Sherborne Qatar

Removed

Oh dear NatD - this website you used is for disgruntled teachers and the first comment is old. The second may be valid from the authors point of view but thats what it is -one point of view. One voice cannot speak for everyone. What you have to consider is that this is a new school and the vast majority of staff are staying so it cant be that bad. Its not unusual for a new school to have some start up staff who move on fairly quickly for whatever reason. Its the name of the game but as you say the best thing about this school are the teachers - isnt that what makes a school mostly because they have day to day contact with the kids. Is there a website for happy parents because I am one though I am sad when staff leave.

V.good stuff , but crowded classes

keep your cat fights inside the school itself

This comment appears to have been written by a staff member who is a member of the admin team.

This comment appears to have been written by a staff member who is a member of the admin team.

We have our British children in Sherborne and could not be happier. It's a fantastic school and I would like to add that we let a place at Dess go and chose instead for Sherborne. Teachers are of very high quality and go out of their way to assist both the children and the parents. The openness towards the parents is something I have not experienced in any other school. I can't believe where some of these comments come from. The quality of work and homework is high. We came from a very well established British School in the Middle East and the quality at Sherborne is higher. I have not even seen any teething problems, which is pretty remarkable for such a new school. I would highly recommend this school.

We are all looking for the same standard of education they we get at home, and if we are putting our children into a private school, then the standard should be even higher. Not seeing this with Sherborne, they are doing what all the other schools do and that's drop the level because they have too many 2nd langugage students. Sherborne, is being filled with too many children to soon just to but bums on seats, and running on it's reputation from the UK. It has no western admin staff, a balance would nice. Why is that private schools are running with 22+ in class, in England a private operates with 12 maybe 15. The homework is shocking, no grammar, no comprehension, no maths, science, history, french, geography yet to had this term....thinking about moving my child if things do not improve.

Wow susan..those are pretty inside stuff you're bringing out. I've my child going to sherborn in reception and so far i'm pleased with the teacher and school system. Though this is my first year and i've yet to explorer. but my child is happy. I guess what ever happens in the background as long as it does not direclty effect the teching Quality. but assaulting the student is a serious crime if this is true.

Academic integrity of school 2

Effectiveness of administration 2

Academic and disciplinary support provided 2

Director's involvement in academics 2

Fair and equitable treatment by board and director 2

School has adequate educational materials on hand 5

Attitude of local community towards foreigners 5

Cost of living in relation to salary (10= most favorable) 3

Satisfaction with housing 2

Community offers a variety of activities 6

Availability and quality of local health care 6

Assistance with visas, shipping and air travel 1

Extra curricular load is reasonable 5

Comments: Sheikha Aisha owns and operates this substandard 'international' school. Don't be fooled, it's an international school in theory but an Islamic school for delinquent Al Thani children. All the students that have been expelled or refuse entrance to another school know they can attend Doha Academy.

Mr. Farouk, head of the secondary school, is abully who rules through intimidation. He has his minions who follow him around like hungry puppies hoping that he'll throw a bone their way. Anyone who dares to stand up to him is a target of his. He derives immense pleasure in humiliating and demoralizing students. How this man was ever appointed in a school boggles the mind.

Sheikha Aisha, the owner/operator, is notorious for not honoring contracts. Foolishly I thought that once a contract was agreed to and signed, it would be honored. Not so. She has blatantly broken contracts because she decided she didn't want to pay airfare. The Sheikha is a dishonest, disreputable woman who is only after two things, money and prestige. She's getting plenty of cash from the parents but refuses to reinvest it in the school.

Working for Sheikha Aisha is a miserable experience. Now that she has turned the day to day operations over to Mr. Ali as Head of Secondary Girls and Mr. Farouk as head of secondary boys, the school will take a dramatic downward spiral. (As an aside, both Mr. Ali and Mr. Farouk have in the past been taken to the police for assaults on students. These assaults took place during normal school hours. Members of staff intervened in order to stop the altercation from becoming a brawl. Yet, they remain thanks to the Sheikha.)

Unless you want to work for and be sponsored by a woman who has zero integrity, no qualms about breaking a contract and no ethics, run a million kilometers in the opposite direction. No one of any repute should ever consider working at this school.

School demographics is an issue in the UK just as much as it is in Qatar. It is difficult to maintain a high standard of learning if a large proportion of students in a classroom are not fluent in the language of instruction. The way most private schools in the UK address this issue is by setting a limit on the percentage of non-native speakers of English. Otherwise, the majority of the population in these schools would consist of Indian and Chinese students. This is because of the sheer volume of applicants from these two countries.

