Office of Curriculum Standards

Curriculum standards are an important part of the education reform effort. These standards set out goals for learning and reflect what Qatari students should know, understand and be able to do at each grade level. They also identify what should be taught at each grade level. Because the standards are based on international benchmarks, students who meet the standards will be competitive for college admission and jobs through out the world.

The Curriculum Standards Office is responsible for establishing rigorous curriculum standards at the Independent Schools in four subjects: Arabic, English, mathematics and science. International benchmarks are used for three of these subjects. However, because benchmarks did not exist for the teaching Arabic before, Qatar is considered the first to develop standards in this important area of study, setting an international precedent that other nations can adopt.

Standards were developed in these four primary areas because they are deemed to be essential for Qatari citizens in the modern world. The national language, a second language, mathematics and science referred to as “core subjects” because students’ progress in other subjects often depends on their progress in these four areas. These core subjects are taught in nearly every country to all students. Other subjects will also be taught at the Independent Schools but may vary from school to school.

The curriculum standards established by this Office and currently being implemented in the new Independent Schools are as follows:

• Science Curriculum Standards
• Math Curriculum Standards
• English Curriculum Standards
• Arabic Curriculum Standards
• Islamic Studies
• Early Years Education