The major downside of compulsory Arabic in non-Arab schools is this:
1. It either lengthens the school day for the kids or they have to take time away from other subjects.
2. There are incredibly few teachers who have the qualifications to teach Arabic in primary schools. Most of the so-called Arabic teachers have little or no proper education training for young children. And, for obvious reasons, this is bad, and the main reason children attend these classes for years without learning much.
In terms of why it is happening--
Too many local children are growing up functionally illiterate in Arabic. The concern is not about the expats, who have no real stake in Qatar's future or desire to be a long-term part of it. However, the SEC does not want Qatari children to be given extra work or singled out.
Technically the law requires children learn Arabic and Qatari history. Religious instruction is to be made available but it is not compulsory for students.
The major downside of compulsory Arabic in non-Arab schools is this:
1. It either lengthens the school day for the kids or they have to take time away from other subjects.
2. There are incredibly few teachers who have the qualifications to teach Arabic in primary schools. Most of the so-called Arabic teachers have little or no proper education training for young children. And, for obvious reasons, this is bad, and the main reason children attend these classes for years without learning much.
In terms of why it is happening--
Too many local children are growing up functionally illiterate in Arabic. The concern is not about the expats, who have no real stake in Qatar's future or desire to be a long-term part of it. However, the SEC does not want Qatari children to be given extra work or singled out.
Technically the law requires children learn Arabic and Qatari history. Religious instruction is to be made available but it is not compulsory for students.