In Qatar those schools, with a small population of first language English speakers, such as QIS and Al-Jazeera Academy, tend not achieve the same standards as those with more first language speakers.

This does not mean that those students who are not fluent in English are less able but it does show that not being fluent in a language can be a barrier to learning.

I think that you will find that Sherbourne and ISLQ have quotas imposed by the government / SEC. In return they basically get free buildings and are controlled in so many ways by the government.

If you look at other schools, they don't have quotas and are not forced to teach as much Arabic or Islamic Studies.

These are supposed to be 'outstanding schools', but neither ISLQ or Sherboune are first division schools in the UK. Sherbourne is good, second division and ISL is just unknown - in the UK and internationally. It must be disappointing for the SEC that so far they have not managed to attract any really world class school. I think the issue is that these schools refuse to accept the level of control over curriculum and school fees.

Hello Genesis,

Would you adopt a Affirmative or Negative viewpoint?

Schools like Sherborne have put into place racially discriminatory quota systems of not enrolling more than 20% Qatari students, not 10% as you did suggest. Of course Sherborne can get away with this in Qatar and would never be able to implement such an unfair policy back in the UK.

Your paragraph about immigrants sucking the national health and education system dry is sheer nonsense. A simple and poorly worded opinion without evidence or substance.

As for Adley, I am pleased that you have managed to reach some sort of conclusion. I really think that all highly trained Western Expats including yourelf should leave Qatari, not just me!

More debate is required.

I hate to admit that this is one insightful paragraph "the Qatari citizens are incapable of such action due to outdated cultural traditions, fear of internal security services, discriminatory customs and religious edicts against women, fear of change and a lack of creative and original thought"

This is what we really wish to change...

...

first of all, the only reason Sherborne established a branch here because it's part of the supreme council of education "Education for a New Era" Outstanding Schools Initiative. which is a RAND initiative (if you know what i mean).So far, Qatari students accounts for less than 10% of the total number of students . Most Qataris enroll their offspring in government schools.

Overall, Private schools target expatriates who works here, and the fact is most of the expatriates who enrolls their offspring in private schools receives education allowance from their employers

And let's be honest, most of you wishes deep inside that your countries are a monarchy. The immigrants are sucking your resources dry, Degrading your national health & education systems. Despite all that your salaries are deducted as taxes to pay for the welfare of those immigrants. And yet, you got to pay for utilities ;)

but using your own logic, you and your husbands jobs (or you emotionally supporting your husbands decision to work here in Qatar) are sustaining your employers, who in turn, are "sustaining corrupt family monarchies who deny their citizens and visitors basic human rights and freedoms".

Therefore the only logical option open to you is to leave.

This is the first time I have suggested that anyone should leave Qatar - but unfortunately this is the corner you have painted yourself into.

Mr. Hippo:

1) The point is that there are no democracies in the Middle East, (possbile exception is Israel). This is the only correct point you made in your response. Indirectly any institution set up in any of the Gulf countries, be a business, school or medical institution, is indirectly helping to sustain corrupt family monarchies who deny their citizens and visitors basic human rights and freedoms. Qatar is no exception.

2) Chang is a Chinese name because my husband is American/Chinese. I took his name. One does not have to be Chinese to have a Chinese name.

3) People have every right to analyze and critique every aspect of life in any host country that they visit. It is a fundamental element of freedom of expression that is upheld in Western democratic countries but denied in corrupt Gulf countries. If outsiders upset or insult some people in Qatar or any Gulf or host country that cling to flawed and outdated systems of governance, then they have at least achieved at the beginning of debate with the potential to lead to changes.

4) The overthrow of the family monarchs, alternative energy usage away from gas and oil, back up by strong legislation is required, to assist the vast majority of guest workers who come to work in countries like Qatar due to extreme poverty - not by 'do good deeds' via Sunday church services. This entails in-depth introspection and if the native Qatari citizens are incapable of such action due to outdated cultural traditions, fear of internal security services, discriminatory customs and religious edicts against women, fear of change and a lack of creative and original thought, then the catalyst for introspection needs to come outsiders, at the risk of upsetting the status-quo.

we moved from Dubai too and my kids are going to the same school, they seem to be alright however I am not quite sure about how strong are they in their acadamics

I do not think that anyone on this forum has suggested that Qatar is a fully functioning democracy, with free and fair elections. On the other hand, Susan Chang, could you please give us the names of some countries in the Middle East that are true democracies? No? I thought not.

