Diverse Curricula in Schools

Source: The Peninsula

Academicians have expressed divergent views on unification of the curricula and working days of the government, Independent and private schools in Qatar.

Some of the participants in a survey conducted by Al Sharq daily called for unifying the school systems, while others maintained that diversification wound bring in healthy competition among schools.

Syed Ibrahim Al Eidan, Operator of Al Yarmouk Independent School, said the Independent Schools, by rule, should have a minimum 180 working days in a year.

He added that it was difficult to unify the exam schedule with that of private and government schools due to the difference in the curriculum.

He, however, noted that the difference in the exam schedule was a problem to some families, with children studying in different schools.

He urged the authorities to unify the systems followed by these different categories of schools.

Ghuloom Abdulla, Operator of the Doha Independent Secondary School said, unlike the Independent Schools, the curriculum of the Arab private and government schools do not fulfill international standards.

He said the difference in holiday schedules caused problems to some families but this cannot be avoided due to difference in the curricula.

Ibrahim Khidr, director of a Qatari private school said diversity would help upgrade the quality of education and create the feeling of competition.

Intisar Mohammed, director of Al Shema private school for girls also shared similar views.

An official from the Supreme Education Council said, the freedom to choose between different systems and patterns would enrich education.