I am due to move to Qatar in 3 weeks and I was wondering if someone could answer me two things : Firstly which schools are best for my children and secondly where should I consider setting up home for locality to schools/shops etc.
Princess - Are you even here yet? How can you possibly bash ALL the private schools here when you haven't even arrived??? Availability in all the schools is horrible but the education certainly is not.
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Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Judging by the curriculum at dess for nursery then I would say if u do not get in right away then don't worry. I believe it is only part time in nursery. And, in my opinion, a complete waste of time.
Not to burst everyones bubble who raves about Dess but after having my child in one of the best public schools in Britain I have not been very impressed with Dess's Curriculum. The only advantage is that the staff seem to speak proper English although I have not met any of the teachers yet.
In fact, just to add a moan, I am very disappointed with private schools in Qatar. And have actually considered sending my dearest to boarding school if I could possibly bear the thought of parting with them.
Hi, just thought you would like to know about an amazing kindergarten I found called Rising Stars. I Have already registered my kids for September. Staff are friendly and professional, the building is unlike any I have seen (I have seen a lot of horrors). the fees are excellent when you compare whats on offer, If you live near the airport area or even further away its worth a visit.
Having taught in Qatar myself for a number of years I still firmly believe you should choose a school which will reflect what is the easiest curriculum to follow wherever you go in the world.
The other point to consider is where you think your child will fit in easily, be able to make good friendships and socially will be accepted by their peers.
I know this is a harsh point to make but children can at times be very cruel to each other still in this world of multicultralism, so I think you have to consider where your child will feel Happy!
If you are a native English speaker I firmly suggest that your child goes to a school where other Native English speakers attend. We all know there are very different styles and interpretations of the English language, Grammar isssues, spelling issues etc.
You will see and hear the evidence of this when you arrive.
For what it is worth, myself being a native English speaker, if I had children I personally would try to get my child into DESS, Doha College Primary or Park House. If you are from America, then the American School of Doha.
I personally really would not consider any other school here for a native English speaker.
mashok - could you please clarify what the difference in the curriculum is between your school and the english schools. Does your school allow english students or is it purely for indian students?
First time on this Forum and I must say that it has been a pleasing experience with all the responses I have had. If everyone is as receptive as yourselves I think I am going to enjoy my time out in Qatar.
Wow , is traffic really that bad. I had a job offer in Dubai which I gave up mainly due to the info I had been given about traffic etc. The office is in Doha ( centre ) I hope that is enough for you to make your reccomendations.
Do you think I should email a few schols to get my boys name on the list?? which ones ??
Then you need to get on the waiting list at a nursery school or if you want your kid in DESS (the british curr. school) you'll want to get her on the wait list there. I've been told it's easier to get a 3yr old in than a 4 year old.
Most nurseries can't take a kid over 3.10 yrs old and if you put a 3yr old on the wait list they could be on there until they are 4 so you'd be better off going for a school where she can move up.
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Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Sorry but I dont think I made myself clear. I move out on my own for 3 months prior to my family following. My eldest child has just turned 3 years old so I thought I would start looking before they get here, also helpswith getting practical location to live. ( I beleive I have enough time to get on the waiting lists as I have been told that they dont star school until they are 5 years old?? )
Are you coming alone in 3 weeks time or is your family coming too? If possible, it would be better if your children didn't arrive until the end of the summer holiday. They will become very bored after a summer in Doha. Better to leave them at home with their friends. Yes, the schools will be on holiday, but the office staff will still be there. As pwb78 says, the best school will be the one that will take them. Send some e-mails and visit the schools when you arrive.
I'm totally not being sarcastic but the best school for your kids is the one they can get in. Things are very tight here and extremely frustrating. I suggest you start emailing schools now because most are about to close for the summer.
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Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
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Princess - Are you even here yet? How can you possibly bash ALL the private schools here when you haven't even arrived??? Availability in all the schools is horrible but the education certainly is not.
*************************************
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Judging by the curriculum at dess for nursery then I would say if u do not get in right away then don't worry. I believe it is only part time in nursery. And, in my opinion, a complete waste of time.