Chang is a Chinese name, isn't it? Do you think that the political system in China is truly democratic and that the Chinese government has a good record on human rights? Don't you agree that those in glass houses should not throw stones?

Most schools in Doha (or anywhere else) do not indirectly help to sustain a moral or an immoral political system. I have been a teacher since 1982 and, in my limited experience, most schools are only concerned with education, not with politics.

If you hate Qatar so much, Susan Chang, then maybe you should leave. In the Middle East, it is considered very rude to insult one's host.

Some NGOs, charities and individuals are trying to do what they can to improve the working and the living conditions for "guest workers" in Qatar. For example, the church my wife and I go to has special services for them and arranges free English lessons. If you are just moaning about Qatar on this forum and not doing anything practical to help, Susan Chang, then maybe you are the one who lacks integrity.

Quite frankly any school in Doha indirectly helps to sustain a corrupt system of government (a Family Dynasty), that directly depends on the mass importation of hundreds of thousands of poor people from countries like Nepal, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. These people are totally exploited and treated like modern day slaves. They survive on about 800 QR a month.

No school in Doha can deny that they indirectly helps to sustain such a system. That is why I say that there are no good schools in Doha. Their moral foundations are corrupt. It has nothing to do about IVY league universities.

Decent people should get out of this sham of a country.

Sherborne UK has jumped into bed with a corrupt family and have had their fingers badly burnt. They now lack integrity and all that they propose they stand for back in the UK.

I agree with Willows, how you can say all the schools in Qatar are bad is beyond me. Making generalized statements does not help anyone. Do you know parents and teachers from every school in Doha or just the gossip you hear at Starbucks?

A lot of jobs here are given "foreign service" bonus pay, so a teacher getting a bonus for teaching in Qatar is not unusual.

Some of these schools must be pretty good as many of our friends are sending their kids to Ivy League universities in the States. These students couldn't get in if they had a lousy education in Qatar.

I'm sure some schools are not as good as others or as good as they could be, but again... stop making generalized statements about schools you know nothing about -It's not helping.

Susan Chang,

Firstly I would like to say that I am not a teacher at Sherborne and my children do not attend there.

I feel that your comments have little respect for anyone who is trying their hardest to improve the situation in international schools in Qatar. Many teaching staff are dedicated to their job and would not necessarily be "bribed" by a 10% payment. The "pompous" UK governors are probably doing their best to create a positive learning environment for the pupils in their care and they are probably doing their best for the children.

Even in the UK (or ANYWHERE) a fee paying school is a profit making venture, so your comment on this matter is irrelevant. Yes, they are based on a famous name, but that is where the "pompous" governors come from, so you contradict yourself. You can't have it both ways.

There are some good and proven prep schools in Qatar eg Doha College, DESS etc. I can't comment on the Indian and Phillipino etc schools, although I am sure that some of them are of a good standard.

It really annoys me when people make sweeping genaralisations on situations they know little about. Sherborne is only one year old - give it a chance before you slate it in the worst way possible, ie making it personal to the people who are trying their hardest to make it work.

My proof is that I am friends with several teachers and families currently at the school or who have recently left. I stand by all I have said. There are really no decent schools in Qatar. It is absurd to think you can set up a British Prep School in the middle of the desert. The whole operation is a business shum run for money - a profit making venture trading upon a famous name. There are a bunch of pompous UK Govenors who have a lot of egg on their faces at the moment and are doing everything to avoid swallowing their pride. The only reason the majority of the teaching staff did not leave last year is because they were granted a 10% lump cash sum payment to basically remain hush and avoid speaking out. What more would you like to know? The only reason the school survived its first year was because of the teachers, not for any other reason. The same can be said for many if not all the schools in Qatar.

error

Susan Chang, you make lots of claims but what is your proof? Do you have or did you have a child at Sherborne?

My personal experience as a qualified teacher, who has supported many of the students at Sherborne, has been very positive. In fact I was sceptical about how well a new school could do in its first year. I have been quite surprised by what they have achieved so far both academically and in terms of students' holistic development.

Sherborne Qatar is a school run as a business making profit. It is owned by one of the Al-Thani mob.

There are lots of problems with this school. Many higly experienced teachers left after just one year and a another teacher recently quit.

