20 More Independent Schools to Open in 2005

Advancing the cause of comprehensive education reform, Qatar opened 20 more Independent Schools in September 2005. Like the 12 Independent Schools opened in the 2004, teaching methods will vary from school to school but all will focus on providing students with the skills needed to be successful in the world today, including critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, teamwork, creativity, and the ability to use technology and to communicate effectively.

According to Sabah Al-Haidoos, Acting Director of the Supreme Education Council’s Education Institute, the list of schools for 2005 includes two exemplary (pre-school), eight primary, six preparatory, and four secondary schools. To discuss the process of conversion to Independent status, Ms. Al-Haidoos will be meeting with the administrative and teaching staffs of these schools between January 12-18.

The schools are as follows:

1. Al-Khor Model School (Al Khor)
2. Al-Qadeseya Model School (Al Ameer)
3. Al-Khor Girls Primary School (Al Khor)
4. Safiya bint Abdul Muttaleb Girls Primary School (Al Sailiya)
5. Borooq Girls Primary School (Shahhaniya)
6. Al-Markhiya Girls Primary School (Al Markhiya)
7. Al-Wajba Girls Primary School (Al Rayyan al Qadeem)
8. Khadeeja Girls Primary School (Al Maamoura)
9. Abu Bakr Al Sadeeq Boys Primary School (Al Montazah)
10. Al-Salam Girls Primary School (Al Wakra)
11. Al-Duhail Girls Primary School (Al Kheesa)
12. Al-Wajba Girls Preparatory School (Al Rayyan al Qadeem)
13. Muaither Girls Preparatory School (Muaither)
14. Al-Wakra Girls Preparatory School Al Wakra)
15. Abdulrahman bin Jassim Boys Preparatory School (Al Wakra)
16. Hamad bin Abdullah bin Jassim Boys Preparatory School (Bani Hajer)
17. Amna bint Wahab Girls Secondary School (Al Sadd)
18. Al-Resala Girls Secondary School (Al Dafna)
19. Al-Wakra Boys Secondary School (Al Wakra)
20. Al-Doha Boys Secondary School (Abu Hamour)
21. Al-Awsaj Kindergarten (Abu Hamour)
22. Al-Doha Kindergarten (Al Dafna)

“We are very excited about this next phase of Independent Schools and are confident that, like those opened in 2004, the interest and demand to attend these schools will be great,” said Ms. Al-Haidoos. “I want to assure parents that children currently attending these schools have a guaranteed place for next academic year provided they register on time.”

The first group of Independent Schools opened in Qatar in September 2004 and included 12 schools. Because these schools are designed to focus on the individual needs of each student, demand from parents to admit their children was so high that virtually all of the schools had a waiting list With the establishment of more Independent Schools over the coming years, parents will ultimately be able to choose the school that they deem best for their children
Independent Schools constitute a crucial part of Qatar’s comprehensive education reform effort known as “Education for a New Era.”Funded by the government, their objective is to provide child-focused instruction that enhances achievement and scholarship.Independent Schools are free of charge for Qatari students as well as the other categories that are permitted to join governmental education.