Schools Eligibility Criteria

Below are the criteria required of schools for participation in the Educational Vouchers Program.

1. The Curriculum
   
   1.1 Essential Requirements
   1.1.1. It is essential that the school follows an acceptable, internationally recognized standards based curriculum.

   Acceptable curriculum models include, but are not limited to:

   • The Qatari Curriculum Standards
   • The International Baccalaureate (Diploma, MYP, PYP)
   • The National Curriculum for England
   • Curriculum based on the American Education Reaches Out (AERO) program

   1.1.2. It is essential that the school meets basic requirements in relation to the teaching of the following subjects to Qatari students: Arabic, Islamic Studies and Qatari History according to SEC’s standards.

   1.2 Additional Requirements
   It is expected that the curriculum will be broad and balanced and that the school will offer curricular and extracurricular elements which are sensitive to the local Qatari environment (language, history and culture). It is also expected that the school will make appropriate provision for the language needs of Qatari students whose first language is not the language of instruction and that the school will be able to demonstrate that it has a system in place for meeting the needs of students with learning difficulties and disabilities.

2. Whole school quality assurance
   2.1 Essential Requirements
   It is essential that the school is able to demonstrate that it is providing an acceptable level of educational service to its students, their parents and the Qatari community. A school must certify that it has been accredited by an internationally or locally recognized accreditation or inspection body. A branch campus from an appropriately accredited international school, which plans to achieve accreditation for the local school, may be also considered for inclusion.

   2.2 Additional Requirements
   The inspection or accreditation process will have minimum reported standards of at least satisfactory in relation to the following aspects:

   • Leadership and management
   • The curriculum and its delivery
   • Standards of teaching and learning
   • Student achievement and progress
   • Relationships with parents and the wider community
   • The effectiveness of school governance
   School facilities

3. Teacher qualifications and standards
   3.1 Essential Requirements
   It is essential that the school is able to demonstrate that the quality of the teaching force is of an acceptable standard. In particular, teachers should hold appropriate professional teaching qualifications.

   3.2. Additional Requirements
   It is expected that schools will provide appropriate professional development opportunities for all their employees, especially in relation to Qatari nationals. Additional guidance on the curriculum:
   

   • Teaching the core curriculum subjects (Arabic, Islamic Studies, Qatari History):
     • Arabic, Islamic Studies and Qatari History courses should at least meet the SEC curriculum standards for Private Schools.
     • Arabic and Islamic Studies must be taught to vouchers students as stand-alone subjects in all grades.
     • Qatari History must be taught to vouchers students in most grades and may be incorporated into other subjects taught at the school.

   • Language of instruction:
     It is expected that Arabic language and Islamic Studies classes will be taught in Arabic whereas other classes (such as math and science) will be taught in another international language.