IB schools in Doha

I m moving to Doha next month with my two kids. Can anyone please share their own experience of IB or Indian schools in Doha? My elder son is 6 years and I m worried about his admission in some good school. Good in terms of quality education, experienced and cooperative staff.

Obviously you do not understand the curriculum if this is your stance on the school. ISL-Qatar runs on the IB programme which if you knew anything you would understand is learner centred. Which contradicts your comment about the school not being focussed on the learner.

As for learning something useful, that depends on your take on what is useful. Did you want your children to memorise facts? Yes, then no ISL is not the school for you. Did you want your child to understand the deeper concepts behind, to be able to think critically and reflect on their learning? Yes, then ISL is the school for your child.

As for your statement about students leaving that may be the case but you should also be looking at staff movements. Are teachers changing every two years or are they remaining consistent? If the teachers are leaving it is cause for concern because they know something you may not. Having said that the only people I know leaving the school are leaving for Sherbourne because they wanted British Curriculum not International but were very happy with the school for the time they were there.

Before making grand sweeping statements perhaps acknowledge that the school was not for you but that the extensive waiting list says otherwise. The school has an international student body, and challenging curriculum. It may not be your ideal school but let people make their own judgements rather than being bitter in a public forum.

People should visit schools to assess if it is the right school for their child. Not all children are happy in the same school as children have different needs.

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Honestly, One of the worst schools i have ever seen not just in Doha, but world wide. Not a learner place, but rather a place for kids to kill time. It looks organized, but kids learn nothing usefull at that school.

The international school of london is one of most expensive schools in Doha and yet the worst by far. Everyone i know attending the international school of London in Doha is about to leave the school.

Poor education and a total waste our kids time to send them to this school. Stay away of this school and try other ones. Such as Global, Doha College, DESS.

We and our friends had a terrible experience in regards to learning. Some of us managed to send the kids to other school and some are looking for places for their kids.

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My husband is moving to Doha in month and we will follow. I would like my kids to start at the beginning of a school year. I am interested in the Qatar Academy and the Qatar International school and the International school of Choueifat. And possibly the American school, but I would rather an International for the global experience for my kids and us:-) Are you familiar with the SABIS program? Also SABIS vs IB? I think all of the schools are full next year. The Qatar Int. school has a waiting list and I am not sure what type of program it is yet. My kids will be in 5th and 7th grade next year. What are you suggestions, thoughts ect... and thank you I appreciated your answer above.

Kiva

just opened up this year for classes. It's too new, I think. I don't know enough about it to be honest, but I have heard some things that make me think that like any new school here, they kind of slapped it together rather fast. So even though it has a great rep back in the UK, I'm not convinced that the one here will be just as stellar. It has to prove itself, I think.

Al Jazeera Academy at all costs. It is crap even with Humansoft 'taking' over.

They have another 5 years before they get up to par.

International School of London is another IB one...

Nothing remains the same, and everything will change at some point.

A lot of the pressure is getting your kid IN to a school so you have a secured place there. And getting in from the get go/first year is infinitely easier than trying to transfer in at a later grade.

One point in your favor is that many companies here are downsizing due to the economy, so some families have already been sent back to their home countries -- thus freeing up spaces in these very competitive schools.

My advice: get your applications in as early as possible, wherever you decide to apply. At 3-4 years old, I think the emphasis in most programs is on socialization, some basic number work, learning names/sounds of letters, and becoming comfortable separating from mom/dad for half a day. Thus, the IB stuff can wait awhile, IMHO...

But I would agree: if your husband's job will have you bouncing around the globe, then it'd be nice to have the IB curriculum as a consistent thing in your kid's school life. But again, until they hit about grade 3 when things start to get a bit more academic, I think you have more wiggle room on this issue.

OMG! Ummjake, I can't thank you enough.

Thanks a lot for your detailed answer.

I'm interested at ASD and your reply has confirmed my choice; I've already seen the fees and my husband's company will may be paying the half!

you've mentionned that the IB does not matter for a 3 years old... I think you're right, however, I was thinking that if he integrates the school at 3 or 4 it's certain that he'll have a place for the forthcoming years!!!

The gulf school and compass were not an option; thanks to you, I'll be taking a look at.

Thanks again for your help!

I think you're wise to not consider some newer schools -- without a track record, you really don't know what you're getting into, and many of them have wonderful reputations abroad but struggle to get set-up right here in Doha, and you don't want to sign your kid up for a school like that.

Starting with your list:

Al Jazeera Academy has a nice shiny facility, but also has a reputation as being full of locals who get kicked out of other places. Academics are not strong (from what I have heard and see of their kids) They require uniforms, segregate students by gender, many teaching staff aren't happy, tho I believe things are slowly improving.

Al Wakra indep school for boys -- a relatively new independent school, located south of Doha in Wakra. I wouldn't consider it -- independent schools are too much in transition at the moment, would be full of local kids, nearly 100% ESL, with teaching staff who are also native Arabic speakers struggling to teach in English. Maybe in another 5-10 years it'll be ready...

Qatar Academy -- has been IB the longest, the only full IB school in Doha. Strong academics, western staff, about 50% local students, 50% other (with strong emphasis on expat Arabs among the others), extra-curricular programs not as strong as at ASD, uniforms required. Difficult to get into at the moment...

Qatar Leadership -- this is a quasi-military school for local/GCC boys who have a history of behavior problems and need a good kick in the seat of their pants (which so many of them do!). Older kids only, so not an option for your 3 year old son.

American School -- just recently started offering IB program at high school level only (last 2 years), I think. My son goes here. It's about 60% American, mixed other nationalities, no uniform. Basically it's an American curriculum -- so for your three year old it would not be IB right now (they only start with 4 year olds anyway). It's the most expensive school in Doha, so if you're husband's company won't cover the cost, be prepared to shell out. Hard to get into, even more than QA.

Gulf English - located not far from QA, it's mixed gender (I think) and has been around for awhile, but not of the standing that ASD or QA has (but it's better I think than Al Jazeera is).

Personally, I think for a 3 year old, you needn't be worried about IB curriculum so much at the moment. But if you are, I would say Qatar Academy and Gulf English would be your best bets (in that order -- QA is definitely a better school than Gulf English).

I would also offer that I have heard really good things about the Compass School in Doha. It's not IB, but for a 3 year old, as I said, I don't think that matters too much... Based upon my own experience and others' recommendations, I would actually suggest you look at ASD, then Compass, then QA, then Gulf English.

Good luck!