They have tried to set up a British Prep school in the desert - it just does not work. Few of the remaining staff have much international experience - most of them are snobby types from the UK with little overseas experience or knowledge about Arab customs.

The organisational of the school is poor - reactionary management.

Contact with the Head is limited.

They have a Board of Govenors made up of pompous types.

There are very few decent schooling options in Qatar and it looks like that Sherborne Qatar will never live up to the advertised promises.

Avoid for now - far too many problems related to cultural adjustment.

Hi,

I am a mother of a 6 yr old boy and is looking for a good school in Doha. I recently got a call for an opening for my son at Sherborne.I am confused as I have also heard about ASD that its also a very good school.

As yr child is in Sherborne, Can you please let me know how the school is? should I opt for Sherborne or wait for ASD to reply? How are the teachers at Sherborne? Hows the atmosphere? are u satisfied?

Please let me know your feedback. I will really appreciate.

Thanks,

Qabrit - I am assumng your company is paying here ;)

Do they also cover the extras?

Cheers

How much can the extras go up to a Sherborne? Are those usually covered by the company? And how have you folks found the school so far? It seems to offer a lot of extra-curricular activities and has a good backing.

Any other schools that you'd recommend - my sons are 6 and 3.5

Cheers

qatbrit has used the right 'their' and 'there' in her message - have I missed something??!

Having just visited a number of schools in Qatar I was very much impressed with the importance placed on learning the 3'Rs in primary school. I know for a fact in the UK that in British schools the spelling is appalling - teachers don't want to correct mistakes just in case the feelings of the child are knocked!!

I personally found Doha College to be way above its station - unable to respond to emails requesting a visit and then when they did, they could not arrange a whole school visit requiring us to visit twice if we wanted to see both primary and secondary. I will not bother - I can not imaging how they would deal with a case of bullying if a whole school visit was beyond their capabilities. Maybe they don't need more pupils coming to their school - I do know that resting on your laurels is never good. I expect the teachers at Doha College are good but if their administration is as weak as it appears parents will take their children elsewhere for fear of bad management. First impressions still count!

Well, Hippooooo, I think you should pay more attention to the message than to the spellings.

Well, qatbrit, let's hope that the teachers at Sherborne teach their students how to spell "thier" correctly and how to use an apostrophe.

Even if sherborne double thier fees tomorrow, I would still send my son there. Its worth every penny.

What's unusual is that you get what you pay for. With many of the schools in Doha you can pay a fortune and still not receive a good education.

Actually Sherborne is the second highest fee chanrging school after the Ameriacn School of Doha.. ASD?

-----------------

"HE WHO DARES WINS"

Derek Edward Trotter

I am sure that there will be absolutely no complaints at all from the school, as long as you have robbed a bank or two and you are able to pay the extortionate school fees, additional charges, termly bills and "extras".

not yet....

Well, it is a pleasant change to hear this from a parent whose child is at a school in Qatar.

I have recently enrolled my son in sherborne and I think they are excellent. We have no complaints.

Piggly-riggly you mention that you had so many issues but you haven't named one so far. What issues did you have?

My personal experience has been that the staff were very helpful from day one and I haven't had any issues.

Not at all Pinky, I'm just a regular mum trying to find the best school that we can give to our children and we hope that this is going to be the case, so I like to know as much as I can about it, but I know exactly what you mean by "foreign legion" We had not one but two Horrible experiences in Dubai last year and when we first came here in June I was very worried about the kind of teachers that we would find, we visited ParkHouse as well and I can say that we were very happy about what we saw regarding the teachers in both schools.

I think that the foreign teachers problem is very complicated and we can't put it in black and white, Im sure there are plenty of wonderful teachers from many countries working in the middle east,so I rather not judge but only talk about my personal experience.

BTW Luchy, do you have some connection with Sherborne School?

Go to http://www.sherborne.org/page/Sherborne_Qatar/Sherborne_Qatar_Staff_Biographies and you can check out their biographies

Does anyone know what sort of teachers this school will have? We are so fedup with "foreign legion" teachers at these sort of schools

I have no complains at all, we are moving from Dubai, went in June for interviews and they were lovely and so

far very helpful with everything else through emails

It's their first year, so it's bound to be a shambles.

Send your kids elsewhere until they know what they are doing.

Left dona know what da right hand is doin. AND very rude with phonecalls and thelike

As the school is currently in summer hiatus, you are probably dealing with a watchman.

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