Not to burst everyones bubble who raves about Dess but after having my child in one of the best public schools in Britain I have not been very impressed with Dess's Curriculum. The only advantage is that the staff seem to speak proper English although I have not met any of the teachers yet.
In fact, just to add a moan, I am very disappointed with private schools in Qatar. And have actually considered sending my dearest to boarding school if I could possibly bear the thought of parting with them.
Maryum : Umm Hasan bint Abdullah Alshabrawishi
nancy2000, where is rising stars?
Hi, just thought you would like to know about an amazing kindergarten I found called Rising Stars. I Have already registered my kids for September. Staff are friendly and professional, the building is unlike any I have seen (I have seen a lot of horrors). the fees are excellent when you compare whats on offer, If you live near the airport area or even further away its worth a visit.
Having taught in Qatar myself for a number of years I still firmly believe you should choose a school which will reflect what is the easiest curriculum to follow wherever you go in the world.
The other point to consider is where you think your child will fit in easily, be able to make good friendships and socially will be accepted by their peers.
I know this is a harsh point to make but children can at times be very cruel to each other still in this world of multicultralism, so I think you have to consider where your child will feel Happy!
If you are a native English speaker I firmly suggest that your child goes to a school where other Native English speakers attend. We all know there are very different styles and interpretations of the English language, Grammar isssues, spelling issues etc.
You will see and hear the evidence of this when you arrive.
For what it is worth, myself being a native English speaker, if I had children I personally would try to get my child into DESS, Doha College Primary or Park House. If you are from America, then the American School of Doha.
I personally really would not consider any other school here for a native English speaker.
Thanks everyone,
mashok - could you please clarify what the difference in the curriculum is between your school and the english schools. Does your school allow english students or is it purely for indian students?
First time on this Forum and I must say that it has been a pleasing experience with all the responses I have had. If everyone is as receptive as yourselves I think I am going to enjoy my time out in Qatar.
THANKS
Matthew.
doha english school
american school
al jazeera academy
qatar academy
cambridge school
doha college
I'll send you a PM.
*************************************
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Hi pwb78,
Wow , is traffic really that bad. I had a job offer in Dubai which I gave up mainly due to the info I had been given about traffic etc. The office is in Doha ( centre ) I hope that is enough for you to make your reccomendations.
Do you think I should email a few schols to get my boys name on the list?? which ones ??
Also, where is your office? We can probably rec. some compounds and/or areas near your office. Traffic is crazy.
*************************************
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Then you need to get on the waiting list at a nursery school or if you want your kid in DESS (the british curr. school) you'll want to get her on the wait list there. I've been told it's easier to get a 3yr old in than a 4 year old.
Most nurseries can't take a kid over 3.10 yrs old and if you put a 3yr old on the wait list they could be on there until they are 4 so you'd be better off going for a school where she can move up.
*************************************
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
mattdel, my daughter is 2 and she's been on a waiting list for a school for 6 months to start school at 3........
"It is dangerous to be sincere unless you are also stupid."
- George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)
Sorry but I dont think I made myself clear. I move out on my own for 3 months prior to my family following. My eldest child has just turned 3 years old so I thought I would start looking before they get here, also helpswith getting practical location to live. ( I beleive I have enough time to get on the waiting lists as I have been told that they dont star school until they are 5 years old?? )
wow, you coming in 3 weeks and you're asking about schools now? ooops.........you may find there are no places available!
"It is dangerous to be sincere unless you are also stupid."
- George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)
Park House School is not the best academically, but they really care for the kids and the kids generally like the place. They have a website:
http://www.parkhouseschool.com/phs/index.htm
Good luck!
Are you coming alone in 3 weeks time or is your family coming too? If possible, it would be better if your children didn't arrive until the end of the summer holiday. They will become very bored after a summer in Doha. Better to leave them at home with their friends. Yes, the schools will be on holiday, but the office staff will still be there. As pwb78 says, the best school will be the one that will take them. Send some e-mails and visit the schools when you arrive.
I'm totally not being sarcastic but the best school for your kids is the one they can get in. Things are very tight here and extremely frustrating. I suggest you start emailing schools now because most are about to close for the summer.
*************************************
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.