This week in College we celebrated those students who have been awarded their Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The Duke of Edinburgh (DOE) Award (or International Award as it is sometimes called overseas), offers significant benefits for young people, fostering personal development and practical skills. It enhances confidence, resilience, and time management, while also promoting physical fitness through regular exercise. Participants gain leadership and teamwork experience, crucial for both personal growth and future professional environments.
The award encourages community engagement and social responsibility through volunteering, improving social skills and fostering a sense of community. Academically and career-wise, the DOE Award is highly regarded by employers and educational institutions, making participants stand out in applications. The diverse range of activities allows for the development of transferable skills, expanding social and professional networks.
Additionally, the award provides a sense of achievement and personal satisfaction. It offers opportunities for adventure and exploration, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle. Participants often discover new interests and hobbies, leading to lifelong benefits and a well-rounded, capable individual ready to contribute positively to society.
Huge congratulations to those who have received an award.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone.
David Tongue
Principal
Why Celebrate World Oceans Day?
World Oceans Day is a global event to highlight the crucial role oceans play in our lives. Oceans are vital for maintaining the planet’s biodiversity, regulating the climate, and providing food and livelihoods for millions. By celebrating this day, we raise awareness about the need to protect and help heal our oceans from threats like pollution, overfishing, and climate change.
Go Plastic-Free for a Day!
In addition to dressing up, we encourage everyone to make a positive impact by participating in a single-use plastic-free day. Let's reduce our plastic footprint by bringing reusable water bottles, lunch containers, and bags. Every small action counts towards a healthier ocean!
Please note, due to the Year 6 Graduation ceremony, Year 6 students should wear their full uniform on Sunday but can join in the fun by dressing up on Monday, 10th June instead.
Let's come together to show our support for ocean conservation and have a whale of a time!
Hannah Smith
Primary Class Teacher, Head of Year 5 & ECO Coordinator
We are pleased to be holding elections for Parent-Elected Governors. As communicated in our letter to parents earlier in the week, we have received four applications for two vacancies, and we strongly encourage all parents of students currently attending Doha College to cast their vote.
To read the candidates' personal statements, and for further details on eligibility and voting procedure, please click here.
As a reminder, all parents are entitled to one vote, and members of staff are not entitled to vote.
The ballot will remain open until 2:00 pm on Sunday 9 June 2024.
We are excited to announce that on Thursday, June 13th, Doha College will be celebrating British Day. Students are encouraged to represent British pride, by wearing red, white, and blue clothing to school. Please be reminded that clothing should be culturally appropriate. Additionally, we invite all students to bring a packed lunch with a cultural British theme. We look forward to honouring the rich heritage and traditions of the United Kingdom through food, fashion, and fun.
Ondrea McSwiggan
Head of MFL & PSHCE & CCA Strategic Lead
Along with all other private schools in Qatar, we recently received a circular from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MOEHE) regarding school uniform and staff appearance, which is available here. We are in the process of consulting as to the interpretation of this policy directive, working with other schools and the British Embassy regarding any required updates to our uniform policy. We will endeavour to keep you updated ahead of the new academic year.
For the first time in a long time, the Year 6 students revelled in the grandeur of an external leavers' event, an unforgettable evening held at the magnificent Al Messila ballroom. They entered through the private entrance, dressed to the nines, their excitement shimmering as brightly as their outfits. Mr. Watson stood ready to greet them, shaking the boys' hands like true gentlemen. The children, radiant with anticipation, scattered across the ballroom, exploring the myriad of delights awaiting them. Some headed straight to the photo booth, while others lined up for face painting. The room buzzed with laughter and creativity around the craft tables, the clatter of board games, and excited squeals from the balloon station.
The food spread was a hit, featuring falafel bites, kofta skewers, burgers, chicken wraps, and fajitas, followed by desserts including strawberry cake, chocolate tart, and mini cheesecakes. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the staff awards by the Big 4. This included Mr. Ewing's lively performance of 'We Will Rock You' and Mr. Martindale's impressive walking handstand across the stage, complete with a U-turn. The children were thrilled, discovering new talents in their teachers. As the evening drew to a close, staff members braved the 35-degree heat, co-ordinating the collection of each beaming child. It was an evening filled with joy, a testament to the hard work and dedication of all the volunteers who made it possible.
The individual boy (only) and girl (only) events were a fantastic showcase of our young swimmers' talents and a celebration of sportsmanship and school spirit. Both afternoons were filled with exciting races and wonderful displays of teamwork and determination.
Doha College boy's squads managed to secure first place overall
Doha College girls squad secured second place after 31 races, celebrating their outstanding performance across various events.
Congratulations to all the swimmers for their hard work and dedication!
Thank you to the participating schools:
- Doha English Speaking School (DESS)
- Doha College (DC)
- Doha British School (DBS)
- American School of Doha (ASD)
- Sherborne Qatar
- Compass International School
Daniela Sposi
PE Teacher & Moving On Up Coordinator
We are so proud of Muhammed Al Fatih Khan (Year 3 Orange) for his amazing achievement of 3rd Place in the Jestate Youth Chess Festival, Under 8s category. Fatih is a valuable member of our Year 3 and 4 Chess CCA, and regularly demonstrates his skills not only in his games against other students but against the CCA leaders as well!
Well done Fatih!
