An international British school for girls, first of its kind run by completely women staff, is scheduled to open at Al Messila area in September next year.
Durham School for Girls Doha will offer a British curriculum added with Qatari values and culture. The announcement was made at a press conference at InterContinental City Hotel yesterday.
The press conference was attended by Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed; Ambassador of UK to Qatar, Ajay Sharma; Founding Principal of Durham School for Girls Doha, Vanessa Jane Whay; Headmaster at Durham UK, Kieran Mclaughlin and other officials and delegates from the UK.
Addressing the press conference, Vanessa Jane said: “The school will have 25 British teachers, three Arabic teachers and 14 classroom assistants. We are keen that girls continue to study Arabic and Qatari culture under the British curriculum. Girls will be able to study, history and culture of Qatar as well.”
She said that first phase of school which is expected to open in September 2019 with the Early Years Foundation Stage Programme (EYFS), and primary level from grade 1 to 6. Starting from 2020, the school will offer preparatory and secondary levels and will be fully operational by academic year 2022.
“Both the ‘gifted and talented’ as well as those with special educational needs (SEN) will be integrated at Durham School for Girls Doha,” said Jane.
She said that the school has received 200 applications for registrations already this year, whereas the first phase is expecting to give admission to only 400 students. “School has primary and secondary classrooms, six science labs, art rooms, ICT rooms, music rooms, black box drama room, support center, library, purpose built center, gymnasium, sports hall, swimming pool and canteen,” said Jane.
Kieran McLaughlin has been appointed as Head at Durham School for Girls Doha who joined Durham School, UK in September 2014 as Headmaster, said an official. The official said that Durham School UK will help with some of the administrative processes to assist girls form Doha plan their visits to UK universities. He said that students will have the opportunity to study overseas at Durham UK and other international schools.
“Durham School for Girls Doha is a sister school of Durham School UK and will draw its inspiration from both the Qatari national and wider Islamic culture and tradition as well as Durham School UK’s 600-year heritage of outstanding British education,” said the official.
