Independent Schools' Scores

Congratulations Qatar, the SEC and its Evaluation Institute for such a professional and revealing evaluation exercise of the independent schools. Although there is headroom for future improvement the most interesting analysis must be that the project is lifting achievement above the norm.
May I also raise how such an evaluation can attempt to measure the more intangible outcomes of learning such as commitment, generic learning and research skills. They are as important as the hard data being evaluated but are much more difficult to assess.
As a New Zealand education consultant familiar with the education reforms in Qatar I congratulate the SEC on their progress.
26 February 2006, 16:30

These results has put a huge reponsibilty over the Qatari people shoulders to undertake this initiative and take its full potentials and reep its fruits for the sake of their future generations.
26 February 2006, 23:00

Having worked in an Independent School in Qatar, I would have to agree with s Enwar's comments. Schools will manipulate results and I have seen this happening. The reason for this being schools, teachers, staff and students are all put under so much pressure to attain unrealistic results that they feel they have no other choice. Having worked in the system I would advise all to understand that a school should be judged by the progression it makes every year, a school that continues to improve students’ levels in all subjects is a school that’s succeeding. Comparing one school to another is not a fair comparison. Depending on gender, location (i.e. type of student that is enrolled), nationality of students, age, wealth, previous type of education received by each new student, there are many different factors that make a successful school. The school that receives the best grades in National Testing is not necessarily the school that’s making the greatest accomplishment. The people of Qatar, Supreme Education Council and Operators of Independent Schools need to realise that any reform, especially an educational reform can take up to 10 years or more to be truly successful. A school needs time to become consistent in its everyday running. Policies need to be adjusted to fit the mission of a school. A consistent staff and leadership is the key to a school moving forward. I urge all; don't put teachers and students under pressure to increase standards by unrealistic numbers, in the end it’s the students who will loose out. I saw all kinds of staff leave a school because of lack of effective leadership, constant changes made to school policies, daily routines, teaching staff, administrative staff, teaching load and most importantly a lack of communication was critical to the failures of the school. These staff were the ones who cared the most and worked the hardest, and these were the ones who educated and motivated all children to a high standard, but because of a lack of appreciation for ones ideas and talents, the school lost their most valuable assets without even realising it. If a school believes that you have the qualities, skills, experience and personality they want and need, then they must also believe that you have the ideas and experience to back this up. I say this because, from my experience, the people who made the important decisions within the school were not necessarily the most qualified to do so. Yes, we all believe our ideas are the right ones, but we must be open to the possibility that someone has a better one. In countries where education is most successful, you will find that the leadership of schools will be very in tune to the needs of the student and staff alike, and will have worked as an everyday teacher for a long period of time. Remember we must learn to crawl before we walk, and if you have never experienced the reality of walking on all fours, then how can one truly appreciate what it is like to do so, and what it involves.

I apologise if I seem quite negative in this respect, but I am very passionate about education and take my job as a teacher very seriously, but I was disappointed with my experience in this new educational organisation. This pressure that all staff, operators and anyone involved in this system is feeling, will not abate unless steps are taken in order for this to happen. I do applaud the Qatari people on their willingness to improve on their own educational system and do sincerely believe that they will do so. But, please remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, patience is the key.

As an afterthought, I would like to say that the student body were brilliant and I worked with a lovely group of young girls who did their best all the time, even if like me, they didn’t know what was expected of them half the time. Consistency is an important factor in educating young students and even though that wasn’t present, they did a commendable job with their work and development. It was sad for me to leave these girls and truly hope that they are happy with their schooling and are receiving what they truly deserve. Good luck, ladies, I do still think of you!!.
2 April 2006, 12:15

Hello,
I saw your School online which im interested in becoming one of your student. I will like to know the procedures in attending your college there.I am from Nigeria and i speak good English and Little of Arabic.
I will like to know more about your college there either by sending me mails or Packages to my residence address here in Nigeria.
My address here in Nigeria is
NO, 20 SHIRO STREET OFF IKORODU ROAD FADEYI
LAGOS STATE
NIGERIA
23401
E-MAIL ADDRESS:finess_club@yahoo.com
22 March 2007, 15:45

I think qatar schools has more impact on next generation than todays one.
19 April 2007, 04:45

These results has put a huge reponsibilty over the Qatari people shoulders to undertake this initiative and take its full potentials and reep its fruits for the sake of their future generations.
10 October 2007, 16:45