone who submitted entries into the World Book Day short story writing competition.

The themes of inclusion, equity, and female empowerment came through very powerfully, and it was great to have entries from every year group and from both male and female students, showing how important these themes are in all of our lives.

The decision of who should win in each Key Stage was very difficult, but the eventual winners were:

KS3: Can Arhan Yigit with his story “Leonardo’s Odyssey”

KS4: Zahra Sanoj wither her story “The Taste of Power”

KS5: Zainab Mansha with her story “Burning Bridges”

Well done to everyone who participated.

Alexandra North
English Teacher - English Enrichment Coordinator

YEAR 9 SCIENCE FAIR - LETTER

It gives us great pleasure to announce that the Doha College Year 9 Science Fair will take place in the science faculty from 12:20 pm until 1:30 pm on Wednesday 8th May (X band) and Thursday 9th May for (Y band).

The Science Fair is the culmination of a project in which students must produce work about a scientific research question of interest to them. During the Science Fair, students will be presenting the final outcomes, and you are warmly invited to attend.

COMMUNITY UPDATES

BALL CREW FOR THE UPCOMING AFC U23'S ASIAN CUP - LETTER

Ball Crew for the upcoming AFC U23’s Asian Cup Qatar 2024™

Following on from our successful delivery of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ Ball Crew, we have now been selected to deliver the Ball Crew for the upcoming AFC U23’s Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ tournament. We are now thrilled to extend an exclusive invitation to you and your child to participate in the AFC U23's Asian Cup 2024™ as a member of the Ball Crew, offering them a remarkable opportunity to be part of the action alongside the very best U23 footballing talents in Asia.

DOHA COLLEGE HOSTS SIXTH EDITION OF QATAR SCHOOL CHOIR OF THE YEAR (QSCoY)

Proud organisers of the "Qatar School Choir of the Year" competition since its inauguration in 2017, Doha College has once again showcased the country's choral music talent.

Launched with the motto "Uniting Children through Singing," QSCoY experienced a surge in popularity and participation. Doha College believes in the power of music and collaboration in raising young singers' vocal skills, confidence, and enjoyment. Rolling in the sixth edition, the motto remains true.

View all photos and read the full article here

WE WANT YOU! INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION

More information now available about our student Aspirations Evening!

The Aspirations Evening is designed to facilitate one-on-one interactions between our students and professionals from the Doha College community, providing valuable insights into the educational and experiential pathways that led to their current careers. This firsthand encounter allows students to pose questions, explore academic backgrounds, inquire about extracurricular pursuits, and gain an understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by these professionals throughout their career journeys.

NEWSLETTER