David Whymark
Primary Teaching Assistant
Last week, our school community gathered for a series of awards ceremonies, celebrating the outstanding achievements and talents of our students across all key stages. These events highlighted not only academic excellence but also the embodiment of our core values: diligence, respect, integrity, and perseverance.
The atmosphere was electric during the Key Stage 3 Awards Ceremony, where students, teachers, and families gathered to celebrate both academic excellence and the embodiment of our school's core values. Mr Tongue opened the event with a warm welcome, followed by an engaging performance of a scene from Noel Coward's Blithe Spirit by Calin and Syeda. Academic awards were presented by Mr. Scafe, recognising the top students in each year group. Jasper Carter's stunning piano performance added a touch of elegance to the event. Trophies for the four core values were awarded, celebrating students who demonstrated diligence, respect, integrity, and perseverance.
Each ceremony concluded with heartfelt speeches from our assistant headteachers, expressing gratitude to the teachers, staff, and families for their unwavering support and dedication. These events not only celebrated academic success but also the development of strong, positive character traits in our students. The awards ceremonies were resounding successes, leaving everyone inspired and looking forward to the new academic year.
Key Stage 4 Awards Ceremony celebrated the achievements of our Year 10 and Year 11 students. The event featured a captivating drama performance by George Kneebone and Ainoa Aristeguieta Bugarin, and a beautiful musical interlude by Prabhav Srivastava. The ceremony was a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate both academic success and the essential character values that define our school community.
The Key Stage 5 Awards Ceremony was a memorable affair, opening with a mesmerising musical performance by COBIS award winner Chaoyi Sha, who played Beethoven's "Piano Sonata." This was followed by a powerful rendition of Titania's monologue from A Midsummer Night's Dream by Tunu Ng'eno, showcasing the dramatic talent within our student body. The ceremony honoured students with DCMUN awards and Values Awards, recognising their dedication and exemplary character.
A special highlight was the acknowledgement of our outstanding Big 6, who passed the baton to the new leaders for the upcoming academic year.
Yondr pouches are specially designed cases that securely lock mobile phones and small smart devices such as watches during school hours, ensuring students remain focused on their studies. Students will place their phones and/or smart devices in the pouches at the start of the school day, and the pouches will remain locked until the end of the day. This initiative helps eliminate distractions and enhances the learning environment.
To ensure a smooth transition, we will have a three-week countdown at the beginning of the new academic year to help students and staff adjust to the new system.
For any urgent or emergency communication during school hours, please call the Front Office. Our team will promptly relay messages to your child as needed.
The Yondr pouch will cost 117 QAR and can be paid for via SchoolsBuddy (under Outstanding Fees). If your child will not be bringing a mobile phone to school and therefore does not require a Yondr pouch, please complete the following form. We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter to ensure all students have their pouches ready for the start of the school year.
Finally, we have linked some FAQs regarding Yondr implementation HERE. These questions are based on our consultation with parents, students, and Yondr themselves.
Thank you for your continued support as we strive to create an optimal learning and, above all a safe environment for our students.
In our continuous effort to improve communication and transparency, we have revised the structure of the reports in Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9 to offer more nuanced and actionable information. This initiative stems from our commitment to not only reflect academic achievement but also to foster and recognise positive learning attitudes that are crucial for student success.
UK Study Options will conduct a webinar for all UK and Irish expat parents to translate the jargon and dispel the myths around fee status. Presenter, Sam Goodwin, will offer tips and advice on how you can avoid losing your Home fee status eligibility.
Webinar: Understanding UK University Fee Status (for UK and Irish expat parents)
Date: Wednesday, 19th June 2024
Time: 2.00 pm UK time; 4.00 pm Doha
As an introduction of who we are and our fee status service please see our short video.
Our Fee Status Starter Pack is a useful resource:
Learn the basics of Fee Status with these blogs:
Find out more:
See where you can meet us at our upcoming events
Fee Status form – Are you eligible for home fees at a UK university? By completing our online form you can get a free review of your fee status case.
As we approach the end of another year at Doha College, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and partnership in ensuring the safety of our students.
At Doha College, student safety remains our top priority, and we are dedicated to fostering a strong safeguarding culture. All of us need to embrace the belief that "it could happen here," highlighting our collective responsibility to protect every member of our community.
With the summer break approaching, we want to reassure you that our commitment to safeguarding remains steadfast, even during the holiday period. If you have any concerns regarding the safety and welfare of any Doha College student and require emergency support, please contact us at safeguarding@dohacollege.com. This email address will be actively monitored throughout the holidays.
Please use this contact information solely for urgent safeguarding issues requiring immediate attention. Your cooperation ensures that our resources are focused on promptly and efficiently addressing critical concerns.
Thank you for your continued support.
For an emergency safeguarding concern while in Qatar please see below:
Childline UK - 0800 1111,
Childline Europe - 116 111,
Childline USA - 1 800 932 0313,
Childline Australia - 1000 55 1800.
Uzma Zaffar
Vice Principal - Quality Assurance & Executive Designated Safeguarding Lead
Due Date: 29th, August 2024
Looking ahead, the fee for the Autumn term is due by the 29th of August. Planning for this will ensure a comfortable start to the year for your child. We understand how quickly time flies and wanted to ensure this date is on your radar. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out.
We’re here to help!
Elanie Fest
Director of Finance